Deputy vs Linear
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Deputy
Deputy is a workforce management platform focused on employee scheduling, time tracking, and labor compliance. It helps businesses with shift-based workforces build schedules, manage leave, and track hours worked. Deputy integrates with major payroll providers to streamline the pay run process.
Linear
Linear is a modern project management tool built for high-performance software teams. It is known for its speed, keyboard-first interface, and opinionated workflows that help engineering teams move fast. Linear has become popular with startups and tech companies as a modern alternative to Jira that prioritizes developer experience.
Pros
- ✓Excellent scheduling tools with AI-powered shift recommendations
- ✓Strong labor compliance features for overtime and break rules
- ✓Good mobile app for employees to clock in, swap shifts, and request leave
- ✓Integrates with 30+ payroll providers
Cons
- ✗Limited core HR features beyond scheduling and time tracking
- ✗Not a full HRIS replacement
- ✗Reporting could be more customizable for complex workforce analytics
Pros
- ✓Incredibly fast and responsive interface
- ✓Keyboard-first design loved by developers
- ✓Clean and modern interface with no clutter
- ✓Strong GitHub and GitLab integration for engineering workflows
Cons
- ✗Built specifically for software teams — limited use for non-technical projects
- ✗Less feature-rich than Jira for complex enterprise workflows
- ✗Smaller integration ecosystem than established tools
- ✗Limited reporting compared to enterprise tools
Deputy vs Linear: Side by Side
| Factor | Deputy | Linear |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | HR Software | Project Management |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starting Price | $4.50/user/mo | Free |
| Best For | Businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and time tracking | High-performance software and engineering teams wanting a fast, modern alternative to Jira |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Deputy Features
- ✓Employee scheduling
- ✓time tracking
- ✓leave management
- ✓payroll integrations
- ✓reporting
Linear Features
- ✓Issue tracking
- ✓sprint cycles
- ✓roadmaps
- ✓GitHub and GitLab integration
- ✓keyboard shortcuts
- ✓API access
- ✓automations
- ✓project insights
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Deputy if businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and time tracking. Choose Linear if high-performance software and engineering teams wanting a fast, modern alternative to jira.
Best For
Businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and time tracking
Best For
High-performance software and engineering teams wanting a fast, modern alternative to Jira
Also Consider
If neither Deputy nor Linear is the right fit, Justworks is worth evaluating.
Justworks
Small businesses wanting Fortune 500 benefits
From $59/employee/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Deputy and Linear?
Deputy is best for businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and time tracking. Linear is best for high-performance software and engineering teams wanting a fast, modern alternative to jira.
Which is better, Deputy or Linear?
Choose Deputy if businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and time tracking. Choose Linear if high-performance software and engineering teams wanting a fast, modern alternative to jira.
How much does Deputy cost?
Deputy starts at $4.50/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Linear cost?
Linear starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
Who should use Deputy?
Businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and time tracking
Who should use Linear?
High-performance software and engineering teams wanting a fast, modern alternative to Jira