Linear vs OnPay
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
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.
OnPay
OnPay is a full-service payroll and HR platform designed for small and mid-size businesses. It offers unlimited payroll runs, automatic tax filing, and built-in HR tools at an affordable flat rate. OnPay is consistently rated as one of the best value payroll solutions for small businesses and supports a wide range of industries including restaurants, farms, and nonprofits.
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
Pros
- ✓Excellent value — flat monthly pricing with no per-run fees
- ✓Supports multiple pay schedules and unlimited payroll runs
- ✓Strong industry-specific features for restaurants, farms, and nonprofits
- ✓US-based customer support included on all plans
Cons
- ✗US-only — no international payroll support
- ✗Mobile app is less polished than competitors
- ✗Limited advanced HR features compared to full HRIS platforms
Linear vs OnPay: Side by Side
| Factor | Linear | OnPay |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Project Management | Payroll Software |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Starting Price | Free | $40/mo + $6/person |
| Best For | High-performance software and engineering teams wanting a fast, modern alternative to Jira | Small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Linear Features
- ✓Issue tracking
- ✓sprint cycles
- ✓roadmaps
- ✓GitHub and GitLab integration
- ✓keyboard shortcuts
- ✓API access
- ✓automations
- ✓project insights
OnPay Features
- ✓Unlimited payroll runs
- ✓automatic tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee self-service
- ✓HR tools
- ✓benefits administration
- ✓PTO management
- ✓integrations
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Linear if high-performance software and engineering teams wanting a fast, modern alternative to jira. Choose OnPay if small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees.
Best For
High-performance software and engineering teams wanting a fast, modern alternative to Jira
Best For
Small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees
Also Consider
If neither Linear nor OnPay is the right fit, Wrike is worth evaluating.
Wrike
Marketing and creative teams needing enterprise project management with approvals and proofing
From Free
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Linear and OnPay?
Linear is best for high-performance software and engineering teams wanting a fast, modern alternative to jira. OnPay is best for small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees.
Which is better, Linear or OnPay?
Choose Linear if high-performance software and engineering teams wanting a fast, modern alternative to jira. Choose OnPay if small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees.
How much does Linear cost?
Linear starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
How much does OnPay cost?
OnPay starts at $40/mo + $6/person. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Linear?
High-performance software and engineering teams wanting a fast, modern alternative to Jira
Who should use OnPay?
Small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees