Backlog vs Jira Comparison
Backlog
Starting at $29.16 /Month
- Free Trial
- Freelancers / Consultants
- Large Enterprises
Backlog is a project management software that helps teams work better together. By combining the power and simplicity of Scrum, Backlog lets you focus on what's important - your work, not your processes. All while levera…
Jira
Starting at $7.53 /user/month
- Free Trial
- Large Enterprises
- Medium Business
Jira is every team's tool for project management, making it easy to track progress, priorities, and workload, while staying connected across teams. The platform helps plan, track, and launch world-class products. From si…
Jira leads on user satisfaction with a 4.4-star rating across 17,380 reviews.
Backlog vs Jira — at a glance
| Feature | Backlog | Jira |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.3 / 5 | 4.4 / 5 |
| Reviews | 164 | 17,380 |
| Starting price | $29.16 /Month | $7.53 /user/month |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Free version | No | No |
| Best for | Freelancers / Consultants, Large Enterprises, Medium Business | Large Enterprises, Medium Business, Small Business |
| Category | Project Management Software | Product Management Software |
| Platforms | SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac | SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac |
| API | Available | Available |
| Support modes | 24/7 (Live rep), Online | 24/7 (Live rep), Online |
| Certifications | GDPR | SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, ISO 27001 |
| Data residency | US | Global |
Key differences between Backlog and Jira
- Pricing: Backlog starts at $29.16 /Month, while Jira starts at $7.53 /user/month.
- Target audience: Backlog is built for Freelancers / Consultants and Large Enterprises, while Jira targets Large Enterprises and Medium Business.
- User satisfaction: Jira scores higher with a 4.4-star average.
- Deployment: Backlog supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac; Jira supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac.
Backlog vs Jira — find the better fit before you commit.
Which tool fits your team best
Which is actually cheaper for your team size
Where each product wins, per real buyers
Most Project Management Software tools look identical on paper. This comparison cuts to the differences that matter — pricing structure, team fit, and what real buyers found after signing up.
Biggest differences
Features
Pricing
Buying details
Security
Buyer feedback
Integrations
Product tour
Other options
Biggest differences
Start here before you go deeper into features.
Best for small to mid-sized teams needing simple, Scrum-based project management.
- You want an intuitive interface requiring minimal training for quick team adoption.
- Your team values integration with tools like Bitbucket Server, Slack, and Google Hangouts.
- You need efficient task assignment, prioritization, and flexible customization options.
- Your projects require advanced multi-level task dependencies and complex workflows.
- You need detailed, customizable reporting and extensive time tracking capabilities.
Best for Agile teams needing customizable, robust project management.
- You manage SaaS product development or consulting projects with Agile methods.
- Your team requires highly configurable workflows and detailed real-time reporting.
- You need strong integration capabilities with popular development and collaboration tools.
- Your team prefers simple, minimal project management without complexity.
- You require extensive third-party app integrations beyond Jira Marketplace limits.
Backlog: Best for small to mid-sized teams needing simple, Scrum-based project management. Jira: Best for Agile teams needing customizable, robust project management.
Description | Backlog is a project management software that helps teams work better together. By combining the power and simplicity of Scrum, Backlog lets you focus on what's important - your work, not ... Read More about Backlog | Jira is every team's tool for project management, making it easy to track progress, priorities, and workload, while staying connected across teams. The platform helps plan, track, and ... Read More about Jira |
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Entry Level Pricing |
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Free Trial Availability |
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Spotsaas ScoreWhat's this? ↗ | 9.0/10 | 9.8/10 |
User RatingsBased on verified Spotsaas reviews | ||
Best Company Size | 50-500 employeesSmall to medium businesses | 50-500 employees501-5,000 employees |
Get pricing help | Get pricing help |
Where each option fits best
See where each product is strongest, which teams it fits, and what causes buyers to keep looking — before you commit.
Based on buyer reviews and verified product data collected by Spotsaas.
Key strengths
- Streamlined Project Management: Backlog simplifies the entire project management process, allowing teams to effortlessly track tasks, manage timelines, and prioritize work. This means you can focus on what truly matters—delivering results.
- Enhanced Collaboration: With Backlog, collaboration among team members becomes seamless. Real-time updates and comments ensure everyone is on the same page, fostering a more engaged and productive team environment.
- Robust Reporting Tools: Managers can benefit from Backlog's powerful reporting features, which provide valuable insights into project progress and team performance. These analytics help in making informed decisions that drive success.
- Streamlined Project Management: With Jira, teams can effortlessly plan, track, and manage projects in one centralized platform. You'll find that it enhances collaboration and ensures everyone is on the same page.
- Customizable Workflows: Jira offers the flexibility to tailor workflows according to your team's unique processes. This adaptability means you can optimize productivity without compromising your established practices.
- Real-Time Reporting & Analytics: Managers will appreciate Jira’s powerful reporting features, providing valuable insights into project progress and team performance. These metrics enable informed decision-making and strategic planning.
Best fit
Reasons buyers look elsewhere
- Users may seek alternatives to Backlog if they require more advanced project management features, such as resource allocation or budgeting tools, which may not be adequately supported in Backlog's current offerings.
- Teams working in industries with specific compliance or regulatory needs might look for solutions that provide tailored features or integrations that align better with their unique workflows and requirements.
- Companies that prioritize integration with other software applications may consider alternatives if Backlog's compatibility with essential tools and platforms is limited, hindering their overall productivity.
- Users may seek alternatives to Jira due to its complexity, particularly for smaller teams or projects that require a more straightforward, user-friendly interface without the steep learning curve associated with Jira's extensive features.
- Budget constraints can drive users to consider alternatives, as some options offer similar functionalities at a lower cost, making them more accessible for startups or smaller organizations with limited resources.
- Teams might look for solutions that better integrate with their existing tools and workflows, as Jira's integration capabilities can sometimes be limited or cumbersome compared to other platforms designed for seamless connectivity.
Software Demo
Demo |
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How do Backlog and Jira Compare on Features?
Total Features | 37 Features | 41 Features |
|---|---|---|
Unique Features | No unique features | No unique features |
Get Quote | Get Quote |
Compare Backlog and Jira on pricing
Review starting price, plan structure, and free-trial access side by side so you can see which option fits your budget and buying process.
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Other Details
Organization Types supported |
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Platforms Supported |
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API Support |
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Get help choosing | Get help choosing |
Security & Compliance
Certifications, data handling, and security controls for IT and compliance evaluators.
SOC 2 | — | ✓ Yes |
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HIPAA | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
GDPR | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
ISO 27001 | — | ✓ Yes |
Single Sign-On (SSO) | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Multi-Factor Auth (MFA) | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Data Encryption | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Audit Logs | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Data Residency | 🇺🇸 US | 🌐 Global |
Backlog User Reviews & Rating Comparison
User Ratings | ||
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Rating Distribution | ||
Spotsaas Editor’s POV generated by AI | Buyer sentiment Overall positive sentiment highlights ease of use and effective task management, tempered by concerns over limited advanced features and reporting capabilities. What buyers like
Common complaints
| Buyer sentiment Overall, users highly value Jira for its powerful Agile support, customization, and integration, though some find it complex initially. What buyers like
Common complaints
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Pros and Cons |
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Positive Reviews | No reviews available for the product | No reviews available for the product |
List of Customers
Customers |  Adobe  Omron  Softbank robotics |  Cisco  ebay  Square |
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Media and Screenshots
Screenshots |  8 Screenshots |  6 Screenshots |
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Videos |  5 Videos |  1 Videos |
Top Alternatives to Backlog and Jira in 2026
Alternatives |
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Disclaimer: This research has been collated from a variety of authoritative sources. We welcome your feedback at [email protected].
Frequently asked questions
- Which is better, Backlog or Jira?
- Jira edges out the other on user ratings (4.4 vs 4.3). That said, the best pick depends on your use case — use the comparison tables above to evaluate each dimension.
- Do Backlog and Jira offer a free trial?
- Yes, both Backlog and Jira offer a free trial.
- What is the starting price of Backlog vs Jira?
- Backlog starts at $29.16 /Month. Jira starts at $7.53 /user/month.
- What are the top alternatives to Backlog?
- Top alternatives to Backlog include Quickbase , Smartsheet, ClickUp, Jira, Wrike.
- What are the top alternatives to Jira?
- Top alternatives to Jira include Trello, Confluence, Asana, SwiftKanban, Kanbanize.