Float vs Linear: Which Is Better in 2026?
A side-by-side comparison of Float and Linear, two project management tools — what each does, who it's best for, and how to choose between them.
Float
A resource planning and scheduling tool that shows who's working on what, when — and who has capacity.
- Category
- Project Management
- Rating
- Not yet rated
- Best for
- resource planning, scheduling, capacity
Linear
The issue tracker built for high-velocity software teams.
- Category
- Project Management
- Rating
- 5.0
- Best for
- issue tracking, roadmap, agile
| At a glance | Float | Linear |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A resource planning and scheduling tool that shows who's working on what, when — and who has capacity. | The issue tracker built for high-velocity software teams. |
| Category | Project Management | Project Management |
| Type | Software | Software |
| Best for | resource planning, scheduling, capacity, agencies | issue tracking, roadmap, agile |
What is Float?
Float is a resource management and scheduling tool that gives teams a clear, visual answer to a deceptively hard question: who is working on what, when — and who actually has capacity for more. While task-focused project tools track the work itself, Float zooms out to the level of people and time, helping agencies, studios and professional services firms plan their team's workload, avoid overbooking and underutilization, and forecast capacity with confidence.
At its core is a beautifully clear scheduling interface where you assign people to projects and tasks across a timeline, instantly seeing everyone's allocation, availability and utilization. This makes it easy to balance workloads, spot who's overloaded or has free time, and plan upcoming work realistically. For service businesses where people's time is the product, this visibility is invaluable — it directly affects whether projects are delivered on time and whether the business is using its team efficiently and profitably.
Float complements scheduling with time tracking, so you can compare planned versus actual hours and improve future estimates, along with features for managing time off, roles, capacity and budgets. It integrates with popular project management, calendar and communication tools, slotting into existing workflows rather than replacing them. Reporting gives leaders insight into utilization and forecasting that supports better hiring and planning decisions. For agencies, consultancies and any team that needs to manage people's time across multiple projects, Float offers a focused, polished solution to a problem that general project tools handle poorly. By making resource planning visual and simple, it helps teams work at a sustainable pace, deliver reliably, and make smarter decisions about how they spend their most valuable resource — their people's time.
What is Linear?
Linear is a fast, keyboard-first issue tracker with elegant roadmaps and cycles that engineering teams love.
Float vs Linear: which should you choose?
Float and Linear both serve the project management space, so the best choice depends on your priorities. Choose Float if you want A resource planning and scheduling tool that shows who's working on what, when — and who has capacity. Choose Linear if you want The issue tracker built for high-velocity software teams.The smartest move is to try each one's free tier or trial on a real task — that's the fastest way to feel the difference and pick the tool you'll actually stick with.
Frequently asked questions
Is Float better than Linear?
It depends on what you need. Float is A resource planning and scheduling tool that shows who's working on what, when — and who has capacity. Linear is The issue tracker built for high-velocity software teams. Both are project management tools, so the right pick comes down to your specific priorities, budget and workflow.
What's the main difference between Float and Linear?
Float focuses on A resource planning and scheduling tool that shows who's working on what, when — and who has capacity. while Linear focuses on The issue tracker built for high-velocity software teams. Read the full breakdown above and check each tool's site for current features and pricing.
Can I use both Float and Linear?
In many cases, yes — teams often use complementary tools together. Whether it makes sense depends on overlap in functionality and your budget. Try the free tier or trial of each to see how they fit your stack before committing.
Which is cheaper, Float or Linear?
Pricing changes often, so check each tool's pricing page for the latest. Many tools offer a free tier or trial, which is the best way to evaluate value for your specific usage before you pay.