If you’ve ever worked on a software development project, you’ve probably heard of Jira. It’s one of the most recognizable project management tools out there—particularly for Agile teams and technical workflows.
But let’s be real: Jira isn’t always the best fit. Whether it’s the complexity, the cost, or just not matching your project management process, it’s totally valid to look elsewhere. That’s where this guide comes in.
We’ve researched the top Jira alternatives to help you find the best project management software for your team—especially if you’re looking for something with better UX, more flexibility, or a cost effective solution.
Why consider a Jira alternative?
Jira is powerful, no doubt—but it can feel overwhelming if you’re not a developer. It’s packed with features for issue tracking, software development, and Agile project management, but not every team needs all that.
Some companies are switching to tools that are simpler to use, easier to customize, and offer better collaboration. Others want better Gantt charts, custom workflows, or even an open source Jira alternative that supports self hosting.
Your needs might include:
- Easier tracking and project management
- Managing multiple projects
- Better integration with tools like GitHub or Excel
- A more user friendly interface
- Features like time tracking, cost tracking, or custom fields
Whatever the reason, we’ve got you covered.
What makes a great Jira alternative?
Here’s what we looked for in each tool:
- Agile support, including scrum boards, user stories, or agile boards
- Options for cloud version or self hosting
- Support for managing complex projects with many users
- Built-in tools for project planning, data visualization, and dependencies
- Features like priority support, unlimited users, and integration with third party plugins
- A free version or freemium model
- Extra features like security features, custom workflows, or feature requests tracking
And of course, tools that are a good fit for different companies—whether you’re a startup, a remote team, or a large enterprise with complex requirements.
Best Jira Alternatives (At a Glance)
| Tool | Best for | Pricing (Starting From) | Hosting Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zoho Sprints | Agile DevOps and software teams | $1/user/month | Cloud |
| Aha! | Product and feature planning | $9/user/month | Cloud |
| ServiceNow | Enterprise-grade IT service ops | Custom pricing | Cloud |
| Trello | Visual task boards and simplicity | Free; $5/user/month | Cloud |
| Zendesk | Customer request management | $55/agent/month | Cloud |
| Redmine | Customizable open source solution | Free (self-hosted) | Self-hosted (or Cloud via plugins) |
1. Zoho Sprints – Great for Agile software development teams
Zoho Sprints is one of the best open source Jira alternatives for software development projects using Agile. You get full agile support with backlogs, epics, and a clear sprint timeline. There’s also integration with CI/CD tools like Jenkins and GitHub, making it ideal for developers working on fast-moving builds.
It includes Gantt charts, custom fields, and time tracking, so you can handle all the tasks from planning to release in one place. You can even import data from Jira directly.
2. Aha! – Built for product managers
Aha! gives product teams a way to track everything from feature requests to project planning and execution. Its visual dashboards and powerful AI tools make it stand out—especially when you want to turn customer data into product decisions.
If your focus is on successful project management from idea to roadmap to release, this tool brings clarity and flexibility.
Highlights include:
- Idea portals and voting
- AI-powered pattern recognition
- Deep Jira and GitHub integrations
3. ServiceNow – A full platform for IT operations
If you’re looking to manage support requests, handle cloud based infrastructure, or align IT with business goals, ServiceNow is one of the most powerful Jira replacements on the market. It’s especially strong for enterprise-level teams who need security features, custom workflows, and priority support.
It comes with tools for automation, data handling, and third party integrations.
4. Trello – Perfect for lightweight task tracking
Trello is one of the most popular project management tools for small teams and project managers who prefer simplicity. It works on kanban boards and uses a drag-and-drop layout to manage projects and due dates.
While it lacks deeper Agile functionality, it’s great for visual planning and offers add ons via “Power-Ups.”
5. Zendesk – For external support and service
While not a traditional project management solution, Zendesk is a helpful Jira alternative if your main concern is handling support requests, customer data, and tracking issues across platforms. Its automation and ticketing system lets you scale as your users grow.
It also offers premium plans, custom dashboards, and AI for efficient routing.
6. Redmine – The open source power user’s choice
Looking for something fully customizable and self hosting? Redmine is one of the few open source tools that rivals Jira on depth.
It includes:
- Gantt charts
- Custom workflows
- CRM, ERP, and code repository integration
- Support for multiple projects and user permissions
- Active plugin ecosystem
This is ideal if you want full control over your data, hosting, and functionality. It’s especially popular among companies who prefer to manage everything on-premises.
Final thoughts: Choosing the best Jira alternative
There’s no one-size-fits-all project management solution. Your best bet depends on your specific needs, team structure, and budget.
You might choose:
- Zoho Sprints for Agile workflows
- Aha! for product lifecycle visibility
- Trello for clean, visual project management
- ServiceNow for enterprise operations
- Zendesk for customer-facing requests
- Redmine if you want full open source flexibility
Whatever you pick, make sure it fits your unique workflows, supports your users, and actually makes life easier—not harder.
