SprintKit
Log in

10 Project Management Tools Developers Actually Like Using

Project Management Software
linear alternative project management software sprintkit developer tools agile workflow software development productivity tools
Developers don’t need flashy dashboards — they need fast, reliable tools that help them plan, track, and ship. This guide explores the 10 project management tools developers actually like using, from SprintKit and Linear to Plane and YouTrack.

Introduction

Most project management tools are made for managers — not developers.

They overcomplicate workflows and clutter your dashboard. But the best tools for developers? They get out of the way.

Here are 10 project management tools developers actually like using, chosen for their speed, simplicity, and dev-first design.

1. SprintKit — Fast, Developer-First Project Management

  • Built for product and engineering teams
  • Fast like Linear, but more flexible
  • Integrates with GitHub, Slack, and Notion
  • Tracks real sprint velocity and burndown

SprintKit helps devs plan and ship without friction.

👉 Read the full comparison: Linear vs SprintKit

2. Linear — The Minimalist’s Favorite

  • Blazing fast UI
  • Perfect for small, autonomous teams
  • Lightweight, but limited reporting

Linear is great for startups but lacks depth for scaling teams.

3. Jira — The Enterprise Powerhouse

  • Extensive customization
  • Great for large orgs and multiple workflows
  • Slower and more complex than newer tools

Jira is ideal for enterprise control, not fast startups.

4. ClickUp — Flexible and Visual

  • Custom views for any workflow
  • Automations for repetitive tasks
  • Can feel heavy for developers

ClickUp suits hybrid teams who handle both dev and business work.

5. YouTrack — Power for Devs

  • JetBrains-native integrations
  • Scripting support for automation
  • Deep Agile workflow customization

YouTrack rewards dev teams who like to tweak everything.

6. Trello — Simple and Reliable

  • Intuitive Kanban boards
  • Great for smaller internal projects
  • Too lightweight for complex sprinting

Perfect for small internal teams or prototypes.

7. Asana — For Cross-Functional Work

  • Simple UI and flexible tasking
  • Great for non-devs, designers, and PMs
  • Lacks engineering features

Excellent for collaboration, not deep Agile.

8. Plane — The Open-Source Option

  • Self-hosted, privacy-friendly
  • Modern Linear-like interface
  • Great for DevOps teams

Learn more about open-source tools:

👉 Top 7 Open Source Linear Alternatives for Developers

9. Basecamp — Calm and Async

  • Combines chat, docs, and scheduling
  • Prioritizes async collaboration
  • Not designed for Agile workflows

Good for remote or non-sprint teams.

10. Notion + GitHub Integration

  • Combines docs and dev tasks
  • Great for small teams
  • Not ideal for large-scale issue tracking

Perfect if you value simplicity over structure.

Conclusion

The best project management tool is the one your team actually enjoys using.

For developers, that means fast, simple, integrated.

SprintKit strikes that balance — developer-first, fast, and flexible.

See also: