Trello vs Jira?
What project management tool should you use when they're both great tools? Here's my framework for choosing.
Ah, the classic debate and question I get asked all the time, especially with anyone else in the Atlassian ecosystem. You might be surprised to see me, Brittany Joiner, diving into this discussion, given my well-known affinity for Trello.
During my time with Team24, I spent countless hours at the Trello booth, fielding questions like "Why Trello?" and "I use Jira. Why switch?"
After numerous conversations throughout the year, I felt it was time to officially share my thoughts. So, welcome to my TED Talk! 😁
You’ve landed on this substack called How To Trello, so it’s no secret that I’m a Trello enthusiast.
I've been a Trello user since long before Atlassian acquired it, and when that happened, I started exploring other Atlassian tools like Jira.
While Trello remains my go-to for most tasks, I have plenty of friends who do amazing things with Jira. I've even used Jira myself on several occasions! So, rest assured, my opinions are only slightly biased.
Let me help you decide: Trello or Jira?
The Short Answer: Both Have Their Place
There isn’t a magic bullet productivity tool that works for everyone, everywhere all the time.
It's not Trello vs. Jira—it's more like maybe both Trello and Jira?
Each tool serves its own purpose, much like choosing between a hammer and a screwdriver. It depends on the task at hand, but having both in your toolkit is pretty useful if you’re trying to build something with multiple pieces.
The Longer Answer: Understanding Their Features
You may find both tools useful, but deciding which to use for your next project requires understanding their similarities, differences, and how they fit your specific needs.
For those who prefer videos, I've created one detailing my thoughts, but keep reading for the highlights:
Both Trello and Jira share many features. Whether you choose one or the other, you'll notice familiar components across both platforms, though they might be named differently.
Common features include:
• Digital whiteboard and column/list structure to group items
• Similar pricing models (both have free and paid options)
• Team/organization structures
• Card/issue-based items with attributes (think of them as supercharged sticky notes)
• Drag-and-drop functionality
• Checklists/subtasks
• Automation capabilities
• Templates for specific use cases
• Multiple views (boards, tables, calendar, etc.)
• Filters and search (Jira's JQL is particularly impressive, though Trello doesn't have an equivalent, I rarely find myself needing anything more advanced)
Despite these similarities, it’s the more subtle differences that set it apart.
In my experience (and confirmed by others who have used both), here are the main differences:
Jira Requires a Bit of a Learning Curve
You'll need to familiarize yourself with Jira's terminology, which can be a hurdle initially. Speaking of learning...
Different Learning Curves Exist
Jira's learning curve is steeper than Trello's. But that doesn't mean it's a bad thing. Think about learning a programming language vs a low-code tool. If you’re trying to build something really custom, you’ll have so much more flexibility with a robust programming language, so it’s worth that curve. Maybe not so much, but if you need something, you can replicate it with a low-code tool.
If you need something straightforward and easy to start with, Trello might be the better option. It’s not any less powerful—you can still add complexity later with automation and Power-Ups.
The UI Differs Significantly
In my opinion, Jira's interface is kinda messy. There are many buttons, which can be overwhelming. Where do you start? What does each button do?
Trello, on the other hand, is more user-friendly, even for non-techies. My partner (an attorney) and my sister (an educator) both use Trello. Plus, we can all agree that Trello is visually appealing, right?
And let's not forget the Trello mobile app—it's fantastic! I don't hear much buzz about the Jira mobile app, so if mobile is crucial for you, Trello might be the way to go.
Jira Offers More Control Over Roles
If you need granular control over user permissions, Jira can help. Trello has user roles, permission settings, and Power-Ups that can typically get most folks what they need. But if you need more than just "view" or "edit," Jira might be necessary! Consider whether you're aiming to control or collaborate—both are valid, depending on your team and projects.
So, Which Tool Should You Choose?
Whether it's a product launch or meal planning, start here:
1. Are you already using Jira (or Trello), and is it working perfectly for your team? If so, stick with it!
2. If you're not using one, or you’re open to a better solution, consider these questions to find the best fit:
If you want to learn more about Jira, check out these resources:
Want to learn more about Trello? You’re in the right place! Go ahead and subscribe and I’ll keep you filled with your weekly dose of Trello tips, trick, and best practices in your inbox each Thursday morning.