Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to Jira · 🗂️ project management
Jira vs Redmine
Issue tracking, time sheets, Gantt, and wikis from the era when software admitted it needed configuration Here is how Redmine ($0/mo open source) stacks up against Jira ($7.91/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
Jira vs Redmine Specification Matrix
facts verified 2026-08-10
| Dimension | Jira (Paid) | Redmine (Replacement) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $7.91 / mo | $0 / mo |
| 1-Year Cost (1 seat) | $95 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $95) |
| 1-Year Cost (5 seats) | $475 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $475) |
| 1-Year Cost (10 seats) | $949 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $949) |
| Source & License | Proprietary SaaS | open source GPL-2.0+ |
| Where It Runs | Vendor Cloud | Self-host (your server) |
| Platforms | Web / Cloud | webself-hostedself-host, real ops |
| GitHub Stars | — | ★ 6.0k (active aug 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from Jira to Redmine
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
Redmine lacks Jira's refined backlog and sprint reporting, automation rules, modern issue UX, marketplace breadth, and managed administration.
How to deploy Redmine
Install the Ruby on Rails application against PostgreSQL, MySQL/MariaDB, or SQLite; packaged containers/appliances are third-party conveniences
What it takes to run
The official install is a real Rails deployment, Ruby and gem versions, database creation, migrations, a production web server, email, backups, and upgrades are all the operator's job.
Where your data lives
Issues, users, projects, time entries, and configuration live in the configured SQL database; uploaded attachments live as files in Redmine's `files` directory.
Why fork Redmine instead of vibe-coding a Jira clone?
Issues, workflows, a backlog, sprints, and a board are a credible multi-day build for one small team. The replacement stops being small when Jira is the company's system of record: custom schemes, permissions, automation, reporting, marketplace apps, two-way integrations, and years of workflow history are the product people are actually paying not to migrate.
Jira vs Redmine FAQ
Is Redmine a good free alternative to Jira?+
Yes. Redmine is a verified open-source (GPL-2.0+) replacement for Jira. Issue tracking, time sheets, Gantt, and wikis from the era when software admitted it needed configuration
What is the catch when switching from Jira to Redmine?+
Redmine lacks Jira's refined backlog and sprint reporting, automation rules, modern issue UX, marketplace breadth, and managed administration.
How much do you save switching from Jira to Redmine?+
Jira costs $7.91/mo ($95/yr) per seat, whereas Redmine is $0/mo. Switching saves $95/yr for a solo user, $475/yr for a 5-person team, and $949/yr for a 10-person team.
How do I install or self-host Redmine instead of Jira?+
Install: Install the Ruby on Rails application against PostgreSQL, MySQL/MariaDB, or SQLite; packaged containers/appliances are third-party conveniences. Setup: The official install is a real Rails deployment, Ruby and gem versions, database creation, migrations, a production web server, email, backups, and upgrades are all the operator's job.
