Redmine as a Linux alternative to Jira
Updated
Our verdict
Redmine is a solid, open-source alternative for teams that find Jira too expensive or bloated. It handles core issue tracking, customizable workflows, and time logging well. However, it lacks the out-of-the-box agile board experience and deep ecosystem integrations of Jira. If your workflow is standard and you are comfortable configuring plugins, it is a capable choice. For teams relying heavily on Jira’s specific agile features or complex integrations, the transition will require more effort and may feel less polished initially.
- License
- GPL-2.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 7.0.2
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Customizable issue workflows and status transitions
- Time tracking and logging per user and issue
- Role-based access control and permissions
- Integration with version control systems like Git and SVN
- Reporting and dashboard capabilities
What is different
- Lacks native, polished agile sprint boards out of the box (requires plugins)
- Smaller plugin ecosystem compared to Atlassian Marketplace
- User interface is functional but less modern and intuitive than Jira
- No built-in cloud hosting option; requires self-hosting or third-party providers
- Fewer native integrations with third-party dev tools
Opening your Jira files
Redmine does not natively open Jira project files. You must export data from Jira, typically as CSV or JSON, and import it into Redmine. The process is manual and requires mapping fields between the two systems. There is no direct file format compatibility.
Switching from Jira to Redmine, step by step
- Export issues, users, and projects from Jira as CSV files.
- Install Redmine and configure your project structure and workflows.
- Create user accounts in Redmine matching Jira roles.
- Import CSV files into Redmine, mapping columns to Redmine fields.
- Verify data integrity and adjust custom fields as needed.
- Install necessary plugins for agile boards if required.
Key features of Redmine
- Multi-project management with flexible hierarchies
- Built-in issue tracking with customizable workflows
- Gantt charts and calendar views for scheduling
- Time tracking and cost estimation
- Wiki and forum modules for team collaboration
- Integration with version control systems (Git, SVN, Mercurial)
- Custom fields and fields for issues
- Extensive plugin ecosystem for additional features
How to install Redmine on Linux
sudo apt install redminesudo pacman -S redmineFrequently asked questions
Does Redmine have a native agile board like Jira?
Not out of the box. You need to install a plugin like 'Redmine Agile' or 'Kanban' to get sprint and board management features.
Is Redmine free to use?
Yes, Redmine is licensed under GPL-2.0. You can self-host it for free, though you may pay for hosting or support services.
Can I migrate my existing Jira data?
Yes, but it is a manual process. You export data from Jira and import it into Redmine, requiring careful field mapping.