GitLab is an integrated DevOps platform combining version control, CI/CD, and project management in one system, while Jira is a specialized issue tracking and project management tool that integrates with external repositories. GitLab offers a more unified workflow for development teams, whereas Jira provides deeper customization for complex issue tracking across non-technical teams.
GitLab vs Jira — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Choose GitLab if your team is primarily software developers needing a unified platform for code, pipelines, and planning—it eliminates tool fragmentation and context-switching. Choose Jira if you need advanced issue tracking customization for complex enterprise workflows, non-technical team collaboration, or have teams across multiple departments requiring deep workflow rules and reporting.
DevOps platform providing Git hosting, CI/CD pipelines, and end-to-end software delivery tools.
Atlassian's issue tracking and agile project management platform for software development teams.
Structured comparison data for GitLab vs Jira with 201 attributes.
Free Monthly CI/CD Minutes (Private Repos)
Maximum CI/CD Pipeline Minutes (free tier/month)
Advanced Agile Features (Sprint Velocity Tracking)
GitLab vs Jira — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for GitLab vs Jira.
Can GitLab replace Jira completely for project management?
GitLab can replace Jira for software development teams (basic epics, issues, milestones), but lacks Jira's advanced customization for complex workflows. GitLab works for Scrum/Kanban with 50-300 engineers; Jira is better for 1,000+ users across multiple departments or non-technical teams. GitLab's strength is unifying code + planning; Jira's is flexible issue tracking for any team.
Is Jira worth the extra cost compared to GitLab?
For pure development teams, likely no—GitLab's integrated CI/CD saves $120-200/user/year. For enterprises with non-technical teams (HR, support, sales) needing advanced workflows, Jira's ROI is positive due to reduced tool sprawl. Break-even is typically 200+ cross-functional users; below 100 engineers, GitLab is cheaper.
Can I use both GitLab and Jira together?
Yes. Many teams use GitLab for repositories/CI/CD and Jira for centralized issue tracking across departments. GitLab's Jira integration syncs commits to Jira issues. Workflow is less seamless than native GitLab, and requires $7.75-29/user for both tools. This 'best of both' approach costs 30-40% more than choosing one.
GitLab edges ahead for distributed development teams with async CI/CD logs and integrated code review, reducing back-and-forth meetings. Jira is better for remote cross-functional teams needing detailed asynchronous handoff workflows. Both support 100% remote work equally well; GitLab reduces tool complexity, Jira reduces miscommunication via detailed workflows.
What's the typical migration path from Jira to GitLab?
Migration takes 2-4 weeks for development teams. Export Jira issues as CSV, import into GitLab (Issues/Epics). Bulk of time is remapping custom fields and retraining on CI/CD. Most teams keep Jira running 1-3 months parallel during transition. 70% of migrating teams report improved developer productivity within 60 days; 30% cite lost reporting/customization.