Deel vs Linear
Complete 2026 battlecard: Which platform offers better ROI for your team size and workflow?
Deel
Global HR, Payroll & Project Ops
$49/mo
★ 4.7 (4600)
Global payroll, contractor management, and Employer of Record (EOR) in 150+ countries.
Try Deel ↗VS
Linear
Global HR, Payroll & Project Ops
$10/user/mo
★ 4.9 (3200)
The purpose-built, lightning-fast issue tracking tool designed for high-performance software engineering teams.
Try Linear ↗💰 Team Size Total Monthly Cost Breakdown
Estimated monthly cost across team sizes based on baseline entry commercial plans.
| Team Size | Deel Total Cost | Linear Total Cost | Price Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Active Users | $49/mo | $50/mo | Deel saves $1 |
| 10 Active Users | $49/mo | $100/mo | Deel saves $51 |
| 25 Active Users | $49/mo | $250/mo | Deel saves $201 |
⚠️ Hidden Costs Comparison
Deel Hidden Fees
- EOR security deposit equal to 1-2 months salary held upfront for every foreign employee
- Currency conversion fees (typically 1.0% to 1.5% markup over interbank rates)
- Immigration visa sponsorship assistance costs $2,000 to $5,000 per application
Linear Hidden Fees
- Linear Asks customer support integration requires Business or Enterprise plan
- External contractor guest seats are billable once they exceed free allowances
- SAML SSO and advanced audit logs are restricted to the Enterprise plan ($14/user/mo)
🏆 The Verdict: Which Tool Should You Pick?
Choose Deel if:
Remote-first startups and global tech companies hiring international contractors and full-time employees.
Choose Linear if:
Software engineering teams, product managers, and modern startups tired of Jira slowness.