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SPECIFICTION
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MantisBT

mantisbt.org

Free plan WebWindowsmacOSLinuxAPISelf-hosted
Visit mantisbt.org
Spec score 8.6 #4 of 26 in Game Bug Tracking Software

What it is

MantisBT is a free, open-source bug tracking system built on PHP for use through a web server. It is released under the GNU General Public License and can run on Linux, Windows or macOS servers. Installation requires PHP and a supported database; listed database options are MySQL, MS SQL and PostgreSQL. Project tools include change logs, roadmaps, time tracking and reporting. Teams can configure workflow transitions and access thresholds, and email notifications can include issue changes, notes, custom fields and issue details. Plugins from official and third-party developers extend the system. Its REST API is the primary web-services integration route, with API tokens, enabled anonymous access or web UI cookie sessions available for authentication. Listed browser support includes Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Opera and Edge. Community help includes documentation, forums, a bug tracker, wiki and chat. For teams seeking hosting, MantisBT presents MantisHub as a separate service with backups, upgrades, support, migration and add-ons; its trial requires no credit card.

Spec sheet

Purpose
MantisBT is a bug tracking system.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Audience
The Admin Guide targets people responsible for evaluating, installing, and maintaining MantisBT in a company.Read 7 Oct 2026 · mantisbt.org
License
The Administration Guide says MantisBT was made available to the public under the GNU General Public License.Read 7 Oct 2026 · mantisbt.org
API authentication
The REST API supports API tokens, anonymous access when enabled, and web UI cookie sessions.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Authentication methods
The Administration Guide says MantisBT supports several authentication methods out of the box.Read 7 Oct 2026 · mantisbt.org
Browser compatibility
The site lists compatibility with Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Opera, and Edge.Read 7 Oct 2026 · mantisbt.org
Community support
Free community support resources include documentation, forums, the bug tracker, a wiki, and chat.Read 7 Oct 2026 · mantisbt.org
Database support
The README lists MySQL 5.5.35+, PostgreSQL 9.2+, or another supported database as requirements.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Email notifications
MantisBT can send email notifications about issue changes and notes.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Extensibility
MantisBT's plugin system supports officially maintained and third-party plugins.Read 7 Oct 2026 · mantisbt.org
Hosted service terms
The hosting page says customers can cancel anytime and take their data with them.Read 7 Oct 2026 · mantisbt.org
Hosted trial
The MantisHub hosting page offers a free trial and says no credit card is required.Read 7 Oct 2026 · mantisbt.org
Hosting
MantisBT's site presents MantisHub as a hosted service with backups, upgrades, support, data migration, and add-ons.Read 7 Oct 2026 · mantisbt.org
Hybrid authentication limit
The Administration Guide states MantisBT does not yet support hybrid authentication scenarios.Read 7 Oct 2026 · mantisbt.org
Installation
MantisBT is installed on a web server and requires PHP and a supported database.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Issue fields
Issue email notifications can include custom fields and issue details.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Issue management
The Admin Guide describes project management features including change logs, roadmaps, time tracking, and reporting.Read 7 Oct 2026 · mantisbt.org
Postman
The MantisBT team uses Postman to share API definitions, and a Postman collection is distributed with MantisBT.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Requirements
The current repository README lists PHP 8.1.0+ and a web server such as Apache or IIS as requirements.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
REST API
The bundled REST API is the primary means of integrating with MantisBT through web services.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Server platforms
MantisBT supports Linux, Windows, and macOS on the server side.Read 7 Oct 2026 · mantisbt.org
Workflow
MantisBT supports configurable workflow transitions and access thresholds.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com

Plans and prices

MantisBT Free Open-source bug tracker · self-hosted installation Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com

Every MantisBT plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free and open-source under the GPL.
  • Includes roadmaps, time tracking and reporting.
  • Supports configurable workflows and access thresholds.
  • Plugins and a REST API support extension and integration.
  • Works with three listed database systems.

Limits

  • Requires a web server, PHP and a database.
  • Hybrid authentication scenarios are not supported.
  • Self-hosting requires installation and maintenance.

Who it suits

MantisBT suits teams that can install and maintain a PHP application on their own web server. It is aimed at people evaluating, installing and maintaining bug tracking within a company.

Verdict

MantisBT offers core project and issue-management tools without a software price, with self-hosting as the main route. Teams that prefer hosting can consider the separately presented MantisHub service.

Where Specifiction places it

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