Backlog vs Launchpad
Backlog
nulab.com
Launchpad
launchpad.netSide by side
| Figure | Backlog | Launchpad |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $35/mo | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | — |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 5 | 2 |
| Spec score · Game Bug Tracking Software | 9.2 (#1) | 8.4 (#7) |
| API | Backlog supports custom integrations through its open API and links to API documentation for developers. | Launchpad operations can be scripted through its REST-style API and the launchpadlib Python client. |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Integrations | Listed integrations include Cacoo, Slack, Redmine and Jira importers, Jenkins, Microsoft Teams, Google Drive, Dropbox, and iCal Sync. | Launchpad documentation describes bug tracker integrations with Bugzilla, Trac, GitLab, and Mantis, as well as a REST-style API, launchpadlib, and webhooks. |
| Maker | Nulab, Inc. was established in 2004 with headquarters in Fukuoka, Japan. | The Launchpad site identifies Canonical Ltd. in its copyright notice. |
| Purpose | Backlog combines project management, issue tracking, and team collaboration in one platform without per-user pricing. | Launchpad is a software collaboration and hosting platform for software projects. |
| Security | Enterprise security features include SAML single sign-on, SCIM user provisioning, audit logs, centralized user and access management, and security integrations. | Launchpad's security documentation says traffic is secured by TLS except package downloads, which are cryptographically verified on the client side. |
| Support | The pricing page lists email support across plans, dedicated support on Premium, and an Enterprise Customer Success Manager on Enterprise. | Launchpad provides community support through Answers and links to Launchpad Support and a user guide. |
Plans
Backlog
- FreeFree
- Starter$35 a month
- Standard$100 a month
- Premium$175 a month
- EnterprisePriced on request
In their own words
Backlog
Backlog combines project management, issue tracking, and team collaboration without per-user pricing. Teams can manage issues on Kanban-style boards and use subtasks, Gantt charts, burndown charts, and issue templates, with tools varying by plan. Built-in Git repositories and Subversion support provide code management. Backlog works in a browser and on Android and iOS devices, and its open API supports custom integrations. Listed integrations include Cacoo, Slack, Jenkins, Microsoft Teams, Google Drive, Dropbox, and iCal Sync. The Free plan supports 10 users and one project; it includes 100 MB of storage, Git and Subversion, and a board. Starter costs $35 a month for up to 30 users and five projects. Standard costs $100 a month, and Premium costs $175 a month. Paid plans have a 30-day trial without a credit card, but plans cannot be changed during the trial. Enterprise adds security features such as SAML single sign-on, SCIM provisioning, audit logs, and centralized access management, and can be installed on a private server. Backlog's maker is headquartered in Fukuoka, Japan, and was founded in 2004.
Launchpad
Launchpad is a free platform for open-source collaboration, with tools to build and publish software. Projects can host Git repositories, review and merge changes, and link code changes to bug reports. Bug tracking can also integrate reports from Bugzilla, Trac, GitLab, and Mantis. Teams can build and distribute Debian packages, snaps, rocks, charms, and OCI images; documented architectures include AMD64, AMD64v3, ARM, and RISC-V. Localization tools support importing, exporting, and sharing translations, while blueprints help track project ideas and work. Launchpad Answers supports community help requests and FAQs. Automation options include a REST-style API, the launchpadlib Python client, and webhooks. The platform is available through the web, Linux, API, and self-hosted options. Commercial projects can request private branches, bugs, teams, mailing lists, and PPAs, but these features require Canonical authorization. Security documentation describes least-privilege access, restrictive networking, and fine-grained permissions; it also says automatic security monitoring was not in place as of July 2023.