clienwork vs Linear

Comparison based on a client-request-centric workflow

  • Keep client request intake and handling in one place
  • Share work history as a client-friendly summary
  • Start simple and expand as your team grows

Core workflow

ItemclienworkCompetitor
Default flowClient request → break down work → owner/status → communicationIssue tracking centered around product/engineering
Primary usersAgencies, outsourcing teams, client-facing delivery teamsProduct and engineering teams
Intake channelsClient portal, email, Slack commands, and moreMostly internal teammates creating issues

Client portal & communication

ItemclienworkCompetitor
Dedicated client portalA dedicated portal with brand customizationNo dedicated external client portal (internal-only)
Client communicationComments and history in context, with control over what’s visible to clientsExternal communication typically requires separate tools
Progress sharingClients can check status in real timeManual updates or additional integrations

Integrations

ItemclienworkCompetitor
GitHubRequest → issue conversion, two-way status syncStrong GitHub integrations
SlackNotifications, slash commands, interactive actionsNotifications and basic integrations
Email inboundAutomatically create tickets from emailNot included by default
Video meetingsZoom/Google Meet integration; schedule meetings from a requestNot included by default
MCP protocolBuilt-in MCP server for AI agentsNot included by default

AI & automation

ItemclienworkCompetitor
AI summaries/draftsRequest summaries and reply drafts (by plan)AI capabilities vary by plan
AI chat assistantQuery and update requests/issues with natural languageNot included by default

Pricing & getting started

ItemclienworkCompetitor
Free plan3 team members, 50 requests/month (forever free)Free plan available (limited)
Starting price$8/seat/month (Basic)From around $8/seat/month
Initial setupGet started in ~5 minutesFast onboarding