Software Alternatives & Startups

aerc VS Backlog

Compare aerc VS Backlog and see what are their differences

aerc

Highly efficient and extensible email client for the terminal

Rating
0 reviews
Backlog

Built for teams that move fast — Backlog is the all-in-one project management solution with exactly what you need, and nothing you don’t.

Rating
4.0 · 1 review
Pricing
Freemium Free trial $35 / Monthly (For growing teams, up to 30 users, 5 projects, 1 GB storage.)
Note: These products don't have any matching categories. If you think this is a mistake, please edit the details of one of the products and suggest appropriate categories.

Which is more popular?

Based on our record, aerc should be more popular than Backlog. It has been mentioned 21 times since March 2021.

social mentions
21 vs 3
Email popularity
100% vs 0%
alternatives listed
86 vs 240+

Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

aerc
Backlog
Website aerc-mail.org nulab.com
Pricing
Freemium Free trial $35 / Monthly (For growing teams, up to 30 users, 5 projects, 1 GB storage.) Official pricing
Company Startup from Japan · 100 - 249 employees · 2004
Listed in

About aerc and Backlog

In their own words, as submitted to SaaSHub.

aerc
Backlog

No description of aerc yet.

Built for teams of all sizes, it helps you manage sprints, client projects, and internal requests without the clutter of disconnected tools. Visualize work with Kanban boards or Gantt charts, break down complex projects with subtasks, and customize task fields to fit your team’s workflow....

Read more about Backlog

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

aerc 5 features
Backlog 7 features
  • User Interface
    Aerc offers a minimalist and efficient interface, ideal for users who prefer a console-based email client with keyboard-driven operations.
  • Customization
    It provides extensive customization options, allowing users to tailor their email experience according to their workflow needs.
  • Privacy
    With Aerc being open-source, users have greater transparency over its operation, contributing to a more secure and privacy-focused experience.
  • Efficiency
    Designed to run in a terminal, Aerc is lightweight and consumes minimal system resources, making it ideal for power users and developers.
  • Scripting Capabilities
    It supports integration with various scripting languages, enabling automation of routine tasks and enhancing productivity.

Possible disadvantages

  • Learning Curve
    New users, especially those unfamiliar with terminal-based applications, may find it challenging to learn and use effectively.
  • Limited User Base
    As a niche email client, the community and support resources are not as vast as more mainstream email clients, possibly leading to limited help for troubleshooting.
  • Feature Set
    Compared to graphical email clients, it may lack some of the advanced features or integrations that are available in more popular applications.
  • Visuals
    The text-only, terminal interface might not appeal to users who prefer a graphical user experience with rich media support.
  • Configuration Complexity
    Setting up accounts and customizing can be complex, requiring users to edit configuration files manually, which may not be user-friendly for everyone.
  • Comprehensive Project Management
    Backlog provides a wide range of project management features including task tracking, Gantt charts, and burndown charts which help teams to plan, execute, and monitor their projects efficiently.
  • Integrated Bug Tracking
    The platform includes robust bug tracking tools that allow for detailed tracking, reporting, and resolution of software bugs which is crucial for development teams.
  • Collaboration Tools
    Backlog offers several collaboration features such as wikis, file sharing, and comment threads to facilitate team communication and knowledge sharing.
  • Customizable Workflow
    Users can customize workflows to reflect their team's processes, which makes the tool adaptable to different project management styles.
  • Multiple Integrations
    Backlog integrates with numerous other tools including Git, SVN, and Slack, allowing teams to streamline their workflow and use their preferred tools.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The platform offers an intuitive and easy-to-navigate user interface, making it accessible even for less tech-savvy users.
  • Mobile Application
    Backlog offers a mobile application for both iOS and Android, allowing team members to stay updated and manage tasks on the go.

Analysis

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

aerc
Backlog

No analysis of aerc yet.

Overall verdict

  • Backlog is considered a good choice for teams and organizations, especially those that require a balanced mix of collaboration and project management features. It is particularly useful for teams that need an integrated approach to managing tasks and tracking project progress.

Why this product is good

  • Backlog (backlog.com) is a project management and collaboration tool that's praised for its user-friendly interface, robust features, and ability to seamlessly integrate with other tools. It offers functionalities like task management, bug tracking, version control, and file sharing, which make it versatile for teams looking to streamline their workflows. The platform is also visually intuitive, which helps in keeping all team members on the same page.

Recommended for

    Backlog is recommended for software development teams, marketing teams, and any organization looking for a tool that supports collaborative work while providing comprehensive project management features. It's particularly beneficial for small to medium-sized businesses or teams within larger organizations that need customizable workflows and have a need for integrated version control.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

aerc 2 videos + Add
Backlog 4 videos + Add

Control Check Exam, AERC Educational Series

More videos

  • - Temperature controller (subzero) Arihant Electrical & Refrigeration Centre | AERC | part 2

The Ultimate Jira Alternative? Unlimited Users for $1000/year!

More videos

  • - How to customize your workflow in Backlog
  • - Getting started with Backlog
  • - Manage projects with Backlog

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100
aerc
Backlog
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%

Questions & Answers

As answered by people managing aerc and Backlog.

What makes your product unique?

Backlog's answer:

Backlog combines project management with issue tracking and version control in one simple, intuitive platform. Unlike tools that focus on just tasks or just code, Backlog bridges the gap between teams and developers, making collaboration seamless for everyone.

Why should a person choose your product over its competitors?

Backlog's answer:

Backlog is affordable, built for all skill levels, and designed to be powerful without being overwhelming. Teams can manage projects, track bugs, review code, and collaborate visually (with Gantt charts, Kanban boards, and wikis) all in one place. It’s easier to get started with than many enterprise tools, but it still scales to handle complex projects.

How would you describe the primary audience of your product?

Backlog's answer:

Our core audience includes software development teams, IT departments, and project managers who need both project visibility and technical depth. At the same time, marketing, design, and business teams also rely on Backlog to stay connected with developers in a shared workspace.

What's the story behind your product?

Backlog's answer:

Backlog was created by Nulab, a Japan-based software company, to make teamwork easier and more enjoyable. We needed a tool where developers and non-developers could work together without friction. Since its launch, Backlog has grown into a global product that helps thousands of teams deliver projects more efficiently.

Who are some of the biggest customers of your product?

Backlog's answer:

Backlog is trusted by teams at Buzzfeed, Rakuten, and SoftBank, along with thousands of startups, agencies, and enterprises worldwide. Whether it’s a small consultancy or a large global brand, Backlog helps teams of all sizes manage projects with clarity and collaboration.

Which are the primary technologies used for building your product?

Backlog's answer:

Backlog's backend is written using the programming language Scala. This robust foundation helps Backlog run smoothly, even when managing large projects or complex tasks.

User comments

Share your experience with using aerc and Backlog. For example, how are they different and which one is better?

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Reviews and articles

External articles and on-site reviews we used to compare the two products.

aerc no reviews yet
Backlog 4.0 · 1 review

We have no reviews of aerc yet. Be the first one to post

  • 6 Best Jira Alternatives | 25+ Personally Tested Apps (2026)
    thebusinessdive.com · Jan 2026

    My top alternative to Jira is Backlog by Nulab. It’s a standout platform for teams that want to unify project planning, issue tracking, and code management—all in one place. By combining Gantt charts, Kanban boards,...

  • Good system
    SaaSHub review
    · May 2020

    I'm on the free plan, all the basic options to run a project are there and the mail notification/comment system works very well. The user interface is good. My only complaint is that you cannot have more than one...

  • 12 Best JIRA Alternatives in 2019
    www.guru99.com · Jun 2019

    Backlog is an all-in-one project management tool built for developers. It's a popular alternative to Jira, with a much simpler and intuitive interface. Development teams use Backlog to work with other teams for...

Social recommendations and mentions

Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.

aerc 21 mentions
Backlog 3 mentions
  • Help Keep Thunderbird Alive
    I tried for a long time to work with Thunderbird, but what kept bothering me was that I couldn’t simply define keyboard shortcuts. In the end, I landed on AERC and created my own extreme Vim-style keyboard configuration (the idea is to... - Source: Hacker News / 5 months ago
  • Show HN: InstantDB – The Modern Firebase
    How about (inspired by another HN post) - a rebuild of a TUI for email, given how its built: https://blog.sergeantbiggs.net/posts/aerc-a-well-crafted-tui-for-email/ https://aerc-mail.org/ It seems that building a version of this Aerc... - Source: Hacker News / about 2 years ago
  • Aerc: A Well-Crafted TUI for Email
    The official site has video of it in use. https://aerc-mail.org/. - Source: Hacker News / about 2 years ago

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Alternatives to aerc and Backlog

When comparing aerc and Backlog, you can also consider the following products.