Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Backlog VS Assembla

Compare Backlog VS Assembla and see what are their differences

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.

Backlog logo 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.

Assembla logo Assembla

Integrated, on-demand tools to build software faster, with less stress. Get started for free and find out why over 800,000 users trust Assembla.
  • Backlog Kanban Board
    Kanban Board //
    2026-01-22
  • Backlog Gantt Chart
    Gantt Chart //
    2026-01-22
  • Backlog Code Review
    Code Review //
    2026-01-22
  • Backlog Backlog Dashboard
    Backlog Dashboard //
    2026-01-22
  • Backlog Bug Tracking
    Bug Tracking //
    2026-01-22
  • Backlog Task List View
    Task List View //
    2026-01-22

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. Built-in Git and SVN support let developers manage code right alongside their tasks, while wikis, file sharing, and real-time notifications keep everyone on the same page.

Whether you’re replacing legacy tools or streamlining your tech stack, Backlog is quick to roll out, easy to use, and flexible enough to support cross-functional collaboration at any scale.

  • Assembla Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-06

Backlog

Website
nulab.com
$ Details
freemium $35 / Monthly (For growing teams, up to 30 users, 5 projects, 1 GB storage.)
Release Date
2004 January
Startup details
Country
Japan
City
Fukuoka
Founder(s)
Masanori Hashimoto, Shinsuke Tabata
Employees
100 - 249

Backlog features and specs

  • 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.

Assembla features and specs

  • Comprehensive Project Management Tools
    Assembla offers a variety of tools for project management, including ticketing, milestone tracking, and issue management, which help teams stay organized and efficient.
  • Version Control Integration
    Supports multiple version control systems like Git, SVN, and Perforce, enabling teams to use their preferred version control systems without switching platforms.
  • Cloud-Based
    Being a cloud-based platform, Assembla allows team members to access project tools and files from anywhere, promoting flexibility and remote work.
  • Security
    Assembla provides strong security features such as IP whitelisting, 2-factor authentication, and audit logs, which help protect sensitive project data.
  • Customizable Workspaces
    Each workspace can be tailored to suit the specific needs of a project or team, making it adaptable to various workflows and projects.

Possible disadvantages of Assembla

  • Complexity
    The wide range of features can be overwhelming for new users, and there may be a steep learning curve for teams that are not familiar with such comprehensive tools.
  • Price
    Assembla's pricing can be higher compared to some other project management tools, which might be a concern for smaller teams or startups with limited budgets.
  • User Interface
    The user interface, while functional, is considered by some users to be less intuitive and visually appealing compared to competitors, potentially leading to slower user adoption.
  • Limited Offline Access
    Because Assembla is primarily a cloud-based service, it offers limited functionality without an active internet connection, which can be a drawback for users who need offline access.
  • Support
    Some users have reported that customer support can be slow to respond or less than satisfactory, which can lead to delays in resolving issues.

Analysis of Backlog

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.

Analysis of Assembla

Overall verdict

  • Assembla is a good option for teams that require strong version control and collaboration capabilities. Its extensive features and integrations make it a viable solution for software development project management. However, the user interface and experience may vary depending on individual preference, so it might not be ideal for teams seeking a more modern or simplified project management tool.

Why this product is good

  • Assembla is a project management and collaboration tool designed primarily for teams working in software development. It is known for its robust version control integrations, including Git, Perforce, and Subversion. Assembla provides features like ticketing systems, time tracking, and code repositories that are essential for managing and organizing complex software projects. Its ability to support distributed teams and integrate with various development tools makes it popular among development teams.

Recommended for

    Assembla is recommended for software development teams looking for a comprehensive project management platform with strong version control support. It is particularly suited for distributed teams and organizations that require integration with tools like Git, Perforce, and Subversion. It may also be a good fit for teams that need detailed tracking and reporting capabilities.

Backlog videos

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

More videos:

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

Assembla videos

Assembla Review

More videos:

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Backlog and Assembla)
Project Management
48 48%
52% 52
Git
0 0%
100% 100
Task Management
100 100%
0% 0
Code Collaboration
0 0%
100% 100

Questions & Answers

As answered by people managing Backlog and Assembla.

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 Backlog and Assembla. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
Log in or Post with

Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Backlog and Assembla

Backlog Reviews

  1. dolcemediterranea
    Good system

    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 person assigned to a task. It's their philosophy and they say that if you want to have more assignees you should either duplicate the task or create subtask (only for paid plans).

    Competitors: Jira, Trello
    Pros:    User friendly interface|Free basic plan
    Cons:    Cannot have more people assigned to a task

6 Best Jira Alternatives | 25+ Personally Tested Apps (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, Git/SVN integration, built-in wikis, and bug tracking, Backlog helps reduce tool switching and accelerate delivery.
12 Best JIRA Alternatives in 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 enhanced team collaboration and high-quality project delivery.
Source: www.guru99.com

Assembla Reviews

12 Best JIRA Alternatives in 2019
Assembla is a younger platform than JIRA but offers a broader range of functionality in its core product like git hosting, code deployment, agile tools, time tracking.
Source: www.guru99.com
6 JIRA Alternatives for Your Dev Team
Assembla offers many functions right out-of-the-box that JIRA requires as an add-on, including subversion and git hosting, code deployment, agile tools, time tracking, and social media-style collaboration (message boards, @mentions, activity stream). The greatest irony is that Assembla is actually less expensive.

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Backlog seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 3 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Backlog mentions (3)

Assembla mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Assembla yet. Tracking of Assembla recommendations started around Mar 2021.

What are some alternatives?

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

Jira - The #1 software development tool used by agile teams. Jira Software is built for every member of your software team to plan, track, and release great software.

GitHub - Originally founded as a project to simplify sharing code, GitHub has grown into an application used by over a million people to store over two million code repositories, making GitHub the largest code host in the world.

monday.com - The most intuitive platform to manage projects and teamwork

BitBucket - Bitbucket is a free code hosting site for Mercurial and Git. Manage your development with a hosted wiki, issue tracker and source code.

Asana - Asana project management is an effort to re-imagine how we work together, through modern productivity software. Fast and versatile, Asana helps individuals and groups get more done.

GitLab - Create, review and deploy code together with GitLab open source git repo management software | GitLab