Coming soonShipLean and OpenProject, side by side
ShipLean vs OpenProject.
OpenProject is an open-source project management suite. It covers classic and agile project management, with work packages, Gantt charts, time tracking, boards and a wiki. Here is a fair look at where they differ.
At a glance
OpenProject and ShipLean.
| OpenProject | ShipLean | |
|---|---|---|
| Open source | Yes | Yes, once released |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes, one container and Postgres |
| Best at | Classic and agile project management, Gantt, time tracking | Backlog, boards, sprints, forecasts |
| Agents over MCP | Check OpenProject’s current docs | Built in |
| Jira import | Check OpenProject’s current docs | Project, history, comments and sprints |
| Available today | Yes | Coming soon |
Written from what we know today. Tools change, so check OpenProject’s own documentation for the latest.
What OpenProject is good at
- Broad project management: Gantt charts, work packages, time and cost tracking.
- Open source, with a long history and a large user base.
- Fits teams that manage projects beyond software delivery.
Where ShipLean differs
- ShipLean is focused on teams that ship software: backlog, boards, sprints, capacity and forecasts.
- ShipLean has an MCP server, so agents work the same backlog as people.
- ShipLean imports a Jira project with its history, comments and sprints.
Which to pick
It depends on what you need.
Pick OpenProject if
- You need Gantt charts, time tracking or classic project plans.
- Your projects are not only software.
Pick ShipLean if
- Your team runs sprints or a Kanban flow and wants a forecast from real velocity.
- You want agents on the same backlog as your people.
Plan the sprint.
Then go ship it.
ShipLean is coming soon. Follow the project on GitHub to hear when it is ready to install.