MantisBT

MantisBT is an open-source issue tracker for teams that want to manage bugs on their own web server. Its project tools and integrations make it more than a bug list, but self-hosting is a real operational commitment.

Overview

Released under the GNU General Public License, MantisBT combines issue tracking with roadmaps, change logs, time tracking, and reporting. That mix suits organizations that want project context alongside bugs without a software fee. It is less suited to teams looking for a ready-to-use hosted tracker they do not have to install and maintain.

Installation requires a web server, PHP, and a supported database. Current requirements call for PHP 8.1.0 or later and a web server such as Apache or IIS. Server platforms include Linux, Windows, and macOS; supported databases are MySQL, MS SQL, and PostgreSQL. Compatible browsers include Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Opera, and Edge.

Key features

Issue workflows and notifications

Configurable workflow transitions and access thresholds let administrators tailor how issues advance and who can act on them. Email notifications can cover issue changes and notes, including custom fields and issue details. This gives teams useful control over process and updates, provided someone is prepared to configure the workflow and notification behavior.

Project tracking and plugins

Roadmaps, change logs, time tracking, and reporting help teams follow work beyond individual bug reports. The plugin system supports officially maintained and third-party extensions, adding flexibility for organizations that need to adapt the tracker. That flexibility also makes MantisBT a better fit for teams willing to take responsibility for their installation than for buyers who want a managed product.

API and authentication

The bundled REST API is the primary way to integrate MantisBT through web services. It supports API tokens, web UI cookie sessions, and anonymous access when enabled; the MantisBT team also distributes a Postman collection. Several authentication methods are supported out of the box, but hybrid authentication scenarios are not yet supported. Organizations that require a mix of authentication approaches should weigh that constraint before choosing it.

Pricing

MantisBT — free. The plan is an open-source bug tracker with a self-hosted installation. There is no software fee, but the team must supply and maintain the web server, PHP environment, and database. A free license therefore does not mean a hosted service or a hands-off deployment.

Free community support includes documentation, forums, the bug tracker, a wiki, and chat. Teams that prefer a hosted option can consider MantisHub, which is presented separately from MantisBT and offers backups, upgrades, support, data migration, and add-ons. Its hosting page offers a free trial with no credit card required; customers can cancel anytime and take their data with them.

Platforms

MantisBT is a web application installed on a server, with Linux, Windows, and macOS supported on the server side. It is compatible with Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Opera, and Edge. The REST API also provides a route for web-service integrations. This is a server-centered product, not a substitute for a hosted service when the organization does not want to manage deployment.

Who it's for

MantisBT is aimed at people evaluating, installing, and maintaining a tracker for a company. It fits organizations that want configurable issue handling, project tracking, and extensibility without a software charge, and have the operational capacity to host it. Teams seeking managed hosting can look to MantisHub instead; teams with hybrid authentication requirements should consider another option.

Pros and cons

• Pros: No software fee, with roadmaps, change logs, time tracking, reporting, and configurable workflows in one tracker.
• Pros: A plugin system and REST API provide options for extending the product and connecting web services.
• Cons: Self-hosting requires a web server, PHP, and a supported database, so the organization must handle installation and upkeep.
• Cons: Hybrid authentication scenarios are not supported, which can rule it out for organizations that need them.

Alternatives

Linear is worth considering for teams that want a free plan with unlimited members, two teams, 250 issues, an agent platform, and Linear Agent, across web, desktop, and mobile platforms.

YouTrack may suit small teams preferring a hosted free tier: its Cloud Free plan covers up to 10 users and 30 GB of storage, while its Cloud plan is $5.40 a month.

Backlog offers a free plan capped at 10 users, one project, and 100 MB of storage, with Git and Subversion and a board; it is an alternative for teams comfortable with those limits.

Bugzilla is another free, open-source bug tracking option.

Trac is another free, self-hosted project software option.

Launchpad offers a free plan for open-source software projects, which makes it an option to consider for that audience.

Redmine is another free, self-hosted open-source option released under GNU GPL v2.

Roundup is another free software option, MIT-licensed except for noted bundled components.

Game Bug Tracking Software and Issue Tracking Software provide broader category lists for comparing options.

Verdict

Choose MantisBT if your organization wants a free, extensible issue tracker with project-management tools and can host and maintain it. Its strongest reason to choose it is the combination of configurable workflows, project tracking, and plugin support without a software fee. Look elsewhere if you need managed hosting or hybrid authentication.