As a web dev enthusiast, have you ever spent hours debugging only to realize you were looking in the wrong file?
Or worse, deployed a supposedly “bug-free” update only to be bombarded with user complaints minutes later?
We’ve all been there, buddy!
Bugs are like those stubborn socks that vanish in the laundry—no matter how careful you are, they will show up (or disappear when you need them most). And if you don’t track them properly, they’ll multiply faster than memes after a tech conference blunder.
That’s where bug-tracking tools come in. But with so many choices out there, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. If you’ve ever asked yourself:
- Which bug-tracking tool is best for my team in 2025?
- Do I need an open-source solution, or should I just pay for a premium tool?
- Which tool integrates best with GitHub, Jira, or Slack?
- Will these tools actually make debugging less frustrating?
- Is there an option that won’t make my non-tech teammates want to quit?
Then you’re in the right place.
We at Mavlers, with 13+ years of experience and expertise in the web dev world, have researched, tested, and gathered reviews to bring you the top 10 open-source bug-tracking tools of 2025.
Whether you’re a solo developer, a startup, or a large team drowning in error reports, we’ve got something for you.
Let’s debug your debugging process.
Source (Well, with the right tool, the man in the GIF won’t be you! 😉 )
1. Bugzilla
If you seek a no-nonsense, rock-solid bug tracker that has been trusted for decades, Bugzilla is a solid option.
Pros:
✔️ Offers extremely powerful issue tracking and reporting.
✔️ Scales well for large teams.
✔️ Comes with email notifications, advanced filtering, and role-based access.
Cons:
❌ Feels outdated in terms of UI.
❌ Might be tricky to set up for first-time users.
User ratings:
2. MantisBT
If your team needs a simple, easy-to-set-up bug tracker, this can be a good go-to for you.
Pros:
✔️ Beginner-friendly interface.
✔️ Easy setup— one can get started in minutes.
✔️ Easy to manage email notifications and customizable workflows.
Cons:
❌ Limited advanced reporting features.
❌ UI looks a bit old-school.
User ratings:
3. Redmine
So if you need an all-rounder tool, one that can help you with project management as well as find and fix bugs, this is the tool for you!
Pros:
✔️ Great for managing multiple projects.
✔️ Wiki integration for documentation.
✔️ Customizable with plugins.
Cons:
❌ Can be overwhelming for beginners.
❌ UI isn’t the most modern-looking.
User ratings:
4. Trac
If you prefer a minimalistic, clean, and effective approach to both your lifestyle and software, then Trac won’t disappoint! It’s a lightweight, no-clutter bug tracker.
Pros:
✔️ Integrates with Git and SVN.
✔️ Simple and fast.
✔️ Built-in wiki for documentation.
Cons:
❌ Limited UI customization.
❌ Not as feature-rich as other tools.
User ratings:
5. Fossil
If you are on the lookout for a tool that offers version control, bug tracking, and Wiki in one neat package, Fossil can be a good option.
Pros:
✔️ Built-in source control and wiki.
✔️ Zero dependencies—you can just download and run the tool.
✔️ Lightweight and fast.
Cons:
❌ UI could be improved.
❌ Not as widely adopted as Git-based tools.
User ratings:
6. OTRS
If your IT teams need a bug tracker along with a ticketing system, OTRS can be a good fit for you.
Pros:
✔️ Offers advanced automation and SLA management.
✔️ It is web-based and mobile-friendly.
✔️ Customizable workflows.
Cons:
❌ Not the best for agile teams.
❌ Setup can be complex.
User ratings:
7. The Bug Genie
If you are a fan of agile project management, this tool will fit right in.
Pros:
✔️ Drag-and-drop interface.
✔️ GitHub and Bitbucket integration.
✔️ Agile-friendly workflows.
Cons:
❌ Fewer integrations compared to Jira.
❌ Small community support.
User ratings:
8. WebIssues
WebIssues can be a great tool choice if your team needs collaborative issue tracking.
Pros:
✔️ Cross-platform (Windows, macOS, Linux).
✔️ Email notifications.
✔️ Simple UI.
Cons:
❌ Basic reporting tools.
❌ UI could be more modern.
User ratings:
9. Flyspray
If you need a no-frills bug tracker that just works, Flyspray is worth a try.
Pros:
✔️ Super lightweight and fast.
✔️ Simple UI with file attachment support.
Cons:
❌ Lacks advanced integrations.
❌ Limited community support.
10. Phabricator
A holistic dev workflow tool, this one’s worth a try!
Pros:
✔️ Code review, bug tracking, and version control in one.
✔️ Highly customizable.
Cons:
❌ Setup requires technical expertise.
User ratings:
The road ahead
If you are on the fence about the perfect platform to build your website on, you might want to read ~ Webflow vs. WordPress: Which One is the Right Choice for You?
Naina Sandhir - Content Writer
A content writer at Mavlers, Naina pens quirky, inimitable, and damn relatable content after an in-depth and critical dissection of the topic in question. When not hiking across the Himalayas, she can be found buried in a book with spectacles dangling off her nose!
Hiring a Digital Marketing Agency vs. Freelancer: Which One Is Right for Your Business?
Website Development Outsourcing in Asia: Top 5 Countries to Consider in 2025