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MantisBT
What it is
MantisBT is a free, open-source bug tracking system for teams that install it on a web server. It is built with PHP and released under the GNU General Public License. Installation requires PHP and a supported database; listed database options are MySQL, MS SQL, and PostgreSQL, and server support includes Linux, Windows, and macOS. Teams can manage projects with change logs, roadmaps, time tracking, and reporting, then configure workflow transitions and access thresholds. Email notifications can cover issue changes and notes, including custom fields and issue details. Plugins extend the system, and its REST API is the primary route for web-service integrations. API authentication can use tokens, web UI cookie sessions, or anonymous access when enabled. The listed compatible browsers are Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Opera, and Edge. MantisBT has free community resources including documentation, forums, a wiki, chat, and its bug tracker. For teams seeking hosting, MantisHub is presented as a separate hosted service with backups, upgrades, support, migration, and add-ons.
For and against
For
- Free, open-source software under the GNU General Public License.
- Includes roadmaps, time tracking, change logs, and reporting.
- Plugins support officially maintained and third-party extensions.
- REST API supports web-service integrations.
- Free community documentation, forums, wiki, and chat.
Against
- Requires PHP and a supported database on a web server.
- Hybrid authentication scenarios are not yet supported.
- The listed deployment is self-hosted; MantisHub is a separate hosted service.
The verdict
MantisBT combines issue tracking with project reporting, configurable workflows, notifications, and plugin support. Consider it if self-hosting and managing its PHP and database requirements fit your team.
Who it suits
MantisBT suits teams responsible for evaluating, installing, and maintaining a bug tracker in a company. It is especially relevant to those prepared to run PHP and a supported database on their own web server.
Plans and prices
MantisBT
Open-source bug tracker · self-hosted installation
Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
On the record
- API authentication
- The REST API supports API tokens, anonymous access when enabled, and web UI cookie sessions.github.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Audience
- The Admin Guide targets people responsible for evaluating, installing, and maintaining MantisBT in a company.mantisbt.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Authentication methods
- The Administration Guide says MantisBT supports several authentication methods out of the box.mantisbt.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Browser compatibility
- The site lists compatibility with Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Opera, and Edge.mantisbt.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Community support
- Free community support resources include documentation, forums, the bug tracker, a wiki, and chat.mantisbt.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Database support
- The README lists MySQL 5.5.35+, PostgreSQL 9.2+, or another supported database as requirements.github.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Email notifications
- MantisBT can send email notifications about issue changes and notes.github.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Extensibility
- MantisBT's plugin system supports officially maintained and third-party plugins.mantisbt.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Hosted service terms
- The hosting page says customers can cancel anytime and take their data with them.mantisbt.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Hosted trial
- The MantisHub hosting page offers a free trial and says no credit card is required.mantisbt.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Hosting
- MantisBT's site presents MantisHub as a hosted service with backups, upgrades, support, data migration, and add-ons.mantisbt.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Hybrid authentication limit
- The Administration Guide states MantisBT does not yet support hybrid authentication scenarios.mantisbt.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Installation
- MantisBT is installed on a web server and requires PHP and a supported database.github.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Issue fields
- Issue email notifications can include custom fields and issue details.github.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Issue management
- The Admin Guide describes project management features including change logs, roadmaps, time tracking, and reporting.mantisbt.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- License
- The Administration Guide says MantisBT was made available to the public under the GNU General Public License.mantisbt.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Postman
- The MantisBT team uses Postman to share API definitions, and a Postman collection is distributed with MantisBT.github.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- MantisBT is a bug tracking system.github.com · read 7 Oct 2026
