"We use Scrum, but we also manage continuous bug fixes. Should we switch to Kanban?" This is one of the most common questions in agile teams. Scrum vs. Kanban is often framed as a binary choice, when it is primarily a question of context. Both frameworks share core agile values, but they solve different problems depending on work nature, team size, and organizational maturity. This guide compares both approaches in depth to help you choose or combine them effectively.
Scrum vs. Kanban: Core Differences
| Criterion | Scrum | Kanban |
|---|---|---|
| Cadence | Timeboxed sprints (1-4 weeks) | Continuous flow |
| Roles | Product Owner, Scrum Master, Developers | No prescribed roles |
| WIP Limits | Limited by sprint capacity | Explicit WIP limits per column |
| Estimation | Story points or hours common | Flow metrics (Cycle Time, Lead Time) |
| Ideal For | Product development, feature releases | Support, maintenance, ops |
When to Choose Scrum?
Scrum excels when work can be broken down into deliverable increments every 1-2 weeks, stakeholders require predictable cadence, and continuous improvement rituals are valued.
When to Choose Kanban?
Kanban excels when incoming work is continuous and unpredictable (support, IT ops, hotfixes), and minimizing Lead Time is the top priority.