GitHub Desktop alternatives: 5 apps ranked by verified data
Common reasons people leave GitHub Desktop: no official Linux build, and lacks a full branch graph and advanced rebase tools. We ranked 5 alternatives by how directly each one replaces GitHub Desktop, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Sourcetree currently ranks first.
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The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.
Best GitHub Desktop alternative for most people
SourcetreeAlso free, but shows the full branch graph and adds interactive rebase, Git-flow and Git LFS.
Best GitHub Desktop alternative for a free option
SourceGitFree, open source and cross-platform, including Linux, with a richer set of Git operations.
Best GitHub Desktop alternative for a free plan you can upgrade
GitKraken DesktopAdds a visual commit graph and Linux support while staying approachable for newcomers.
Best GitHub Desktop alternative for open source
SourceGitFree, open source and cross-platform, including Linux, with a richer set of Git operations.
Best GitHub Desktop alternative for Mac
ForkA one-time purchase that keeps things simple but adds interactive rebase and a proper merge tool.
Best GitHub Desktop alternative for Windows
GitButlerFree to use and better for juggling several branches at once from one working directory.
Best GitHub Desktop alternative for Linux
GitKraken DesktopAdds a visual commit graph and Linux support while staying approachable for newcomers.
GitHub Desktop alternatives: common questions
What is the best alternative to GitHub Desktop?
Sourcetree ranks first right now. Also free, but shows the full branch graph and adds interactive rebase, Git-flow and Git LFS. GitKraken Desktop and Fork follow it in our ranking.
Is there a free alternative to GitHub Desktop?
Yes. Sourcetree (free), GitKraken Desktop (free plan + paid), SourceGit (open source) and GitButler (free) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.
Is there an open-source alternative to GitHub Desktop?
Yes: SourceGit.
Which GitHub Desktop alternatives work on Linux?
GitKraken Desktop, SourceGit and GitButler run on Linux.
Why do people switch from GitHub Desktop?
The complaints we hear most: no official Linux build; lacks a full branch graph and advanced rebase tools; account and pull-request features are GitHub-centric.
How is this list ranked?
Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces GitHub Desktop, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.