GitKraken Desktop alternatives: 6 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Oct 25, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rank

Common reasons people leave GitKraken Desktop: free tier is limited to public repositories, and electron app can feel heavy on very large repos. We ranked 6 alternatives by how directly each one replaces GitKraken Desktop, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Fork currently ranks first.

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The best GitKraken Desktop alternative for…

The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.

Best GitKraken Desktop alternative for most people

Fork

A fast native client for Mac and Windows sold for a one-time price instead of a subscription.

Best GitKraken Desktop alternative for a free option

Sourcetree

Free with private repositories included, if you only need Windows and Mac.

Best GitKraken Desktop alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

SmartGit

Another cross-platform client including Linux, free for non-commercial use and cheaper for teams.

Best GitKraken Desktop alternative for open source

Gitnuro

Free and open source on all three desktop platforms, with no account required.

Best GitKraken Desktop alternative for Mac

Tower

A more native-feeling paid client for Mac and Windows with undo for most actions.

Best GitKraken Desktop alternative for Windows

SourceGit

Open-source, cross-platform client with a commit graph and private repos at no cost.

Best GitKraken Desktop alternative for Linux

SmartGit

Another cross-platform client including Linux, free for non-commercial use and cheaper for teams.

GitKraken Desktop alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to GitKraken Desktop?

Fork ranks first right now. A fast native client for Mac and Windows sold for a one-time price instead of a subscription. SmartGit and Sourcetree follow it in our ranking.

Is there a free alternative to GitKraken Desktop?

Yes. SmartGit (free plan + paid), Sourcetree (free), Gitnuro (open source) and SourceGit (open source) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.

Is there an open-source alternative to GitKraken Desktop?

Yes: Gitnuro and SourceGit.

Which GitKraken Desktop alternatives work on Linux?

SmartGit, Gitnuro and SourceGit run on Linux.

Why do people switch from GitKraken Desktop?

The complaints we hear most: free tier is limited to public repositories; electron app can feel heavy on very large repos; frequent prompts to upgrade or try paid features.

How is this list ranked?

Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces GitKraken Desktop, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.