GitLens alternatives: 5 apps ranked by verified data
Common reasons people leave GitLens: commit Graph and worktrees are paid features, and many views and prompts can clutter the editor. We ranked 5 alternatives by how directly each one replaces GitLens, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. GitKraken Desktop currently ranks first.
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Show all 5 alternativesThe best GitLens alternative for…
The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.
Best GitLens alternative for most people
GitKraken DesktopThe standalone desktop client from the same company, included in the same paid plan.
Best GitLens alternative for a free option
lazygitFree terminal UI that runs in VS Code's integrated terminal with no paid tier.
Best GitLens alternative for a free plan you can upgrade
GitKraken DesktopThe standalone desktop client from the same company, included in the same paid plan.
Best GitLens alternative for open source
GitHub DesktopA free standalone client for simple commit and pull-request workflows.
Best GitLens alternative for Mac
Sublime MergeA separate, very fast Git app for people who want history and diffs outside the editor.
Best GitLens alternative for Windows
MagitThe deep editor-integrated alternative for those working in Emacs.
Best GitLens alternative for Linux
GitKraken DesktopThe standalone desktop client from the same company, included in the same paid plan.
GitLens alternatives: common questions
What is the best alternative to GitLens?
GitKraken Desktop ranks first right now. The standalone desktop client from the same company, included in the same paid plan. Sublime Merge and lazygit follow it in our ranking.
Is there a free alternative to GitLens?
Yes. GitKraken Desktop (free plan + paid), lazygit (open source), GitHub Desktop (free) and Magit (open source) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.
Is there an open-source alternative to GitLens?
Yes: lazygit, GitHub Desktop and Magit.
Which GitLens alternatives work on Linux?
GitKraken Desktop, Sublime Merge, lazygit and Magit run on Linux.
Why do people switch from GitLens?
The complaints we hear most: commit Graph and worktrees are paid features; many views and prompts can clutter the editor; only useful inside VS Code-style editors.
How is this list ranked?
Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces GitLens, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.