GitKraken Desktop
A visual, cross-platform Git client built around a colourful commit graph, with paid plans for private repos.
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- 6
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About GitKraken Desktop
GitKraken Desktop is one of the best-known graphical Git clients, recognisable by its colourful commit graph that makes branches and merges easy to follow. It handles the usual tasks plus interactive rebase by drag and drop, a built-in merge-conflict editor, integrations with GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket and Azure DevOps, issue-tracker links, and a built-in terminal. Recent versions add AI commit messages and views for supervising coding agents. It runs on Windows, macOS and Linux from one codebase. GitKraken is sold as part of a wider developer platform that also includes the GitLens extension and a CLI. The free Community tier only works with public repositories, so most professional use needs a paid per-seat plan, with higher tiers for teams and enterprises and a time-limited trial of the top features. It is a good fit for visual thinkers and mixed-OS teams. Some users find the Electron app heavy on large repositories and the upsell to paid tiers frequent.
Best for: Visual learners and mixed Windows, Mac and Linux teams that want one polished client.
Pros and cons
What works
- Clear, colourful commit graph that makes history easy to read
- Same app and licence on Windows, macOS and Linux
- Built-in merge tool and hosting-service integrations
Why people leave
- Free tier is limited to public repositories
- Electron app can feel heavy on very large repos
- Frequent prompts to upgrade or try paid features
Top GitKraken Desktop alternatives
See all 6- 1FoFork66.5
A fast native client for Mac and Windows sold for a one-time price instead of a subscription.
- 2
SmartGit62.6Another cross-platform client including Linux, free for non-commercial use and cheaper for teams.
- 3
Sourcetree59.6Free with private repositories included, if you only need Windows and Mac.
- 4
Tower57.2A more native-feeling paid client for Mac and Windows with undo for most actions.
- 5
Gitnuro55.3Free and open source on all three desktop platforms, with no account required.
Why people left GitKraken Desktop
In reviewers' own words, from reviews of the apps they moved to. These are their opinions, not ours.
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Reviews
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GitKraken Desktop: common questions
Is GitKraken Desktop free?
GitKraken Desktop has a free plan and paid plans. Free plan: Community tier for public repos (checked on GitKraken Desktop's own site).
Is GitKraken Desktop open source?
No, GitKraken Desktop is not open source. Open-source alternatives include Gitnuro and SourceGit.
What platforms does GitKraken Desktop run on?
GitKraken Desktop is available for Windows, macOS and Linux.
What are the best alternatives to GitKraken Desktop?
The highest-ranked GitKraken Desktop alternatives right now are Fork, SmartGit and Sourcetree. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.