SmartGit

A cross-platform commercial Git client from Germany, free for non-commercial and open-source use.

Verified facts: 4 of 4
Alternatives ranked: 5
Approved reviews: 0
Visits sent from here: 0

About SmartGit

SmartGit is a mature Git client made by syntevo, a small German company that has built it for well over a decade. It runs on Windows, macOS and Linux with the same feature set, and it is known for handling complicated situations well: large monorepos, submodules, Git LFS, Git-flow, a built-in conflict solver, and integrations with GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket and Azure DevOps for pull requests and comments. The interface is dense and offers several layouts, which experienced users like and beginners can find busy. Licensing is unusual: personal, non-commercial use is free with registration, as is use by open-source developers and students at public institutions. Commercial users pay either a per-user subscription or buy a perpetual licence with a period of included updates. Each user can run it on up to five machines. It is a strong pick for companies with Linux developers or for people who want a capable client at home without paying.

Best for: Professionals on Linux or mixed OS teams, and hobbyists who want a full client for free.

What works

Same full feature set on Windows, macOS and Linux
Free for non-commercial, open-source and academic use
Choice of subscription or perpetual licence

Why people leave

Dense interface with a learning curve
Free licence excludes enterprise hosting integrations
Commercial use always needs a paid licence

Top SmartGit alternatives

See all 5

1
GitKraken Desktop
Also cross-platform, with a simpler visual interface that many find easier to learn.
66.5
2
Sublime Merge
Lighter and faster on all three platforms, with a one-off licence.
62.6
3
Tower
A more polished interface for Mac and Windows users who do not need Linux.
59.6
4
Gitnuro
Fully free and open source on all platforms, including commercial use.
57.2
5
Git Cola
A free, open-source cross-platform GUI for those who want something lighter.
55.3

Why people left SmartGit

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SmartGit: common questions

Is SmartGit free?

SmartGit has a free plan and paid plans. Free plan: Free for non-commercial use (checked on SmartGit's own site).

Is SmartGit open source?

No, SmartGit is not open source. Open-source alternatives include Gitnuro and Git Cola.

What platforms does SmartGit run on?

SmartGit is available for Windows, macOS and Linux.

What are the best alternatives to SmartGit?

The highest-ranked SmartGit alternatives right now are GitKraken Desktop, Sublime Merge and Tower. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.

See all 5 SmartGit alternatives

SmartGit facts

4 of 4 verified

Free plan: Free for non-commercial use; Checked Oct 25, 2026syntevo.com(opens source in a new tab); “Personal, non-commercial use Free registration required”
Starting price: From $5 per user/month; Checked Oct 25, 2026syntevo.com(opens source in a new tab); “From $5/user/month or perpetual licensing”
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux; Checked Oct 25, 2026syntevo.com(opens source in a new tab); “Get SmartGit for Windows, macOS, or Linux with just a few clicks.”
Machines per user: Up to 5; Checked Oct 25, 2026syntevo.com(opens source in a new tab); “Multiple Machines Each user can use their license on up to five machines.”