Best version control systems
Systems that track changes to code and files and let teams work on them together.
10 apps, ordered by visits from AppBreakup and how often our research lists each one as an alternative. Open any app to see its alternatives.
All version control systems
- FoAlternatives to Fossil
A distributed version control system with a built-in bug tracker, wiki, forum and web UI.
Open sourceSelf-hostableWindows, macOS, Linux, Self-hosted - Alternatives to Perforce P4
Centralised version control (formerly Helix Core) built for large binary assets and game studios.
Free plan + paidWindows, macOS, Linux, Self-hosted - Alternatives to Mercurial
A free, distributed version control system known for its simple, consistent commands.
Open sourceWindows, macOS, Linux - Alternatives to Unity Version Control
Unity's version control system, formerly Plastic SCM, built for game teams with large binary files.
Free plan + paidWindows, macOS, Linux, Self-hosted - Alternatives to Jujutsu (jj)
Git-compatible command-line version control system with automatic commits, first-class conflicts and undo.
Open sourceWindows, macOS, Linux - PiAlternatives to Pijul
Distributed version control system built on a formal theory of patches rather than snapshots.
Open sourceLinux, macOS, Windows - Alternatives to Sapling SCM
Meta's open-source source control client with stacked commits, smartlog and Git interop.
Open sourcemacOS, Linux, Windows - Alternatives to Darcs
Free, open source distributed version control system that tracks changes (patches) rather than snapshots.
Open sourceWindows, macOS, Linux - Alternatives to Diversion
Cloud-hosted version control built for huge repositories full of game assets and binaries.
Free plan + paidWeb, Windows, macOS - CvAlternatives to CVS (Concurrent Versions System)
Classic open-source centralised version control system that predates Subversion and Git.
Open sourceSelf-hostableLinux, macOS, Windows, Self-hosted
Our picks by need
Best for most people
FossilBest for a free option
MercurialBest for open source
Jujutsu (jj)Best for self-hosting
CVS (Concurrent Versions System)Best for Mac
Perforce P4Best for Windows
Unity Version ControlBest for Linux
PijulPopular comparisons
Common questions
What are the best version control systems?
Based on how often our research lists them as alternatives and visits from AppBreakup, the leading version control systems right now are Fossil, Perforce P4, Mercurial, Unity Version Control and Jujutsu (jj).
Are there free version control systems?
Yes. Fossil (open source), Perforce P4 (free plan + paid), Mercurial (open source), Unity Version Control (free plan + paid) and Jujutsu (jj) (open source) have a free option, out of 10 free or freemium apps we track.
Which version control systems are open source?
Fossil, Mercurial, Jujutsu (jj), Pijul, Sapling SCM and Darcs, and 1 more.