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Head-to-head · Git Clients

GitKraken Desktop vs Sourcetree

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 1 check side by side
Higher score GitKraken Desktop #1 in Git Clients 8.8/10 Free plan · 14-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 0 of 3 features Visit GitKraken
Sourcetree #4 in Git Clients 8.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 3 features Visit Sourcetree

GitKraken Desktop leads on 0 checks, Sourcetree on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreGitKraken Desktop · 8.8/10
  • Free planboth
  • Free trialonly GitKraken Desktop

GitKraken Desktop scores higher on our rubric for git clients: 8.8 against 8.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #4.

GitKraken Desktop is the better fit for teams wanting a full-featured visual Git client. Sourcetree is the better fit for free Git GUI users on Windows or macOS.

  • GitKraken Desktop fits best

    Teams wanting a full-featured visual Git client

  • Sourcetree fits best

    Free Git GUI users on Windows or macOS

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature GitKraken Desktop 8.8/10 Visit ↗ Sourcetree 8.2/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.8 8.2
Ranking #1 in Git Clients #4 in Git Clients
Best for Teams wanting a full-featured visual Git client Free Git GUI users on Windows or macOS
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free
Starting price — Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial 14 days —
Deployment Desktop, Self-hosted Desktop
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux Windows, macOS
Support Email, Community, Docs Docs, Community
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features GitKraken Desktop 0/3 · Sourcetree 0/3
Visual history Not checked yet Not checked yet
Conflict resolution Not checked yet Not checked yet
Submodule support Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Supported platforms Not checked yet Not checked yet
Repository hosting Not checked yet Not checked yet
Git workflows Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Visual history plus branch, merge, and interactive rebase workflows
  • Built-in conflict editor, Git LFS, and submodule support
  • Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux with major hosting integrations
  • Visual history and branching diagrams clarify repository changes.
  • Stage or discard changes by file, hunk, or line.
  • Includes Git LFS, submodules, Git-flow, and interactive rebase.
Cons
  • Private repository access requires a paid plan
  • Self-hosted and enterprise integrations require Advanced
  • Business pricing is custom-quoted
  • Desktop deployment does not provide a browser-based workflow.
  • Windows and macOS are the supported desktop platforms.
  • Support is centered on documentation and community channels.
Our verdict

GitKraken Desktop is a graphical Git client for developers and development teams who want to manage repositories through a visual interface. Its commit graph and repository history sit alongside branch creation, merging, rebasing, and…

Read the review →

Sourcetree is a free desktop graphical client for Git and Mercurial repositories, available on Windows and macOS. It is aimed at beginners, experienced developers, and managed enterprise environments that want a visual alternative to…

Read the review →
  1. GitKraken DesktopGit Clients 8.8Free plan · 14-day trial
  2. SourcetreeGit Clients 8.2Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • GitKraken Desktop — where it wins

    • Visual history plus branch, merge, and interactive rebase workflows
    • Built-in conflict editor, Git LFS, and submodule support
    • Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux with major hosting integrations

    Where it doesn't

    • Private repository access requires a paid plan
    • Self-hosted and enterprise integrations require Advanced
    • Business pricing is custom-quoted

  • Sourcetree — where it wins

    • Visual history and branching diagrams clarify repository changes.
    • Stage or discard changes by file, hunk, or line.
    • Includes Git LFS, submodules, Git-flow, and interactive rebase.

    Where it doesn't

    • Desktop deployment does not provide a browser-based workflow.
    • Windows and macOS are the supported desktop platforms.
    • Support is centered on documentation and community channels.
  • GitKraken Desktop8.8/10 · Free plan · 14-day trial

    A visual Git workspace with advanced workflows, conflict tools, and hosting integrations.

    Visit GitKrakenFull verdict →
  • Sourcetree8.2/10 · Free plan

    A free visual Git client with granular staging, history tools, LFS, and Git-flow.

    Visit SourcetreeFull verdict →

More comparisons

All git clients comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update