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Head-to-head · Git Clients

GitKraken Desktop vs TortoiseGit

  • 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
TortoiseGit #3 in Git Clients 8.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 3 features Visit TortoiseGit

GitKraken Desktop leads on 0 checks, TortoiseGit 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 8.4 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #3.

GitKraken Desktop is the better fit for teams wanting a full-featured visual Git client. TortoiseGit is the better fit for windows users who prefer Git in File Explorer.

  • GitKraken Desktop fits best

    Teams wanting a full-featured visual Git client

  • TortoiseGit fits best

    Windows users who prefer Git in File Explorer

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 ↗ TortoiseGit 8.4/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.8 8.4
Ranking #1 in Git Clients #3 in Git Clients
Best for Teams wanting a full-featured visual Git client Windows users who prefer Git in File Explorer
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
Support Email, Community, Docs Tickets, Community, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features GitKraken Desktop 0/3 · TortoiseGit 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
  • Run Git commands from Windows Explorer context menus.
  • Interactive rebase supports pick, skip, edit, and squash actions.
  • Includes graphical conflict resolution, submodules, and Git LFS locking.
Cons
  • Private repository access requires a paid plan
  • Self-hosted and enterprise integrations require Advanced
  • Business pricing is custom-quoted
  • Available for Windows only.
  • Requires a separate command-line Git installation.
  • Explorer-centered workflows may not suit users seeking a standalone interface.
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 →

TortoiseGit is a free, open-source graphical Git client for Windows developers working with local or remote repositories. It places Git commands in Windows Explorer and other file-manager context menus, with status overlay icons to show…

Read the review →
  1. GitKraken DesktopGit Clients 8.8Free plan · 14-day trial
  2. TortoiseGitGit Clients 8.4Free 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

  • TortoiseGit — where it wins

    • Run Git commands from Windows Explorer context menus.
    • Interactive rebase supports pick, skip, edit, and squash actions.
    • Includes graphical conflict resolution, submodules, and Git LFS locking.

    Where it doesn't

    • Available for Windows only.
    • Requires a separate command-line Git installation.
    • Explorer-centered workflows may not suit users seeking a standalone interface.
  • GitKraken Desktop8.8/10 · Free plan · 14-day trial

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

    Visit GitKrakenFull verdict →
  • TortoiseGit8.4/10 · Free plan

    A capable Explorer-based Git client for Windows, with a separate Git installation required.

    Visit TortoiseGitFull 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