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Head-to-head · Git Clients

Sourcetree vs SmartGit

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 1 check side by side
Higher score Sourcetree #4 in Git Clients 8.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 3 features Visit Sourcetree
SmartGit #8 in Git Clients 7.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 3 features Visit SmartGit

Sourcetree leads on 0 checks, SmartGit 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 scoreSourcetree · 8.2/10
  • Free planboth

Sourcetree scores higher on our rubric for git clients: 8.2 against 7.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #8.

Sourcetree is the better fit for free Git GUI users on Windows or macOS. SmartGit is the better fit for cross-platform users who want deep Git tools affordably.

  • Sourcetree fits best

    Free Git GUI users on Windows or macOS

  • SmartGit fits best

    Cross-platform users who want deep Git tools affordably

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 Sourcetree 8.2/10 Visit ↗ SmartGit 7.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.2 7.9
Ranking #4 in Git Clients #8 in Git Clients
Best for Free Git GUI users on Windows or macOS Cross-platform users who want deep Git tools affordably
Pricing model Free Free plan + paid
Starting price Free plan —
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows, macOS Windows, macOS, Linux
Support Docs, Community Email, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Sourcetree 0/3 · SmartGit 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 and branching diagrams clarify repository changes.
  • Stage or discard changes by file, hunk, or line.
  • Includes Git LFS, submodules, Git-flow, and interactive rebase.
  • Interactive rebase, three-way conflict solving, and Git Flow
  • Git LFS, submodule workflows, and pull request reviews
  • Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux; integrates with major Git hosts
Cons
  • 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.
  • Free plans are limited to eligible personal, educational, or qualifying work
  • Commercial use starts at $5 per user per month
  • Desktop-only, with email and documentation support
Our verdict

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 →

SmartGit is a desktop graphical Git client for individuals, development teams, organizations, and power users who want visual control over repositories and everyday Git workflows. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, and connects with…

Read the review →
  1. SourcetreeGit Clients 8.2Free plan
  2. SmartGitGit Clients 7.9Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • 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.

  • SmartGit — where it wins

    • Interactive rebase, three-way conflict solving, and Git Flow
    • Git LFS, submodule workflows, and pull request reviews
    • Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux; integrates with major Git hosts

    Where it doesn't

    • Free plans are limited to eligible personal, educational, or qualifying work
    • Commercial use starts at $5 per user per month
    • Desktop-only, with email and documentation support

More comparisons

All git clients comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update