commitlint vs semantic-release: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between commitlint and semantic-release comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
commitlint
Lint commit messages to ensure consistent and high-quality commit conventions.
Best for you if:
- • Enforces commit message conventions.
- • Supports shareable configurations via npm.
semantic-release
Automated version management and package publishing for consistent, semantic releases.
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (7.8/10 vs 7.0/10)
- • Automates package release workflow, including versioning, changelog generation, and publishing.
- • Enforces Semantic Versioning based on formalized commit messages.
| At a Glance |  commitlint |  semantic-release |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free |
Best For | Version Control | Version Control |
Rating | 70/100 | 78/100 |
| Feature | commitlint | semantic-release |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| Editorial Score | 70 | 78 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Version ControlCode Review | Version ControlAutomation |
How commitlint and semantic-release Compare
commitlint
Lint commit messages to ensure consistent and high-quality commit conventions.
Free · 70/100 score
semantic-release
Automated version management and package publishing for consistent, semantic releases.
Free · 78/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: commitlint
Want the highest-rated option?
commitlint: 70/100. semantic-release: 78/100.
Go with: semantic-release
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: semantic-release
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are free. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are version control tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
semantic-release scores higher: 78/100 vs 70/100.
Key Takeaways
semantic-release
- Higher score: 78/100 vs 70
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
commitlint
The Bottom Line
semantic-release (78/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is commitlint or semantic-release better?
semantic-release scores 78/100 in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are commitlint and semantic-release used for?
commitlint: Lint commit messages to ensure consistent and high-quality commit conventions.. semantic-release: Automated version management and package publishing for consistent, semantic releases..
What does commitlint cost vs semantic-release?
commitlint is completely free. semantic-release is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.