Dependabot vs Renovate: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Dependabot and Renovate 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:
Dependabot
Automated dependency updates for GitHub
Best for you if:
- • You need automation features specifically
- • Dependabot is an automated dependency update tool that creates pull requests for outdated packages
- • It monitors your repositories and proposes updates with changelogs and compatibility scores
Renovate
Automated dependency updates
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.0/10 vs 8.8/10)
- • You need version control features specifically
- • Renovate is an automated dependency update tool for code repositories
- • It creates pull requests for outdated packages with customizable rules
| At a Glance |  Dependabot |  Renovate |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free |
Best For | Automation | Version Control |
Rating | 88/100 | 90/100 |
| Feature | Dependabot | Renovate |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| Editorial Score | 88 | 90 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | AutomationWorkflow Automation | Version ControlAutomation |
How Dependabot and Renovate Compare
Dependabot
Automated dependency updates for GitHub
Free · 88/100 score
Renovate
Automated dependency updates
Free · 90/100 score
Dependabot is a automation tool. Renovate is in version control.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Dependabot
Want the highest-rated option?
Dependabot: 88/100. Renovate: 90/100.
Go with: Renovate
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Renovate
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?
Dependabot is a automation tool. Renovate is in version control. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Renovate scores higher: 90/100 vs 88/100.
Key Takeaways
Renovate
- Higher score: 90/100 vs 88
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Dependabot
- Better fit for automation
The Bottom Line
Renovate (90/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dependabot or Renovate better?
Renovate scores 90/100 in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are Dependabot and Renovate used for?
Dependabot: Automated dependency updates for GitHub. Renovate: Automated dependency updates.
What does Dependabot cost vs Renovate?
Dependabot is completely free. Renovate is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.