Git Cola vs GitKraken: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Git Cola and GitKraken 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.
Bottom line: GitKraken wins this matchup. Our overall Version Control pick is IntelliJ IDEA. Our free Version Control pick is Git Cola. Pick Git Cola if you need version control.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Git Cola
A sleek and powerful graphical user interface for Git, powered by Python and PyQt.
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (GitKraken requires payment)
- • You want free and open-source
- • You want cross-platform (Python and PyQt based)
GitKraken
Visual Git client with intuitive interface
Best for you if:
- • You want beautiful visual Git interface
- • You want built-in merge conflict editor
| At a Glance | Git Cola | GitKraken |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Version Control | Developer Tools |
Rating | - | 4.7/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Git Cola or GitKraken?
Choose Git Cola if
A sleek and powerful graphical user interface for Git, powered by Python and PyQt.
- You want a fully free tool (GitKraken requires payment)
- You want free and open-source
- You want cross-platform (Python and PyQt based)
- Your work is version control-shaped, not developer tools-shaped
Choose GitKraken if
Visual Git client with intuitive interface
- You want beautiful visual Git interface
- You want built-in merge conflict editor
- Your work is developer tools-shaped, not version control-shaped
| Feature | Git Cola | GitKraken |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★4.7/5 212 reviews |
| Categories | Version ControlDeveloper Tools | Developer ToolsVersion Control |
In-Depth Analysis
Git Cola
A sleek and powerful graphical user interface for Git, powered by Python and PyQt.
Git Cola is entirely free, which is exceptionally generous compared to most commercial Git GUIs.
Strengths
- +Free and open-source
- +Cross-platform (Python and PyQt based)
- +Community-driven development
- +Supports multiple languages through translations
- +Provides a visual alternative to command-line Git
Weaknesses
- -Requires Python and PyQt to run
- -May not have all advanced features of command-line Git for power users
- -Reliance on community contributions for updates and support
Key features
GitKraken
Visual Git client with intuitive interface
GitKraken is the best visual Git client.
Strengths
- +Beautiful visual Git interface
- +Built-in merge conflict editor
- +Gist and repository management
- +Integrates with GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket
- +Cross-platform
Weaknesses
- -Free version limited features
- -Paid plans have a cost
- -Can be resource-heavy
- -Some advanced Git features missing
- -Occasional sync issues
Key features
Pricing: Git Cola vs GitKraken
| Plan | Git Cola | GitKraken |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $4.95 month per user Pro |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $8.95 month per user Teams |
| Tier 4 | N/A | $24 month per user On-Premise |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Git Cola pricing and GitKraken pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Git Cola is free. GitKraken is freemium.
Go with: Git Cola
Want the highest-rated option?
GitKraken is rated 4.7/5. Git Cola has no ratings yet.
Go with: GitKraken
Value user reviews?
Git Cola: no ratings yet. GitKraken: 212 reviews (4.7/5).
Go with: GitKraken
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Git Cola is free. GitKraken is freemium. Go with Git Cola if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Git Cola is a version control tool. GitKraken is in developer tools. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
GitKraken is rated 4.7/5; Git Cola has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
GitKraken
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Git Cola
- Completely free
- Better fit for version control
The Bottom Line
GitKraken wins this matchup. Our overall Version Control pick is IntelliJ IDEA. Our free Version Control pick is Git Cola. That said, Git Cola is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Git Cola or GitKraken better?
GitKraken is rated in our evaluation. Git Cola is free and GitKraken is freemium.
What are Git Cola and GitKraken used for?
Git Cola: A sleek and powerful graphical user interface for Git, powered by Python and PyQt.. GitKraken: Visual Git client with intuitive interface.
What does Git Cola cost vs GitKraken?
Git Cola is completely free. GitKraken is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.