Git Extensions vs Lazygit: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Git Extensions and Lazygit 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: Lazygit wins this matchup. Our overall Version Control pick is IntelliJ IDEA. Our free Version Control pick is Git Cola. Pick Git Extensions 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 Extensions
A standalone UI tool for managing Git repositories with a rich, visual interface.
Best for you if:
- • You want free and open-source
- • You want intuitive visual interface simplifies Git operations
Lazygit
Visual git for the terminal, no commands to memorize
Best for you if:
- • You want terminal-based Git UI
- • You want fast and keyboard-driven
| At a Glance | Lazygit | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Version Control | Terminal Tools |
Rating | 4.7/5 | - |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Git Extensions or Lazygit?
Choose Git Extensions if
A standalone UI tool for managing Git repositories with a rich, visual interface.
- You want free and open-source
- You want intuitive visual interface simplifies Git operations
- Your work is version control-shaped, not terminal tools-shaped
Choose Lazygit if
Visual git for the terminal, no commands to memorize
- You want terminal-based Git UI
- You want fast and keyboard-driven
- Your work is terminal tools-shaped, not version control-shaped
| Feature | Git Extensions | Lazygit |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| User Rating | ★4.7/5 59 reviews | No ratings yet |
| Categories | Version ControlDeveloper Tools | Terminal ToolsVersion Control |
In-Depth Analysis
Git Extensions
A standalone UI tool for managing Git repositories with a rich, visual interface.
Strengths
- +Free and open-source
- +Intuitive visual interface simplifies Git operations
- +Strong integration with Windows Explorer and Visual Studio
- +Automatic detection of renamed/moved files in history
- +Active community support since 2008
Weaknesses
- -Multi-platform support (via Mono) might imply potential performance or compatibility differences on non-Windows OS compared to native applications
- -Specific version 2.x mentioned for multi-platform, implying newer versions might have different support
Key features
Lazygit
Visual git for the terminal, no commands to memorize
Lazygit's pricing is exceptionally generous, being entirely free and open-source.
Strengths
- +Terminal-based Git UI
- +Fast and keyboard-driven
- +Great for power users
- +Free and open source
- +Low resource usage
Weaknesses
- -Requires terminal familiarity
- -Less discoverable than GUI apps
- -Customization needs config files
- -No built-in diff editor
- -Learning curve for keybindings
Key features
Pricing: Git Extensions vs Lazygit
| Plan | Git Extensions | Lazygit |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | N/A | Free Open Source |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Git Extensions pricing and Lazygit pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Git Extensions
Want the highest-rated option?
Git Extensions is rated 4.7/5. Lazygit has no ratings yet.
Go with: Git Extensions
Value user reviews?
Git Extensions: 59 reviews (4.7/5). Lazygit: no ratings yet.
Go with: Git Extensions
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?
Git Extensions is a version control tool. Lazygit is in terminal tools. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Git Extensions is rated 4.7/5; Lazygit has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
Lazygit
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Git Extensions
- Better fit for version control
The Bottom Line
Lazygit wins this matchup. Our overall Version Control pick is IntelliJ IDEA. Our free Version Control pick is Git Cola.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Git Extensions or Lazygit better?
Lazygit is rated in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are Git Extensions and Lazygit used for?
Git Extensions: A standalone UI tool for managing Git repositories with a rich, visual interface.. Lazygit: Visual git for the terminal, no commands to memorize.
What does Git Extensions cost vs Lazygit?
Git Extensions is completely free. Lazygit is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.