gh vs Tower: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between gh and Tower 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: gh wins this matchup. Our overall Version Control pick is IntelliJ IDEA. Our free Version Control pick is Git Cola. Pick Tower if you need version control.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
gh
Bring GitHub to your terminal for streamlined development workflows.
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (Tower requires payment)
- • You want gitHub from terminal
- • You want good for automation
Tower
Powerful Git client for Mac and Windows
Best for you if:
- • You want good Git client
- • You want mac and Windows
| At a Glance | gh | Tower |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | $69/yearBasic |
Best For | Developer Tools | Version Control |
Rating | - | 4.7/5 |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Choose gh or Tower?
Choose gh if
Bring GitHub to your terminal for streamlined development workflows.
- You want a fully free tool (Tower requires payment)
- You want gitHub from terminal
- You want good for automation
- Your work is developer tools-shaped, not version control-shaped
Choose Tower if
Powerful Git client for Mac and Windows
- You want good Git client
- You want mac and Windows
- Your work is version control-shaped, not developer tools-shaped
| Feature | gh | Tower |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Paid |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★4.7/5 191 reviews |
| Categories | Developer ToolsVersion Control | Version ControlDeveloper Tools |
In-Depth Analysis
gh
Bring GitHub to your terminal for streamlined development workflows.
gh offers an exceptionally generous pricing model, as it is entirely free.
Strengths
- +GitHub from terminal
- +Good for automation
- +PR management
- +Issue management
- +Free
Weaknesses
- -GitHub only
- -Learning curve
- -Commands to remember
- -Auth setup needed
- -GUI sometimes easier
Key features
Tower
Powerful Git client for Mac and Windows
Tower's pricing is fair, with the Basic tier at $69/year offering good value for individual developers.
Strengths
- +Good Git client
- +Mac and Windows
- +Good features
- +Active development
- +Good UI
Weaknesses
- -Expensive subscription
- -Per-user pricing
- -Better free alternatives
- -Feature gaps
- -Learning curve
Key features
Pricing: gh vs Tower
| Plan | gh | Tower |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | $69 year Basic |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $99 year Pro |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on gh pricing and Tower pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
gh is free. Tower is paid.
Go with: gh
Want the highest-rated option?
Tower is rated 4.7/5. gh has no ratings yet.
Go with: Tower
Value user reviews?
gh: no ratings yet. Tower: 191 reviews (4.7/5).
Go with: Tower
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
gh is free. Tower is paid. Go with gh if free matters most.
What's your use case?
gh is a developer tools tool. Tower is in version control. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Tower is rated 4.7/5; gh has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
gh
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Tower
- Better fit for version control
The Bottom Line
gh wins this matchup. Our overall Version Control pick is IntelliJ IDEA. Our free Version Control pick is Git Cola.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is gh or Tower better?
gh is rated in our evaluation. gh is free and Tower is paid.
What are gh and Tower used for?
gh: Bring GitHub to your terminal for streamlined development workflows.. Tower: Powerful Git client for Mac and Windows.
What does gh cost vs Tower?
gh is completely free. Tower is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.