GitHub Desktop vs Bitbucket: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between GitHub Desktop and Bitbucket 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:
GitHub Desktop
Simple Git GUI for GitHub repositories
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • GitHub Desktop is a visual Git client that simplifies GitHub workflows
- • It provides an intuitive interface for commits, branches, and pull requests without CLI
Bitbucket
Git solution for teams
Best for you if:
- • Bitbucket is Atlassian's Git repository management solution integrated with Jira and Trello
- • It provides code hosting, pull requests, CI/CD pipelines, and built-in code review tools
| At a Glance |  GitHub Desktop |  Bitbucket |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | Version Control | Version Control |
Rating | 82/100 | 82/100 |
| Feature | GitHub Desktop | Bitbucket |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 82 | 82 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Version Control | Version ControlCode Review |
How GitHub Desktop and Bitbucket Compare
GitHub Desktop
Simple Git GUI for GitHub repositories
Free · 82/100 score
Bitbucket
Git solution for teams
Free tier available · 82/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
GitHub Desktop is free. Bitbucket is freemium.
Go with: GitHub Desktop
Want the highest-rated option?
GitHub Desktop: 82/100. Bitbucket: 82/100.
Go with: GitHub Desktop
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: GitHub Desktop
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
GitHub Desktop is free. Bitbucket is freemium. Go with GitHub Desktop if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are version control tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Both score 82/100.
Key Takeaways
GitHub Desktop
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Bitbucket
The Bottom Line
GitHub Desktop (82/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GitHub Desktop or Bitbucket better?
GitHub Desktop scores 82/100 in our evaluation. GitHub Desktop is free and Bitbucket is freemium.
What are GitHub Desktop and Bitbucket used for?
GitHub Desktop: Simple Git GUI for GitHub repositories. Bitbucket: Git solution for teams.
What does GitHub Desktop cost vs Bitbucket?
GitHub Desktop is completely free. Bitbucket is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.