GitHub vs GitLab: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between GitHub and GitLab 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.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
GitHub
Where the world's code lives, plus CI/CD, issues, and project management
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.5/10 vs 8.6/10)
GitLab
Complete DevOps platform in a single application
Best for you if:
| At a Glance |  GitHub | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Developer Tools | Developer Tools |
Rating | 95/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | GitHub | GitLab |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 95 | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Developer ToolsProductivity | Developer ToolsCloud & Infrastructure |
Understanding the Differences
Both GitHub and GitLab solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.GitHub positions itself as "where the world's code lives, plus ci/cd, issues, and project management" while GitLabfocuses on "complete devops platform in a single application". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose GitHub
GitHub makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution. With a score of 95/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose GitLab
GitLab is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, GitHub lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: GitHub
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. GitHub handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: GitHub
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: GitHub
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with GitHub, upgrade when you're ready.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated GitHub higher (95/100). But the community has upvoted GitLab more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What GitHub Does Better
- Higher overall score (95/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider GitLab If
- You want to start free and scale later
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with GitHub (95/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. GitHub scores higher in our analysis, but GitLab might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GitHub or GitLab better?
Based on our analysis, GitHub scores higher with 95/100. GitHub isfreemium while GitLab is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from GitHub to GitLab easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do GitHub and GitLab offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. GitHub is freemium with a free tier.GitLab is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.