GitKraken vs GitHub Desktop: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between GitKraken and GitHub Desktop 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:
GitKraken
Visual Git client with intuitive interface
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.4/10 vs 8.2/10)
- • You need diagramming features specifically
- • GitKraken is a powerful Git GUI client with visual commit history and merge tools
- • It provides intuitive branch management, conflict resolution, and team collaboration
GitHub Desktop
Simple Git GUI for GitHub repositories
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need version control features specifically
- • GitHub Desktop is a visual Git client that simplifies GitHub workflows
- • It provides an intuitive interface for commits, branches, and pull requests without CLI
| At a Glance |  GitKraken |  GitHub Desktop |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free |
Best For | Diagramming | Version Control |
Rating | 84/100 | 82/100 |
| Feature | GitKraken | GitHub Desktop |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| Editorial Score | 84 | 82 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | DiagrammingIDE & Code Editors | Version Control |
How GitKraken and GitHub Desktop Compare
GitKraken
Visual Git client with intuitive interface
Free tier available · 84/100 score
GitHub Desktop
Simple Git GUI for GitHub repositories
Free · 82/100 score
GitKraken is a diagramming tool. GitHub Desktop is in version control.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
GitHub Desktop is free. GitKraken is freemium.
Go with: GitHub Desktop
Want the highest-rated option?
GitKraken: 84/100. GitHub Desktop: 82/100.
Go with: GitKraken
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: GitKraken
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
GitKraken is freemium. GitHub Desktop is free. Go with GitHub Desktop if free matters most.
What's your use case?
GitKraken is a diagramming tool. GitHub Desktop is in version control. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
GitKraken scores higher: 84/100 vs 82/100.
Key Takeaways
GitKraken
- Higher score: 84/100 vs 82
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
GitHub Desktop
- Completely free
- Better fit for version control
The Bottom Line
GitKraken (84/100) is our pick. That said, GitHub Desktop is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GitKraken or GitHub Desktop better?
GitKraken scores 84/100 in our evaluation. GitKraken is freemium and GitHub Desktop is free.
What are GitKraken and GitHub Desktop used for?
GitKraken: Visual Git client with intuitive interface. GitHub Desktop: Simple Git GUI for GitHub repositories.
What does GitKraken cost vs GitHub Desktop?
GitKraken is freemium (free tier + paid plans). GitHub Desktop is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.