GitKraken vs Sourcetree: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between GitKraken and Sourcetree 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: GitKraken is our overall pick for developer tools workflows. Pick Sourcetree if you need a fully free option.
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:
- • GitKraken is a powerful Git GUI client with visual commit history and merge tools
- • It provides intuitive branch management, conflict resolution, and team collaboration
Sourcetree
Visualize and manage Git and Mercurial repos without the command line
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • Free Git GUI client from Atlassian for Mac and Windows
- • Visual interface for Git and Mercurial without command line
| At a Glance |  GitKraken |  Sourcetree |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $4.95/month per userPro | Free |
Best For | Developer Tools | Developer Tools |
Rating | - | - |
Choose GitKraken or Sourcetree?
Choose GitKraken if
Visual Git client with intuitive interface
- Beautiful visual Git interface
- Built-in merge conflict editor
- Gist and repository management
Choose Sourcetree if
Visualize and manage Git and Mercurial repos without the command line
- Completely free
- Visual interface
- Easy for beginners
- You want a fully free tool (GitKraken requires payment)
| Feature | GitKraken | Sourcetree |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| User Rating | ★4.5/5 198 reviews | ★4.4/5 397 reviews |
| Categories | Developer ToolsVersion Control | Developer ToolsVersion Control |
In-Depth Analysis
GitKraken
Visual Git client with intuitive interface
Strengths
- +Beautiful visual Git interface
- +Built-in merge conflict editor
- +Gist and repository management
- +Integrates with GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket
- +Cross-platform
Weaknesses
- -Free version limited features
- -Pro expensive ($5/month)
- -Can be resource-heavy
- -Some advanced Git features missing
- -Occasional sync issues
Key features
Sourcetree
Visualize and manage Git and Mercurial repos without the command line
Strengths
- +Completely free
- +Visual interface
- +Easy for beginners
Weaknesses
- -Can be slow
Key features
Pricing: GitKraken vs Sourcetree
| Plan | GitKraken | Sourcetree |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | Free Sourcetree |
| Tier 2 | $4.95 month per user Pro | N/A |
| Tier 3 | $8.95 month per user Teams | N/A |
| Tier 4 | $24 month per user On-Premise | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on GitKraken pricing and Sourcetree pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Sourcetree is free. GitKraken is freemium.
Go with: Sourcetree
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
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. Sourcetree is free. Go with Sourcetree if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are developer tools tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
GitKraken
- Higher user rating: 4.5/5 vs 4.4/5
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Sourcetree
- Completely free
- Larger review base (397 reviews)
The Bottom Line
GitKraken is our pick. That said, Sourcetree is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GitKraken or Sourcetree better?
GitKraken is rated in our evaluation. GitKraken is freemium and Sourcetree is free.
What are GitKraken and Sourcetree used for?
GitKraken: Visual Git client with intuitive interface. Sourcetree: Visualize and manage Git and Mercurial repos without the command line.
What does GitKraken cost vs Sourcetree?
GitKraken is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Sourcetree is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.