gitui vs GitHub Desktop: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between gitui 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 March 29, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
gitui
Blazing fast terminal-ui for Git, offering a GUI-like experience directly in your terminal.
Best for you if:
- 0
- • Provides a fast and intuitive terminal UI for Git.
- • Offers GUI-like comfort for Git operations within the terminal.
GitHub Desktop
Simple Git GUI for GitHub repositories
Best for you if:
- 0
- • 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 |  gitui |  GitHub Desktop |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free |
Best For | Version Control | Version Control |
Rating | — | — |
| Feature | gitui | GitHub Desktop |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Version ControlTerminal Tools | Version Control |
How gitui and GitHub Desktop Compare
gitui
Blazing fast terminal-ui for Git, offering a GUI-like experience directly in your terminal.
Free
GitHub Desktop
Simple Git GUI for GitHub repositories
Free
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: gitui
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: gitui
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: gitui
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are free. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are version control tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
gitui
- 0
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
GitHub Desktop
The Bottom Line
gitui is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is gitui or GitHub Desktop better?
gitui is rated high in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are gitui and GitHub Desktop used for?
gitui: Blazing fast terminal-ui for Git, offering a GUI-like experience directly in your terminal.. GitHub Desktop: Simple Git GUI for GitHub repositories.
What does gitui cost vs GitHub Desktop?
gitui is completely free. GitHub Desktop is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.