Jenkins vs GitHub Actions: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Jenkins and GitHub Actions 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:
Jenkins
Open-source automation server
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need api tools features specifically
- • The original open-source CI/CD server with complete flexibility
- • 1,800+ plugins integrate with virtually any tool or service
GitHub Actions
CI/CD built into GitHub
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.0/10 vs 8.3/10)
- • You need testing & qa features specifically
- • CI/CD built directly into GitHub, no external services needed
- • Workflow marketplace with thousands of community actions
| At a Glance |  Jenkins |  GitHub Actions |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | API Tools | Testing & QA |
Rating | 83/100 | 90/100 |
| Feature | Jenkins | GitHub Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 83 | 90 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | API ToolsHosting & Deployment | Testing & QAAutomation |
How Jenkins and GitHub Actions Compare
Jenkins
Open-source automation server
Free · 83/100 score
GitHub Actions
CI/CD built into GitHub
Free tier available · 90/100 score
Jenkins is a api tools tool. GitHub Actions is in testing & qa.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Jenkins is free. GitHub Actions is freemium.
Go with: Jenkins
Want the highest-rated option?
Jenkins: 83/100. GitHub Actions: 90/100.
Go with: GitHub Actions
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: GitHub Actions
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Jenkins is free. GitHub Actions is freemium. Go with Jenkins if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Jenkins is a api tools tool. GitHub Actions is in testing & qa. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
GitHub Actions scores higher: 90/100 vs 83/100.
Key Takeaways
GitHub Actions
- Higher score: 90/100 vs 83
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Jenkins
- Completely free
- Better fit for api tools
The Bottom Line
GitHub Actions (90/100) is our pick. That said, Jenkins is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jenkins or GitHub Actions better?
GitHub Actions scores 90/100 in our evaluation. Jenkins is free and GitHub Actions is freemium.
What are Jenkins and GitHub Actions used for?
Jenkins: Open-source automation server. GitHub Actions: CI/CD built into GitHub.
What does Jenkins cost vs GitHub Actions?
Jenkins is completely free. GitHub Actions is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.