Tower vs GitHub Desktop: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Tower 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.
Bottom line: Tower wins this matchup. Our overall Version Control pick is IntelliJ IDEA. Our free Version Control pick is Git Cola. Pick GitHub Desktop 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:
Tower
Powerful Git client for Mac and Windows
Best for you if:
- • You want good Git client
- • You want mac and Windows
GitHub Desktop
Simple Git GUI for GitHub repositories
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (Tower requires payment)
- • You want simple Git GUI
- • You want good for beginners
| At a Glance | Tower | GitHub Desktop |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $69/yearBasic | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Version Control | Version Control |
Rating | 4.7/5 | - |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Choose Tower or GitHub Desktop?
Choose Tower if
Powerful Git client for Mac and Windows
- You want good Git client
- You want mac and Windows
Choose GitHub Desktop if
Simple Git GUI for GitHub repositories
- You want a fully free tool (Tower requires payment)
- You want simple Git GUI
- You want good for beginners
| Feature | Tower | GitHub Desktop |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Free |
| User Rating | ★4.7/5 191 reviews | No ratings yet |
| Categories | Version ControlDeveloper Tools | Version ControlDeveloper Tools |
In-Depth Analysis
Tower
Powerful Git client for Mac and Windows
Tower's pricing is fair, with the Basic tier at $69/year offering good value for individual developers.
Strengths
- +Good Git client
- +Mac and Windows
- +Good features
- +Active development
- +Good UI
Weaknesses
- -Expensive subscription
- -Per-user pricing
- -Better free alternatives
- -Feature gaps
- -Learning curve
Key features
GitHub Desktop
Simple Git GUI for GitHub repositories
GitHub Desktop is exceptionally generous as it is entirely free and open source.
Strengths
- +Simple Git GUI
- +Good for beginners
- +GitHub integration
- +Free
- +Clean interface
Weaknesses
- -Limited features
- -No advanced Git operations
- -GitHub focused
- -Power users need more
- -No built-in terminal
Key features
Pricing: Tower vs GitHub Desktop
| Plan | Tower | GitHub Desktop |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $69 year Basic | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | $99 year Pro | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Tower pricing and GitHub Desktop pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
GitHub Desktop is free. Tower is paid.
Go with: GitHub Desktop
Want the highest-rated option?
Tower is rated 4.7/5. GitHub Desktop has no ratings yet.
Go with: Tower
Value user reviews?
Tower: 191 reviews (4.7/5). GitHub Desktop: no ratings yet.
Go with: Tower
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Tower is paid. GitHub Desktop is free. Go with GitHub Desktop if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are version control tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Tower is rated 4.7/5; GitHub Desktop has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
Tower
- Our pick for this comparison
GitHub Desktop
- Completely free
The Bottom Line
Tower wins this matchup. Our overall Version Control pick is IntelliJ IDEA. Our free Version Control pick is Git Cola. That said, GitHub Desktop is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tower or GitHub Desktop better?
Tower is rated in our evaluation. Tower is paid and GitHub Desktop is free.
What are Tower and GitHub Desktop used for?
Tower: Powerful Git client for Mac and Windows. GitHub Desktop: Simple Git GUI for GitHub repositories.
What does Tower cost vs GitHub Desktop?
Tower is a paid tool. GitHub Desktop is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.