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Comparison · Git clients

GitHub Desktop vs Lazygit: which is better in 2026?

GitHub DesktopvsLazygit

GitHub Desktop ranks higher in our list of git clients (#1 against #2, score 90.0 against 89.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need.

Choose GitHub Desktop if you want

GitHub users who want a simple free client.

The simplest free client here, MIT-licensed and built for GitHub repositories. Linux has no official build, and advanced Git operations may still need the command line.

Choose Lazygit if you want

Terminal users who want a visual layer over Git.

A free, MIT-licensed terminal interface that covers staging hunks, interactive rebase, cherry-picking and bisect. It has no graphical window, so newcomers face a learning curve.

The main differences

  • Only Lazygit runs on Linux.

Side by side

GitHub DesktopLazygit
Score90.089.0
Rank in list#1 of 7#2 of 7
PriceFree and open sourceFree and open source under the MIT license; source on GitHubFree and open sourceFree and open source under the MIT license; source on GitHub
Free to useYesYes
Open sourceYesYes
PlatformsmacOSWindowsmacOS, WindowsLinuxmacOSWindowsCommand lineLinux, macOS, Windows, Command line
Made byGitHubNot stated
InterfaceGraphicalTerminal
Linux supportNoYes
Best forGitHub users who want a simple free clientTerminal users who want a visual layer over Git
Strengths
  • Free and open source under the MIT license
  • Built around GitHub repositories
  • Free and open source under the MIT license
  • Stages individual hunks or lines
Limits
  • Linux is not officially supported
  • Some advanced Git operations need the command line
  • Terminal only, with no graphical window
  • Keyboard-driven, so there is a learning curve
LinksVisit site Visit site

Questions about GitHub Desktop vs Lazygit

Is GitHub Desktop better than Lazygit?
GitHub Desktop ranks higher in our list of git clients (#1 against #2, score 90.0 against 89.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. GitHub Desktop is best for: gitHub users who want a simple free client. Lazygit is best for: terminal users who want a visual layer over Git.
Which is cheaper, GitHub Desktop or Lazygit?
GitHub Desktop: Free and open source under the MIT license; source on GitHub. Lazygit: Free and open source under the MIT license; source on GitHub.
Do GitHub Desktop and Lazygit run on the same platforms?
GitHub Desktop supports macOS, Windows. Lazygit supports Linux, macOS, Windows, Command line.