Comparison · Git clients
GitHub Desktop vs Sourcetree: which is better in 2026?
GitHub Desktop ranks higher in our list of git clients (#1 against #6, score 90.0 against 84.0).
- 90.0Editorial score84.0
- 2Platforms2
- YesFree to useYes
- YesOpen sourceNo
Which should you choose?
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 Sourcetree if you want
Windows and Mac teams on Atlassian tools.
A free visual client for Windows and Mac with branch diagrams and Mercurial support. It has no Linux version, and its best fit is teams that already use Atlassian tools.
The main differences
- GitHub Desktop is open source; Sourcetree is not.
Side by side
 GitHub Desktop |  Sourcetree | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 90.0 | 84.0 |
| Rank in list | #1 of 10 | #6 of 10 |
| Price | Free and open sourceFree and open source under the MIT license; source on GitHub | FreeFree download for Windows and Mac; Windows Enterprise for managed deployments |
| Free to use | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | No |
| Platforms | macOSWindowsmacOS, Windows | WindowsmacOSWindows, macOS |
| Made by | GitHub | Atlassian |
| Interface | Graphical | Graphical |
| Linux support | No | No |
| Best for | GitHub users who want a simple free client | Windows and Mac teams on Atlassian tools |
| Strengths |
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| Limits |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about GitHub Desktop vs Sourcetree
- Is GitHub Desktop better than Sourcetree?
- GitHub Desktop ranks higher in our list of git clients (#1 against #6, score 90.0 against 84.0). GitHub Desktop is best for: GitHub users who want a simple free client. Sourcetree is best for: Windows and Mac teams on Atlassian tools.
- Which is cheaper, GitHub Desktop or Sourcetree?
- GitHub Desktop: Free and open source under the MIT license; source on GitHub. Sourcetree: Free download for Windows and Mac; Windows Enterprise for managed deployments.
- Do GitHub Desktop and Sourcetree run on the same platforms?
- GitHub Desktop supports macOS, Windows. Sourcetree supports Windows, macOS.
Choosing between the two
Learning Center
1:17How to decide between two good optionsSettle a close call by sorting it by how hard it is to undo, setting a deadline, scoring the criteria as a tie-breaker and writing down why you chose.
1:20How to compare products fairly: what to keep in mindDefine the job, cap the must-haves, compare like with like, count total cost over one period and weigh the criteria. Includes a worked example.
