Comparison · Git clients
GitKraken Desktop vs Lazygit: which is better in 2026?
Lazygit ranks higher in our list of git clients (#2 against #3, score 89.0 against 88.5), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need.
- 88.5Editorial score89.0
- 3Platforms4
- YesFree to useYes
- NoOpen sourceYes
Which should you choose?
Choose GitKraken Desktop if you want
Visual Git on Linux, Mac and Windows.
A visual client for Linux, Mac and Windows that stays free for local and public repositories. Private repository access needs the paid Pro plan, and team plans are priced per seat.
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
- Lazygit is open source; GitKraken Desktop is not.
Side by side
 GitKraken Desktop |  Lazygit | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 88.5 | 89.0 |
| Rank in list | #3 of 10 | #2 of 10 |
| Price | Free plan, paid upgradesFree for local and public repos; Pro, Advanced and Business are paid per seat | Free and open sourceFree and open source under the MIT license; source on GitHub |
| Free to use | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | No | Yes |
| Platforms | LinuxmacOSWindowsLinux, macOS, Windows | LinuxmacOSWindowsCommand lineLinux, macOS, Windows, Command line |
| Made by | Not stated | Not stated |
| Interface | Graphical | Terminal |
| Linux support | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Visual Git on Linux, Mac and Windows | Terminal users who want a visual layer over Git |
| Strengths |
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| Limits |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about GitKraken Desktop vs Lazygit
- Is Lazygit better than GitKraken Desktop?
- Lazygit ranks higher in our list of git clients (#2 against #3, score 89.0 against 88.5), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. GitKraken Desktop is best for: visual Git on Linux, Mac and Windows. Lazygit is best for: terminal users who want a visual layer over Git.
- Which is cheaper, GitKraken Desktop or Lazygit?
- GitKraken Desktop: Free for local and public repos; Pro, Advanced and Business are paid per seat. Lazygit: Free and open source under the MIT license; source on GitHub.
- Do GitKraken Desktop and Lazygit run on the same platforms?
- GitKraken Desktop supports Linux, macOS, Windows. Lazygit supports Linux, macOS, Windows, Command line.
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.
