Comparison · Git clients

GitKraken Desktop vs Sourcetree: which is better in 2026?

GitKraken Desktop ranks higher in our list of git clients (#3 against #5, score 88.5 against 84.0).

  • 88.5
    Editorial score
    84.0
  • 3
    Platforms
    2
  • Yes
    Free to use
    Yes
  • No
    Open source
    No

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 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

  • Only GitKraken Desktop runs on Linux.
  • GitKraken Desktop is free plan, paid upgrades; Sourcetree is free.

Side by side

GitKraken DesktopSourcetree
Score88.584.0
Rank in list#3 of 7#5 of 7
PriceFree plan, paid upgradesFree for local and public repos; Pro, Advanced and Business are paid per seatFreeFree download for Windows and Mac; Windows Enterprise for managed deployments
Free to useYesYes
Open sourceNoNo
PlatformsLinuxmacOSWindowsLinux, macOS, WindowsWindowsmacOSWindows, macOS
Made byNot statedAtlassian
InterfaceGraphicalGraphical
Linux supportYesNo
Best forVisual Git on Linux, Mac and WindowsWindows and Mac teams on Atlassian tools
Strengths
  • Free for local and public repositories
  • Runs on Linux, Mac and Windows
  • Free to download on Windows and Mac
  • Branching diagrams show team history
Limits
  • Private repository access needs the paid Pro plan
  • Team plans are priced per seat
  • No Linux version
  • Best suited to teams that use Atlassian tools
LinksVisit site Visit site

Questions about GitKraken Desktop vs Sourcetree

Is GitKraken Desktop better than Sourcetree?
GitKraken Desktop ranks higher in our list of git clients (#3 against #5, score 88.5 against 84.0). GitKraken Desktop is best for: visual Git on Linux, Mac and Windows. Sourcetree is best for: windows and Mac teams on Atlassian tools.
Which is cheaper, GitKraken Desktop or Sourcetree?
GitKraken Desktop: Free for local and public repos; Pro, Advanced and Business are paid per seat. Sourcetree: Free download for Windows and Mac; Windows Enterprise for managed deployments.
Do GitKraken Desktop and Sourcetree run on the same platforms?
GitKraken Desktop supports Linux, macOS, Windows. Sourcetree supports Windows, macOS.