Comparison · Git clients

Lazygit vs Tower: which is better in 2026?

Lazygit ranks higher in our list of git clients (#2 against #6, score 89.0 against 82.5).

  • 89.0
    Editorial score
    82.5
  • 4
    Platforms
    2
  • Yes
    Free to use
    No
  • Yes
    Open source
    No

Which should you choose?

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.

Choose Tower if you want

Mac and Windows developers and designers.

A polished visual client for Mac and Windows with a 30-day trial and no free plan. Paid plans start at $69 per user a year for individuals, which costs more than the free clients above.

The main differences

  • Only Lazygit runs on Linux.
  • Lazygit is open source; Tower is not.
  • Lazygit can be used for free; Tower requires payment.

Side by side

LazygitTower
Score89.082.5
Rank in list#2 of 7#6 of 7
PriceFree and open sourceFree and open source under the MIT license; source on GitHubSubscription30-day trial, then plans from $69 per user a year; free for students
Free to useYesNo
Open sourceYesNo
PlatformsLinuxmacOSWindowsCommand lineLinux, macOS, Windows, Command linemacOSWindowsmacOS, Windows
Made byNot statedNot stated
InterfaceTerminalGraphical
Linux supportYesNo
Best forTerminal users who want a visual layer over GitMac and Windows developers and designers
Strengths
  • Free and open source under the MIT license
  • Stages individual hunks or lines
  • Visual Git client with a 30-day trial and no card needed
  • Free for students and educators
Limits
  • Terminal only, with no graphical window
  • Keyboard-driven, so there is a learning curve
  • No free plan for working professionals
  • Mac and Windows only
LinksVisit site Visit site

Questions about Lazygit vs Tower

Is Lazygit better than Tower?
Lazygit ranks higher in our list of git clients (#2 against #6, score 89.0 against 82.5). Lazygit is best for: terminal users who want a visual layer over Git. Tower is best for: mac and Windows developers and designers.
Which is cheaper, Lazygit or Tower?
Lazygit: Free and open source under the MIT license; source on GitHub. Tower: 30-day trial, then plans from $69 per user a year; free for students.
Do Lazygit and Tower run on the same platforms?
Lazygit supports Linux, macOS, Windows, Command line. Tower supports macOS, Windows.