GitHub Desktop
Free, open-source Git client from GitHub for macOS and Windows
- #1 of 10 in best git clients
- Free and open source
- Free to use
- Open source
- macOSWindows
Ranked 1 of 10 in best git clients
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.
Best for GitHub users who want a simple free client
About GitHub Desktop
GitHub Desktop is a graphical Git client for committing, branching and merging work in repositories hosted on GitHub. The official installers cover macOS, including Apple silicon, and Windows. GitHub states that Linux is not officially supported and points to community builds from a fork.
The app is built with Electron and TypeScript, and its source is published on GitHub under the MIT license. It suits people who mainly work with GitHub and want a simple visual workflow at no cost. Some advanced Git operations may still need the command line, and Linux users need a community build or a different client.
Key features
- Apple silicon build
- Windows installer
- MIT-licensed source
- Built for GitHub repositories
Strengths
- Free and open source under the MIT license
- Built around GitHub repositories
Limits
- Linux is not officially supported
- Some advanced Git operations need the command line
Where GitHub Desktop ranks
How GitHub Desktop compares
| Product | Score | Price | Platforms | Interface | Linux support |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1GitHub Desktop | 90.0 | Free and open source | macOSWindows | Graphical | No |
#2 Lazygit | 89.0 | Free and open source | LinuxmacOSWindowsCommand line | Terminal | Yes |
#3 GitKraken Desktop | 88.5 | Free plan, paid upgrades | LinuxmacOSWindows | Graphical | Yes |
#4 GitUI | 87.0 | Free and open source | WindowsmacOSLinuxCommand line | Terminal UI | Yes |
#5 Sublime Merge | 85.5 | Paid | macOSWindowsLinux | Graphical | Yes |
The full comparison table for best git clients has all 10 products.
Alternatives to GitHub Desktop
All 9 alternatives
Questions about GitHub Desktop
- Is GitHub Desktop free?
- GitHub Desktop can be used without paying: Free and open source under the MIT license; source on GitHub. Check the vendor’s pricing page for current limits.
- Is GitHub Desktop open source?
- Yes. GitHub Desktop publishes its source code under the MIT license.
- Which platforms does GitHub Desktop support?
- GitHub Desktop is available on: macOS, Windows.
- What is GitHub Desktop best for?
- GitHub users who want a simple free client. In our ranking of git clients it is number 1 of 10 with a score of 90.0.
- What are the best alternatives to GitHub Desktop?
- The highest-ranked alternatives on listme.name are Lazygit, GitKraken Desktop, GitUI, Sublime Merge.
Show this ranking on your site
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<a href="https://listme.name/software/github-desktop"><img src="https://listme.name/badge/github-desktop.svg" height="28" alt="Ranked #1 of 10 git clients on listme.name"></a>