Alternatives to GitHub Desktop

GitHub's own Git client, aimed at people who want to commit and push without learning the command line. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.

Replacements

Listings that take over the same core job as GitHub Desktop.

  • Sourcetree

    Free visual Git and Mercurial client for Windows and macOS.

    FreeProprietaryWindowsmacOS

    Sourcetree is also free and exposes more, including interactive rebase and submodules, but it is closed source and can be slow on very large repositories.

  • GitKraken Desktop

    Visual Git client with a graph view, drag-and-drop branching and a merge editor.

    FreemiumProprietaryWindowsmacOSLinux

    GitKraken Desktop adds a Linux build, a commit graph and a merge editor, but is closed source and needs a paid licence for private repositories.

  • Fork

    Fast native Git client for macOS and Windows with a clean interface.

    PaidProprietaryWindowsmacOS

    Fork is a native app that stays fast on large repositories and has clear interactive rebase tools, but it is paid after evaluation and not open source.

  • SourceGit

    A fast desktop Git client for all three platforms that covers rebase, bisect, worktrees and LFS.

    FreeOpen sourceWindowsmacOSLinux

    SourceGit stays free and MIT licensed and adds an official Linux build plus rebase, bisect and worktrees, though the busy interface can feel overwhelming to newcomers.

  • Tower

    Professional Git client for Mac and Windows with undo and conflict tooling.

    PaidProprietaryWindowsmacOS

    Tower adds undo for almost any operation and a keyboard-driven workflow, but uses subscription pricing, is closed source and runs only on macOS and Windows.

Similar software

Related functionality, not a direct replacement.