GitKraken Desktop
Version control clients
DevOps software
Source code management software
- Features
- Ease of use
- Ease of management
- Quality of support
- Affordability
- Market presence
Take the quiz to check if GitKraken Desktop and its alternatives fit your requirements.
$4.95 per user per month
Free TrialFree version
Small
Medium
Large
- Media and communications
- Real estate and property management
- Accommodation and food services
What is GitKraken Desktop
GitKraken Desktop is a cross-platform Git GUI client used to manage repositories, branches, merges, and pull requests through a visual interface. It targets developers who want a desktop workflow for Git operations across common hosting providers and local repositories. The product emphasizes visual commit graphs, interactive conflict resolution, and integrations with Git hosting and issue-tracking services. It is typically used as an alternative to command-line Git for day-to-day source control tasks.
Visual commit graph workflows
GitKraken Desktop provides an interactive commit graph that helps users inspect history, branches, and merges without relying on command-line output. Common actions such as branching, rebasing, cherry-picking, and reverting are exposed as guided UI operations. This can reduce errors for users who are less comfortable with complex Git commands. The visual approach is especially useful when diagnosing merge history and branch divergence.
Cross-platform desktop client
The client runs on major desktop operating systems, supporting teams that work across Windows, macOS, and Linux. It offers a consistent UI and feature set across platforms, which can simplify onboarding and internal documentation. Local repository management is handled directly on the workstation, which fits offline or restricted-network workflows. This positions it as a dedicated desktop alternative to IDE-only or web-only source control experiences.
Integrations with Git platforms
GitKraken Desktop integrates with popular Git hosting services to streamline authentication and remote operations. Users can work with remotes, pull requests, and repository metadata from within the client depending on the connected provider. This reduces context switching between a desktop Git tool and a browser for routine tasks. Integration support is a key differentiator versus basic Git GUIs that focus only on local operations.
Not a full DevOps suite
GitKraken Desktop focuses on Git client functionality rather than end-to-end DevOps capabilities such as CI/CD orchestration, artifact management, or comprehensive planning modules. Teams typically need separate tools for build pipelines, release governance, and broader lifecycle management. As a result, it does not replace integrated application lifecycle platforms. It fits best as a developer workstation tool within a larger toolchain.
Advanced Git edge cases
Some advanced or unusual Git workflows may still require command-line usage, particularly for low-level repository repair or highly customized operations. GUI abstractions can make it harder to understand exactly which Git commands are executed in complex scenarios. Teams with strict Git governance may need to standardize on CLI procedures for certain tasks. This can limit the product’s role for power users who frequently use specialized Git features.
Licensing cost for teams
While the product can be used in limited free tiers depending on current licensing, many team-oriented capabilities and enterprise needs typically require paid plans. Organizations may need to evaluate per-user licensing versus alternatives that are bundled with other developer tooling. Procurement and compliance reviews can be required for desktop-installed software. Cost sensitivity can be a constraint for large developer populations.
Plan & Pricing
| Plan | Price | Key features & notes |
|---|---|---|
| Community | Free | Basic GitKraken Desktop, CLI & GitLens for OSS development; local repos & public remotes only; includes a free 14-day trial of paid plans; Slack & Help Center support. |
| Pro | $4.95 per user/month (billed annually) | Robust productivity & private repo access for solo devs; up to 2 seats; private repo access; cloud issue tracker integrations (Jira, Trello); Conflict Prevention; Launchpad; Shared Cloud Workspaces (25 repos); email support; 14-day free trial available. |
| Advanced | Price not displayed on pricing page — contact sales / checkout required | More integrations and enhanced AI for teams; up to 10 seats; self-hosted Git integrations; enterprise integrations (GitHub/GitLab/Azure DevOps/JIRA Data Center/Bitbucket Data Center); single-domain SSO; priority support; AI token allotment increased. |
| Business | Price not displayed on pricing page — contact sales / checkout required | Security, compliance & control for companies; up to 100 seats; multi-domain SSO; customer success manager; GitKraken Insights; 30-day Business trial available. |
| On-Premise (Self-Hosted / Serverless) | $24 per user/month (paid annually) | Self-hosted Server and Serverless options for air-gapped or secure environments; unlimited users; license management on-premise; sold separately from standard subscriptions. |
Seller details
Axosoft, LLC
Scottsdale, Arizona, United States
2002
Private
https://www.axosoft.com/
https://x.com/axosoft
https://www.linkedin.com/company/axosoft
