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Which is the better git clients for Mac in 2026?
We compared GitKraken and Atlassian SourceTree across 5 key factors including price, open-source status, and community adoption. Both GitKraken and Atlassian SourceTree are excellent git clients. Read our full breakdown below.
Git client focusing on productivity
Graphical client for Git version control
Both GitKraken and Atlassian SourceTree are excellent git clients. GitKraken is better for users who prefer polished experiences, while Atlassian SourceTree excels for those who value established ecosystems.
| Feature | GitKraken | Atlassian SourceTree |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Open Source | No | No |
| Monthly Installs | N/A | N/A |
| GitHub Stars | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Developer Tools | Developer Tools |
brew install --cask gitkrakenbrew install --cask sourcetreeGitKraken is a cross-platform Git client known for its visually appealing interface and feature-rich environment. Developed by Axosoft, GitKraken aims to simplify Git interactions, making them more accessible to developers of all skill levels. It supports a range of Git operations, including branching, merging, and conflict resolution, all presented within an intuitive graphical interface. GitKraken also integrates with popular hosting services like GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket, streamlining repository management. In 2026, GitKraken has evolved to offer enhanced collaboration features, including real-time co-editing and improved support for monorepos. Its commitment to visual clarity and ease of use has solidified its position as a leading Git GUI client.
Sourcetree is a free Git client for Mac and Windows, designed to simplify Git interactions through a graphical interface. Developed by Atlassian, Sourcetree supports a wide range of Git operations, including branching, merging, and committing changes. It also provides integration with popular hosting services like GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket, making it easy to manage remote repositories. Sourcetree is known for its straightforward interface and ease of use, making it a great option for users who are new to Git or prefer a more visual approach to version control. In 2026, Sourcetree continues to be a popular choice for developers seeking a cost-effective Git GUI client. While it may lack some of the advanced features of paid alternatives, it remains a reliable and user-friendly option for essential Git operations.
GitKraken boasts a visually appealing and intuitive interface that makes Git operations easy to understand and execute. Its graph-based visualization of branches and commits provides a clear overview of project history, enhancing the overall user experience. Customization options are plentiful, allowing users to tailor the interface to their liking.
Sourcetree offers a simpler, more straightforward interface that is easy to navigate. While not as visually rich as GitKraken, it provides a clear and functional environment for managing Git repositories. The interface is well-organized and provides quick access to essential Git operations.
Verdict: GitKraken's visually superior interface gives it the edge in this category.
GitKraken provides excellent support for Gitflow, a popular branching model for managing releases. Its built-in Gitflow tools simplify the process of creating, merging, and releasing features, making it easy to follow Gitflow best practices. The visual representation of the Gitflow workflow is particularly helpful.
Sourcetree offers decent Gitflow support, with tools for creating and managing Gitflow branches. However, its Gitflow integration is not as seamless or intuitive as GitKraken's, requiring more manual steps. Some users may find the lack of visual guidance to be a drawback.
Verdict: GitKraken's superior Gitflow integration makes it the winner for teams using this branching model.
GitKraken's interactive rebase feature is a standout, allowing users to easily manipulate commit history with a drag-and-drop interface. This makes it easy to squash commits, reorder commits, and edit commit messages, providing a high degree of control over project history. The visual nature of the tool greatly simplifies complex rebasing operations.
Sourcetree offers interactive rebase functionality, but it is not as intuitive or user-friendly as GitKraken's. The process requires more manual steps and is less visually guided, making it more challenging for novice users. Error handling during rebase operations can also be less informative.
Verdict: GitKraken's interactive rebase tool is more intuitive and powerful than Sourcetree's.
GitKraken is a cross-platform application that runs on Mac, Windows, and Linux, providing a consistent experience across all operating systems. This is a significant advantage for users who work across multiple platforms. The interface and features are identical on all operating systems.
Sourcetree is available for both Mac and Windows, but not Linux. While it covers the major desktop operating systems, the lack of Linux support may be a limitation for some users. The feature set is consistent across Mac and Windows versions.
Verdict: GitKraken's broader cross-platform support, including Linux, gives it an advantage.
GitKraken is a paid Git client with a subscription-based pricing model. While it offers a free trial, continued use requires a paid subscription, which can be a barrier for some users. The pricing tiers vary based on the number of users and features required. In 2026, subscription costs have remained relatively stable.
Sourcetree is a free Git client with no limitations on features or usage. This makes it an attractive option for individual developers, students, and budget-conscious users. There are no hidden costs or restrictions. In 2026, Sourcetree's free status remains a key selling point.
Verdict: Sourcetree's free pricing model makes it the clear winner in this category.
GitKraken provides good support for Git LFS, allowing users to manage large files in their repositories. However, some users have reported occasional issues with LFS integration, particularly with very large files. Configuration is generally straightforward.
Sourcetree also offers support for Git LFS, enabling users to manage large files effectively. Performance with LFS is generally reliable, although some users have experienced slowdowns with extremely large repositories. Configuration is relatively simple.
Verdict: Both GitKraken and Sourcetree offer comparable Git LFS support.
GitKraken excels in branch management, offering a visually intuitive way to create, switch, and merge branches. The drag-and-drop interface simplifies complex operations and the ability to visualize the branch structure is a significant advantage. Conflict resolution is also well-integrated into the branch management workflow.
Sourcetree provides solid branch management capabilities, allowing users to easily create, switch, and merge branches. The interface is functional but not as visually appealing as GitKraken. Conflict resolution is handled adequately, but may require more manual steps.
Verdict: GitKraken's visually intuitive branch management features offer a superior user experience.
For freelance developers managing small to medium-sized projects, Sourcetree offers all the necessary Git functionality without any cost.
Enterprise teams needing robust collaboration features, Gitflow support, and integrations with hosting services will benefit from GitKraken.
Students learning Git will find Sourcetree's simple interface and free pricing model to be ideal for educational purposes.
For contributing to open-source projects, Sourcetree provides essential Git functionality without requiring a paid subscription.
Mobile developers often work on large, complex projects, making GitKraken's visual interface and advanced features beneficial for managing code.
Both GitKraken and Sourcetree are suitable for web development, depending on the complexity of the project and the team's budget.
Migrating from GitKraken to Sourcetree involves exporting repository settings and importing them into Sourcetree. Users should familiarize themselves with Sourcetree's interface and Gitflow implementation. Feature parity may not be exact, so some workflow adjustments may be necessary. Ensure all team members are trained on Sourcetree's specific features.
Migrating from Sourcetree to GitKraken involves importing repository settings and exploring GitKraken's visual interface and advanced features. Gitflow integration and interactive rebase will require some learning. Customizing the interface and exploring GitKraken's settings can optimize the user experience. Test all workflow steps in a staging environment.
Regardless of the migration direction, back up all repositories before making any changes. Communicate the migration plan to all team members and provide training on the new Git client. Test all critical workflows in a staging environment before deploying the changes to production.
Winner
Runner-up
GitKraken and Sourcetree both provide effective solutions for managing Git repositories, but they cater to different audiences. GitKraken is a premium tool for professional teams needing advanced features and a visual interface, while Sourcetree is a free and simple option for individual developers and students. The choice depends on budget, project complexity, and team requirements.
Bottom Line: Choose GitKraken for professional use and advanced features, or Sourcetree for a free and easy-to-use Git client.
Browse git clients apps, read our complete guide, or discover curated bundles.
Graphical user interfaces for managing Git repositories, offering visual tools for branching, merging, and conflict resolution.
Systems for tracking changes to source code and other files, enabling collaboration and preventing data loss.
Software and platforms that facilitate teamwork, communication, and code sharing among developers.
Last verified: Feb 15, 2026
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
Research queries: GitKraken vs Sourcetree 2026; Git GUI client comparison 2026; Best Git client for Mac 2026