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GitButler vs GitKraken

Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.

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GitButler
GitButlerA Git client built around virtual branches for managing multiple changes at once.
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GitKraken
GitKrakenCross-platform Git GUI client with a visual commit graph
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Overview
Description

GitButler is a desktop Git client, created by GitHub co-founder Scott Chacon, built around a concept called virtual branches. Instead of switching branches to work on separate changes, developers can keep several isolated in-progress branches active in the same working directory and commit to each independently before pushing. The app adds drag-and-drop commit editing, non-destructive undo and amend, and a companion command-line tool called 'but' for scripting virtual-branch workflows. GitButler's core desktop features are free and open source, with an optional GitButler Cloud subscription adding team collaboration features.

GitKraken is a Git client that helps developers manage their repositories with a visual interface. It provides a commit graph, allowing users to easily navigate and understand their code history.

Pricing
Freemium
Paid (Subscription)
Category
Version Control
Version Control
Best for
Developers managing multiple in-progress code changes at once
Developers and development teams
Specifications
deployment
Desktop App
Desktop App
open source
Yes
No
api available
No
No
support options
Documentation, GitHub Issues
Email, Documentation
key integrations
GitHub, GitLab
GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Virtual branches solve a real pain point of juggling multiple in-progress changes
  • Core client is free and open source
  • Built by an experienced Git tooling creator (GitHub co-founder)
  • Works with any existing Git remote, no special hosting required
  • User-friendly interface for Git commands and actions.
  • Visual commit graph makes it easy to understand code history.
  • Supports multiple operating systems and popular services.
  • Offers a free trial and subscription plans for individuals and teams.
Cons
  • Virtual branches are a different mental model that takes time to learn
  • Smaller community and ecosystem than established clients like Sourcetree or GitKraken
  • Team collaboration features require the paid Pro/Cloud tier
  • May have a learning curve for users unfamiliar with Git.
  • Some features may require a subscription.
  • Not suitable for very large or complex repositories.
Community & Metrics
Upvotes
0
0
User rating
Not enough data
Not enough data

More alternatives & similar tools

Alternatives to GitButler

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Sourcetree
Sourcetree

A free Git and Mercurial client that gives developers a visual way to manage repositories, branches, and commits.

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Fork
Fork

A fast and friendly Git client for Mac and Windows.

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Git Town
Git Town

A command-line tool that adds high-level Git commands for branching workflows like Git Flow and stacked changes.

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GitKraken
GitKraken

Cross-platform Git GUI client with a visual commit graph

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Alternatives to GitKraken

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GitHub Desktop
GitHub Desktop

A free graphical Git client for managing GitHub repositories without the command line.

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Fork
Fork

A fast and friendly Git client for Mac and Windows.

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Sourcetree
Sourcetree

A free Git and Mercurial client that gives developers a visual way to manage repositories, branches, and commits.

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GitButler
GitButler

A Git client built around virtual branches for managing multiple changes at once.

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The Verdict

AI-generated from listing data

GitButler offers a free, open‑source client focused on virtual branches for juggling many in‑progress changes, while GitKraken provides a polished, cross‑platform UI with visual commit graphs but requires a paid subscription for full features.

Key differences

  • •Virtual branch workflow (GitButler) vs. visual commit graph (GitKraken).
  • •Free, open‑source core (GitButler) vs. paid subscription model (GitKraken).
  • •GitButler’s AI‑assisted commit suggestions vs. GitKraken’s broader OS support and UI customization.
  • •GitButler integrates only with GitHub/GitLab; GitKraken adds Bitbucket integration.
  • •Collaboration features (team tier) are only in GitButler Pro/Cloud and GitKraken paid plans.
DimensionWinner

Pricing & value

GitButler’s core desktop app is free and open‑source; GitKraken requires a subscription for full use.

GitButler

Ease of use / learning curve

GitKraken’s UI is described as user‑friendly and visual; GitButler’s virtual‑branch model adds mental overhead.

GitKraken

Features & depth

GitButler adds unique virtual branches, drag‑and‑drop file moves, AI suggestions, and a companion CLI.

GitButler

Integrations & ecosystem

GitKraken supports GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket; GitButler supports only GitHub and GitLab.

GitKraken

Collaboration

Both require paid tiers for team‑focused collaboration features.

Tie

Support

GitKraken offers email support; GitButler provides only documentation and GitHub Issues.

GitKraken

Scalability

GitKraken notes limitations on very large repositories; GitButler has no specified scalability constraints.

GitKraken

Choose GitButler if…

Solo developers or small teams needing free, open‑source tooling for complex multi‑branch workflows.

Choose GitKraken if…

Teams that prioritize a polished UI, broad service integrations, and are willing to pay for support.

Common questions

Is there any cost to start using GitButler?

GitButler’s core desktop app is free and open‑source; paid tiers are only for Pro/Cloud collaboration features.

Can I manage Bitbucket repositories with GitButler?

No; GitButler lists integrations only for GitHub and GitLab, while GitKraken includes Bitbucket.

Which tool offers a visual representation of commit history?

GitKraken provides a visual commit graph; GitButler does not mention a visual graph feature.