GitLab vs Jenkins: Complete Comparison (2026)
Updated: March 7, 20268 min read
VS
Quick Comparison
GitLab
Jenkins
Starting Price
$29/user/mo
Free
Free Plan
Yes
Yes
Users
30M+
300K+ installations
Founded
2011
2011
Rating
4.5/5
4.3/5
Best For
Enterprises wanting a self-hosted, complete DevSec...
Teams wanting highly customizable, self-hosted CI/...
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
GitLabJenkins
92Ease of Use88
94Features90
94Value for Money90
85Customer Support81
87Integrations83
88Mobile App84
AI Verdict
GitLab leads with a ToolScout Score of 90 vs 86 for Jenkins. GitLab is best suited for Enterprises wanting a self-hosted, complete DevSecOps platform, while Jenkins excels for Teams wanting highly customizable, self-hosted CI/CD with vast plugin support. Both are strong options in the Developer Tools space.
CHOOSE GITLAB IF:
Enterprises wanting a self-hosted, complete DevSecOps platform.
CHOOSE JENKINS IF:
Teams wanting highly customizable, self-hosted CI/CD with vast plugin support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GitLab better than Jenkins?
GitLab scores 90/100 on ToolScout compared to Jenkins's 86/100. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs. GitLab is best for Enterprises wanting a self-hosted, complete DevSecOps platform. Jenkins is best for Teams wanting highly customizable, self-hosted CI/CD with vast plugin support.
Does GitLab have a free plan?
Yes, GitLab offers a free plan. Paid plans start from $29/user/mo.
Does Jenkins have a free plan?
Yes, Jenkins offers a free plan. Paid plans start from Free.
Can I migrate from GitLab to Jenkins?
Migration between GitLab and Jenkins depends on the specific features you use. Both tools are in the Developer Tools category. Check each tool's import/export options for data portability before switching.