GitHub vs GitLab: Complete Comparison (2026)

Updated: March 7, 20268 min read
🐙
GitHub
Developer Tools
96
ToolScout Score
RECOMMENDED
VS
🦊
GitLab
Developer Tools
90
ToolScout Score

Quick Comparison

GitHub
GitLab
Starting Price
$4/user/mo
$29/user/mo
Free Plan
Yes
Yes
Users
100M+
30M+
Founded
2008
2011
Rating
4.8/5
4.5/5
Best For
Every software development team hosting and collab...
Enterprises wanting a self-hosted, complete DevSec...

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

GitHubGitLab
98Ease of Use92
99Features94
99Value for Money94
91Customer Support85
93Integrations87
94Mobile App88
AI Verdict

GitHub leads with a ToolScout Score of 96 vs 90 for GitLab. GitHub is best suited for Every software development team hosting and collaborating on code, while GitLab excels for Enterprises wanting a self-hosted, complete DevSecOps platform. Both are strong options in the Developer Tools space.

CHOOSE GITHUB IF:

Every software development team hosting and collaborating on code.

CHOOSE GITLAB IF:

Enterprises wanting a self-hosted, complete DevSecOps platform.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is GitHub better than GitLab?
GitHub scores 96/100 on ToolScout compared to GitLab's 90/100. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs. GitHub is best for Every software development team hosting and collaborating on code. GitLab is best for Enterprises wanting a self-hosted, complete DevSecOps platform.
Does GitHub have a free plan?
Yes, GitHub offers a free plan. Paid plans start from $4/user/mo.
Does GitLab have a free plan?
Yes, GitLab offers a free plan. Paid plans start from $29/user/mo.
Can I migrate from GitHub to GitLab?
Migration between GitHub and GitLab 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.