17 Best Git Alternatives Reviewed In 2025
Best Git Alternatives Shortlist
Here’s my shortlist of the best Git alternatives:
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
If Git's complexity is causing headaches for your team, you're not alone. Many tech experts face challenges with Git's steep learning curve and intricate commands.
You're likely seeking a Distributed Version Control System (DVCS) that fits your team's unique workflow and business needs. In my experience, alternative solutions can offer features like easier collaboration, better scalability, or specific industry compliance.
In this article, you'll find top picks that cater to various Git alternative needs, whether it's simplifying processes or enhancing team productivity. Let's explore options that might better align with what you're looking for.
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With one-on-one help, we guide you to your top software options. Narrow down your software search & make a confident choice.
What Is Git?
Git is a Distributed Version Control System (DVCS) that tracks changes in source code during software development. It's widely used by developers, software engineers, and IT professionals who need to manage and collaborate on code efficiently.
Branching, merging, and version tracking features help collaborate, manage changes, and maintain code integrity. Git provides a reliable way to keep your team's projects organized and updated.
Why Look For A Git Alternative?
While Git is a good choice for the Distributed Version Control System (DVCS), there are several reasons why some users seek out alternative solutions. You might be looking for a Git alternative because:
- It's too complex for new team members
- You need better support for large files
- Your team requires a simpler UI
- You need better integration with legacy systems
- Your project demands centralized control
- You're looking for better compliance features
If any of these sound like you, you’ve come to the right place. My list contains several Distributed Version Control System (DVCS) options better suited for teams facing these challenges with Git and looking for alternative solutions.
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Best Git Alternatives Summary
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top Git alternative selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Fossil SCM Fossil is a DVCS for source code, project tracking, and documentation. | Best for integrated project management | Not available | Free, open-source software | Website |
| 2 |  Perforce Helix Core Perforce Helix Core is a VCS for enterprises managing large codebases and multimedia assets. | Best for large file handling | Free demo available | Free plan available | Website |
| 3 |  Plastic SCM Plastic SCM is a VCS for collaborative teams needing advanced branching and merging. | Best for game development | Not available | From $9/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| 4 |  TeamForge TeamForge is an ALM platform for enterprises needing governance and compliance tools. | Best for governance and compliance | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website |
| 5 |  Mercurial Mercurial is a DVCS for simple, intuitive code management by developers and teams. | Best for easy learning curve | Not available | Free to use | Website |
| 6 |  CVS CVS is a VCS for managing legacy code and supporting older software projects. | Best for legacy system compatibility | Not available | Free to use | Website |
| 7 |  Radicle Radicle is a P2P VCS for decentralized, private, and autonomous code collaboration. | Best for decentralized collaboration | Not available | Free to use | Website |
| 8 |  OpenText AccuRev OpenText AccuRev is a VCS for enterprises managing complex workflows and large teams. | Best for complex workflows | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website |
| 9 |  SourceGear Vault SourceGear Vault is a VCS for teams moving from Visual SourceSafe to secure management. | Best for Visual SourceSafe users | Free trial available | From $70/user (billed annually) | Website |
| 10 |  GitLab GitLab is a DevOps platform for code, CI/CD, and security in a unified workflow. | Best for integrated DevSecOps | Free plan available | From $29/user/month | Website |
Best Git Alternatives Reviews
Below are my detailed summaries of the best Git alternatives that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a detailed look at the key features, pros & cons, integrations, and ideal use cases of each tool to help you find the best one for you.
Fossil is a Distributed Version Control System designed for developers needing a comprehensive tool for source code management, project tracking, and documentation. It's favored by small to medium-sized development teams looking for a unified platform to manage their projects efficiently.
Why it's a good Git alternative: It offers integrated project management features that Git doesn't provide. Its built-in wiki and bug-tracking system make it easier for your team to manage projects without additional tools. Fossil's self-contained nature means you get a complete project ecosystem that includes version control, issue tracking, and documentation all in one place. This can help streamline project workflows and reduce the need for multiple software solutions.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a built-in web interface that allows your team to manage repositories directly from a browser. Fossil also provides automatic sync, which ensures all team members have the latest updates. Its single-binary distribution simplifies installation and maintenance for you and your team.
Integrations include GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, Jenkins, and Travis CI.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Automatic sync feature
- Built-in web interface
- Integrated project management tools
Cons:
- Not ideal for large enterprise needs
- Fewer plugins available
Perforce Helix Core is a version control system tailored for enterprises dealing with large codebases and files. It's used by teams in industries like gaming and multimedia, where managing large assets efficiently is essential.
Why it's a good Git alternative: It excels in handling large files, a task where Git often struggles. Its architecture supports high-performance parallel development, ensuring your team can work on complex projects without slowdowns. The tool's centralized server model provides robust data management, essential for maintaining code integrity and speed. With its superior scalability, Helix Core seamlessly supports large teams and extensive projects.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include advanced branching and merging capabilities, which allow your team to manage code changes effectively. Helix Core's security controls ensure that your data is protected and access is well-regulated. Its versioning system provides detailed tracking of changes, helping maintain a clear project development history.
Integrations include Jenkins, Jira, Unity, Unreal Engine, Eclipse, Visual Studio, Slack, Microsoft Teams, Docker, and Kubernetes.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports extensive projects
- High-performance parallel development
- Handles large files efficiently
Cons:
- Fewer available plugins
- Complex setup process
Plastic SCM is a version control system tailored for developers working in game development and other industries requiring intense collaboration. It serves teams that need advanced branching and merging capabilities to manage complex projects.
Why it's a good Git alternative: Plastic SCM excels in handling large binaries and complex branching, making it ideal for game development. Its graphical user interface simplifies visualizing and managing branches for your team. The tool's ability to handle large files efficiently sets it apart from Git, which can struggle in this area. Plastic SCM's focus on performance and scalability ensures it supports growing projects without hiccups.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include distributed and centralized workflows, giving your team flexibility in managing projects. Plastic SCM also provides a built-in code review system, encouraging collaboration. Its semantic merge feature helps resolve code conflicts intelligently, saving time and reducing errors.
Integrations include Unity, Unreal Engine, Jenkins, Jira, Bamboo, TeamCity, GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, and Azure DevOps.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Graphical user interface
- Advanced branching features
- Handles large binaries well
Cons:
- Complex setup process
- Requires more resources
TeamForge by Digital.ai is an enterprise-grade application lifecycle management (ALM) platform for large organizations needing comprehensive governance and compliance features. It serves teams that require robust oversight and management of their software development processes.
Why it's a good Git alternative: TeamForge offers governance and compliance features that Git lacks, making it ideal for industries with strict regulatory requirements. Its centralized control allows your team to manage permissions and track changes efficiently. With its integrated application lifecycle management capabilities, TeamForge supports end-to-end project management. The platform's audit and reporting tools help ensure compliance with industry standards.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include advanced project tracking, helping your team stay on top of tasks and milestones. TeamForge's collaboration tools foster communication and coordination across departments. Its customizable dashboards provide insights into project performance, enabling data-driven decision-making.
Integrations include Jenkins, Jira, Git, Subversion, Eclipse, IntelliJ IDEA, Visual Studio, Azure DevOps, and Slack.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Centralized control
- Supports compliance needs
- Strong governance features
Cons:
- Complex setup process
- Complex setup process
Mercurial is a Distributed Version Control System designed for developers who need a straightforward tool for managing code changes. It appeals to teams and individuals who appreciate a simple, intuitive approach to version control.
Why it's a good Git alternative: It offers an easy learning curve, making it a suitable choice for teams new to version control. Its user-friendly command structure allows your team to adopt it quickly without extensive training. Mercurial's consistent performance even with large projects ensures reliability for your development needs. With its built-in web interface, your team can easily manage repositories, enhancing productivity.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a consistent command set that simplifies the learning process for your team. Mercurial also efficiently handles large codebases, maintaining performance as projects grow. Its built-in web interface facilitates easy access and management of repositories, saving time and effort.
Integrations include Bitbucket, TortoiseHg, PyCharm, IntelliJ IDEA, Eclipse, Visual Studio, Jenkins, and Hudson.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Consistent commands
- Reliable performance
- Easy to learn
Cons:
- Fewer plugins available
- Smaller community support
CVS (Concurrent Versions System) is a version control system for developers and IT teams managing legacy codebases. Organizations often use it to maintain historical code and support older software projects.
Why it's a good Git alternative: It offers strong compatibility with legacy systems, making it a reliable choice for maintaining older codebases. Its ability to handle concurrent development lets your team work on the same project simultaneously without significant conflicts. The tool's straightforward versioning helps track changes over time, which is essential for long-term projects. CVS's simplicity reduces the learning curve, allowing teams to transition quickly.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a client-server architecture that allows your team to collaborate efficiently over a network. CVS also supports branching and merging, which are essential for managing different development lines. Additionally, its history tracking provides detailed records of changes, helping you keep a clear project history.
Integrations include Eclipse, Jenkins, Hudson, NetBeans, and IntelliJ IDEA.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Simple versioning system
- Supports concurrent development
- Compatible with legacy systems
Cons:
- Smaller support community
- Limited modern features
Radicle is a peer-to-peer version control system designed for developers seeking decentralized collaboration. It targets teams and individuals who value privacy and autonomy in their code management.
Why it's a good Git alternative: It provides a decentralized network, ensuring your team can collaborate without a central server. This setup enhances privacy, not relying on a third-party platform to host code. Radicle's peer-to-peer nature ensures that you have complete control over your data. The system's focus on decentralization means it aligns well with projects needing secure and independent version control.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include offline-first functionality, letting your team work without an internet connection. Radicle also offers cryptographic security, ensuring your data remains private and tamper-proof. Its intuitive interface makes it easier for your team to adapt and integrate into their workflow.
Integrations include Ethereum, IPFS, GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Enhanced privacy
- No central server needed
- Decentralized network
Cons:
- Fewer features than Git
- Limited community support
OpenText AccuRev is a version control system for enterprises with complex development workflows. It's designed for large teams that require advanced configuration and process management.
Why it's a good Git alternative: It provides advanced tools for managing complex workflows beyond Git's capabilities. Its stream-based architecture allows your team to handle multiple development lines efficiently. The tool's time-safe versioning ensures that changes are recorded accurately, vital for maintaining software integrity. With AccuRev's process automation, you can streamline development practices and boost productivity.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include stream-based development, which helps your team easily manage multiple branches. AccuRev also offers process automation, reducing manual tasks and errors. Its graphical user interface simplifies navigation and enhances user experience, making it easier for teams to adopt.
Integrations include Jenkins, Bamboo, Eclipse, Visual Studio, IntelliJ IDEA, Jira, GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, and Azure DevOps.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Time-safe versioning
- Stream-based architecture
- Handles complex workflows effectively
Cons:
- Requires substantial resources
- Steep learning curve
SourceGear Vault is a version control system for teams transitioning from Microsoft Visual SourceSafe. It caters to businesses needing a reliable and secure way to manage their code repositories.
Why it's a good Git alternative: SourceGear Vault offers seamless migration for teams moving from Visual SourceSafe, providing familiar tools and processes. Its robust security features ensure that your team's code remains protected. You can manage development tasks with integrated bug tracking without needing separate tools. The tool's ease of use helps your team adapt quickly, minimizing downtime during transitions.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include integrated project management, which lets your team track development tasks and milestones within the same platform. SourceGear Vault offers advanced security options, ensuring data integrity and access control. Its detailed history tracking provides insights into code changes, helping maintain a clear project record.
Integrations include Microsoft Visual Studio, Eclipse, Jenkins, TeamCity, CruiseControl.NET, FinalBuilder, and Nant.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Integrated bug tracking
- Strong security features
- Easy migration from SourceSafe
Cons:
- Smaller user community
- Limited modern features
GitLab is a comprehensive DevOps platform ideal for developers and IT teams seeking an all-in-one solution for code management, CI/CD, and security. Organizations widely use it to integrate development, security, and operations into a single workflow.
Why it's a good Git alternative: GitLab offers integrated DevSecOps features beyond Git's capabilities. It combines source code management with continuous integration and deployment, enhancing your team's productivity. GitLab's built-in security scanning tools help you identify and fix vulnerabilities early in development. This integration ensures your team can manage the entire application lifecycle in one place, minimizing the need for multiple tools.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include issue tracking, which allows your team to manage bugs and tasks effectively. GitLab offers a robust CI/CD pipeline, enabling automated testing and deployment. Its container registry supports storing and managing Docker images, enhancing the development workflow.
Integrations include Slack, Jira, Jenkins, Kubernetes, Prometheus, Slack, Microsoft Teams, Bitbucket, GitHub, and Visual Studio.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports entire DevOps lifecycle
- Comprehensive CI/CD features
- Integrated security scanning
Cons:
- Steep learning curve
- Requires technical expertise
Other Git Alternatives
Here are some additional Git alternatives that didn’t make it onto my shortlist but are still worth checking out.
Related Reviews
If you still haven’t found what you’re looking for here, check out these other tools that we’ve tested and evaluated:
Git Alternatives Selection Criteria
When selecting the best Git alternatives in this list, I considered everyday buyer needs and pain points related to Distributed Version Control System (DVCS) products, like handling large files and simplifying complex branching. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair.
Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these everyday use cases:
- Manage source code versions
- Support branching and merging
- Track changes and history
- Enable collaboration among developers
- Provide conflict resolution tools
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- Handle large binaries efficiently
- Offer decentralized version control
- Provide built-in project management tools
- Include advanced security features
- Support integration with DevOps tools
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Intuitive user interface
- Easy navigation and access
- Minimal learning curve
- Availability of user guides
- Customizable settings
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:
- Availability of training videos
- Interactive product tours
- Access to templates and resources
- Support for data migration
- Webinars and live demos
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- Availability of 24/7 support
- Access to live chat and phone support
- Comprehensive knowledge base
- Response time to inquiries
- Availability of community forums
Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Pricing transparency
- Availability of free trials
- Flexibility in pricing plans
- Features included in basic plans
- Cost-effectiveness for team size
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- General satisfaction ratings
- Feedback on reliability and performance
- Comments on ease of use
- Reports on customer support experiences
- Value for money insights
Git Key Features
Here are some of the key features of Git to help you contrast and compare what alternative solutions offer.
- Version control: Git helps your team track changes in code, allowing you to revert to previous versions when needed.
- Branching and merging: You can create branches to work on features independently and merge them seamlessly when ready.
- Distributed system: Git lets every developer have a local copy of the entire project so your team can work offline and sync changes later.
- Commit history: Git records a history of commits, helping you and your team understand what changes were made and why.
- Collaboration: With Git, your team can collaborate on projects efficiently by sharing changes through a central repository.
- Staging area: Git's staging area allows you to prepare a set of changes before committing them, giving you more control over the commit history.
- Open source: Git is open source, which means it's free to use, and you can customize it to fit your team's needs.
- Security: Git uses cryptographic methods to secure your data, ensuring that changes are tracked accurately.
- Performance: Git handles large projects and codebases efficiently, so your team won’t face slowdowns.
- Compatibility: Git works with various tools and platforms, making integrating into your existing workflow easy.
- Linux compatibility: Git is natively supported on Linux, making it a preferred choice for many developers working in open-source environments.
- Git repository management: Git allows you to manage repositories with granular access controls, web-based interfaces, and self-hosted options.
- Self-hosted options: Git can be self-hosted with tools like Gitea, GitLab, and Atlassian Bitbucket, providing complete control over repositories.
- Source control flexibility: Git supports various workflows, including centralized and decentralized version control.
- SVN compatibility: Git includes tools to facilitate migration from Subversion (SVN), making it easier for teams to transition.
- API integrations: Git offers API support for automation, integrations, and custom development.
- AWS support: Git repositories can be hosted on AWS CodeCommit, providing scalable, managed source control in the cloud.
- Command-line efficiency: Git’s interface allows advanced users to execute complex tasks efficiently.
- Frontend integration: Git integrates with frontend development workflows, enabling UI and design assets version control.
- Open-source projects: Git powers many open-source projects, including those hosted on GitHub, GitLab, and SourceForge.
- Pull requests: Git supports pull requests and code review workflows, making collaboration and quality control more manageable.
- Use Git for diverse projects: Git is used by programmers, DevOps teams, and open-source contributors across industries.
- Authentication and access control: Git supports SSH, HTTPS, and OAuth authentication for secure repository access.
- GitHub alternatives: GitLab, Gitea, and Bitbucket provide Git-based solutions for teams looking beyond GitHub.
- Python and Rust compatibility: Git is widely used in Python and Rust development workflows for managing codebases.
- Rebase functionality: Git supports rebasing, allowing for cleaner commit histories by rearranging changes before merging.
- Large repositories handling: Git can handle large repositories efficiently with optimizations like Git LFS (Large File Storage).
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