The ‘A-List’: Guide to the 12 Best GitLab Alternatives To Try in 2024
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12 Best GitLab Alternative Shortlist
After thoroughly evaluating countless tools, I've handpicked 12 stellar GitLab alternatives:
- GitHub - Best for large open-source projects with comprehensive community support
- Bitbucket - Best for seamless integration with Atlassian's software suite
- Jenkins - Best for continuous integration and highly customizable build pipelines
- Jira - Best for agile project management and bug tracking
- Azure DevOps - Best for Microsoft-heavy environments seeking end-to-end DevOps solutions
- Bamboo - Best for continuous integration and delivery in Atlassian ecosystems
- SourceForge - Best for hosting both dynamic and static repositories
- TeamCity - Best for developers seeking out-of-the-box continuous integration
- Travis CI - Best for open-source projects needing multi-language support
- CircleCI - Best for continuous integration and delivery in cloud environments
- AWS CodeCommit - Best for AWS users seeking tight integration with their infrastructure
- Mercurial - Best for large codebases due to its superior performance and speed
As a developer who frequently interacts with various operating systems like Linux and macOS, I understand the importance of selecting a suitable GitLab alternative for managing your codebases. It's crucial to consider factors such as user authentication, availability of templates, and real-time collaboration features for team members.
These tools eliminate the complexities associated with version control and project management, allowing you to focus more on coding and less on administrative tasks.
What Is a GitLab Alternative?
A GitLab alternative is a different software tool or platform that individuals, teams, or organizations use for tasks similar to those facilitated by GitLab. Such tasks typically include source code management, continuous integration and delivery, automated testing, and project management. Used by a spectrum of users ranging from independent developers to large-scale enterprises, these alternatives are sought when the features, interface, pricing, or specific toolsets of GitLab may not completely align with a user's unique needs or preferences.
These GitLab alternatives offer a diverse array of features, integrations, and customization options, ensuring that every user can find the tool that perfectly fits their development, collaboration, and project management requirements.
Overviews of the 12 Best GitLab Alternative
1. GitHub - Best for large open-source projects with comprehensive community support
GitHub is a well-renowned platform primarily used for version control and source code management. It serves as a collaborative hub for developers, allowing them to work on projects large and small, with a special emphasis on supporting open-source initiatives.
Why I Picked GitHub:
I selected GitHub for its broad reach and profound influence in the development community. Its support for open-source projects is unparalleled, offering a vast network for collaboration and knowledge exchange. This quality positions GitHub as the best choice for large open-source projects seeking comprehensive community support.
Standout features & integrations:
GitHub's features are numerous and designed with user productivity in mind. Notably, it provides built-in tools for project management, integrations for numerous third-party apps, and the GitHub Actions feature that supports the automation of software workflows. Additionally, the platform's “pull request” model is highly praised for code review and collaboration.
The strength of GitHub also lies in its integrations. Its seamless compatibility with popular tools like Slack, Trello, and Jenkins, among others, facilitates a more comprehensive and efficient workflow. Furthermore, its API allows custom integrations, ensuring flexibility for diverse project needs.
Pricing:
GitHub's pricing starts from $4/user/month (billed annually) for the Team plan, offering unlimited collaborators, advanced auditing, and secure deployment environments.
Pros:
- Strong support for open-source projects
- Comprehensive community for collaboration and learning
- Versatile integrations with third-party tools
Cons:
- Some advanced features are only available on higher-priced plans
- Can be complex for beginners
- Overwhelming interface due to extensive features
2. Bitbucket - Best for seamless integration with Atlassian's software suite
Bitbucket, another heavyweight in the realm of version control and source code management, is a robust solution by Atlassian. It's particularly known for how neatly it integrates with other tools within Atlassian's ecosystem, including Jira, Bamboo, and Confluence.
Why I Picked Bitbucket:
Bitbucket made the list owing to its effective integration capabilities, especially within the Atlassian family of products. This seamless connectivity creates a unified experience for users already invested in Atlassian's suite, setting Bitbucket apart from other alternatives. Consequently, Bitbucket shines as the best choice for teams seeking to make the most out of their Atlassian ecosystem.
Standout features & integrations:
Bitbucket brings forth an array of useful features, such as pull requests for code collaboration, built-in continuous delivery, and the ability to create multi-repository projects. It also offers a unique feature, Bitbucket Pipelines, which automates your build, test, and deploy processes in a straightforward configuration file.
When it comes to integrations, Bitbucket’s prime strength lies in its compatibility with Atlassian products such as Jira, Confluence, and Trello. Additionally, it offers integration with numerous other tools, including Slack, Jenkins, and Bamboo, thus enhancing its functionality and convenience for users.
Pricing:
Bitbucket’s pricing starts from $3/user/month for the Standard plan, providing features like smart mirroring, IP whitelisting, and required two-step verification.
Pros:
- Tight integration with Atlassian software suite
- Supports unlimited private repositories
- Comes with Bitbucket Pipelines for CI/CD
Cons:
- Limited functionality in free plan
- User interface can be a bit complex for new users
- Less community support compared to GitHub
3. Jenkins - Best for continuous integration and highly customizable build pipelines
Jenkins steps away from the traditional version control system role and plays the part of an automation server. Its primary function revolves around the concepts of continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD), thus easing the software development process. It's especially distinguished for its highly customizable build pipelines.
Why I Picked Jenkins:
My selection of Jenkins revolves around its robust functionality as an automation server. It's unique in the sense that it specializes in managing a variety of tasks for building, testing, and deploying software. This versatility, coupled with its highly customizable build pipelines, makes Jenkins the go-to option for teams seeking a solution tailored for CI/CD processes.
Standout features & integrations:
Jenkins excels in providing features that optimize CI/CD workflows. It offers the ability to distribute work across multiple machines, helping drive builds, tests, and deployments faster. Jenkins Pipeline, a suite of plugins, supports implementing and integrating continuous delivery pipelines into Jenkins.
Jenkins also shines with its wealth of integrations. It supports various version control tools like Git, Subversion, and Mercurial. Additionally, Jenkins can be integrated with testing and deployment technologies, making it a cohesive solution for the entire software lifecycle.
Pricing:
As an open-source tool, Jenkins is free to use, lowering the entry barrier for teams considering adopting automation into their software development processes.
Pros:
- Specializes in continuous integration and continuous delivery
- Highly customizable with plugins
- Distributed builds for faster delivery
Cons:
- Steep learning curve, especially for beginners
- Installation and setup can be challenging
- Requires manual configuration and maintenance
4. Jira - Best for agile project management and bug tracking
Jira, developed by Atlassian, provides a project management solution primarily focused on agile methodologies. With it, you can plan, track, and manage your agile software development projects from inception to completion. Its proficiency in agile project management and bug tracking makes it the ideal choice for development teams following Scrum, Kanban, or mixed methodologies.
Why I Picked Jira:
I picked Jira for its strong standing as an agile project management tool. It stands out from the rest due to its robust set of features geared towards catering to all needs of an agile team. The software's exceptional bug tracking features, coupled with its project management capabilities, make it an all-round tool that is best for teams seeking a comprehensive solution for their agile needs.
Standout features & integrations:
Jira offers rich functionality in planning, tracking, and releasing software. Its Scrum boards bring transparency into the development process, while Kanban boards provide visibility into what's next. Features like roadmaps, agile reporting, and custom filters further enhance its usability.
Jira also impresses with its integration capabilities. You can connect it with other Atlassian products like Confluence and Bitbucket, as well as popular tools like Slack, GitHub, and Jenkins, ensuring seamless information flow within your development environment.
Pricing:
Pricing starts from $7/user/month (min 2 users) for the Standard plan, making it a competitively priced option for small to mid-sized agile teams.
Pros:
- Excellent for agile project management and bug tracking
- Robust reporting and custom filters
- Broad integration capabilities
Cons:
- Might be overwhelming due to numerous features
- Customization can be complex for non-technical users
- The user interface could use some improvements
5. Azure DevOps - Best for Microsoft-heavy environments seeking end-to-end DevOps solutions
Azure DevOps, developed by Microsoft, provides a complete toolchain for developers working in Microsoft-centric environments. It includes a range of features, including source code repositories, automated builds, testing tools, and deployment pipelines. Given its full-fledged feature set and native integration with other Microsoft products, it is best for teams that are already heavily invested in the Microsoft ecosystem.
Why I Picked Azure DevOps:
I chose Azure DevOps due to its comprehensive suite of tools that offer end-to-end DevOps capabilities. Its depth of features for each phase of the DevOps lifecycle sets it apart. Specifically, it is best for Microsoft-heavy environments because it integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft tools and services, providing a unified workflow for teams that extensively use Microsoft technology stack.
Standout features & integrations:
Azure DevOps excels with features like Azure Boards for work tracking, Azure Repos for code hosting, Azure Pipelines for CI/CD, and Azure Test Plans for testing. Azure Artifacts for package management is another valuable feature that can simplify your DevOps process.
The integrations offered by Azure DevOps strengthen its appeal further. It integrates seamlessly with Microsoft’s ecosystem, including services like Azure Functions, Azure Kubernetes Service, and Azure Monitor. Additionally, it supports connections with popular third-party tools such as Jenkins, Jira, and Slack.
Pricing:
Azure DevOps pricing begins from $6/user/month for the first five users. Additional users beyond this initial quota have different pricing based on the range of features accessed.
Pros:
- Comprehensive DevOps solution within the Microsoft ecosystem
- Robust features for each phase of DevOps
- Wide-ranging integrations within Microsoft services and other popular tools
Cons:
- Can be complex to setup and configure
- Pricing can be unclear with the tiered user structure
- Non-Microsoft tool integrations could be smoother
6. Bamboo - Best for continuous integration and delivery in Atlassian ecosystems
Bamboo is Atlassian's continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD) solution, enabling automated builds, tests, and releases in a single workflow. It fits exceptionally well in organizations already using Atlassian's software suite, providing a unified, streamlined experience from coding to deployment.
Why I Picked Bamboo:
I picked Bamboo for this list due to its strength as a CI/CD tool, particularly within Atlassian ecosystems. What distinguishes Bamboo is its native integration with other Atlassian tools like Jira, Bitbucket, and Confluence, creating an efficient, cohesive environment for software development and delivery. I deem it best for Atlassian ecosystems because of the aforementioned integration capabilities, which amplify productivity and collaboration.
Standout features & integrations:
Bamboo offers powerful build and deployment features, including automated merging, deployment projects, and Docker capabilities. Furthermore, its built-in Git branching workflows and test quarantine functionality add depth to its feature set.
In terms of integrations, Bamboo seamlessly connects with other Atlassian tools. You can link Jira software issues to Bamboo deployments, view build statuses in Bitbucket, and document your deployment processes in Confluence. Besides, it offers integration with popular tools like AWS, Docker, and Git.
Pricing:
The pricing for Bamboo starts at $10 for the first ten jobs (billed annually). Note that this is a one-time payment, not per user/month, and it grants full access to Bamboo's features.
Pros:
- Comprehensive CI/CD features for Atlassian ecosystems
- Seamless integration with other Atlassian tools
- One-time payment for full feature access
Cons:
- Complexity increases with larger-scale projects
- Initial setup can be challenging
- Limited support for non-Atlassian tools integration
7. SourceForge - Best for hosting both dynamic and static repositories
SourceForge is a renowned web-based service that offers a place for open-source developers to share and collaborate on their projects. It provides a robust platform for hosting both dynamic and static repositories, and it's particularly suitable for this due to its solid reputation, extensive user base, and history of reliability.
Why I Picked SourceForge:
I selected SourceForge for this list primarily because it offers a comprehensive and reliable platform for hosting a wide range of repository types. Its longevity in the field and consistent performance differentiate it from many other repository hosting services. It's ideal for hosting both dynamic and static repositories because it's been designed with a flexible framework to accommodate a variety of project needs.
Standout features & integrations:
Key features of SourceForge include its version control systems, issue tracking, and Wiki access, all providing a well-rounded tool for project management. Additionally, it offers a robust platform for documentation and a vast repository for a wide array of open-source software.
SourceForge has integrations with multiple version control systems, including Git, Mercurial, and Subversion. It also connects well with several external services and tools, enhancing its utility and flexibility.
Pricing:
SourceForge offers its services free of charge for open-source projects. For private projects, the pricing starts from $3/user/month (billed annually).
Pros:
- Broad platform for open-source collaboration
- Support for multiple version control systems
- Extensive user base and community
Cons:
- Interface can be less modern compared to other platforms
- Private repository feature is not free
- Some users report slower speed in certain operations
8. TeamCity - Best for developers seeking out-of-the-box continuous integration
TeamCity, a product by JetBrains, is a powerful continuous integration (CI) server that allows developers to build, test, and deploy applications more efficiently. The tool is best suited for developers seeking out-of-the-box continuous integration due to its preconfigured build types, extensive integrations, and intuitive user interface.
Why I Picked TeamCity:
When choosing tools for continuous integration, I tend to look for those that offer seamless setup and powerful features. TeamCity caught my attention due to its exceptional out-of-the-box readiness for continuous integration workflows. Its array of preconfigured build types and robust support for different platforms and languages make it stand out.
Standout features & integrations:
TeamCity excels with features like build chains, which allow developers to break down their build process into multiple simple steps. It also has an excellent user interface that makes it easy to manage and visualize your build pipelines.
Notably, TeamCity integrates well with numerous systems and tools, including but not limited to, popular version control systems like Git and SVN, issue trackers like JIRA, and other CI/CD tools like Docker and Kubernetes.
Pricing:
TeamCity offers a free plan with limited features. However, for professional use with more extensive requirements, the pricing starts from $299/year for the first three build agents (billed annually).
Pros:
- Out-of-the-box readiness for continuous integration workflows
- Extensive integrations with popular tools and systems
- High degree of customization for build pipelines
Cons:
- Pricing can become steep as you add more build agents
- Initial configuration might be complex for newcomers
- The user interface, while comprehensive, can be overwhelming at first
9. Travis CI - Best for open-source projects needing multi-language support
Travis CI is a hosted, distributed continuous integration service utilized to build and test software projects hosted on GitHub. It's particularly suitable for open-source projects needing multi-language support, given its wide range of language runtimes and its integration with GitHub, where many open-source projects reside.
Why I Picked Travis CI:
I selected Travis CI primarily for its robust support of various programming languages. The tool distinguishes itself through this capability, making it a prime choice for open-source projects that require multi-language support.
Standout features & integrations:
Travis CI shines with its support for a plethora of programming languages such as Java, Python, Ruby, and more. The tool automatically detects and runs tests every time a commit is pushed to the repository, ensuring that every change is thoroughly checked.
In terms of integrations, Travis CI smoothly meshes with GitHub, allowing developers to sync their repositories and conduct automatic builds. Moreover, it offers integration with popular deployment platforms like Heroku, which makes the deployment process more streamlined.
Pricing:
While Travis CI provides a free tier for open-source projects, its paid plans for private repositories begin from $63/user/month (billed annually).
Pros:
- Excellent multi-language support
- Seamless integration with GitHub
- Automated build triggers on commits
Cons:
- Relatively high cost for private repositories
- Lacks enterprise features compared to some other CI tools
- Build customization can be complex for beginners
10. CircleCI - Best for continuous integration and delivery in cloud environments
CircleCI is a continuous integration and delivery platform that automates the software development process using CI/CD. Its robust nature makes it especially well-suited for cloud environments where speed, scalability, and reliability are crucial.
Why I Picked CircleCI:
In my assessment, CircleCI stood out due to its exceptional performance and scalability in cloud environments. These are attributes that I believe are critical for a robust CI/CD tool, and they particularly resonate in the context of cloud-based development.
Standout features & integrations:
Some of CircleCI's standout features include parallelism, which allows developers to split tests for quicker feedback, and automated branch merging to reduce manual work. Additionally, its orb feature lets teams package, share, and reuse configurations, which is particularly useful in managing complex projects.
When it comes to integrations, CircleCI provides compatibility with various tools like GitHub and Bitbucket. Furthermore, it integrates with popular services like AWS, Google Cloud, and Heroku, further strengthening its position as a powerful tool for cloud environments.
Pricing:
CircleCI's pricing begins from $30/month for the first three users (billed annually), with additional users costing extra.
Pros:
- Strong performance and scalability in cloud environments
- Excellent integration with popular services like AWS and Google Cloud
- Useful features like parallelism and orb packaging
Cons:
- Pricing can escalate with additional users
- Might be overkill for smaller, less complex projects
- Configuration can be somewhat complex for beginners
11. AWS CodeCommit - Best for AWS users seeking tight integration with their infrastructure
AWS CodeCommit is a fully-managed source control service that makes it easy for teams to host secure and highly scalable Git repositories. Given its seamless integration with the broader AWS ecosystem, it becomes particularly beneficial for developers already using AWS for their infrastructure.
Why I Picked AWS CodeCommit:
When it comes to picking AWS CodeCommit, the primary driver was its deep integration with the AWS infrastructure. It presents an added advantage for those already part of the AWS ecosystem. This harmony makes AWS CodeCommit an apt choice for AWS users seeking tight integration with their infrastructure.
Standout features & integrations:
AWS CodeCommit offers a robust set of features that includes secure storage for assets, collaboration functionalities, and automatic scaling to support the growth of your projects. It also provides triggers that can be used to automate workflows based on repository events.
Being part of the AWS suite, CodeCommit provides unmatched integration with other AWS services. For instance, it integrates seamlessly with AWS CodePipeline for continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD), AWS CodeBuild for compiling source code and running tests, and AWS CodeDeploy for automating software deployments.
Pricing:
The pricing for AWS CodeCommit starts from $1 per active user/month after the first five active users, which are free.
Pros:
- Deep integration with AWS services
- Offers a fully-managed source control service
- Provides triggers for automating workflows
Cons:
- Learning curve for users not familiar with AWS
- Cost can increase significantly with growing teams
- Less suited for teams not utilizing AWS for their infrastructure
12. Mercurial - Best for large codebases due to its superior performance and speed
Mercurial is a distributed revision control tool designed for handling large projects and codebases. Its emphasis on simplicity, performance, and scalability makes it a strong choice for organizations managing large codebases, where speed and efficiency are paramount.
Why I Picked Mercurial:
I selected Mercurial for this list due to its reputation for speed and high performance, even with sizeable codebases. This tool stands out because of its ability to handle large-scale projects without compromising on performance, rendering it my choice for organizations with large codebases seeking superior speed.
Standout features & integrations:
Mercurial shines with its easy-to-understand command set, powerful branching and merging capabilities, and excellent performance. It is designed to handle large projects that require high-speed processing and efficient data handling.
In terms of integrations, Mercurial is versatile. It can be used with various extensions and plugins to increase functionality, and it is compatible with many third-party tools like TortoiseHg, a Windows shell extension, and various IDE plugins for seamless development.
Pricing:
Mercurial is an open-source tool, and thus, it's free of charge.
Pros:
- Exceptional performance with large codebases
- Simple command set, making it easy to learn
- Broad integration capabilities with third-party tools
Cons:
- Less popular than other version control systems like Git
- Some users may find the extension system complex
- The tool may lack some advanced features found in commercial offerings
Other GitLab Alternative
Below is a list of additional GitLab alternatives that I shortlisted but did not make it to the top 12. Definitely worth checking them out.
- Subversion (SVN) - Good for teams seeking centralized version control
- Perforce - Good for enterprise-scale development projects with large file handling
- RhodeCode - Good for unified security and access control across multiple repositories
- Plastic SCM - Good for teams focusing on visual version control and branching
- Tuleap - Good for Agile development and open-source projects
- IBM Rational ClearCase - Good for parallel development with advanced branching capabilities
- Launchpad - Good for open-source projects requiring bug tracking
- Crucible (by Atlassian) - Good for teams wanting code review with Jira integration
Selection Criteria for GitLab Alternative
When deciding on the perfect version control software, there are a few key aspects to consider. With my experience as a software developer, I've tried and evaluated numerous version control tools. In this context, I was focusing on core functionality, key features, and usability.
Core Functionality:
A suitable version control tool should provide the following:
- Repository management: You should be able to create, manage, and delete repositories with ease.
- Branching and merging: The software should allow for the simple and efficient creation of branches and merging them back into the main code.
- Tracking changes: It is crucial for the tool to have the ability to record all changes and retrieve previous versions of files.
Key Features:
These features were important in my consideration of version control tools:
- Conflict resolution: A significant feature where the tool assists or automates resolving conflicts in code.
- Access control: The tool should support the management of permissions and access levels for security.
- Integration: The ability to integrate with other software development tools, such as IDEs, build servers, and bug trackers, is a major advantage.
Usability:
For usability, I looked for:
- Intuitive UI: The interface should make it easy to navigate through repositories, manage branches, view changes, and perform other actions.
- Documentation and support: Extensive and clear documentation is essential for understanding the capabilities of the tool and troubleshooting issues. Good customer support complements this.
- Onboarding: The learning curve of the tool shouldn't be steep. Tutorials or interactive guides for new users can be beneficial.
- Performance: The tool should handle large codebases and multiple users without significant performance degradation. This is particularly important for teams working on large, complex projects.
People Also Ask
What are the benefits of using GitLab alternatives?
GitLab alternatives often provide unique benefits such as:
- Variety of functionalities: Different tools cater to different needs, offering a range of features for various use cases.
- Specialization: Some alternatives focus on specific areas and provide superior features for those needs. For example, AWS CodeCommit is excellent for those already using AWS services.
- Ease of use: Some alternatives have more intuitive interfaces, which can improve productivity.
- Performance: Tools like Mercurial are known for their superior performance with large codebases.
- Pricing: Some alternatives may offer more cost-effective options or better pricing tiers for different team sizes.
How much do these GitLab alternative tools cost?
The cost of GitLab alternatives can vary significantly depending on the tool, size of the team, and the features you require. Typically, they operate on a per-user/month pricing model.
What are the pricing models for these tools?
Most of these tools follow a subscription-based pricing model, often with several tiers to cater to different team sizes and feature requirements. The tiers usually involve a per-user/month cost, and some offer discounts for annual commitments.
What is the typical range of pricing for these tools?
The typical range for these tools can start from as low as $10/user/month and go up to several hundred dollars per month for advanced enterprise features and larger team sizes.
Which are the cheapest and most expensive software options?
Subversion is one of the cheapest options as it is open-source and free to use. On the higher end, tools like Perforce can become quite expensive, especially for larger teams and advanced feature sets.
Are there any free GitLab alternative tools available?
Yes, some GitLab alternatives are free. Subversion (SVN) and Mercurial, for example, are open-source and free to use. However, they may lack some advanced features and support offered by paid tools.
Other GitLab Alternative Reviews
- Code Review Tools For Developers
- Code Analysis Tools
- Infrastructure As Code Tools
- Low-Code Platforms To Build Applications
Summary
In conclusion, selecting the best GitLab alternative comes down to understanding your specific needs and how different tools can address them. Tools such as GitHub, Bitbucket, and AWS CodeCommit, among others, offer a diverse range of features, pricing models, and unique selling propositions that cater to different use cases.
Key takeaways:
- Define Your Needs: Every tool has its strengths and weaknesses. The key is to clearly define your requirements and pick the tool that aligns with your team's needs the most, whether it's superior performance with large codebases, deep integration with existing infrastructure, or the best cloud-based continuous integration and delivery.
- Consider the Pricing Model: Costs can vary significantly across different GitLab alternatives. Some may offer competitive pricing tiers, while others might be open-source and free to use. Assess the tool's cost relative to the value it provides to your team.
- Evaluate Usability and Support: Aside from the tool's core functionality and key features, consider its usability. A tool with an intuitive interface can boost productivity. Also, the level of customer support offered, especially for paid tools, can be a critical factor in your decision-making process.
What do you think?
I hope this guide provides valuable insights to help you select the right GitLab alternative for your needs. However, the world of software development tools is vast and constantly evolving.
If you think I've missed a crucial tool that should be on this list, please feel free to suggest it. Your input can help other readers make a more informed decision. Thank you for your contributions!