Comparison
GitHub vs GitLab
Overview
GitHub is the world's largest platform for hosting and collaborating on code with Git. It combines repositories, pull requests, Actions CI/CD, Packages, Issues and Copilot AI into a single developer platform used by individuals and enterprises alike.
GitLab is an all-in-one DevSecOps platform covering the full software lifecycle in a single application — source control, built-in CI/CD, security scanning, package registry and project planning. It is available as SaaS or fully self-managed.
Which should you choose?
GitHub is the largest Git hosting ecosystem, freemium from free to $21/month Enterprise, with Copilot AI and advanced security built in. GitLab positions itself as a comprehensive AI-powered DevSecOps platform with built-in CI/CD and security/compliance scanning in every tier, freemium to $29/month Premium, and supports self-managed deployment. Choose GitHub for the largest ecosystem and community; choose GitLab if built-in DevSecOps (CI/CD plus security scanning) in one platform, or self-managed deployment, matters most.
TLDR
- —If you want the largest Git hosting ecosystem and community, choose GitHub.
- —If you want built-in DevSecOps — CI/CD plus security scanning — in one self-manageable platform, choose GitLab.
Features
- —Git repository hosting
- —Pull requests and code review
- —GitHub Actions CI/CD
- —Issues and Projects
- —Packages and Container Registry
- —Copilot AI and advanced security
- —Git repository hosting
- —Built-in CI/CD pipelines
- —Security and compliance scanning (DevSecOps)
- —Issue boards and planning
- —Container and package registry
- —Self-managed or SaaS deployment
Pricing
GitHub
| Plan | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Free | Unlimited repos, basic Actions minutes. |
| Team | $4/mo | Per user/month. |
| Enterprise | $21/mo | Per user/month, advanced security. |
GitLab
| Plan | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Free | Core source control and CI/CD. |
| Premium | $29/mo | Per user/month. |
| Ultimate | Contact sales | Advanced security and compliance. |
Company Fit
GitHub
GitLab