Link copied to clipboard # GitKraken Desktop vs GitLens Comparison - What are their main differences? Share [ Export ](/compare/axosoft-gitkraken-desktop/gitlens/export.csv) GitKraken DesktopGitLens[+ Add Product](#) Reviews **GitKraken Desktop** [ 4.5/5(202) ](https://www.g2.com/products/axosoft-gitkraken-desktop/reviews#reviews) **GitLens** [ 4.7/5(28) ](https://www.g2.com/products/gitlens/reviews#reviews) Pricing **GitKraken Desktop** Free Trial No pricing available **GitLens** Free Trial No pricing available **Pricing Insights** from reviews Time to Implement **GitKraken Desktop** 1 month Based on 12 responses **GitLens** Not enough reviews yet Return on Investment **GitKraken Desktop** 13 months Based on 7 responses **GitLens** Not enough reviews yet Perceived Cost **GitKraken Desktop** $$$$$ **GitLens** Not enough reviews yet Average Discount **GitKraken Desktop** Not enough reviews yet **GitLens** Not enough reviews yet Pros & Cons **GitKraken Desktop** Not enough data **GitLens** Not enough data Integrations **GitKraken Desktop** [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_8ec3c17e3fb1df25b6a8bd7cc69cf2d1/github.png "Product Avatar Image") GitHub ](https://www.g2.com/products/github/reviews)[ View all ](https://www.g2.com/products/axosoft-gitkraken-desktop/integrations) **GitLens** [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_8ec3c17e3fb1df25b6a8bd7cc69cf2d1/github.png "Product Avatar Image") GitHub ](https://www.g2.com/products/github/reviews)[ View all ](https://www.g2.com/products/gitlens/integrations) Screenshots **GitKraken Desktop** ![GitKraken Desktop screenshot](https://images.g2crowd.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=600,height=600,fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,/https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/attachment/file/196814/GitKraken-Client-screenshot-1.png) **GitLens** ![GitLens screenshot](https://images.g2crowd.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=600,height=600,fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,/https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/attachment/file/205697/GitLens-Line-Blame-Annotations.png) Ratings Meets Requirements **GitKraken Desktop** 9.1 9.1143 **GitLens** 9.5 9.519 Ease of Use **GitKraken Desktop** 9.0 9.0144 **GitLens** 9.3 9.319 Ease of Setup **GitKraken Desktop** 9.3 9.331 **GitLens** 9.3 9.37 Ease of Admin **GitKraken Desktop** 8.5 8.525 **GitLens** Not enough data Quality of Support **GitKraken Desktop** 8.2 8.297 **GitLens** 9.2 9.213 Has the product been a good partner in doing business? **GitKraken Desktop** 9.3 9.318 **GitLens** Not enough data Product Direction (% positive) **GitKraken Desktop** 8.5 8.5133 **GitLens** 8.5 8.516 User Insights Reviewers' Company Size [![GitKraken Desktop](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_273796fca8debefcf574f9a9c1b4926f/axosoft-gitkraken-desktop.png "GitKraken Desktop")](https://www.g2.com/products/axosoft-gitkraken-desktop/reviews) GitKraken Desktop Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 55.9% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 32.3% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 11.8% [![GitLens](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_983ea0f4e4326954b81dfaead2c0f6f6/gitlens.png "GitLens")](https://www.g2.com/products/gitlens/reviews) GitLens Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 35.7% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 46.4% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 17.9% Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 55.9% 35.7% Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) 32.3% 46.4% Enterprise (\> 1000 emp.) 11.8% 17.9% Reviewers' Industry [![GitKraken Desktop](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_273796fca8debefcf574f9a9c1b4926f/axosoft-gitkraken-desktop.png "GitKraken Desktop")](https://www.g2.com/products/axosoft-gitkraken-desktop/reviews) GitKraken Desktop Computer Software 45.4% Information Technology and Services 13.4% Program Development 4.6% Telecommunications 2.6% Retail 2.6% Other 31.4% [![GitLens](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_983ea0f4e4326954b81dfaead2c0f6f6/gitlens.png "GitLens")](https://www.g2.com/products/gitlens/reviews) GitLens Computer Software 42.9% Information Technology and Services 21.4% Logistics and Supply Chain 7.1% Staffing and Recruiting 3.6% Marketing and Advertising 3.6% Other 21.4% FAQs ## GitKraken Desktop vs GitLens FAQs Generated using AI Last updated: August 14, 2026 ### What is the difference between GitKraken Desktop vs GitLens? GitLens is distinguished by its higher G2 rating and stronger support satisfaction, while GitKraken Desktop is more widely reviewed and offers a highly visual interface. | [GitKraken Desktop](https://www.g2.com/products/axosoft-gitkraken-desktop/reviews) | [GitLens](https://www.g2.com/products/gitlens/reviews) | | --- | --- | | 4.5/5 (201 reviews) | 4.7/5 (28 reviews) | | Small-Business | Mid-Market | | 9.3 | 9.3 | | 8.2 | 9.2 | | Visual commit graph and intuitive UI for managing branches and code reviews | Deep Git integration in VS Code with in-editor blame, commit graph, and AI-powered commit explanations | ### How do the pricing models of GitKraken Desktop and GitLens compare? GitLens is rated higher for value, with a stronger Price/Cost satisfaction score than GitKraken Desktop. - **GitKraken Desktop:** In recent reviews, several users mention that while the free version is helpful, advanced features and private repository access require a paid plan, and some find the pricing confusing or a bit high for individual users. - **GitLens:** Reviewers highlight that GitLens is open source and free for core features, with some advanced features available in a paid tier, but overall sentiment is positive regarding value. - **Switching reasons:** Reviewers mention switching to GitLens for its integration with VS Code and strong free feature set, especially for developers already using that IDE. ### What are the best alternatives to GitKraken Desktop and GitLens? The top three alternatives to GitKraken Desktop and GitLens are SourceTree, Git Tower, and Google Cloud Source Repositories. | Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [GitKraken Desktop](https://www.g2.com/products/axosoft-gitkraken-desktop/reviews) | 4.5/5 (201) | Small-Business | Some reviewers find the paid tier necessary for private repos and advanced features | Visual commit graph and intuitive UI for managing branches and code reviews | | [GitLens](https://www.g2.com/products/gitlens/reviews) | 4.7/5 (28) | Mid-Market | Open source with strong free tier, paid features available | Deep Git integration in VS Code with in-editor blame and commit graph | | [SourceTree](https://www.g2.com/products/sourcetree/reviews) | 4.3/5 (376) | Small-Business | — | Popular for its graphical interface and ease of use for Git workflows | | [Git Tower](https://www.g2.com/products/git-tower/reviews) | 4.7/5 (191) | Small-Business | — | Highly rated for its intuitive design and powerful Git management features | | [Google Cloud Source Repositories](https://www.g2.com/products/google-cloud-source-repositories/reviews) | 4.3/5 (70) | Small-Business | — | Integrated with Google Cloud for scalable, cloud-based version control | ### Which Version Control Clients features should I prioritize when comparing GitKraken Desktop and GitLens? Buyers should prioritize visual commit history, integration with development environments, collaboration tools, AI-powered features, and ease of setup when comparing GitKraken Desktop and GitLens. - **Visual commit history:** GitKraken Desktop is frequently praised for its visual commit graph, while GitLens offers a commit graph UI within VS Code. - **Integration with development environments:** GitLens is tightly integrated with Visual Studio Code, while GitKraken Desktop is a standalone cross-platform client with integrations for major Git hosting services. - **Collaboration tools:** GitKraken Desktop provides real-time team activity and code review features; GitLens supports code review and merge conflict resolution within the IDE. - **AI-powered features:** Both products offer AI-assisted commit message generation and workflow enhancements. - **Ease of setup:** Both products score 9.3 for Ease of Setup, indicating strong reviewer satisfaction with initial implementation. ### What are the pros and cons of GitKraken Desktop vs GitLens? GitKraken Desktop's headline strength is its visual commit graph and intuitive UI, while GitLens excels in deep Git integration within Visual Studio Code. - **GitKraken Desktop strengths:** Visual commit graph, intuitive and modern UI, cross-platform support, integrated terminal, and strong onboarding for beginners. - **GitKraken Desktop trade-offs:** Reviewers note performance slowdowns with large repositories, resource-heavy usage, and advanced features locked behind a paid tier. - **GitLens strengths:** Deep integration with VS Code, in-editor blame and commit history, AI-powered commit explanations, and open-source core features. - **GitLens trade-offs:** Occasional lag with large repositories, some advanced features require a paid tier, and limited integration outside VS Code. ### Is GitKraken Desktop or GitLens better for small businesses? GitKraken Desktop is the stronger fit for small businesses, as it is most widely adopted in the Small-Business segment and receives positive sentiment from that group. - **GitKraken Desktop:** Largest segment is Small-Business, with reviewers highlighting its ease of use, onboarding benefits, and visual workflow improvements for small teams. - **GitLens:** Largest segment is Mid-Market, with reviewers noting its value for teams using Visual Studio Code, but less direct focus on small-business needs. ### Which Version Control Clients platform has better integrations? GitKraken Desktop is favored for integrations, with a higher volume of reviewer-cited integration mentions. - **GitKraken Desktop:** GitHub integration is cited in 52 reviews, with additional mentions of integrations for GitLab, Bitbucket, Trello, and Jira in recent reviews. - **GitLens:** GitHub integration is mentioned in 6 reviews, with reviewers emphasizing its deep integration within Visual Studio Code. ### How do GitKraken Desktop and GitLens compare on customer support? GitLens leads on Quality of Support, with a 1.0-point advantage over GitKraken Desktop (9.2 vs 8.2). - **GitKraken Desktop:** Reviewers describe support as responsive and helpful, though some mention occasional delays or resource issues. - **GitLens:** Reviewers consistently praise support quality, noting prompt responses and helpful guidance, especially for troubleshooting within VS Code. ### Which is easier to implement, GitKraken Desktop or GitLens? GitKraken Desktop and GitLens are rated equally for Ease of Setup, both scoring 9.3, indicating parity in implementation experience. - **GitKraken Desktop:** Reviewers highlight straightforward installation across platforms and quick onboarding for new users. - **GitLens:** Reviewers note easy installation as a VS Code extension and minimal setup required to access core features. Alternatives **GitKraken Desktop Alternatives** ![SourceTree](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_b1f814e77fa024a1cda6db2b78d03e57/sourcetree.png "SourceTree") [ SourceTree ](/products/sourcetree/reviews) ![Git Tower](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_d1ff5f5ca678d14d7cd6b8adbcf4bba3/git-tower.png "Git Tower") [ Git Tower ](/products/git-tower/reviews) ![Google Cloud Source Repositories](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_0c51d2c2e5f85fe45126eb818f748267/google-cloud-source-repositories.png "Google Cloud Source Repositories") [ Google Cloud Source... ](/products/google-cloud-source-repositories/reviews) ![Assembla](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1d549a45551f2aa9de1e6ce79757be82/assembla.svg "Assembla") [ Assembla ](/products/assembla/reviews) **GitLens Alternatives** ![SourceTree](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_b1f814e77fa024a1cda6db2b78d03e57/sourcetree.png "SourceTree") [ SourceTree ](/products/sourcetree/reviews) ![Git Tower](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_d1ff5f5ca678d14d7cd6b8adbcf4bba3/git-tower.png "Git Tower") [ Git Tower ](/products/git-tower/reviews) ![Assembla](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1d549a45551f2aa9de1e6ce79757be82/assembla.svg "Assembla") [ Assembla ](/products/assembla/reviews) ![Google Cloud Source Repositories](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_0c51d2c2e5f85fe45126eb818f748267/google-cloud-source-repositories.png "Google Cloud Source Repositories") [ Google Cloud Source... ](/products/google-cloud-source-repositories/reviews) ## GitKraken Desktop vs GitLens - Reviewers felt that GitLens meets the needs of their business better than GitKraken Desktop. - When comparing quality of ongoing product support, reviewers felt that GitLens is the preferred option. - When assessing product direction, GitKraken Desktop and GitLens received similar ratings from our reviewers.