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GitHub vs GitLab CE
Short answer: Pick GitHub if you want repository hosting with integrated CI/CD; pick GitLab CE if you want self-hosted Git hosting & CI/CD. GitHub has a free plan, paid from $4/month per user; GitLab CE has a free plan.
GitHubWhere developers host code, review pull requests and run CI
GitLab CEFree community edition of GitLab: Git hosting, CI/CD and issuesWhich to pick
Pick GitHub if you want…
- Repository hosting with integrated CI/CD
- Integrations with GitHub Actions, GitHub Copilot or GitHub Codespaces (on GitHub's list, not GitLab CE's)
Pick GitLab CE if you want…
- Self-hosted Git hosting & CI/CD
- All-in-one DevSecOps
- Open-source code (gitlabhq/gitlabhq on GitHub)
- Integrations with Linux, Docker or Kubernetes (on GitLab CE's list, not GitHub's)
Side by side
- What it is
- GitHub:GitHub is a platform for hosting code repositories, collaborating via pull requests, and automating CI/CD pipelines.
- GitLab CE:GitLab CE is a free self-hosted platform for Git repository hosting, CI/CD pipelines, and issue tracking.
- Best for
- GitHub:Repository hosting with integrated CI/CD
- GitLab CE:Self-hosted Git hosting & CI/CD
- Who it’s for
- GitHub:Developers, teams, and enterprises needing version control and DevOps tools
- GitLab CE:Teams that need a self-managed DevSecOps solution with full control over data and infrastructure.
- Pricing
- GitHub:Freemium
- GitLab CE:Freemium
- Starting price
- GitHub:$4/month per user (Team)
- GitLab CE:—
- Free plan or trial
- GitHub:Free plan (Free) · Free trial
- GitLab CE:Free plan (Free)
- Plans
- GitHub:Free $0 USD · Team $4 USD per user / month per month · Enterprise $21 USD per user / month per month
- GitLab CE:Free $0 per user/month · Premium $29 per user/month, billed annuall
- Open source
- GitHub:—
- GitLab CE:Yes, 24,556 GitHub stars
- Works with
- GitHub:GitHub Actions, GitHub Copilot, GitHub Codespaces, Dependabot
- GitLab CE:Linux, Docker, Kubernetes, Helm Chart, GitLab Operator, AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform
GitHub features
- Unlimited repositories. Host unlimited public and private repositories with Git.
- Pull request reviews. Collaborate on code changes with reviews, approvals, and automated status checks.
- GitHub Actions. Automate builds, tests, and deployments with CI/CD workflows.
- Dependabot security. Automatically receive security and version updates for dependencies.
- Codespaces. Spin up cloud development environments instantly for any project.
- Copilot AI assistance. Get AI-generated code suggestions and automated fixes directly in the IDE.
GitLab CE features
- Git repository hosting. Provides Git version control with web UI, merge requests and access controls.
- Built-in CI/CD. Runs automated pipelines directly in the platform without external tools.
- Issue & project management. Tracks work items, milestones, epics and integrates agile planning features.
- Security scanning. Offers SAST, DAST, container scanning and secret detection across all tiers.
- AI code assistance. GitLab Duo Agent Platform delivers AI code suggestions and chat in the IDE.
- Flexible deployment options. Install via Docker, Helm, Linux packages, Kubernetes operator or reference architectures.
GitHub vs GitLab CE FAQ
What is the difference between GitHub and GitLab CE?+
GitLab offers similar Git hosting, CI/CD, and security but is a separate platform; GitHub has a larger community and integrated Copilot AI.
Should I use GitHub or GitLab CE?+
Pick GitHub if you want repository hosting with integrated CI/CD or integrations with GitHub Actions, GitHub Copilot or GitHub Codespaces (on GitHub's list, not GitLab CE's). Pick GitLab CE if you want self-hosted Git hosting & CI/CD, all-in-one DevSecOps or open-source code (gitlabhq/gitlabhq on GitHub).
Is GitHub or GitLab CE free?+
GitHub has a free plan; paid plans start at $4/month per user (Team). GitLab CE has a free plan and paid plans.
Is GitHub or GitLab CE open source?+
GitLab CE is open source (gitlabhq/gitlabhq on GitHub). DevHunt has no public source repository on record for GitHub.
Do GitHub and GitLab CE integrate with the same tools?+
Their integration lists don't overlap: GitHub lists GitHub Actions, GitHub Copilot, GitHub Codespaces and Dependabot; GitLab CE lists Linux, Docker, Kubernetes, Helm Chart and 4 more.
On DevHunt
Based on each tool's website and DevHunt data. Details may change; check the official sites.