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GitLab CI vs Jenkins

GitLab CI is part of the GitLab platform; Jenkins runs independently and supports any VCS.
GitLab CICI/CD pipelines built into GitLabJenkinsOpen-source automation server for CI/CD

Which to pick

Pick GitLab CI if you want…

  • Integrated CI/CD with governance and AI assistance
  • CI/CD within GitLab

Pick Jenkins if you want…

  • Extensible CI/CD automation server
  • A free, open-source tool

Side by side

What it is
GitLab CI:GitLab CI provides built-in CI/CD pipelines, security scanning, and AI-assisted automation within the GitLab platform.
Jenkins:Jenkins is an open-source automation server for building, testing and deploying software via CI/CD pipelines.
Best for
GitLab CI:Integrated CI/CD with governance and AI assistance
Jenkins:Extensible CI/CD automation server
Who it’s for
GitLab CI:Software teams that need integrated source control, CI/CD, and DevSecOps in one platform.
Jenkins:Developers and DevOps teams needing customizable CI/CD automation.
Pricing
GitLab CI:Freemium
Jenkins:Open source
Plans
GitLab CI:Free $0 per user/month · Premium $29 per user/month, billed annuall
Jenkins:—
Open source
GitLab CI:—
Jenkins:Yes, 26,610 GitHub stars
Works with
GitLab CI:—
Jenkins:Java, Windows, Linux, macOS, Unix

GitLab CI features

  • CI/CD Catalog. Reusable, versioned pipeline components reduce copy-pasting and keep pipelines up to date.
  • Component Analytics. Shows adoption and version usage of shared CI/CD components across projects.
  • Merge Trains & Parent-Child Pipelines. Automates merge sequencing and splits large pipelines for faster feedback.
  • Hosted Runners. Runs CI jobs without provisioning or maintaining your own infrastructure.
  • Security Scanning. Continuous vulnerability scanning, SAST, and compliance pipelines catch issues early.
  • AI Duo Agent Platform. AI explains failures, suggests fixes, and generates pipelines based on standards.

Jenkins features

  • Hundreds of plugins. Integrates with virtually any tool in the CI/CD toolchain through its plugin ecosystem.
  • Easy installation. Self-contained Java program with packages for Windows, Linux, macOS and Unix.
  • Web UI configuration. Set up and manage pipelines via a web interface with built-in help and error checks.
  • Distributed builds. Distribute work across multiple machines to speed up builds, tests and deployments.
  • Extensible architecture. Plugin-based design allows infinite customization and extension of functionality.
  • Community driven. Open-source project supported by a global community of contributors and users.

GitLab CI vs Jenkins FAQ

Is GitLab CI or Jenkins free?+

GitLab CI has a free plan and paid plans. Jenkins is free and open source.

Is GitLab CI or Jenkins open source?+

Jenkins is open source (jenkinsci/jenkins on GitHub, MIT license). DevHunt has no public source repository on record for GitLab CI.

On DevHunt

GitLab CI

Listed by DevHunt

GitLab CI on DevHunt →GitLab CI alternatives

Jenkins

Listed by DevHunt

Jenkins on DevHunt →Jenkins alternatives

Based on each tool's website and DevHunt data. Details may change; check the official sites.