GitComet

Overview

GitComet is a desktop Git client for Linux, macOS, and Windows, aimed at developers who want detailed staging and repository history tools without sending repositories to a service. Its free edition covers substantial local work; the Git 2.50 requirement and lack of Git LFS support narrow its fit.

Key features

Staging and unstaging files, hunks, or individual lines from the diff gutter gives developers precise control over commit contents, especially when unrelated edits share a file. Interactive rebase, cherry-pick, squash, revert, reset, and comparisons across commits, branches, tags, and the working tree make it useful for shaping and reviewing history, not just committing and pushing.

The merge tool automatically settles whitespace moves, one-sided edits, and duplicate changes before leaving remaining conflicts for the user. Branches, remotes, tags, worktrees, submodules, stashes, patches, blame, cloning, and configurable pull policies add breadth for people who want common repository work in one desktop app. That range does not extend to Git LFS, so repositories that depend on it call for another client.

Repositories stay on the user's machine, with no account, synchronization, or repository upload required; offline mode is supported. The AGPL-3.0 license and rule against unsafe Rust code in the workspace will matter to users weighing open-source licensing and the project's security model, but do not replace the need to check whether GitComet's workflows suit a particular team.

Pricing

Open Source is free forever, for personal and commercial use. It includes the local-first desktop workflow, remotes, pull and push, staging, commits, worktrees, branching, full history, multi-repository browsing, inline and side-by-side diffs, and 2-way and 3-way merge tools. It is a capable starting point for individuals and teams whose work does not require the Professional integrations.

Professional costs €20 once for lifetime access, with a limited-time early-adopter offer. It adds Claude Code, Codex, GitHub CLI, GitHub, and Azure DevOps integrations, code test coverage workflows, and priority improvements during early access. It suits users who need those connections; the free plan gives up these additions, while its listed core local Git workflows remain substantial. The purchase is a one-time payment, not a recurring subscription.

Platforms

GitComet runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows and requires a local Git installation at version 2.50 or newer. Linux supports Wayland, with automatic X11 fallback, and WSLg. Windows offers signed MSI and portable x86-64 and ARM64 builds; macOS has a notarized disk image for Apple silicon and Intel; Linux packages cover x86-64 and ARM64. It is a desktop application, so it is not a browser-based option. Support channels include Discord, GitHub Discussions, documentation, and GitHub issue reporting.

Who it's for

GitComet is a strong fit for developers and teams who want granular diff staging, substantial history and merge workflows, offline use, and repositories kept local. Its no-cost plan also makes it practical for personal and commercial use without a registration requirement. Look elsewhere if you rely on Git LFS, cannot install Git 2.50 or newer, or need a non-desktop client.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Line- and hunk-level staging lets users build focused commits from changes within the same file.
• Pro: History, merge, worktree, submodule, stash, and patch support covers a wide range of local repository tasks.
• Pro: The free plan permits personal and commercial use, and repositories need not leave the user's machine.
• Pro: Professional adds integrations and test coverage workflows for a one-time €20 payment.
• Con: Git LFS is unsupported, ruling it out for workflows that depend on large-file storage.
• Con: Git 2.50 or newer must already be installed, which can block use on systems with older Git versions.
• Con: GitHub, Azure DevOps, Claude Code, Codex, and GitHub CLI integrations are Professional features, not part of the free plan.

Alternatives

For a broader comparison, browse Git GUI Clients. SmartGit is another freemium client for Linux, macOS, and Windows; its Hobby plan has a free feature set except for enterprise integrations, but is limited to personal, non-commercial use and requires free registration.

GitKraken Desktop is worth considering for open-source work: its free Community plan is for OSS development and limits users to local repositories and public remotes. Git Cola is a free option across the same three desktop platforms. Gitember is free and open source, with all features included and no paid Pro tier or account requirement.

GitButler offers a free, open-source standalone client. Gitnuro is completely free for personal and commercial use without limitations. GitQlient is free software for managing one or several repositories, while Gittyup is an open-source Git client under the MIT license.

Verdict

Choose GitComet if you want a local-first desktop client with precise staging and a broad set of history and merge workflows, especially if its free plan covers your needs or its Professional integrations justify a one-time €20 purchase. Its main reasons to look elsewhere are decisive: it does not support Git LFS and requires Git 2.50 or newer.