GitComet

Overview

GitComet is an open-source desktop Git client for developers who want repository work to remain on their own computer. It is best suited to people who value fine-grained staging, substantial history manipulation, and offline-capable workflows across Linux, macOS, and Windows. The main trade-off is that Git LFS is unsupported and several collaboration integrations require a paid upgrade.

Key features

Diff-gutter controls let you stage or unstage an entire file, a hunk, or a single line. That granularity is valuable when a working file contains unrelated fixes and you want clean, reviewable commits rather than accepting every change together.

History tooling covers interactive rebase, cherry-pick, squash, revert, reset, and comparisons between commits, branches, tags, and the working tree. This gives experienced Git users a desktop interface for rewriting and inspecting history, while newcomers may find the range more demanding than a basic commit-and-push client.

The merge editor automatically resolves whitespace movement, one-sided edits, and duplicate changes before showing conflicts that still need a decision. Branches, remotes, tags, worktrees, submodules, stashes, patches, blame, cloning, and configurable pull policies round out the repository toolkit. Git LFS is not supported, so projects built around large-file storage should use another client.

Repositories stay local: no account, synchronization, or upload is required, and offline mode is supported. GitComet uses the AGPL-3.0 license, and its workspace forbids unsafe Rust code. Those choices suit privacy-conscious teams and users who prefer open-source software, although they do not provide cloud synchronization for people who want it.

Permalinks can target GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, Azure DevOps, Gitea, Codeberg, Forgejo, and AWS CodeCommit. Professional also connects to Claude Code, Codex, GitHub CLI, GitHub, and Azure DevOps, extending the client toward hosted and AI-assisted workflows.

Pricing

Open Source

The Open Source plan costs €0 forever and permits personal and commercial use. It includes the full local desktop workflow, remotes, pull and push, staging, commits, worktrees, branching, complete history, multi-repository browsing, inline and side-by-side diffs, plus two-way and three-way merge tools. This is the sensible choice for anyone who needs a capable local Git GUI without integrations or a paid commitment.

Professional

Professional is a one-time €20 payment for lifetime access, rather than a recurring subscription. It adds Claude Code, Codex, and GitHub CLI integrations; code test-coverage workflows; GitHub and Azure DevOps integrations; and priority improvements during early access. The plan is aimed at developers whose daily work benefits from those connections. Users satisfied with local Git operations gain little from upgrading, while the early-adopter offer is described as limited-time.

Platforms

GitComet runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows. Windows provides signed MSI installers and portable x86-64 and ARM64 builds. macOS offers a notarized disk image for both Apple silicon and Intel, while Linux supports multiple package formats on x86-64 and ARM64. Linux Wayland is supported with automatic X11 fallback, and WSLg is supported. A local Git installation version 2.50 or newer is required, so older Git environments must be upgraded first.

Who it's for

Choose GitComet if you want a privacy-oriented, open-source desktop client with serious history editing, precise partial staging, and broad repository support. It fits individuals and teams comfortable installing modern Git and working locally. It is a weaker match for Git LFS projects, users seeking built-in synchronization, or organizations that specifically need the Professional integrations but do not want a desktop-only tool.

Pros and cons

• Pros: precise line-level staging; extensive rebase and history operations; automatic handling of several common merge patterns; support for worktrees, submodules, stashes, and patches; local-only operation with offline support; lifetime Professional pricing; broad platform and architecture coverage.
• Cons: no Git LFS support; Git 2.50 or newer is mandatory; Claude Code, Codex, GitHub CLI, GitHub, and Azure DevOps integrations are paid-only; desktop delivery will not suit users wanting a browser or synchronized workflow.

Alternatives

Browse the Git GUI Clients directory for a wider comparison. GitKraken Desktop is preferable when an OSS-focused Community plan limited to local repositories and public remotes fits your work. Pick SmartGit for its full-featured Hobby edition when personal, non-commercial use and free registration are acceptable. Git Cola is a straightforward free-software alternative.

GitButler suits users seeking a free, open-source client with an optional monthly Supporter contribution. Gitember, Gitnuro, GitQlient, and Gittyup are free cross-platform clients; choose among them when avoiding paid tiers is the priority.

Verdict

GitComet is a strong pick for developers who want local-first privacy, detailed staging, and advanced Git history and merge workflows in one open-source desktop application. Its free plan is unusually complete, and €20 lifetime Professional access is compelling when the listed integrations matter. Look elsewhere if your repositories depend on Git LFS, you need synchronization, or your workflow is not compatible with requiring Git 2.50+ and a desktop client.