Free and open first

Best Version Control Software in 2026

Projects that change over time or involve multiple contributors need a way to manage file revisions. Compared on versioning model, nested repositories, sparse checkout, and file locking, these tools differ in how they organize and handle project files. Large-file handling may matter for some work, while desktop platforms and self-hosted deployment help clarify setup choices. Check free-plan availability and paid-from pricing as well. Diversion, Unity Version Control, and Apache Subversion are among the options to compare against your project’s needs and working environment.

62 apps
Research read 23 Sept 2026
How the order is worked out

1

Avidemux

Free plan Open source LinuxMacWeb+1

9.3 Free plan Visit site
2

Gitnuro

Free plan Open source LinuxMacWindows

Gitnuro covers common repository operations as well as detailed change review, with builds for three desktop platforms.

8.9 Free plan Visit site
3

GitUI

Free plan Open source AndroidLinuxMac+2

GitUI covers many common change, stash, branch, and history workflows inside a terminal. Its beta status and the need to configure HTTPS credentials explicitly are important limitations to weigh.

8.9 Free plan Visit site
4

Accessibility Test Framework for Android

Free plan AndroidLinuxMac+1

Accessibility Test Framework for Android can flag certain accessibility issues during automated Android app testing.

7.7 Free plan Visit site
5

Apache Subversion

Free plan APILinuxMac+2

Subversion offers centralized versioning with atomic commits, branching, merge tracking, and optional locking.

7.7 Free plan Visit site
6

BitKeeper

Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1

BitKeeper combines distributed version control with repository organization and large-file support. Consider the maker’s project-fit caveat and review the available demo before adopting it.

7.6 Free plan Visit site
7

Darcs

Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1

Darcs centers collaboration on patches, with offline work, interactive selection, and email-based proposals.

7.6 Free plan Visit site
8

Diversion

Free plan APILinuxMac+3

Diversion combines version control for source code and large creative assets with collaboration and game-engine integrations.

7.6 Free plan · paid from $25/user/mo · 21-day trial Visit site
9

Breezy

Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted

Breezy provides distributed, offline-capable version control with Git and Bazaar compatibility and extensive plugin options.

7.5 Free plan Visit site
10

Fossil

Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+2

Fossil combines distributed version control with a web interface and project tools in a self-contained package.

7.5 Free plan Visit site
11

Concurrent Versions System

Free plan LinuxSelf-hostedWindows

CVS provides centralized version control with branching, merging, and self-hosting.

7.4 Free plan Visit site
12

GitBreeze

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

Choose GitBreeze if you want a free desktop Git client with AI-assisted change review, action previews, and branch comparison.

7.4 Free plan Visit site
13

GitButler

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

GitButler offers branch, commit, and snapshot tools in a free standalone client, with AI provider and forge choices.

7.4 Free plan Visit site
14

GitHub CodeQL

Free plan ExtensionLinuxMac+3

7.4 Free plan · paid from $30/mo Visit site
15

GitStudio

Free plan ExtensionLinuxMac+1

Pick GitStudio if you want a no-cost desktop Git and GitHub workspace with extensive repository, merge, and collaboration tools.

7.4 Free plan Visit site
16

Checkpoint

Free plan APILinuxMac+1

Checkpoint offers broad save coverage, transfer methods, and scripting for supported 3DS and Switch setups. Its compatibility limits and homebrew security caveats matter when choosing it.

7.3 Free plan Visit site
17

Gitember

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

Gitember covers everyday Git operations alongside history, comparison and conflict-resolution tools. Check the stated macOS build and optional hosting-token needs if those apply to your setup.

7.3 Free plan Visit site
18

Changes

Free plan Mac

Changes brings a broad set of Git operations into a Mac-native graphical client. Its usefulness depends on whether the macOS version requirement for the release you want fits your system.

7.2 Free plan Visit site
19

GitQlient

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

GitQlient brings common repository views and actions together, with offline support and GitHub and GitLab integration.

7.2 Free plan Visit site
20

Gitti

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

Pick Gitti if you want a free terminal interface for common Git work, with keyboard navigation, detailed staging, and several repository views.

7.2 Free plan Visit site
21

Gittyup

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

Gittyup combines history review, staging, blame, and commit tools in a graphical Git client for three desktop platforms.

7.2 Open source Visit site
22

Mercurial

Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1

Choose Mercurial if you want free, open source distributed source control that lets developers work without a central server.

7.2 Free plan Visit site
23

Git
by Git
Free plan Mac

Choose Git if you need free, open-source distributed version control for a project of any stated size, with self-hosting and extensive learning materials.

7.1 Free plan Visit site
24

lazygit

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

Choose lazygit if you want a free terminal interface for staging selected changes and handling Git history across Linux, macOS, or Windows.

7.1 Free plan Visit site
25

Magit

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

Magit brings a broad set of Git tasks into Emacs, with detailed staging and commit-editing options.

7.1 Free plan Visit site

#1Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this list can be bought by the makers of the software on it. See the price

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