GitComet

Overview

GitComet is an open-source desktop Git client for developers who want fine-grained staging and substantial history tools while keeping repositories on their own machines. Its free edition handles a broad local workflow; the Git 2.50 minimum and lack of Git LFS support are important constraints.

Key features

Stage or unstage files, hunks, and individual lines from the diff gutter to keep unrelated edits out of the same commit. Interactive rebase, cherry-pick, squash, revert, reset, and comparisons across commits, branches, tags, and the working tree make it useful for reviewing and reshaping history as well as routine commits.

The merge tool resolves whitespace moves, one-sided edits, and duplicate changes automatically, leaving the remaining conflicts for the user. GitComet also covers branches, remotes, tags, worktrees, submodules, stashes, patches, blame, cloning, and configurable pull policies. That breadth suits developers consolidating common repository work in one app, but not teams whose repositories depend on Git LFS.

Repositories remain on the user's machine: no account, synchronization, or upload is required, and offline mode is supported. The AGPL-3.0 license and prohibition on unsafe Rust code in the workspace are relevant to users weighing licensing and implementation practices; neither removes the need to check that GitComet fits a team's own requirements.

Pricing

The Open Source plan is free forever, for personal and commercial use. It includes the local desktop workflow, remotes, pull and push, staging, commits, worktrees, branching, full history, multi-repository browsing, inline and side-by-side diffs, and two- and three-way merge tools. It is a capable choice for individuals and teams that do not need the Professional integrations.

Professional costs €20 once for lifetime access. 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 price is described as a limited-time early-adopter offer, so it is not presented as a permanent rate. Choose it if those additions justify a one-time purchase; otherwise, the free plan retains the core local Git workflow.

Platforms

GitComet runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows and requires a local Git installation at version 2.50 or newer. Windows builds include signed MSI and portable x86-64 and ARM64 options; macOS has a notarized disk image for Apple silicon and Intel; Linux supports multiple package formats on x86-64 and ARM64. It supports Linux Wayland, falls back automatically to X11, and works with WSLg. It is a desktop application, not a mobile client.

Who it's for

GitComet is a strong fit for developers and teams who prefer local repositories, offline-capable desktop work, and an open-source client with detailed staging and history controls. It is less suitable when Git LFS is required, an older Git installation must be retained, or the workflow depends on integrations available only in Professional.

Pros and cons

Pros: The free plan includes personal and commercial use plus a broad set of local Git workflows, with no account or repository upload requirement.

Pros: Line-level staging, interactive history operations, and automatic handling of several common merge changes offer more control than a basic commit-and-push interface.

Cons: Git LFS is unsupported, ruling it out for repositories that rely on large-file workflows.

Cons: Git 2.50 or newer is required, and the listed Claude Code, Codex, GitHub CLI, GitHub, and Azure DevOps integrations are Professional features.

Alternatives

Git GUI Clients is a useful starting point for comparing desktop Git tools. Choose SmartGit if its Hobby plan's full feature set and enterprise integrations are relevant and free registration for personal, non-commercial use fits your situation. GitKraken Desktop has a free Community plan limited to open-source development with local repositories and public remotes; it may suit that narrower use case.

Working Copy is the iOS option among these alternatives, with a free plan capped at five repositories. Git Cola is a free alternative for Linux, macOS, and Windows. GitButler offers a free, open-source standalone client and a $5.00 USD monthly Supporter plan. Gitember is free and open source across the same three desktop platforms, with all features included and no paid Pro tier. SourceGit is another free option for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Gitnuro is free for personal and commercial use without limitations.

Verdict

Choose GitComet if you want a cross-platform, open-source desktop client with precise staging, broad history workflows, and repositories kept local; the free plan is unusually complete for that use. Look elsewhere if Git LFS is essential, your Git version is below 2.50, or you need Professional integrations without paying the €20 lifetime price.