GitButler vs SmartGit

GitButler is a Git-based version-control interface with a graphical client and command-line tools for AI-powered workflows. It lets developers manage multiple independent branches in one working directory, as well as dependent stacks that can be merged in a chosen order. Commit controls cover creating, changing, squashing, splitting, reordering and undoing commits; project-state snapshots offer a way to reverse major operations. AI can generate commit messages and branch names using OpenAI, Anthropic, Ollama or LM Studio. GitHub, GitLab and Bitbucket integrations support pull requests and branch workflows, with GitHub Enterprise connections available using an API URL and personal access token. Commits can be signed automatically with GPG or SSH keys. GitButler runs on macOS, Windows and Linux. Linux releases require libwebkit2gtk and can have distribution-specific compatibility limitations. The standalone client is free and open source; the project is described as Fair Source, becoming MIT after two years. A Supporter plan is $5 a month, billed monthly.

SmartGit is a graphical Git client for Windows, macOS, and Linux, covering work from cloning through deployment. Users can clone repositories from GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, and Azure DevOps. Its tools include visual history, conflict resolution, pull requests, Git Flow, cherry-pick, Git LFS, interactive rebase, and drag-and-drop. It also supports large files, file locking, submodules, and offline mode. Eligible users can register for a free license for personal, non-commercial use, while separate free-use options are listed for students and employees of public educational institutions and qualifying non-commercial projects; those options have eligibility requirements. The hobby license excludes enterprise integrations, which cover self-hosted GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, and Azure DevOps features. Commercial licensing starts at $5 a month, and perpetual licenses are also available. Each user may use a license on up to five physical or virtual machines. Support is by email, usually on workdays from 9 AM to 5 PM CET/CEST; phone support is not offered.