Commit+ vs GitHub Desktop
GitHub's free, simple official client. Here is an honest look at how Commit+ and GitHub Desktop compare for macOS developers.
Commit+
Quick overview
GitHub Desktop is the official client from GitHub. It is free, beginner-friendly, tightly integrated with GitHub, and even supports drag and drop for interactive rebase — unusual for a free tool.
It deliberately stays simple. There is no Git LFS, Git Flow, command palette, multi-author support, or branch comparison, and you still have to open a browser to manage pull requests. For GitHub-only users who just need to commit and push, that simplicity is a feature rather than a limitation.
Commit+ vs GitHub Desktop at a glance
| Feature | Commit+ | GitHub Desktop |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free (open source) | Free |
| Platform | macOS | macOS, Windows |
| Native app | Yes (Swift & SwiftUI) | No (Electron-based) |
| Undo any action | Yes | No |
| Drag & Drop | Yes (cherry-pick, merge, rebase) | Partial (interactive rebase only) |
| Open source | Yes (AGPLv3) | No |
| In-app pull requests | Yes | No |
| Worktrees | Yes | Varies |
Where GitHub Desktop wins
- Free and very easy for beginners
- Tight, first-party GitHub integration
- Official support from GitHub
- Drag and drop for interactive rebase
- Minimal interface that is hard to get lost in
Best for: GitHub-only users who want the simplest possible free client for basic commit and branch operations.
Where Commit+ wins
- Undo for commits, stashes, branches, and remote operations
- Drag & Drop for cherry-pick, merge, and rebase
- Git Flow, worktrees, and multi-provider support (GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket)
- Native macOS performance
- Pull request management without leaving the app
Best for: Developers who want more advanced Git workflows, multiple providers, and in-app pull requests — still for free.
Verdict
GitHub Desktop and Commit+ are both capable clients, but they aim at different priorities. GitHub Desktop is a strong choice if you need free and very easy for beginners. If you work on a Mac and want the fastest path to Undo, Drag & Drop, Git Flow, and pull request management without paying, download Commit+ and give it a try on a real repository.
Frequently asked questions
What does Commit+ have that GitHub Desktop does not?+
Commit+ adds Undo, Drag & Drop for cherry-pick and merge, Git Flow, worktree management, Git LFS, and in-app pull request management across GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket.
Is GitHub Desktop or Commit+ better for beginners?+
GitHub Desktop is simpler and is a good starting point. Commit+ is still approachable but offers more advanced features for developers who outgrow the basics.
Are both clients free?+
Yes. Both GitHub Desktop and Commit+ are free. Commit+ is also open source under the AGPLv3 license.
Try Commit+ for free
A native Git client for macOS with Undo, Drag & Drop, Git Flow, and pull request management. Free and open source.
Download Commit+
