Best GitHub Alternatives for Code Hosting

We tested 10+ Git hosting platforms to find the best alternatives to GitHub. These platforms offer different approaches to code hosting, CI/CD, and team collaboration.

Last updated: January 22, 2026Reviewed 10+ tools

GitHub alternatives for code hosting and collaboration

Feature Comparison

ToolPriceHostingCI/CD Built-inIssue TrackingFree Private ReposOur Rating
GitLabFree/$29Both9.5/10
BitbucketFree/$3Both8.9/10
GiteaFreeSelf-hostedActions8.7/10
Azure DevOpsFree/$6Both8.8/10
CodebergFreeCloudWoodpecker8.4/10
SourceHut$20/yearCloudEmail8.2/10
AWS CodeCommitPay-per-useCloudCodeBuild7.8/10

Deep Dives

1

GitLab

Best Overall
GitLab repository and CI/CD

GitLab is the most complete GitHub alternative with built-in CI/CD, security scanning, and project planning. Available self-hosted or cloud with a generous free tier.

Starting priceFree/$29

Strengths

  • Complete DevOps platform
  • Excellent CI/CD
  • Self-hosted option
  • Security scanning
  • Generous free tier

Limitations

  • Can be complex
  • UI can feel busy
  • Self-hosted requires resources
  • Learning curve
Who it's for: Best for teams wanting a complete DevOps platform beyond just code hosting.
Try GitLab
2

Bitbucket

Best for Teams
Bitbucket repository and Jira integration

Bitbucket provides deep Atlassian integration with Jira and Confluence. Built-in Pipelines and affordable pricing make it great for Atlassian shops.

Starting priceFree/$3

Strengths

  • Jira integration
  • Built-in Pipelines
  • Free private repos
  • Affordable
  • Confluence integration

Limitations

  • Smaller community
  • Less ecosystem
  • UI not as polished
  • Limited outside Atlassian
Who it's for: Best for teams using Jira and Atlassian tools.
Try Bitbucket
3

Gitea

Best for Budget
Gitea self-hosted interface

Gitea is a lightweight self-hosted Git service written in Go. Minimal resource requirements mean it runs on small servers or even Raspberry Pi.

Starting priceFree

Strengths

  • Extremely lightweight
  • Easy self-hosting
  • GitHub-like UI
  • Free forever
  • Active development

Limitations

  • Self-hosted only
  • Less CI/CD
  • Smaller community
  • DIY integrations
Who it's for: Best for self-hosting enthusiasts wanting lightweight Git hosting.
Get Gitea
4

Azure DevOps

Azure DevOps repos and pipelines

Azure DevOps provides complete DevOps suite with Git repos, Boards, Pipelines, and Artifacts. Deep Azure integration for Microsoft shops.

Starting priceFree/$6

Strengths

  • Complete DevOps
  • Azure integration
  • Powerful Pipelines
  • Boards for planning
  • Free tier available

Limitations

  • Microsoft-centric
  • Complex for simple needs
  • UI can be confusing
  • Learning curve
Who it's for: Best for Microsoft enterprises using Azure and needing integrated DevOps.
Try Azure DevOps
5

Codeberg

Best for Beginners
Codeberg open source hosting

Codeberg is a non-profit Git hosting service run by the community. Privacy-focused with no tracking, ads, or data collection.

Starting priceFree

Strengths

  • Non-profit
  • Privacy focused
  • Free
  • Community run
  • Open source values

Limitations

  • Less features
  • Smaller ecosystem
  • Limited CI/CD
  • Donation funded
Who it's for: Best for open source projects and developers who value privacy.
Use Codeberg
6

SourceHut

SourceHut minimal interface

SourceHut takes a minimalist, email-driven approach to development. No JavaScript, email-based patches, and Unix philosophy throughout.

Starting price$20/year

Strengths

  • Minimalist design
  • Email workflows
  • No JavaScript
  • Fast
  • Unix philosophy

Limitations

  • Unconventional workflow
  • Learning curve
  • Smaller community
  • Not for everyone
Who it's for: Best for developers who prefer email-based, minimal development workflows.
Try SourceHut
7

AWS CodeCommit

AWS CodeCommit console

CodeCommit provides Git hosting within AWS with IAM integration and pay-per-use pricing. Pairs with CodeBuild and CodePipeline.

Starting pricePay-per-use

Strengths

  • AWS native
  • IAM integration
  • Pay-per-use
  • Secure
  • Pairs with AWS tools

Limitations

  • AWS only
  • No issue tracking
  • Basic features
  • Less community
Who it's for: Best for AWS-centric organizations wanting Git in their AWS account.
Use CodeCommit

How We Evaluated

We tested each platform for code hosting and team development workflows.

  • Core Git Features (25%)Repository management, PRs, and branching.
  • CI/CD (25%)Built-in automation and pipeline capabilities.
  • Collaboration (20%)Code review, issues, and team features.
  • Flexibility (15%)Self-hosted options and customization.
  • Value (15%)Features relative to cost.

How to Choose

  • Choose GitLab if you need complete DevOps platform.
  • Choose Bitbucket if you need Atlassian/Jira shop.
  • Choose Gitea if you need lightweight self-hosted.
  • Choose Azure DevOps if you need Microsoft/Azure shop.
  • Choose Codeberg if you need privacy and open source.

Common Questions

Reasons include: wanting self-hosted control, complete DevOps in one platform, Microsoft concerns, better Jira integration, privacy, or cost optimization for large teams.

Yes, most alternatives support GitHub import. GitLab, Bitbucket, and Gitea can import repos, issues, and wikis with varying completeness.

GitLab has the most mature built-in CI/CD. Azure DevOps Pipelines is powerful but complex. GitHub Actions is excellent but GitHub, not an alternative.