What is the main difference between Gitea and GitLab?

Gitea and GitLab are both git platforms but differ in their approach, features, and target audience. Compare their GitHub stats, technology stack, and community adoption to make the best choice.

Which is better: Gitea or GitLab?

The choice between Gitea and GitLab depends on your specific needs, technical requirements, and team preferences. Both are quality open source solutions with active communities.

Can I migrate from Gitea to GitLab?

Migration between Gitea and GitLab is possible but requires careful planning. Consider data export/import capabilities, feature parity, and potential workflow changes.

Openlane – Open-source, developer-first platform for automated compliance, risk management, and built-in Trust Center.

Learn more

Gitea vs GitLab

Learn how Gitea and GitLab differ in their key features, development activity, technology stack and community adoption, so you can decide which of these git platforms is best for you.

Gitea

A lightweight, fast, and customizable Git service that simplifies code hosting and collaboration for teams of all sizes.

Visit Gitea Read more

58,954stars+569(+1%)

Last 30 days

Last commit
16 hours ago
Repository age
10 years
Version
v28.3.0
License
MIT
Self-hosted
Yes
Repository
go-gitea/gitea

GitLab

A comprehensive AI-powered DevSecOps platform that integrates development, security, and operations, streamlining software delivery and enhancing productivity.

Visit GitLab Read more

24,552stars

Last 30 days

Last commit
16 days ago
Repository age
15 years
License
MIT
Self-hosted
Yes
Repository
gitlabhq/gitlabhq

Detailed Comparison

Both Gitea and GitLab have their unique strengths and serve similar purposes effectively. Consider your specific needs regarding popularity, growth, activity, technology, maturity, licensing and features when making your decision.

Gitea wins

Community & Popularity

Gitea leads in popularity with 58,954 stars vs 24,552 stars for GitLab. The 140% higher star count indicates stronger community adoption. In terms of developer contributions, Gitea has 7,370 forks, indicating strong developer engagement.

Gitea wins

Growth Momentum

Gitea is growing faster, adding 569 stars in the last 30 days (+1%) against losing 1 stars for GitLab (0%). Gitea is both larger and pulling further ahead.

Comparable

Development Activity

Both projects show recent activity, with Gitea last updated 16 hours ago and GitLab 16 days ago.

Comparable

Technology Stack

Both tools share common technology foundations, being built with JavaScript, CSS, Bash, Golang, Vue. However, they differ in their additional technology choices: Gitea uses Typescript while GitLab leverages Python, SCSS, Ruby, Clojure.

GitLab wins

Project Maturity

GitLab has been in development longer, starting 15 years ago, compared to Gitea which began 10 years ago. This 5.2-year head start suggests GitLab may have more mature features and established processes.

Comparable

Licensing

Both projects use the MIT license, providing identical terms for usage and distribution.

Comparable

Use Cases & Features

Both tools serve similar use cases in Git Platforms. However, they also have distinct specializations: GitLab extends into Project Management Suites, CI/CD Platforms.

Comparable