GitHub Actions vs GitLab CI/CD
Updated 2026-09-03
Verdict
GitHub Actions (free tier with included minutes for public repos) is CI/CD built into the GitHub ecosystem with a large marketplace; GitLab CI/CD (free tier with 400 compute minutes/month) ships inside GitLab's integrated DevOps platform and supports self-hosted runners. Pick by code host — Actions for GitHub repos, GitLab CI for GitLab projects.
| Pricing | GitHub Actions | GitLab CI/CD |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | 0 USD | 0 USD |
| Free tier | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | Web | Web |
GitHub Actions — Pros
- Free for public repositories and limited private usage
- Native integration with GitHub
- Extensive marketplace of actions
GitLab CI/CD — Pros
- Free tier with 400 compute minutes per month (Premium adds 10,000 minutes from $29/user/month)
- Integrated with GitLab's source code management
- Supports self-hosted and cloud runners
GitHub Actions — Cons
- Learning curve for complex workflows
- Limited to GitHub ecosystem
GitLab CI/CD — Cons
- Compute minutes limited on the Free tier
- Paid plans priced per user per month
Read the full reviews
FAQ
Is GitHub Actions cheaper than GitLab CI/CD?
GitHub Actions starts at 0 USD (checked 2026-09-03); GitLab CI/CD starts at 0 USD (checked 2026-09-03). Check the current pricing page for the latest tiers.
Do GitHub Actions and GitLab CI/CD have a free plan?
Both GitHub Actions and GitLab CI/CD offer — see the comparison table above.
What platforms does GitHub Actions vs GitLab CI/CD support?
GitHub Actions is available on Web. GitLab CI/CD is available on Web.
Are GitHub Actions and GitLab CI/CD in the same category?
Yes. Both GitHub Actions and GitLab CI/CD are classified as development tools.