GitHub Actions vs GitLab CI/CD(2026)
GitHub Actions is better for teams that need built into github. GitLab CI/CD is the stronger choice if all-in-one with gitlab. GitHub Actions is freemium (from $0 (2,000 min/month free)) and GitLab CI/CD is freemium (from $0 (400 CI minutes/month free)).
Full feature breakdown, pricing details, and pros & cons below.
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GitHub Actions
GitHub Actions is a CI/CD and automation platform built into GitHub with thousands of community actions.
Starting at $0 (2,000 min/month free)
Visit GitHub ActionsGitLab CI/CD
GitLab CI/CD is a built-in automation platform in GitLab for building, testing, and deploying applications.
Starting at $0 (400 CI minutes/month free)
Visit GitLab CI/CDHow Do GitHub Actions and GitLab CI/CD Compare on Features?
| Feature | GitHub Actions | GitLab CI/CD |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | freemium | freemium |
| Starting price | $0 (2,000 min/month free) | $0 (400 CI minutes/month free) |
| YAML workflows | ✓ | — |
| Matrix builds | ✓ | — |
| Reusable workflows | ✓ | — |
| Marketplace actions | ✓ | — |
| Self-hosted runners | ✓ | — |
| Secrets management | ✓ | — |
| YAML pipelines | — | ✓ |
| Auto DevOps | — | ✓ |
| Container registry | — | ✓ |
| Environments | — | ✓ |
| Review apps | — | ✓ |
| Security scans | — | ✓ |
GitHub Actions Pros and Cons vs GitLab CI/CD
GitHub Actions
GitLab CI/CD
Should You Use GitHub Actions or GitLab CI/CD?
Choose GitHub Actions if…
- •Built into GitHub
- •Huge marketplace
- •Free for public repos
Choose GitLab CI/CD if…
- •All-in-one with GitLab
- •Auto DevOps
- •Security scans built-in