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