GitLab vs Gitea
GitLab is Complete DevOps platform with Git hosting, CI/CD, security, and project management in one tool, while Gitea is lightweight, self-hosted Git service written in Go — fast, easy to install, and open source. GitLab is built for teams that want an all-in-one devops platform they can self-host, whereas Gitea targets teams wanting lightweight self-hosted git.
| Feature | GitLab | Gitea |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Open source | ✓ | ✓ |
| Actions CI | — | ✓ |
| CI/CD Pipelines | ✓ | — |
| Container Registry | ✓ | — |
| Lightweight | — | ✓ |
| Merge Requests | ✓ | — |
| Package Registry | — | ✓ |
| Security Scanning | ✓ | — |
| Self-Hosted | ✓ | ✓ |
Pricing: Both GitLab and Gitea are free, so this decision comes down to features and philosophy rather than budget.
Feature gaps: GitLab offers CI/CD Pipelines, Container Registry and Merge Requests that Gitea lacks. Gitea brings Actions CI, Lightweight and Package Registry that GitLab does not have. Both share Self-Hosted.
Team fit: GitLab is geared toward any size teams, while Gitea is aimed at small teams teams. Pick the one that matches where your team is today and where it is headed — migrating tools later is always painful.
Open source: Both GitLab and Gitea are open source, so self-hosting and code audits are on the table with either choice.
Where each tool shines: GitLab's biggest strengths are: all-in-one devops platform — git, ci/cd, security. self-hostable (open-source community edition). Gitea's biggest strengths are: open source and transparent. self-hosted deployment gives you full control over your data and infrastructure.
Watch out for: With GitLab, users commonly note that interface can be overwhelming. With Gitea, the main complaint is that may lack some advanced features.
choose GitLab if
- Your profile matches its sweet spot: teams that want an all-in-one devops platform they can self-host
- You specifically need CI/CD Pipelines and Container Registry
- You care about self-hostable (open-source community edition)
- Your team size fits the any size profile GitLab is designed for
choose Gitea if
- Your profile matches its sweet spot: teams wanting lightweight self-hosted git
- You specifically need Actions CI and Lightweight
- You care about self-hosted deployment gives you full control over your data and infrastructure
- Your team size fits the small teams profile Gitea is designed for
frequently asked
What is the difference between GitLab and Gitea?
GitLab is Complete DevOps platform with Git hosting, CI/CD, security, and project management in one tool, while Gitea is lightweight, self-hosted Git service written in Go — fast, easy to install, and open source. GitLab is built for teams that want an all-in-one devops platform they can self-host, whereas Gitea targets teams wanting lightweight self-hosted git.
Should I use GitLab or Gitea?
GitLab is built for teams that want an all-in-one devops platform they can self-host. Gitea is built for teams wanting lightweight self-hosted git. Pick the one that fits.
When should I choose GitLab over Gitea?
Choose GitLab if Your profile matches its sweet spot: teams that want an all-in-one devops platform they can self-host; You specifically need CI/CD Pipelines and Container Registry; You care about self-hostable (open-source community edition); Your team size fits the any size profile GitLab is designed for.
When should I choose Gitea over GitLab?
Choose Gitea if Your profile matches its sweet spot: teams wanting lightweight self-hosted git; You specifically need Actions CI and Lightweight; You care about self-hosted deployment gives you full control over your data and infrastructure; Your team size fits the small teams profile Gitea is designed for.
related comparisons
GitHub vs GitLab · GitLab vs Bitbucket · GitLab vs Forgejo · GitLab vs SourceHut · GitLab vs Codeberg · GitLab vs Azure DevOps · GitHub vs Gitea · Bitbucket vs Gitea