GitForge vs GitHub

GitHub is the default. GitForge is the alternative built for teams that need transparent pricing, a fully programmable API, BYO storage, and path-level access control. Compare features side by side.

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Comparison

GitHub vs GitForge — feature by feature

Feature

GitHub

GitForge

Git protocol V1 + V2

Git LFS support

LFS file locking

Limited

Full with heartbeat

Unlimited LFS bandwidth

BYO S3 storage

Direct Commit API (no git client)

Official SDKs (TS, Python, Go)

Octokit (TS/JS)

TS, Python, Go

MCP server for AI agents

Path-level RBAC

Branch protection

CI/CD pipelines

SSO / SAML

Enterprise ($21/user)

Pro ($12/user)

Pull requests

Webhooks

Stateless architecture

Why Switch

Key differences for decision makers

No bandwidth fees, ever

GitHub charges $5 per 50 GB data pack for LFS bandwidth and storage. GitForge includes unlimited bandwidth on every plan, including the free tier. Large binary repos never generate surprise bills.

API-first design

Every Git operation in GitForge is an API call. Create repos, commit files, branch, merge, and manage webhooks without a git client. Official SDKs for TypeScript, Python, and Go ship alongside the platform.

BYO storage for data custody

Connect your own S3, R2, GCS, or MinIO bucket. Git objects and LFS files stay in your infrastructure. GitHub stores everything on their servers with no option to bring your own storage.

Path-level access control

GitForge RBAC supports glob-pattern path rules. Restrict who can push to specific directories or file types. GitHub branch protection operates at the branch level only.

Pricing

Transparent pricing with no data packs

GitHub charges extra for LFS bandwidth, charges per-seat on every plan, and gates SSO behind Enterprise pricing at $21/user/mo. GitForge includes unlimited bandwidth on every plan and SSO starting at $12/user/mo.

GitForge Free$0 — 2 GB, 3 repos

GitForge Pro$12/user/mo — 100 GB, SSO

GitForge Enterprise$39/user/mo — 500 GB, SCIM

LFS bandwidth (all plans)Unlimited

Migration

Move from GitHub in four steps

Create a GitForge account

Update your remote

Point your existing repo at GitForge: git remote set-url origin https://git-forge.dev/your-org/your-repo.git

Push everything

Run git push --all && git lfs push --all origin. LFS objects transfer automatically via the batch API.

Update CI and team

Update clone URLs in your CI config and notify your team. Standard Git protocol means no client-side changes.

FAQ

Common questions

Can I keep using GitHub Actions?+

GitHub Actions only runs on GitHub-hosted repos. GitForge has built-in YAML-based CI/CD pipelines. You can also trigger external CI systems via webhooks.

Does GitForge support GitHub Apps or OAuth apps?+

GitForge has its own app platform with installation-scoped tokens, OAuth apps, and webhook integrations. GitHub-specific apps will not carry over, but the patterns are similar.

Is there a free tier?+

Yes. The free plan includes 2 GB of storage, 3 repos, 3 seats, 200 pipeline minutes, and unlimited bandwidth. No credit card needed.

How does SSO pricing compare?+

GitHub requires the Enterprise plan at $21/user/mo for SAML SSO. GitForge includes SSO on the Pro plan at $12/user/mo ($10/user/mo billed annually).

Can I migrate private repos?+

Yes. Clone your private repo from GitHub, add GitForge as the new remote, and push. Git LFS objects transfer via the standard batch API. No special tooling required.

Try GitForge free

Create a free account, push your repos, and see the difference. No credit card, no bandwidth fees, no surprises.

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