We are frequently asked about the differences between the free, open-source GitLab Free edition and the GitLab Premium (paid) edition, and we decided to consolidate our answers in this article – providing both a brief and a more detailed response (with a full list of capabilities).
First Note: This article will focus on the Self-managed edition only, as the vast majority of inquiries are about this edition (since the current SaaS free edition is limited to 5 users, while the Self-managed free edition has no user limit).
Second Note: By the time you read this, the information might not be 100% up-to-date, so feel free to contact us for the most current information.
You can reach us by email at gitlab@almtoolbox.com or by phone at 072-240-5222.
So What are the Differences Between GitLab Editions?
Brief Answer:
GitLab Free edition is rich and contains hundreds of capabilities (currently over 380), representing about 61% of the system’s total capabilities.
GitLab Premium (paid) contains all the capabilities of the free edition, plus an additional approximately 160 capabilities.
Additionally, the paid edition includes technical support from the vendor.
Detailed Answer:
GitLab Free edition is rich and contains hundreds of capabilities (currently over 380), representing about 61% of the system’s total capabilities.
The free capabilities are distributed across all development stages (ALM/SDLC), including Version control, Code Review, CI/CD, Artifacts, Security, High availability, and more.
Later in this article, there’s a partial list of capabilities in the free edition, and you can also download our detailed and up-to-date report containing a list of all free capabilities.
GitLab Premium (paid) contains all capabilities in the free edition, plus approximately 160 additional capabilities.
Later (***) you can see a partial list of these capabilities, and download our detailed and up-to-date report containing a list of these capabilities.
Additionally, the paid edition includes technical support from the vendor. The free edition does not include technical support from the vendor (except for bug fixes and security updates included in downloadable packages).
However, you can purchase high-quality technical support from us for all product editions, based on the accumulated knowledge of our professional team since 2015.
Partial list of all product capabilities in the Free edition – downloadable here.
To receive a full and detailed list of all product capabilities in the free edition, leave your details here and receive it directly by email.
Partial list of all product capabilities in the Premium edition – downloadable here.
To receive a full and detailed list of all product capabilities in the Premium edition, leave your details here and receive it directly by email.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: How do we decide which edition is most suitable for us? A: It very much depends on your specific needs. We recommend looking at the list of capabilities that are only in Premium and checking if you need them – and of course, you can also contact us for advice.
You can also contact us to receive a trial license for the Premium edition (at no cost).
Q: Does the vendor provide updates for the free edition? A: Yes – within the monthly product update (around the 20th of each month), there are always new features in the free edition, as well as security updates and bug fixes (just like in the paid editions).
Q: Does the free edition include vendor support? A: No. But you can receive high-quality support for this edition from us – please contact us.
Q: What if we need a specific capability that exists only in the paid edition? A: You would need to purchase the paid edition, or check with us if we have developed this capability and/or if we can develop it in a customized way for you (please contact us).
Q: Can you provide more details about the technical support you offer? A: We have been offering high-quality technical support for GitLab (and additional tools) for several years, based on extensive technical knowledge we’ve accumulated about the product (since 2015) and official certifications we received from the vendor (GitLab company) after passing practical tests. We are experienced in solving complex problems and can also offer support for tools that interface with GitLab such as git, Jira, Kubernetes, Argo, Jenkins, and more.
We offer high-quality support with clear differences – including support in Hebrew (and other languages), with a flexible SLA tailored to customer needs, fast, caring, and high-level support by Israeli and international employees, and we even allow non-urgent support on Sundays.
Q: What do you offer besides technical product support? A: We also offer managed services such as ongoing maintenance of GitLab server and its environment (like CI Runners); planning and setting up a hardened environment; consulting on development processes and CI/CD; connecting to complementary tools (such as Jira, Kubernetes, Jenkins, ArgoCD, OpenProject, and many more); GitLab training, and more (contact us for additional details).
We have been the official representatives of GitLab company in Israel and worldwide since 2016, and have helped hundreds of customers worldwide with GitLab solutions (helping with appropriate licensing selection, license sales, consulting, support, and more).
You can contact us by email at gitlab@almtoolbox.com or by phone at 072-240-5222.
