What both do
| Feature | Mergepond | GitHub Desktop |
|---|---|---|
| Interactive rebase | YesDrag to reorder; pick, reword, squash, fixup, drop or edit each commitDocs | PartialDrag-and-drop reorder and squash; no full interactive rebasedocs.github.com |
| Merge conflict tool | YesKeep ours, theirs or both for each conflict, then continueDocs | PartialLists conflicted files; resolve in an external editor or with Copilotdocs.github.com |
| Line and hunk staging | PartialWhole files and single hunks; not single linesDocs | YesLine selection in the diff; hunk staging not documenteddocs.github.com |
| Stashes | YesStash, apply, pop and drop, with undo for drop and popDocs | PartialOne stash at a timedocs.github.com |
| Git LFS | PartialShows whether a repo uses LFS and pulls LFS filesDocs | YesBundles Git LFSgithub.com |
| Submodules | PartialLists submodules and their state, and updates themDocs | PartialUpdates submodules on fetch and checkout and shows submodule diffsgithub.com |
| Worktrees | YesFrom a branch or pull request, with setup steps; safe cleanupDocs | YesAdded in 3.6.0 (June 2026): create, switch, rename and remove worktreesgithub.com |
| Per-project Git identities | YesOne per workspace, with a warning before a commit as the wrong oneDocs | YesPer-repo name and email; multiple accounts per host in 3.6.11 betadocs.github.com |
| Pull requests | PartialChecks a pull request out into its own worktree by numberDocs | YesGitHub only: list, check out and view checks; comments and reviews happen on github.comdocs.github.com |
What only Mergepond does
| Feature | Mergepond | GitHub Desktop |
|---|---|---|
| Commit graph | YesDraws only the rows on screen; filter by message, author, path and dateDocs | NoLinear history list; graph view is an open request marked not plannedgithub.com |
| Blame | YesBlame and file history in one sheetDocs | UnknownNot found on GitHub Desktop’s own site or docs. |
| Repos on another machine over SSH | YesPro. Repos on Linux or macOS hosts you reach over SSHDocs | UnknownNot found on GitHub Desktop’s own site or docs. |
| Coding-agent worktree board | YesPro. Worktrees by state: working, ready for review, merged or goneDocs | UnknownNot found on GitHub Desktop’s own site or docs. |
| Coding-agent plugin (MCP and CLI) | YesFree. pond: an MCP server and CLI, with a Claude Code plugin; agents create and mark worktreesDocs | UnknownNot found on GitHub Desktop’s own site or docs. |
| Command palette | Yes⌘K for every command; ⌘P to switch reposDocs | NoCommand palette is an open feature requestgithub.com |
What only GitHub Desktop does
- Free and open source (MIT). github.com
- Available for Windows as well as macOS. github.com
- Copilot commit messages and merge conflict resolution. github.com
Where GitHub Desktop goes further
- Line and hunk staging. GitHub Desktop: Line selection in the diff; hunk staging not documented. docs.github.comMergepond: Whole files and single hunks; not single lines.
- Git LFS. GitHub Desktop: Bundles Git LFS. github.comMergepond: Shows whether a repo uses LFS and pulls LFS files.
- Pull requests. GitHub Desktop: GitHub only: list, check out and view checks; comments and reviews happen on github.com. docs.github.comMergepond: Checks a pull request out into its own worktree by number.
Price, licence and platforms
| Item | Mergepond | GitHub Desktop |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free for repos on your MacPro is US$49.99 once: repos over SSH, unlimited workspaces and the worktree board, updates for life and new features released in your first year.Pricing | Freegithub.com |
| Licence | Proprietary.Docs | MIT (open source)github.com |
| Platforms | macOS 13 or later, Apple silicon and Intel.Mac only for now. Windows and Linux are coming soon. | macOS, Windowsgithub.com |
Switching from GitHub Desktop
There is nothing to import. Mergepond opens the same repository folders GitHub Desktop does, and your branches, stashes and remotes live in the repository. Sign-in stays with Git: Mergepond uses the credentials and SSH keys your Git already has.
Mergepond and GitHub Desktop: questions
Is Mergepond a GitHub Desktop alternative?
Yes, for developers on the Mac who have outgrown a linear history list. Mergepond adds a commit graph, interactive rebase with squash, fixup, reword, drop and edit, a conflict tool, repos over SSH and a worktree board. GitHub Desktop stays the simpler choice if you want something free, open source, on Windows and tied closely to GitHub.
Is GitHub Desktop free?
Yes. GitHub Desktop is free and open source under the MIT licence. Mergepond is free for repos on your Mac, and Pro is a one-time purchase for repos over SSH, unlimited workspaces and the worktree board.
Does GitHub Desktop have a commit graph?
No. GitHub Desktop shows history as a list, and a graph view is an open request in its repository labelled not planned (issue 9452). Mergepond draws the full graph and filters it by message, author, path and date.
Does GitHub Desktop support Git worktrees?
Yes. GitHub Desktop 3.6.0, released in June 2026, added worktrees, and later versions added rename and remove. Mergepond also runs setup steps for each new worktree (copy .env files, link node_modules, run your install command), shows every worktree on a board, and cleans up merged ones safely.
Can I still use GitHub for pull requests?
Yes. Mergepond checks a pull request out into its own worktree from its number. Reviews and comments stay on GitHub, as they do with GitHub Desktop.