GitHub Actions vs GitLab CI/CD

GitHub Actions meets the all-in-one devops swiss army knife that makes you wonder why you ever used separate tools. Here's our take.

GitHub Actions

Nice Pick

Pros

Cons

GitLab CI/CD

The all-in-one DevOps Swiss Army knife that makes you wonder why you ever used separate tools.

Pros

• Tight integration with GitLab repos means no third-party config sync headaches
• .gitlab-ci.yml is simple YAML that even your PM could almost understand
• Built-in container registry and Kubernetes integration cut deployment friction
• Auto DevOps feature can bootstrap projects with sensible defaults

Cons

• Can feel bloated if you just want basic CI without the GitLab ecosystem baggage
• Runner management and scaling is its own part-time job for larger teams

The Verdict

Use GitHub Actions if: You want the better option and can live with its tradeoffs.

Use GitLab CI/CD if: You prioritize tight integration with gitlab repos means no third-party config sync headaches over what GitHub Actions offers.

The Bottom Line

GitHub Actions wins