GitLab and Bitbucket are among the leading platforms for repository management, CI/CD, and the automation of development workflows. This comparison outlines in clear terms how both solutions differ in terms of features, security, integrations and cost. The aim is to give you a solid basis for deciding which tool is best suited to your requirements—whether you already use Atlassian products or prefer an all-in-one platform.
GitLab combines repository management, continuous integration and delivery, security testing, code review, issue tracking and project management in a single application. Teams can manage every step centrally, from code creation to automated testing and deployment. Its high degree of automation, integrated security capabilities (including SAST, DAST and container scanning), and the consistent connection between source code management and DevOps processes make GitLab particularly appealing to organisations seeking to cover complex workflows in one platform.
Bitbucket, an Atlassian product, focuses primarily on Git repositories and provides integrated CI/CD through Bitbucket Pipelines. Many advanced functions—such as detailed project management and comprehensive documentation—are delivered in combination with Jira, Confluence or Bamboo. The main advantage: companies already invested in Atlassian tools can leverage a tightly integrated ecosystem.
Whereas GitLab is designed as an all-in-one solution offering nearly all functions out of the box, Bitbucket is built around the integration of specialised Atlassian applications.
Feature |
GitLab |
Bitbucket (Atlassian) |
Repository Hosting |
Git, self-managed or SaaS | Git, SaaS |
CI/CD |
Fully integrated | Bitbucket Pipelines, core functionality |
Security & Compliance |
SAST, DAST, container scanning, secret detection | Security features primarily via integrations |
Project Management |
Epics, roadmaps, boards | In combination with Jira |
Self-Hosting |
Yes | Yes |
GitLab provides all core features through a unified interface, reducing complexity especially for teams that prefer not to build an additional tool landscape.
Bitbucket demonstrates its strengths particularly when Jira and other Atlassian products are already in place. The tight integration enables consistent workflows across development, planning and documentation.
Both platforms offer free entry-level plans and scale according to team size and feature requirements.
GitLab: Free Community Edition plus business subscriptions with enterprise support and extended functionality.
Which model is more economical depends largely on whether you already hold Atlassian licences or prefer a consolidated approach.
GitLab is particularly suited to organisations that:
Bitbucket is often the right choice for teams that:
As a certified Atlassian and GitLab partner, we offer impartial advice to help you select, implement and optimise the right solution for your development workflows. Together, we will identify which platform best supports your goals—whether you prefer an all-in-one approach or integration within the Atlassian ecosystem.
Get in touch to arrange a no-obligation consultation or a live demonstration of both systems.