Comparison

Source Files vs gitroots

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Source Files

Access GitHub, Gitea, GitLab, and BitBucket directly from your file manager without cloning. Edit large repositories in seconds using REST APIs, with support for automation and file uploads. Offers a free tier for single servers and a Pro Unlock for multiple servers.

Highlights
  • Direct file access via Finder/Files app
  • Edit files in favorite apps
  • REST API for fast access
  • Supports GitHub, GitLab, Gitea, BitBucket
  • Shortcuts automation support
  • File uploads via services menu
Features
Read full description

Source Files is a faster way to access GitHub, Gitea, GitLab and BitBucket from the Finder and Files app without having to clone repositories or commit changes. Using REST APIs instead of the traditional Git protocol you will be editing files in even the largest repositories in seconds: • Drag a repository URL to the Files app • Browse the directory that immediately appears • Open and Edit files in your favorite app Source Files is file oriented and making edits to 3 different files will result in 3 commits. It is possible to configure the app to work in a branch where a messy commit history is acceptable and merge changes back using pull requests. Consider using traditional Git clients like Working Copy or Tower for projects that need a tidy commit history in all branches. There is rich support for automation with Shortcuts actions to List, Download, Upload and Move files. Uploading files from the Mac services menu and share sheet is supported and very fast as target directories are remembered for different file types. The app is free to use with a single server. A Pro Unlock is required for multiple servers, available as a one-time purchase or a monthly subscription, with access shared across iPhone, iPad, and Mac. A one-week free trial allows users to evaluate Pro features before purchase. Source Files is restricted by GitHub, GitLab and BitBucket API quotas that depend on your account privileges.

About

gitroots

Features
Read full description

gitroots is a secure mobile control room for managing repository visibility, overlays, sync reviews, and protected access across your GitHub workspaces. Review pending sync requests, monitor protected paths, track overlay activity, and keep visibility into repository governance from your iPhone or Apple Watch. gitroots helps teams control how code is shared without exposing the full source repository. Key features: - View workspace health, protected paths, overlays, approvals, and GitHub catalog status - Review sync requests and activity from a mobile dashboard - Create repository overlays from fetched GitHub repositories - Select collaborators who should receive access - Switch between connected workspaces - Receive push notifications for important review activity - Use Apple Watch to monitor approvals and workspace status gitroots is designed for engineering teams, founders, product security teams, and repository owners who need tighter control over access, review flows, and audit visibility. A gitroots account and connected workspace are required.

Screenshots

Source Files4 screens
gitroots4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: gitroots at none against Source Files's 3. gitroots also leads on iOS requirement (15.0 vs 18.2). Source Files's advantage is chart position (#95 vs unranked). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Source Files sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.49 per month. gitroots asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and September 20, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 8 level
Source Files versus gitroots: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSource Filesgitroots
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.4 (30 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews75.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings30 — better—
Update frequencyWeeklyWeekly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
Best chart rank#95 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, MaciPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch — better
Requires iOS18.215.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size54 MB24 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAnders Borum ApSShawki Aladdin

In-app purchases

3 purchases

Source Files

Subscriptions1
  • Source Files Monthly7 Days trial$2.491 Month
One-time2
  • Lifetime Source Pro$23.99
  • Lifetime Source Pro$24.99
None

gitroots

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Source Files free?
Source Files is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is gitroots free?
gitroots is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Source Files or gitroots have ads?
Neither Source Files nor gitroots shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Source Files or gitroots?
Source Files ships an update weekly, and gitroots weekly. Most recently, Source Files was updated on October 7, 2026 and gitroots on September 20, 2026.

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