GitHub vs ServiceNow: Pricing Comparison (2026)
GitHub starts at $4/mo. ServiceNow starts at $100/mo. GitHub is $96/mo cheaper on the entry tier than ServiceNow.
See price history: GitHub · ServiceNow
The dominant developer platform (source control + code review + CI/CD + package registry), owned by Microsoft ($7.5B acquisition, 2018). Positioned as the alternative to GitLab and Bitbucket for the vast majority of open-source and enterprise software teams. Distinctive for its Copilot AI product ($10-$39/user/mo) that became Microsoft's fastest-growing AI SKU. Priced free (unlimited public + private repos) up to $21/user/mo Enterprise. Real cost bloat: GitHub Actions minutes and Copilot seats scale with team activity.
The dominant enterprise ITSM (IT Service Management) platform and low-code workflow-automation cloud, founded 2003. Positioned as the enterprise-scale alternative to Jira Service Management + BMC Remedy, with a strategy to consume all workflow-automation budgets across IT + HR + Customer Service + Field Service. Distinctive for its Now Platform (unified low-code workflow engine) + Now Assist AI (2024 launch, positioned against Copilot). Publicly traded (NYSE: NOW), $150B+ market cap. Real contracts $50K-$50M+/year with enterprise typically $500K-$5M+. Serves 8,100+ enterprises including 85% of Fortune 500.
All plans compared
| # | Plan | GitHub monthly | GitHub annual | ServiceNow monthly | ServiceNow annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Free / ITSM Standard | 0 | 0 | 100 | 100 |
| 2 | Team / ITSM Professional | 4 | 4 | 200 | 200 |
| 3 | Enterprise / ITSM Enterprise | 21 | 21 | 300 | 300 |
| 4 | Now Platform Enterprise | — | — | custom | custom |
What each is best for
The dominant developer platform (source control + code review + CI/CD + package registry), owned by Microsoft ($7.5B acquisition, 2018). Positioned as the alternative to GitLab and Bitbucket for the vast majority of open-source and enterprise software teams. Distinctive for its Copilot AI product ($10-$39/user/mo) that became Microsoft's fastest-growing AI SKU. Priced free (unlimited public + private repos) up to $21/user/mo Enterprise. Real cost bloat: GitHub Actions minutes and Copilot seats scale with team activity.
The dominant enterprise ITSM (IT Service Management) platform and low-code workflow-automation cloud, founded 2003. Positioned as the enterprise-scale alternative to Jira Service Management + BMC Remedy, with a strategy to consume all workflow-automation budgets across IT + HR + Customer Service + Field Service. Distinctive for its Now Platform (unified low-code workflow engine) + Now Assist AI (2024 launch, positioned against Copilot). Publicly traded (NYSE: NOW), $150B+ market cap. Real contracts $50K-$50M+/year with enterprise typically $500K-$5M+. Serves 8,100+ enterprises including 85% of Fortune 500.
At a glance
| GitHub | ServiceNow | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Entry price | $4/mo | $100/mo |
| Enterprise available | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing model | Per Seat | — |
| Last verified | July 30, 2026 | August 12, 2026 |
| Full pricing | View full pricing | View full pricing |
Pricing last verified August 12, 2026. Tracked daily.