GitLab Duo

GitLab Duo stands out for its breadth—it doesn't just help you write code, it automates planning, security, CI/CD, and code review within a single platform. The agentic flows are a game-changer for complex tasks like converting pipelines or triaging vulnerabilities, and the ability to use self-hosted LLMs addresses compliance concerns that many enterprises have. However, the platform's value is greatest for organizations already invested in GitLab; outside of that ecosystem, the lock-in is real. Compared to GitHub Copilot, which focuses primarily on code completion, GitLab Duo offers a more holistic approach but may feel heavier for teams that only need inline code suggestions. Pricing via GitLab Credits is innovative but unpredictable—teams that run many automated flows could see costs add up. Real-world caveat: the AI maturity model and prompt library are nice touches, but the platform's effectiveness depends heavily on your team's workflow maturity; if you're not already using GitLab's CI/CD and security features, you may not unlock Duo's full potential. For leaders looking to adopt AI responsibly with governance and traceability, GitLab Duo provides a robust solution that's hard to beat.

GitLab Duo is an intelligent orchestration platform that brings agentic AI across the entire DevSecOps lifecycle, helping teams plan, code, secure, and deploy software faster. Designed for development teams of all sizes, it combines specialized agents—for planning, coding, security analysis, analytics, and more—into a unified AI Catalog. Teams can use these agents out of the box or customize them to reflect organizational standards, and chain agents into automated flows that execute complex multi-step tasks. Key capabilities include purpose-built assistance that uses GitLab context for precise results, event-driven flows triggered by GitLab events like mentions or assignments, and enterprise-grade governance with policy-driven AI control, full traceability, and support for self-hosted models. GitLab Duo also offers extensibility through integration with internal systems, third-party tools, and external AI services, allowing teams to select the best LLM for each use case. Unlike standalone AI coding assistants, GitLab Duo is deeply embedded in the GitLab platform, providing a unified experience for planning, code review, security, and CI/CD. It uses usage-based billing with GitLab Credits, pooled across the organization, making it accessible without seat management. GitLab Duo is included in Premium and Ultimate plans, with a free trial available for new customers.