Well for me personally if I am seeking an application to solve a problem and there are 2 comparable options which are on github, I will first try the one with more stars. Especially if there is a large discrepancy.

When I compare a github vs a non-github project I take into consideration that the other code forge has fewer users, and also I generally prefer devs who take the initiative to get off github. So I will usually give them a go unless the project is too incomplete/stale/inactive.