Free and open first
Best Package Management Software in 2026
Package management software helps you obtain and manage software packages on supported systems. This list is for people choosing a package manager for personal, development, or self-hosted use.
- 16 apps
- Research read 24 Oct 2026
- How the order is worked out
- 1
Conan
Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+2Choose Conan for free C and C++ dependency and binary management across varied platforms and build systems.
- 2
Chocolatey
by ChocolateyFree plan LinuxMacWindowsChocolatey offers a free unlimited-machine foundation plus paid controls for personal and organizational deployment.
- 3
APT
Free plan LinuxAPT covers package discovery, installation, and maintenance for Debian package sources. Users should account for required root privileges and the limits of package verification.
- 4
- 5
- 6
Bundler
Free plan LinuxMacWindowsBundler provides Ruby projects with declared dependencies, locked versions and commands for installation, execution, deployment and caching.
- 7
Homebrew
Free plan LinuxMacWindowsHomebrew offers package installation across macOS, Linux, and WSL, with formulae, casks, and Brewfile-based setup. Its lack of lockfiles and limits on supported systems are worth considering.
- 8
npm
Free plan LinuxMacWindowsnpm supports public package publishing for free and offers paid options for private packages and access management.
- 9
Dart pub
Free plan LinuxMacWindowsPub covers dependency resolution, publishing, and offline use for Dart projects. Its publishing rules and limited-pattern secret checks are worth noting before releasing packages.
- 10
pip
Free plan LinuxMacWindowspip provides package installation across supported Python environments, with options for requirements files, reports, authentication, and offline use.
- 11
Mix
Free plan LinuxMacWindowsMix covers the main build, test, dependency, and release tasks in Elixir development. Its broad platform and dependency support make it useful for varied project setups.
- 12
- 13
pnpm
Free plan AndroidLinuxMac+1pnpm combines package management with workspace, storage, and dependency-control features. It is listed as free, though the provided pages do not specify billing or free-tier terms.
- 14
Poetry
Free plan LinuxMacWindowsPoetry covers dependency management, packaging, and publishing across major desktop operating systems.
- 15
Pacman
Free plan LinuxPacman combines package installation, repository synchronization, dependency resolution, querying, and package building for Linux systems.
- 16
Scoop
Free plan WindowsScoop offers free, scriptable Windows installation with dependency handling and bucket-based distribution. It is most suitable for users comfortable with PowerShell and command-line workflows.
#1Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this list can be bought by the makers of the software on it. See the price
Compare supported platforms, pricing models, free plans, and free trials. If reading or changing code matters, check the licence for the tool you are considering. Confirm that it runs on your target system, such as Linux, Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, or a self-hosted setup.
Questions
Is package management software free?
Several options provide a free plan, while freemium tools can have paid tiers. Pricing varies by tool, so check the plan details before choosing.
Which platforms are supported?
Listed tools run on Linux, Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, or self-hosted setups. Check the specific tool for the platform you need.
Does npm have a free plan?
Yes. npm lists a free plan and paid access from $7 per month.
Are any options open source?
Homebrew and Mix are listed with open-source pricing notes. Review the licence for the tool you plan to use.
Can I try a package manager before paying?
A free trial is offered by tools on this list. Check the trial terms and limits for the option you are considering.