Side by side
ActiveState Platform vs Astral
Both stand on python package managers. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan APILinuxMac+2
ActiveState Platform organizes custom runtime projects and provides build, deployment, and inventory capabilities. Organizations should note that project features vary by subscription tier and published catalog prices are separate from legacy subscription pricing.
Visit ActiveState Platform
Free plan LinuxMacWindows
Astral offers free, open-source Python tools for linting and package and project management. The separate pyx registry is closed to new signups, and support is directed to Discord.
Visit AstralThe facts
| ActiveState Platform | Astral | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | API, Linux, Mac, Web, Windows | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 2 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | docs.activestate.com | astral.sh |
| On python package managers | #1 of 27 | #2 of 27 |
ActiveState Platform: what it does well
- Projects can be personal, organization-shared, or public.
- State Tool supports Windows, Linux, and macOS.
- Immutable SBOMs are available in SPDX formats.
- Builds use checksum verification and isolated containers.
What to know first
- The free plan permits public projects only.
- Paid subscription pricing is available by contacting sales.
- Docker deployment with the State Tool is limited to Linux containers.
Astral: what it does well
- Ruff and uv are free and permissively licensed.
- uv includes project management and a universal lockfile.
- Supports macOS, Linux and Windows.
- Documentation lists integrations across developer and CI tools.
What to know first
- pyx is no longer accepting new signups.
- Support is directed through the Discord community.
Alternatives to ActiveState Platform Alternatives to Astral The whole list