Side by side
Apache Maven vs uv
Both stand on 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 LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1
Choose Apache Maven for Java projects that benefit from POM-based builds, dependency handling, and plugin extensions. Look elsewhere if a project’s structure cannot be reorganized to fit Maven’s opinionated layout. Builds of untrusted code also need isolation.
Visit Apache Maven
Free plan LinuxMacWindows
uv brings Python project and package tasks into a single tool, with support for several environments and distribution formats. Its plaintext credential storage is an important consideration, and some source builds require a Rust toolchain.
Visit uvThe facts
| Apache Maven | uv | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Apache Maven | Not published |
| Website | maven.apache.org | docs.astral.sh |
| On package managers | #5 of 93 | #9 of 93 |
Apache Maven: what it does well
- Free to use under Apache License 2.0.
- Manages transitive dependencies and automatic updates.
- Builds JARs, WARs, and distributions from project metadata.
- Generates dependency lists and unit test reports.
- Supports offline installation and private registry authentication.
What to know first
- Maven 3.10 and later requires JDK 8 or above to run.
- Unusual project layouts may limit Maven features.
- Untrusted builds require isolation under Maven’s security model.
uv: what it does well
- Free and available for macOS, Linux, and Windows.
- Supports lockfiles and workspaces.
- Can install and manage Python versions.
- Supports offline package installation.
- Default index strategy limits package candidates to the first matching index.
What to know first
- Credentials are currently stored in a plaintext file.
- Native system secret storage is experimental preview.
- Some platforms without a prebuilt PyPI wheel need a Rust toolchain.
Alternatives to Apache Maven Alternatives to uv The whole list