Side by side
Fink vs Nala
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 Mac
Fink provides a structured way to install Unix software on macOS while isolating packages from the base system. Installation requirements and X11 needs matter for users selecting graphical or source-built packages.
Visit Fink Free plan Linux
Nala combines familiar APT package operations with mirror selection, download verification, configurable terminal output, and recorded transaction history. Check your distribution version first because the described installation does not support Ubuntu 18.04, Debian Buster, or older releases.
Visit NalaThe facts
| Fink | Nala | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Mac | Linux |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | finkproject.org | gitlab.com |
| On package managers | #69 of 93 | #65 of 93 |
Fink: what it does well
- Free and open source
- Dependency resolution for required libraries
- Separate package tree
- Supports Intel and Apple arm64 development branches
- Documentation, mailing lists, and IRC support
What to know first
- macOS only
- Xcode required before installation
- Most graphical packages require X11
- No current binary installer for macOS 10.6–10.15
Nala: what it does well
- Free and open source
- Supports dependency resolution
- Parallel downloads with hash verification
- Transaction history supports undo and redo
- Automatic or interactive mirror selection
What to know first
- Linux only
- Does not work through described installation on Ubuntu 18.04
- Does not work through described installation on Debian Buster
- Package-changing commands require root privileges