Side by side
FosterStack vs nix-serve
Both stand on build cache software. 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
FosterStack offers a free, self-hosted cache with authentication, metrics, and cache-size controls. Its v0.1 status, incomplete Maven acceptance coverage, and unavailable paid tiers are important constraints to weigh.
Visit FosterStack Free plan LinuxSelf-hosted
Choose nix-serve if you want a free, open-source server for sharing a Nix store as a binary cache. Its documented setup assumes flake-enabled Nix and a Linux self-hosted deployment, so it is not a fit for users seeking a hosted service or another platform.
Visit nix-serveThe facts
| FosterStack | nix-serve | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Self-hosted | Linux, Self-hosted |
| Lowest paid plan | Compliance: $499 a year | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 4 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | fosterstack.com | github.com |
| On build cache software | #12 of 23 | #16 of 23 |
FosterStack: what it does well
- Self-hosted deployment via Docker image or static binary
- Supports Gradle and Maven remote HTTP mode
- Size-capped LRU eviction manages cache space
- Prometheus metrics and read-only status page
- Free tier includes security patches
What to know first
- Maven acceptance coverage is still in progress
- Windows builds are not available or planned
- Paid tiers are described but not yet available
- Not yet used outside its maker’s work in production
nix-serve: what it does well
- Serves a Nix store as a binary cache for other Nix installations.
- Connects to Nix through the `--substituters` option.
- Documents signing and verification with key pairs.
- Free and open source under LGPL-2.1.
- Starman flags include an access-log example.
What to know first
- Usage instructions assume a flake-enabled version of Nix.
- The documented deployment is Linux and self-hosted.
Alternatives to FosterStack Alternatives to nix-serve The whole list