Side by side
GN vs Meson
Both stand on build automation software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan LinuxMacWindows
Choose GN if you need a meta-build system for Ninja and can select a version compatible with your project. Look elsewhere if your workflow depends on a stable version that guarantees backward compatibility across projects.
Visit GN
Free plan LinuxMacWindows
Meson combines a readable build-definition language with multiple backends, IDE integrations, and cross-compilation support. Account for its Python requirement and the Ninja dependency when using the default backend.
Visit MesonThe facts
| GN | Meson | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Windows | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | gn.googlesource.com | mesonbuild.com |
| On build automation software | #9 of 42 | #13 of 42 |
GN: what it does well
- Generates Ninja build files for several languages.
- Supports multiple target platforms in one invocation.
- Separate output directories keep configurations in parallel.
- Checks dependencies, inputs, and outputs where possible.
- Provides binaries for Linux, macOS, and Windows.
What to know first
- There is no stable version intended for every project.
- New versions do not guarantee backward compatibility.
- Projects must select a compatible GN version.
Meson: what it does well
- Supports seven listed programming languages.
- Cross-compiles for many systems and bare metal.
- Offers Visual Studio and Xcode backends.
- Provides JSON build introspection for IDEs and tools.
What to know first
- Requires Python 3.10 or newer.
- Default backend requires the Ninja executable.
- Build definitions do not support wildcard source lists.