Side by side
Homebrew vs Paket
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 LinuxMacWindows
Homebrew offers package installation across macOS, Linux, and WSL, with formulae, casks, and Brewfile-based setup. Its lack of lockfiles and limits on supported systems are worth considering.
Visit Homebrew Free plan LinuxMacWindows
Paket provides open-source, lockfile-based dependency control for .NET projects with broad framework support. Its scope is focused on .NET and NuGet-related ecosystems rather than general JavaScript package management.
Visit PaketThe facts
| Homebrew | Paket | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | brew.sh | fsprojects.github.io |
| On package managers | #27 of 93 | #31 of 93 |
Homebrew: what it does well
- Free and open source.
- Handles formulae, casks, and dependencies.
- Supports offline installation.
- Brewfiles describe desired package setups.
What to know first
- Lockfile support is absent.
- Windows support is through WSL.
- FreeBSD and macOS Catalina 10.15 and earlier are unsupported.
- Support tiers do not guarantee every third-party package remains runnable.
Paket: what it does well
- Resolves direct and transitive versions precisely
- Supports NuGet, Git, and HTTP sources
- Lockfile enables reproducible builds
- Works across Windows, Linux, and macOS
- Does not execute NuGet package scripts
What to know first
- Does not manage npm or bower dependencies
- Credential providers require Paket 5.145.0 or later
- Some editor integrations remain in development
Alternatives to Homebrew Alternatives to Paket The whole list