Side by side
MacPorts vs XBPS
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 LinuxMac
MacPorts provides a large, dependency-aware open-source package system focused on macOS. Its sandboxing and build options are useful, while non-macOS support remains experimental and some ports need additional Apple tools.
Visit MacPorts Free plan Linux
XBPS provides core package operations with dependency checks, rollback options, holds, and repository management. Service restarts remain an administrative task after updates.
Visit XBPSThe facts
| MacPorts | XBPS | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac | Linux |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | macports.org | docs.voidlinux.org |
| On package managers | #59 of 93 | #63 of 93 |
MacPorts: what it does well
- Thousands of open-source packages
- Resolves required dependencies automatically
- Keeps ported software in a private sandbox
- Can create binary installers for remote computers
- Uses a 3-Clause BSD License
What to know first
- macOS is the main project focus
- BSD and GNU/Linux support is experimental
- Some ports require Apple developer tools
- Command-line usage is required
XBPS: what it does well
- Supports dependency resolution on Linux
- Allows offline installation from local packages
- Can hold packages during system updates
- Supports package downgrades with local files
- Manages custom and signed repositories
What to know first
- Package updates do not restart services automatically
- Designed for Linux and XBPS binary packages
- Administrators must handle service restarts
Alternatives to MacPorts Alternatives to XBPS The whole list