Comparison

pip vs setuptools

On the evidence we track, pip leads this comparison with a composite score of 64/100. Scores are only directly comparable because these tools share a category; the full breakdown and every source is below.

Machine formatsMarkdownJSONGraphQLAll open, no key required.
pip64
setuptools58
Score
vioscaleAI score
pip64 / 100medium · 68%
setuptools58 / 100low · 33%
Pricing
Free tier
pip
setuptools
Model
pipfree
setuptoolscommercial
Price level
pipfree
setuptoolsfree
Transparent
pip
setuptools
Integrations
Count
pip0
setuptools
Adoption
Dependent repos
setuptools97,511
Github stars
setuptools2,856
Package downloads weekly
setuptools
Activity
Commits last 30d
pip35
setuptools36
Release
Cadence days
pip
setuptools4
History
pip
setuptools20 items
License
Spdx
pipMIT
setuptoolsMIT
Language
Primary
setuptoolsPython
Content
Faq
setuptools7 items

Features

The capabilities each product documents. These tools do not share a category taxonomy, so this aligns what each vendor states rather than a normalised feature set.

Declared feature comparison
Featurepipsetuptools
Content addressable-
Deploymentcli_local-
Ecosystempython-
Lockfile deterministic-
Open sourceoss-
Package formatssingle-
Pricing modelfree-
Private packages-
Rolemanager_client-
Supply chain integrity-
Upstream proxy-
Vuln license scanning-
Workspaces-

What each one is

The product in its own terms, so the numbers below have context.

pip

Leader

A tool for installing and managing Python packages from package repositories

Independently observed

setuptools

An open-source Python library that helps developers package their code as reusable libraries and executable applications for installation and distribution via pip and PyPI.

Independently observed

Pricing

List pricing as published by each vendor, with the date we read it. Always verify at the source before you buy.

pip

Leader
FreeFree tier
as of verify ↗

setuptools

Open sourceFree tier

Free, open-source. Professional support available via Tidelift Subscription.

  • Community (Open Source)Free
  • Tidelift SubscriptionContact sales
as of verify ↗

Platform & deployment

Where each product runs and how it can be hosted. A dash means undocumented, not unsupported.

Platforms
CLI
pip
setuptools
Deployment
Self-hosted
pip
setuptools
Still deciding?

pip or setuptools: which one depends on you

A composite score cannot know your constraints. Describe them and both get re-weighted against what you actually need, with the evidence behind every position.

Free to run, no account needed to start. How the evaluation works

Comparison generated from independently-sourced facts. Every value links to its source and retrieval date. See the method.