Best Package Managers for Mac of 2025

Homebrew serves as the missing package manager for macOS and Linux, providing a script that outlines its intended actions before executing them. It effectively installs software that Apple or your Linux distribution may not provide by default, placing packages in dedicated directories and creating symlinks in /usr/local for macOS Intel systems. This package manager ensures that installations remain within its designated prefix, allowing for flexible placement of Homebrew installations. Users can easily create their own Homebrew packages, as the underlying technology involves Git and Ruby, which facilitates simple reversion of changes and merging of updates. Homebrew formulas are straightforward Ruby scripts that enhance the functionality of macOS or Linux systems. Furthermore, RubyGems can be installed using the gem command, while Homebrew manages their dependencies through the brew command. For macOS users, Homebrew Cask enables the installation of applications, fonts, and plugins, including proprietary software, with the process of creating a cask being as easy as writing a formula. This simplicity encourages users to explore and customize their software environment further.

Helm simplifies the management of Kubernetes applications, while Helm charts allow users to define, install, and upgrade even the most intricate Kubernetes applications. These charts are not only user-friendly to create and publish, but they also facilitate easy versioning and sharing, making Helm an essential tool to eliminate redundant copy-and-paste efforts. By detailing even the most sophisticated applications, charts ensure consistent installation practices and act as a central authoritative source. They also ease the update process through in-place upgrades and customizable hooks. Furthermore, charts can be easily versioned and hosted on both public and private servers, allowing for flexibility in deployment. Should you need to revert to a previous version, the helm rollback command makes this process straightforward. Helm operates using a packaging format known as charts, which consist of a collection of files that outline a related group of Kubernetes resources. Notably, a single chart can manage the deployment of a simple element, such as a memcached pod, or orchestrate a comprehensive web application stack, including HTTP servers, databases, and caches, showcasing its versatility and power in the Kubernetes ecosystem. This capability to handle both simple and complex deployments makes Helm an indispensable tool for developers and operators alike.

NuGet serves as the package manager specifically designed for the .NET framework. With the help of NuGet client tools, developers can both create and utilize packages effectively. The NuGet Gallery acts as the primary repository where all package developers and users can access a wide variety of packages. If you’re unfamiliar with NuGet, you can begin with a guided tutorial that demonstrates how NuGet enhances your .NET development experience. You can explore countless packages generated and shared by fellow developers within the .NET ecosystem. If you’re interested in creating your very first NuGet package to contribute to the community, our step-by-step guide is an excellent starting point! The command-line utility, nuget.exe, is compatible with Mono 3.2 and later, allowing package creation on Mono platforms. While nuget.exe operates seamlessly on Windows, users have reported some issues when attempting to run it on Linux and OS X systems. To learn more about any given package, you should refer to its listing page on NuGet or any private feed. Each package's page on the NuGet platform features crucial information, including a detailed description, version history, and key usage statistics, empowering developers to make informed decisions. Additionally, the continuous updates to the package listings ensure that users have access to the latest enhancements and features available in the .NET community.

Yarn serves as a dual-purpose tool, functioning both as a package manager and a project manager. It caters to a diverse range of users, from hobbyists to large enterprises, whether you're engaged in quick projects or comprehensive monorepos. With Yarn, you can compartmentalize your project into various sub-components within a single repository. One of its key features is the assurance that an installation that works today will continue to perform consistently in the future. While Yarn may not address every issue you face, it provides a solid base for further solutions. We are committed to redefining the developer experience and questioning conventional practices. As an independent open-source initiative, Yarn is not affiliated with any corporation, and your support is crucial to our success. Yarn has a comprehensive understanding of your dependency tree and takes care of installing it on your disk, so why should Node be responsible for locating your packages? Instead, it is the responsibility of the package manager to notify the interpreter about where the packages are stored on the disk and to handle any relationships and versioning between those packages. This shift in responsibility could enhance the overall efficiency of project management in development environments. Ultimately, Yarn aims to streamline the development process, making it easier for developers to focus on building great software.

Nix offers a distinctive methodology for managing packages and configuring systems. It enables the creation of systems that are not only reproducible but also declarative and dependable. By building packages in isolation, Nix guarantees that they are reproducible and free from hidden dependencies, meaning a package that functions properly on one machine will operate identically on another. Additionally, Nix simplifies the sharing of development and build environments across various projects, regardless of the programming languages or tools involved. One of its key features is the prevention of one package's installation or upgrade from disrupting the functionality of others. This capability includes options to revert to earlier versions, ensuring that no package enters an inconsistent state during the upgrade process. By functioning as a purely functional package manager, Nix treats packages as immutable values similar to those in purely functional programming languages like Haskell, where they are constructed by functions devoid of side effects and remain unchanged once built. Consequently, this approach promotes greater reliability and consistency within software environments.

Homebrew Cask provides an elegant command-line interface (CLI) workflow for managing macOS applications that are distributed as binaries. By extending the capabilities of Homebrew, it offers a straightforward and efficient way to install and manage GUI applications like Atom and Google Chrome. To get started with Homebrew Cask, you only need to have Homebrew installed on your system. It facilitates the installation of macOS applications, fonts, plugins, and other proprietary software. Homebrew Cask functions as an integral component of Homebrew itself, with all commands beginning with "brew," which is applicable to both Casks and Formulae. You can use the command "brew install" to add one or more Cask tokens at once. Additionally, Homebrew Cask supports bash and zsh completion for the brew command, enhancing its usability. Since the Homebrew Cask repository operates as a Homebrew Tap, users can quickly download the latest Casks by running the standard "brew update" command, ensuring that they always have access to the most current applications available. This streamlined process not only saves time but also makes application management much more efficient for macOS users.

Pkgsrc serves as a powerful framework for managing third-party software on UNIX-like operating systems, boasting a repository of over 17,900 packages. It acts as the default package manager for both NetBSD and SmartOS, facilitating the seamless construction of freely available software across a wide array of UNIX-like platforms. Users benefit from the convenience of utilizing binary packages generated by pkgsrc, eliminating the need for source code compilation. This system can effortlessly enhance the software ecosystem of an existing setup. With its remarkable versatility, pkgsrc provides extensive configurability, enabling package builds for any installation prefix, supporting the coexistence of multiple branches on a single machine, and featuring advanced tools like a build options framework and a compiler transformation framework. Furthermore, it accommodates unprivileged usage and installation, broadening accessibility. While NetBSD comes pre-equipped with the necessary tools for pkgsrc, users on alternative platforms must undertake a bootstrap process to install the required package management utilities, ensuring a smooth experience in software management. This adaptability and range of features make pkgsrc an invaluable resource for developers and system administrators alike.

The MacPorts Project is a community-driven open-source initiative aimed at creating a user-friendly platform for compiling, installing, and upgrading various types of open-source software—whether command-line, X11, or Aqua—on the macOS operating system. To facilitate this, we offer the MacPorts software package, which operates via the command line and is licensed under a 3-Clause BSD License, granting users seamless access to thousands of ports that streamline the process of managing open-source software on Mac computers. Our repository maintains a single software tree that aligns with the latest versions of every software title (port) we offer, avoiding the complications of categorizing them into “stable” and “unstable” versions, primarily focusing on compatibility with macOS Mojave v10.14 and later, including support for macOS Monterey v12 on both Intel and Apple Silicon hardware. With a vast array of ports available across multiple categories, the collection is continually expanding to meet the needs of users. Each update aims to enhance user experience while ensuring that the most current software options are readily accessible.

The Fink initiative aims to introduce the extensive realm of Unix open-source software to Darwin and Mac OS X environments. By modifying Unix applications to ensure they compile and operate seamlessly on Mac OS X—essentially "porting" them—we provide users with a unified distribution available for download. Utilizing Debian tools such as dpkg and apt-get, Fink offers robust binary package management capabilities. Users have the flexibility to either download precompiled binary packages or opt to build everything from source code. The project supplies both precompiled binary options and a fully automated system for building from source. While Mac OS X comes with merely a fundamental set of command-line tools, Fink enhances these tools and presents a variety of graphical applications designed for Linux and other Unix systems. With Fink, the compilation process becomes entirely automated, freeing users from the complexities of Makefiles and configure scripts, along with their various parameters. Additionally, the dependency management system ensures that all necessary libraries are automatically accounted for, streamlining the overall user experience. As a result, Fink significantly enriches the software ecosystem available to Mac OS X users.

Rudix serves as a build system specifically designed for macOS, previously known as Mac OS X, while offering limited compatibility with OpenBSD, FreeBSD, NetBSD, and Linux. This build system, often referred to as "ports," supplies detailed guidance for compiling third-party software directly from the source code. Beyond merely functioning as a ports framework, Rudix includes a variety of packages and precompiled software packaged neatly in *.pkg files for straightforward installation on your Mac. Those interested in contributing to the project can find it on GitHub at rudix-mac or its mirrored version on GitLab at rudix. Users are encouraged to utilize the GitHub issue tracker for reporting bugs or suggesting new features. Alternatives to Rudix include similar projects like Fink, MacPorts, pkgsrc, and Homebrew, which also aim to simplify software installation on macOS. Packages are meticulously compiled and verified on macOS Big Sur (Version 11, Intel only!), Catalina (Version 10.15), and OS X El Capitan (Version 10.11). Each package is designed to be self-sufficient, containing all necessary components to function properly, with binaries, libraries, and documentation installed in the /usr/local/ directory. Furthermore, Rudix aims to enhance the user experience by providing a cohesive platform for software development and installation on macOS.

This module is not undergoing any active development at the moment. We have ceased the acceptance of pull requests for this repository. OneGet has reached a stable condition and will only be provided with critical bug fixes from Microsoft going forward. Should you have any inquiries or encounter any unforeseen issues with this module, we encourage you to create an issue in the repository. Currently, PackageManagement is compatible with Windows, Linux, and MacOS. Additionally, we regularly release binary updates to PowerShellCore, ensuring that PackageManagement is included in the PowerShell Core distributions. It is important to stay updated on these developments for optimal functionality.

Introducing a decentralized software installation framework that operates seamlessly across Linux, Windows, and macOS platforms. This fully open-source solution allows users to launch applications with just a single click, enabling them to run programs without the need for prior installation. Users can manage all operations through either a command line or a graphical interface, ensuring complete control over their computing experience. The installation process is transparent, eliminating the uncertainty typically associated with software deployment. It supports the combination of both stable and experimental applications on a single system, fostering a versatile software environment. Anyone has the capability to distribute software, empowering developers to create a single package that functions across various platforms. This system allows publishing on any static web host, establishing a decentralized ecosystem devoid of any central authority. Moreover, it features robust dependency management and automatic updates, prioritizing security at every step. Installing an application does not bestow it with administrator privileges, and digital signatures are meticulously verified before any new software is executed. Applications can share libraries while maintaining a level of trust, which enhances security. This framework also introduces automatic self-updating mechanisms, staged rollouts, and numerous enhancements for desktop integration, thereby enriching the overall user experience. With such features, it redefines the way users interact with software on their devices.

The RPM Package Manager (RPM) serves as a robust system for managing software packages, enabling users to compile software from source into easily distributable formats, as well as facilitating the installation, updating, and removal of these packages; it also allows for the querying of extensive details about both installed and uninstalled software packages, along with the ability to verify their integrity and the overall software installation process. Metadata related to the package is contained within the RPM header, a binary data structure that organizes information in specific tags, each associated with a defined meaning and type. Although this metadata is not embedded within the header, it is essential for the code that interprets the header to understand these definitions. In this structure, tags are identified solely by their numerical representation, and each tag can either be a simple scalar type or an array comprising these types. While the type system does not strictly enforce it, the RPM code conventionally assumes that related tags contain the same number of entries, ensuring a consistent organization of data. This design contributes significantly to the effectiveness of the RPM system in managing and maintaining software packages.

The Fortran Package Manager (fpm) serves as both a package manager and a build system specifically designed for Fortran. It boasts a wide array of available packages, contributing to a vibrant ecosystem of both general-purpose and high-performance code, enhancing accessibility for users. Aimed at improving the overall experience for Fortran developers, fpm simplifies the process of building Fortran programs or libraries, executing tests, running examples, and managing dependencies for other Fortran projects. Its design draws inspiration from Rust’s Cargo, creating an intuitive user interface. Additionally, fpm has a long-term vision focused on fostering the growth of modern Fortran applications and libraries. One notable feature of fpm is its plugin system, which facilitates the extension of its capabilities. Among these plugins is the fpm-search project, which enables users to query the package registry effortlessly, and because it is built with fpm, installation on any system is straightforward. This synergy not only streamlines the development process but also encourages collaboration among developers within the Fortran community.

FPM is a versatile tool designed to simplify the process of creating packages for various operating systems, including Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora, CentOS, RHEL, Arch Linux, FreeBSD, and macOS, among others. Rather than introducing a new packaging methodology, FPM serves as a facilitator, streamlining the creation of packages for existing systems with minimal effort. This is achieved through its user-friendly command-line interface, which enables users to generate packages with ease. Developed in Ruby, FPM can be installed via the gem package manager. However, for certain package formats, such as RPM and Snap, specific dependencies must be present on your machine to successfully build them. Additionally, when packaging for different operating systems or distributions, you may need to install other tools to ensure compatibility. FPM effectively transforms your software into easily installable packages across multiple platforms, capable of converting any Node.js package, Ruby gem, or Python package into formats like deb, rpm, or pacman. With FPM, the packaging process becomes significantly more efficient, saving developers both time and effort.

Cargo serves as the package manager for Rust, handling tasks such as downloading dependencies, compiling packages, creating distributable versions, and uploading them to crates.io, which is the Rust community's designated package registry. Contributions to this book can be made through GitHub. To begin using Cargo, you need to install both Cargo and Rust, then create your first crate. Through the command-line interface, you will be able to interact with Cargo easily. A Rust crate can be classified as either a library or an executable, known respectively as a library crate or a binary crate. Generally speaking, the term crate can denote the source code of the project or the compiled output it generates. Additionally, it may also refer to a compressed package obtained from a registry. You can create crates that depend on external libraries available on crates.io, other registries, git repositories, or even local subdirectories. Moreover, there is an option to temporarily change the location of a dependency, providing flexibility in your project management. This versatility makes Cargo an essential tool for Rust developers.

Apache Ivy™ serves as a widely-used dependency manager that emphasizes both flexibility and ease of use. Discover its distinct enterprise capabilities, user feedback, and the ways it can enhance your build process! Ivy operates as a tool designed for the management of project dependencies, which includes recording, tracking, resolving, and reporting. It is not confined to any specific methodology or framework, allowing it to be highly adaptable to various dependency management and build workflows. Although it can function independently, Ivy is particularly effective in conjunction with Apache Ant, offering a variety of robust Ant tasks that range from resolving dependencies to generating reports and facilitating publication. Among its many powerful attributes, users often highlight its flexibility, seamless integration with Ant, and an efficient engine for managing transitive dependencies. Additionally, Ivy is an open-source tool, distributed under a permissive Apache License, making it accessible for a wide audience. This combination of features positions Ivy as a valuable asset for developers seeking to streamline their dependency management processes.

Conda serves as an open-source solution for managing packages, dependencies, and environments across various programming languages, including Python, R, Ruby, Lua, Scala, Java, JavaScript, C/C++, Fortran, and others. This versatile system operates seamlessly on multiple platforms such as Windows, macOS, Linux, and z/OS. With the ability to swiftly install, execute, and upgrade packages alongside their dependencies, Conda enhances productivity. It simplifies the process of creating, saving, loading, and switching between different environments on your device. Originally designed for Python applications, Conda's capabilities extend to packaging and distributing software for any programming language. Acting as an efficient package manager, it aids users in locating and installing the packages they require. If you find yourself needing a package that depends on an alternate Python version, there’s no need to switch to a different environment manager; Conda fulfills that role as well. You can effortlessly establish an entirely separate environment to accommodate that specific version of Python, while still utilizing your standard version in your default environment. This flexibility makes Conda an invaluable tool for developers working with diverse software requirements.

Introducing tea, the innovative cross-platform package manager that transforms how you manage software. Wave goodbye to sluggish and cumbersome experiences, and welcome a fast and seamless solution brought to you by the creator of Brew. With tea, all you need to do is enter commands, and it handles everything else effortlessly. You can easily obtain the latest releases of open source tools and maintain specific tool versions for various projects. Enjoy an enhanced package management experience that tea provides. Moreover, we plan to utilize blockchain technology within this packaging framework to ensure developers are compensated for their contributions to open source software. To discover more about our ambitious vision for web3, you can explore our detailed white paper here. Access the vast open source ecosystem with tea by simply adding "tea" before your commands; if a tool isn't already installed, tea will take care of that for you. Infuse your shell scripts with enhanced functionality and improve your workflow with developer environments. The magic feature is optional; if you choose not to enable it, just remember to prefix your commands with `tea`, ensuring a smooth and productive experience. This blend of simplicity and efficiency sets tea apart in the realm of package management.