Astral

Free#27 of 27 in Python Package ManagersLinters

Astral: A free Python code-quality toolkit, not a package manager. Ranked #27 of 27 in Python Package Managers by our editors (6.2/10); pricing: Free plan; best for python teams that need linting and formatting.

6.2/10★★★☆☆Editor score

Visit Astral

Astral6.2 Visit Astral

At a glance

• Editor score
  6.2 / 10
• Pricing
  Free plan
• Best for
  Python teams that need linting and formatting
• Free plan
  Yes
• Paid from
  Free
• Facts checked
  23 Sep 2026

• Where it wins

  • Checks Python code with more than 900 built-in lint rules
  • Can autofix supported findings and format code
  • Works in editors and CI, including GitHub Actions and GitLab CI/CD

• Where it doesn't

  • Does not manage Python packages
  • Custom rule support is not documented as user-created rules
  • Documentation is the listed support channel

Our verdict on Astral

Astral is a Python developer-tools company whose tools include Ruff, an open-source linter and formatter. Ruff is aimed at Python developers and teams that want to check code quality from the command line, in an editor, or in CI. It checks Python files and directories, supports Jupyter Notebook files, and can automatically fix supported findings with the --fix option. Although Astral appears in a Python Package Managers directory, Ruff focuses on linting and formatting rather than package management; teams looking to manage dependencies should choose a package-management tool instead.

Ruff’s standout feature is the breadth of its lint checks: it includes more than 900 built-in rules, with configurable selection, extension, and suppression. It also has a built-in formatter, and its language server provides editor diagnostics, code actions, and formatting. Integrations include Visual Studio Code, Zed, pre-commit, Docker, GitHub Actions, and GitLab CI/CD. That range gives teams options for incorporating checks into local editing and automated workflows, while keeping the core use case centered on Python code quality.

Ruff is open source and has a free plan; the published product details describe it as a tool rather than a hosted subscription. It is available across Windows, macOS, Linux, and self-hosted deployment, with documentation as the listed support channel. Teams that need configurable linting, autofixes, and formatting across editors or CI should consider Ruff. Those who need package installation or dependency management, or require user-created custom rules, should look for a different fit.

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Astral pricing

Astral fact sheet

Astral integrations

Astral lists 6 integrations on its own site.

• Visual Studio Code
• Zed
• GitHub Actions
• GitLab CI/CD
• pre-commit
• Docker

See all Astral integrations →

Alternatives to Astral

• uvAn open-source toolkit for managing modern Python projects from dependencies to publishing.9.3
• PoetryA focused open-source workflow for resolving, isolating, building, and publishing Python projects.9.1
• PDMA standards-focused manager for reproducible environments, workspaces, and private indexes.9.0

See all Astral alternatives →

Featured on iTechGuides

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update