Chocolatey
Chocolatey: A flexible Windows package manager with strong automation and deployment options. Ranked #20 of 92 in Package Managers by our editors (7.3/10); pricing: Free plan · 14-day trial; best for windows software deployment teams.
At a glance
- Editor score7.3 / 10
- PricingFree plan · 14-day trial
- Best forWindows software deployment teams
- Free planYes
- Paid from$18/device/yr
- Lockfile supportYes
- Founded2011
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Resolves dependencies and supports private, local, and offline sources
- Creates packages with NuSpec metadata and PowerShell automation
- Integrates with Ansible, Chef, Puppet, ProGet, and Octopus Deploy
Where it doesn't
- Supports Windows rather than cross-platform environments
- Business requires a 100-node minimum pack
- Central management and auditing require the Business plan
Our verdict on Chocolatey
Chocolatey is an open-source package manager and software management solution for Windows. It supports individuals, developers, system administrators, and organizations that need to create, install, upgrade, or remove software through commands, scripts, and automation tools. Packages can use NuGet-compatible formats and include installers, binaries, archives, embedded software, and PowerShell scripts. Its fit is strongest for Windows software deployment teams managing repeatable installation workflows across personal machines, servers, containers, or organizational environments.
The pricing structure spans a free Open Source plan, Pro at $96 per year, and Business (C4B) at $18 per license per year with a 100-node minimum pack. Open Source includes package creation, private repository hosting, package shims, one-command upgrades, and PowerShell functions. Pro is designed for individuals with up to 8 personal machines and adds Package Reducer, Package Throttle, runtime malware and virus protection, and a download CDN cache. Business is aimed at organizations and adds Central Management, Self-Service Install Management, Package Internalizer, and Package Audit. A 14-day free trial is also available.
Chocolatey's technical breadth is its main strength. It can resolve dependency chains, authenticate package sources, create executable shims, embed installers, and install from local packages or repositories without internet access. Sources can include community, custom, private, local-folder, and file-share locations. Integrations include Ansible, Chef, Puppet, PowerShell DSC, Salt, ProGet, JFrog Artifactory, Sonatype Nexus, and Octopus Deploy. Choose Chocolatey when Windows-focused automation, private sources, offline deployment, or deployment-tool integration matters. Teams needing a package manager beyond Windows should choose another platform.
Your product? Our editors can test Chocolatey in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Chocolatey pricing
All 3 Chocolatey plans and prices →
Chocolatey fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | $18/device/yr |
| Package formats | nupkg, nuspec, packages.config |
| Supported platforms | Windows; Linux; macOS |
| Dependency resolution | Yes |
| Lockfile support | Yes |
| Workspace support | Not verified |
| Private registry auth | Yes |
| Offline installation | Yes |
| Free trial | 14 days |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days |
| Deployment | Self-hosted, Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, Linux, macOS |
| Support | Community, Docs · 24/7 |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 7 integrations: NuGet, PowerShell, Puppet, Intune, ProGet, Nexus … See all → |
| Pricing | Free plan · 14-day trial (source) |
| Website | chocolatey.org |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
Chocolatey integrations
Chocolatey lists 7 integrations on its own site.
- NuGet
- PowerShell
- Puppet
- Intune
- ProGet
- Nexus
- Artifactory
See all Chocolatey integrations →
Alternatives to Chocolatey
- npmA complete JavaScript package workflow with public access free and private packages at $7/month.9.4
- uvA broad, open-source toolkit for managing modern Python projects across three platforms.9.2
- YarnA capable JavaScript package manager for consistent installs and monorepositories.9.0
See all Chocolatey alternatives →
Also Ranked In
Chocolatey is ranked in 3 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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