Conan
Conan: A capable open-source choice for managing native C and C++ dependencies across platforms. Ranked #7 of 92 in Package Managers by our editors (8.6/10); pricing: Free plan; best for native C and C++ dependencies.
At a glance
- Editor score8.6 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forNative C and C++ dependencies
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Lockfile supportYes
- Facts checked22 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Dependency graphs, lockfiles, and profiles support reproducible native builds.
- Precompiled binaries and local caches can reduce repeated build work.
- Broad integrations cover CMake, Visual Studio/MSBuild, Docker, and Meson.
Where it doesn't
- Experimental workspaces are subject to breaking changes.
- Package workflows require recipe and profile concepts to be understood.
- Hosted repository capabilities are separate from the free Conan client.
Our verdict on Conan
Conan is a decentralized, open-source package manager for C and C++ projects. It is designed for teams that need to define package recipes, declare dependencies, build or obtain precompiled binaries, and exchange packages through configurable remote repositories. Its platform coverage includes Windows, Linux, macOS, FreeBSD, Solaris/SunOS, Android, iOS, embedded systems, and bare-metal targets, making it a strong fit for native development across varied operating systems, compilers, architectures, and build environments.
The free Conan client provides dependency graph computation, lockfiles, profiles, package revisions, local caching, offline workflows, and cross-building support. Precompiled binaries can be managed for multiple configurations, while recipes can be written as conanfile.py or conanfile.txt files. Integration options include CMake, Visual Studio/MSBuild, Makefiles, Meson, SCons, Docker, MinGW, WSL, Autotools, and JFrog Artifactory. Conan can be installed through Python packages, system installers, self-contained executables, or source installation. Paid or hosted repository pricing belongs to separate JFrog Artifactory offerings rather than the Conan client.
For teams maintaining complex native dependency graphs, Conan’s combination of profiles, lockfiles, revisions, remotes, and binary management gives the workflow useful control over reproducibility and configuration differences. Editable packages support active development, while offline caches help when package access is restricted. The main qualification is that Conan requires familiarity with recipes, profiles, remotes, and native build concepts; its documented workspace feature is experimental and subject to breaking changes. Choose Conan for flexible, cross-platform C and C++ dependency management. Consider another option if you want a simpler package workflow or need workspaces with a stable, fixed interface.
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Conan pricing
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Conan fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Package formats | Conan recipes and binary packages |
| Supported platforms | Linux, Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, embedded and bare-metal targets |
| Dependency resolution | Yes |
| Lockfile support | Yes |
| Workspace support | Yes |
| Private registry auth | Yes |
| Offline installation | Yes |
| Deployment | Self-hosted, Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Docs, Community |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 6 integrations: CMake, Visual Studio/MSBuild, Makefiles, SCons, Docker, Meson |
| Pricing | Free plan (source) |
| Website | conan.io |
| Facts checked | 22 Sep 2026 |
Conan integrations
Conan lists 6 integrations on its own site.
- CMake
- Visual Studio/MSBuild
- Makefiles
- SCons
- Docker
- Meson
Alternatives to Conan
- 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
Conan vs the competition
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Also Ranked In
Conan is ranked in 2 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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