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Conan review

Free#7 of 92 in Package ManagersPackage Registries

A capable open-source choice for managing native C and C++ dependencies across platforms.

8.6/10Editor score
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Conan8.6 Visit Conan

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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.

Conan pros and cons

  • 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.

Conan fact sheet, pricing and score →

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