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FASTBuild

Free#21 of 42 in Build Automation SoftwareGame Build Automation Software

FASTBuild: A free, open-source choice for native projects that need parallel and distributed builds. Ranked #21 of 42 in Build Automation Software by our editors (7.6/10); pricing: Open source; best for native builds needing distributed compilation.

7.6/10Editor score
Visit FASTBuild
FASTBuild7.6 Visit FASTBuild

At a glance

  • Editor score
    7.6 / 10
  • Pricing
    Open source
  • Best for
    Native builds needing distributed compilation
  • Paid from
    Free
  • Facts checked
    22 Sep 2026
FASTBuild screenshot

  • Where it wins

    • Parallel and distributed compilation across local or network workers
    • Local and network caching with incremental and no-op build optimization
    • Visual Studio and Xcode generation plus built-in test execution

  • Where it doesn't

    • No paid tiers or managed service options
    • Distributed compilation requires available network worker machines
    • Focused on native build workflows rather than broader release automation

Our verdict on FASTBuild

FASTBuild is an open-source native build system for software projects that need parallel and distributed compilation. It runs on Windows, macOS and Linux, using human-readable configuration files to define compilers, object lists, libraries, executables and tests. Its feature set suits development teams working with native codebases, multiple build configurations or networked build machines. It can also generate Visual Studio and Xcode projects, making it relevant to teams using those development environments.

The build engine combines parallel compilation across worker threads with distributed compilation using network workers. Local and network build caching, incremental builds and no-op build optimization are designed to reduce repeated work. FASTBuild also supports automatically generated Unity/Blob builds, executable and statically linked library builds, captured test output, build statistics and reports. These capabilities give native projects a broad build-focused toolkit, while the configuration language keeps build definitions in a readable, pipeline-as-code format. The system integrates with Visual Studio, Xcode, MSVC, GCC, Clang, SNC, GreenHills, CodeWarrior and CUDA.

Its open-source model provides downloadable binaries and source under a permissive license, with a verified free plan rather than a set of paid tiers. That makes FASTBuild suitable for teams that want direct control over their build infrastructure and can manage worker machines themselves. The product is a stronger fit for native compilation than for teams seeking a managed build service or a wider release-automation platform. Choose it when distributed compilation, caching and native project generation are central requirements; consider an alternative when you need paid support tiers, hosted infrastructure or workflows extending beyond build and test execution.

Your product? Our editors can test FASTBuild in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

FASTBuild pricing

Plans Open sourceFree Free to use — no paid tier required for the core job.
See plans on fastbuild.org

FASTBuild fact sheet

Free planNot verified
Paid fromFree
Build as codeYes
Dependency lockingNot verified
Build cachingYes
Remote executionYes
Artifact packagingNot verified
Supported operating systemsMulti-platform
DeploymentDesktop, Self-hosted
PlatformsWindows, macOS, Linux
SupportCommunity, Docs
Built forSolo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate)
Integrations2 integrations: Visual Studio, Xcode
PricingOpen source
Websitefastbuild.org
Facts checked22 Sep 2026

FASTBuild integrations

FASTBuild lists 2 integrations on its own site.

  • Visual Studio
  • Xcode

Alternatives to FASTBuild

See all FASTBuild alternatives →

Also Ranked In

FASTBuild is ranked in 2 of our directories.

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Featured on iTechGuides

Featured on iTechGuides — FASTBuild 7.6/10

FASTBuild is listed in our Build Automation Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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