nFPM
nFPM: A free, open-source CLI and Go library for generating packages across six native formats. Ranked #17 of 29 in Software Packaging Tools by our editors (7.4/10); pricing: Free plan; best for dependency-light multi-format package generation.
At a glance
- Editor score7.4 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forDependency-light multi-format package generation
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Output formatsDEB, RPM, APK, IPK, Arch Linux, MSIX
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Generates DEB, RPM, APK, IPK, Arch Linux, and MSIX packages
- Runs as a standalone binary with no external runtime dependencies
- Works through YAML, Docker, or a Go library for release workflows
Where it doesn't
- Update and silent-install capabilities are limited
- CI/CD capabilities are limited
- Requires command-line and YAML-based configuration
Our verdict on nFPM
nFPM is an open-source command-line tool and Go library for developers and release engineers who need to create native software packages without Ruby, tar, or other external runtime dependencies. It uses a YAML configuration file and supports package-specific metadata, dependencies, scripts, and file contents. The standalone binary runs across Linux, macOS, and Windows-related workflows, while Docker support offers another deployment option.
There is no paid tier to compare: nFPM is free and open source. Its packaging scope is broad, producing DEB, RPM, APK, IPK, Arch Linux, and MSIX packages from a single tool. Package signing is available for supported formats, and JSON Schema generation plus shell completion commands add practical support around configuration and command-line use. Teams working in Go can also use nFPM as a library rather than only invoking the CLI.
The main trade-off is focus. nFPM is built for package creation and provides the core controls needed to describe dependencies, scripts, metadata, and included files, but verified update, silent-install, and CI/CD capabilities are limited. That makes it a strong fit for dependency-light, reproducible packaging within developer or release workflows. Teams seeking a broader release-management system, or deeper built-in update and installation automation, should consider an alternative designed around those areas instead.
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nFPM pricing
nFPM fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Target platforms | Linux, macOS, Windows |
| Output formats | DEB, RPM, APK, IPK, Arch Linux, MSIX |
| Command-line packaging | Yes |
| Silent installation | Not verified |
| Auto-update support | Not verified |
| Delta updates | Not verified |
| CI/CD integration | Not verified |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | nfpm.goreleaser.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to nFPM
- electron-builderA broad Electron release toolkit covering builds, updates, signing, publishing, and CI/CD.9.4
- Advanced InstallerA broad Windows packaging suite for teams managing installers, updates, and deployment automation.9.2
- install4jA capable choice for Java publishers shipping signed installers across major desktop platforms.9.0
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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