Xmake
Xmake: A capable open-source choice for C/C++ builds, caching, cross-compilation, and packaging. Ranked #6 of 42 in Build Automation Software by our editors (8.7/10); pricing: Free plan; best for cross-platform C/C++ builds and packaging.
At a glance
- Editor score8.7 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forCross-platform C/C++ builds and packaging
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Facts checked22 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Built-in C/C++ dependency and package management
- Local, remote, and distributed compilation support
- Cross-compilation, project generation, and xpack packaging
Where it doesn't
- Lua-based configuration adds a language-specific learning curve
- Its core focus is native C/C++ build workflows
- Remote compilation is specified for Linux, macOS, and Windows servers
Our verdict on Xmake
xmake is an open-source, cross-platform build utility for developers working on C, C++, and other supported-language projects. Its Lua-based xmake.lua files define build logic, while the tool can compile source directly or generate project files for major development environments. Support for Linux, macOS, Windows, Android, and iOS makes it relevant to teams that need one build approach across desktop and mobile targets. It is particularly suited to native-code projects that also need dependency management, multiple toolchains, and packaged outputs.
The build workflow covers more than basic compilation. xmake includes parallel compilation, local and remote build caching, remote compilation on Linux, macOS, and Windows servers, distributed compilation, and cross-compilation. It also supports integrations with Conan, Vcpkg, CMake, Meson, Visual Studio, VSCode, and Xcode, giving teams options to connect existing package, build, and IDE workflows. Binary and installer packaging is available through xpack, extending the tool from source builds into delivery-oriented tasks.
The main trade-off is the need to adopt Lua-based project configuration and xmake.lua conventions. Teams centered on C/C++ can gain a focused workflow with dependency management, caching, remote execution, and toolchain support in one utility. Teams that prefer to keep existing build systems or rely primarily on IDE-generated project files may need to evaluate how xmake's direct compilation and project-file generation fit their process. Choose xmake when cross-platform native builds and packaging are central; consider an alternative when your workflow is not centered on C/C++ or when adopting another configuration language would add unnecessary complexity.
Your product? Our editors can test Xmake in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Xmake pricing
Xmake fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Build as code | Yes |
| Dependency locking | Yes |
| Build caching | Yes |
| Remote execution | Yes |
| Artifact packaging | Yes |
| Supported operating systems | Multi-platform |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android |
| Support | Docs, Community |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 4 integrations: Conan, Vcpkg, CMake, Meson |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | xmake.io |
| Facts checked | 22 Sep 2026 |
Xmake integrations
Xmake lists 4 integrations on its own site.
- Conan
- Vcpkg
- CMake
- Meson
Alternatives to Xmake
- BazelA powerful open-source choice for large polyglot builds and remote execution.9.4
- PantsA capable open-source choice for monorepos that need precise caching and dependency handling.9.3
- NxA capable choice for JavaScript monorepos that need affected builds and managed CI scaling.9.1
Xmake vs the competition
Compare Xmake with any tool side by side →
Used Xmake? Be the first to review it
The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used Xmake for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.
Write a reviewTwo minutes · verified accounts only · read by an editor before it appears
Featured on iTechGuides
Xmake is listed in our Build Automation Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.
<a href="https://www.itechguides.com/products/xmake/"><img src="https://www.itechguides.com/best/badge/xmake.svg" alt="Featured on iTechGuides" width="230" height="46"></a>
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update