pip vs virtualenv
pip
pip.pypa.iovirtualenv
virtualenv.pypa.ioSide by side
| Figure | pip | virtualenv |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Python Package Managers | 8.3 (#3) | 7.3 (#23) |
| Installation options | pip is commonly installed with Python and can also be installed using ensurepip or get-pip.py. | The project documents installation through uv, pipx, pip, or a self-contained zipapp; it recommends installing the command-line tool in an isolated environment. |
| Purpose | pip is the package installer for Python and can install packages from PyPI and other indexes. | virtualenv is a command-line tool for creating isolated Python environments. |
Plans
In their own words
pip
pip installs Python packages from PyPI and other package indexes, as well as from version control URLs, local project directories, and source archives. It supports source distributions and wheels, resolves dependencies, and can install an environment specified in a requirements file. Its install command can produce a JSON report of installed packages. pip runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows, and the current version supports CPython 3.10 through 3.15 and the latest PyPy3. Other operating systems and Python versions are not supported by its maintainers. It is commonly included in virtual environments and Python downloads from python.org; ensurepip and get-pip.py are also installation options. An experimental standalone zip application is available, but its documentation advises against production use. pip is free. It does not collect telemetry, though it sends non-identifying details such as Python version and operating system to the remote indexes it accesses. Remote tampering checks are not enabled by default; hash-checking mode and binary-only installs are listed as more secure options.
virtualenv
virtualenv has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.