pip vs Zero Install
pip
pip.pypa.ioZero Install
0install.netSide by side
| Figure | pip | Zero Install |
|---|---|---|
| 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 · Package Managers | 8.8 (#7) | 7.7 (#60) |
| Privacy | pip says it does not collect telemetry, but it sends non-identifying environment information such as Python version and OS to remote indexes it uses. | The download page says Zero Install contacts servers during normal operation, such as to check for updates, and does not transmit personal information unless specifically requested by the user. |
| Security | The documentation says pip does not check for remote tampering by default, but hash-checking mode and binary-only installs can provide a more secure installation method. | The project says package signatures are checked before new software runs and caching a package does not run its code or write to system software directories. |
| Support | The documentation directs users seeking help to GitHub Issues, the Discourse channel, and User IRC. | The project directs bug reports and feature requests to GitHub Issues and offers a mailing list for questions and suggestions. |
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.
Zero Install
Zero Install has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.