# Buildstash vs Artifactory comparison

Buildstash is a build-to-release and binary artifact management platform for software teams. This page compares Buildstash to Artifactory for teams considering alternatives.

**Buildstash is better for:** Accessibility. Managing software binaries which aren't always managed in an artifact repository. Release management and collaboration.

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## Summary

JFrog Artifactory is a universal binary repository manager used to store, version, and distribute software packages and compiled artifacts. First released in 2006, it has thus built a reputation as the industry standard for artifact repository management, with broad support for package formats like npm, Docker, Maven, NuGet, PyPI, etc.

Teams use Artifactory within a DevOps workflows to speed up builds, cache dependencies, and secure artifact distribution at scale.

On the other hand, Artifactory's status as somewhat a legacy solution targeting enterprise teams means it is not particularly user-friendly, is known for its complexity and overheads to manage, can be expensive, and is not particularly accessible to most software teams.

## Key differences

- Artifactory is focused on package repository management, like npm, Maven, etc, and here it excels. Buildstash is focused on managing software binaries however they're distributed.
- While Artifactory has a reputation for being complex and difficult to manage, Buildstash has an accessibility focus - quick and easy to integrate with your workflow for even the smallest teams, while still being powerful and flexible enough for larger teams.
- Buildstash's pricing is considerably more accessible for teams of all sizes.
- Artifactory offers powerful dependency management and security chain features which may be important for some teams. Buildstash is not yet as strong here.
- Buildstash has integrated beta distribution for platforms like iOS and Android, which Artifactory does not.
- Buildstash has a strong focus on collaboration and powerful your build-to-release workflow - steering builds through QA, referencing in bug reports and on Slack seamlessly, and so on.
- Buildstash is a more modern solution, with an agile team. We ship quickly, listen to your feedback, and prioritize great customer support.

## What people like about Artifactory

- It's a tried-and-trusted solution for many enterprise teams, with a strong community and documentation.
- Supports a wide range of package formats and integrations.
- Strong security features and artifact promotion workflows.

## What people don't like about Artifactory

- Can be complex to setup with a lot of overhead for maintenance.
- Pricing may rule it out for small teams, and get expensive fast for everyone else.
- Missing the features many teams across app development, games, or embedded need in their workflows.
- Has some reputation for poor customer service discussed online.

## Feature comparison

| Feature | Buildstash | Artifactory | Summary |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Universal software binary management | ✓ | ✓ | Can use a "generic" repository in Artifactory - not a great experience |
| Extensive CI/CD integrations | ✓ | ✓ | Both have wide support |
| QA & sign-off workflows | ✓ | Partially | Artifactory supports promotion & metadata; missing good QA approval UX |
| Agnosic distribution targets | ✓ | ✕ | First-class support for software targeting varied distribution channels |
| Package repository management | Soon | ✓ | Artifactory has extensive support for package formats |
| Package dependency chain management | ✕ | ✓ | Artifactory excels here |
| Artifact promotion workflows | ✓ | ✓ | Buildstash supports custom streams, and other flexible ways to organize like labels |
| Metadata management | ✓ | ✓ | Buildstash seamlessly categorises artifacts - whether software binaries, or related metadata and pipeline files |
| Retention policies | ✓ | ✓ | Both allow flexible retention policies |
| Share links | ✓ | ✕ | Buildstash supports generating quick "Google Drive" style share links for sharing |
| Branded download portals | ✓ | ✕ | Buildstash offers powerful custom branded user-facing download pages |
| Distribution groups | ✓ | ✕ | Setup groups of tester emails for distribution in Buildstash |
| iOS & Android beta distribution | ✓ | ✕ | Integrated ad-hoc installation flows for mobile in Buildstash |
| Connect your own storage | ✓ | ✓ | S3 compatible filestores supported |
| Powerful API | ✓ | ✓ | Well documented APIs for both |
| Webhooks | ✓ | ✓ | Both offer webhook support |
| Automations | ✓ | ✕ | Buildstash has integrated automation pipelines |
| Enterprise SSO | ✓ | ✓ | Both have support for SSO authentication |

## Key facts: JFrog Artifactory

- **Around since:** 2006
- **Similar to:** Sonatype Nexus, Cloudsmith, AWS CodeArtifact, etc
- **Best known for:** Artifact repository management
- **Useful for:** Enterprise teams seeking a tried-and-trusted solution to managing package repositories.
- **Buildstash is better for:** Accessibility. Managing software binaries which aren't always managed in an artifact repository. Release management and collaboration.

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Try Buildstash: https://app.buildstash.com/register
Docs: https://docs.buildstash.com