Package hosting repositories are critical tools that allow developers to publish, share, and reuse code packages across projects and teams. As development moves faster, repos enable easier dependency management, distribution, and collaboration.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll cover the top 14 package repos available today, key features developers should evaluate, specific recommendations per use-case, and tips for getting started.
Overview of Package Repos
Package repos provide centralized storage and distribution for software packages and libraries. Developers publish packages which others can then discover and reuse.
Key features include:
- Dependency management – Easily reuse packages without reinventing the wheel each time
- Distribution – Share and download packages from a central public or private location
- Version control – Manage multiple package versions and retrieve specific ones on-demand
- Access control – Manage which developers can publish or consume packages
- Build pipelines – Integrate repos into CI/CD workflows to automate packaging and deployment
Popular language-specific repos exist like npm (JavaScript), NuGet (.NET), and Maven (Java). Many organizations also run private internal repos. As development practices evolve, package management has become a crucial part of the stack.
Top Package Repos for 2021
1. npm
npm is the world’s largest repository of Node.js packages with over 1.3 million packages published. The open source repo pioneered easy JavaScript package reuse and remains a cornerstone tool for Node developers.
Key Features
- Huge ecosystem of public packages
- Easy integration with Node.js apps
- Access control for public and private packages
- Scalable infrastructure proven at massive scale
- Free public repo with paid Team and Enterprise tiers
Best For
- Node.js developers – leading repository for JavaScript packages
- Front-end developers – client-side packages alongside Node server-side ones
2. NuGet
NuGet powers package management for .NET and .NET Core applications. Maintained by Microsoft, it‘s deeply integrated into the .NET ecosystem.
Key Features
- Central repository for .NET libraries and tools
- Tight Visual Studio, .NET CLI and MSBuild integration
- Support for public and private package hosting
- Robust authentication via Azure Active Directory
- Free public repo with paid Team and Enterprise tiers
Best For
- .NET developers – the leading repository for .NET code sharing
- Windows developers – seamless integration with MS dev stack
3. Maven
Maven is the popular Java package manager loved by enterprises. It standardized Java dependency and build management via a central artifact repository.
Key Features
- Centralized Java artifact and dependency management
- Standard build lifecycle and directory layout promotes consistency
- Supports public and private repositories
- Integrates with all popular IDEs like IntelliJ and Eclipse
- Specialized public repo at Maven Central
Best For
- Java developers – the leading repository for JVM libraries and tools
- Enterprise teams – scales to large multi-module projects
4. RubyGems
RubyGems provides dependency and package management for Ruby developers with over 200k packages. It‘s installed by default in Ruby and Ruby on Rails web apps.
Key Features
- Default package manager included with Ruby
- Public repo with rich package ecosystem
- CLI and API access for automation
- Integrates smoothly with Ruby and Rails apps
- Free public hosting with premium add-ons
Best For
- Ruby developers – the standard for sharing Ruby libraries
- Startups – easy language to prototype ideas quickly
5. Docker Hub
Docker Hub serves as the default public registry for Docker container images. It provides cloud hosting, access control, and automation.
Key Features
- Public and private registries for container images
- Automatic builds link to GitHub/BitBucket to rebuild images
- Access control integrates with enterprise directories
- Discover and redistribute hundreds of thousands of public images
- Tiered pricing from Free to Team to Business
Best For
- Container-based development – essential infrastructure
- Microservices – accessible images to launch services faster
- Startups through enterprises – scales with your use case
6. JFrog Artifactory
JFrog Artifactory is an advanced universal repo supporting all major packaging formats. It‘s the only vendor that‘s both a Docker registered and a certified Maven repo.
Key Features
- Universal repo for all major package types
- Advanced security and access controls
- Support for edge cases like multi-site replication
- Docker certified registry with intelligent caching
- Fully-managed SaaS through self-managed on-prem options
Best For
- Medium to large dev teams – advanced enterprise features
- Highly regulated industries – robust security and compliance
7. GitHub Packages
GitHub Packages provides native package hosting tied directly to GitHub repositories for simplified development flows.
Key Features
- Native GitHub integration – access controls inherited from Git repos
- Public and private hosting backed by reliable infrastructure
- Supports Docker, npm, Maven, NuGet and more
- Free for public repos with paid Team and Enterprise plans
- Minute-based billing – pay only for what you use
Best For
- Development teams using GitHub for source control
- Startups wanting simplicity from a single vendor
8. JFrog Bintray
JFrog Bintray specializes in distribution by helping developers deliver packages directly to end-user machines.
Key Features
- Automated distribution of installers, binaries, containers, virtual machines, and more
- EDGE nodes provide smart caching and package acceleration
- Integrates with all major repos like Docker Hub and Maven Central
- Free generous plan with upgraded commercial tiers
- Specializes in the "last mile" of getting packages to users
Best For
- Open source developers – get your projects into users‘ hands
- Software vendors – scale package distribution globally
9. CloudRepo
CloudRepo provides a fully-managed, SaaS repo for Java/Maven, Python, Universal packages and more. It focuses on ease of use to publish, store and share packages.
Key Features
- Straightforward SaaS service requires zero setup
- Unlimited public repositories with free forever tier
- Frictionless publication workflows – API, CLI, integrations, etc.
- Dedicated support available for enterprise needs
- Focused set of capabilities with attractive pricing
Best For
- Startup engineers – hit the ground coding with minimal distractions
- SMBs wanting simplicity and great support
10. Cloudsmith
Cloudsmith manages secure hosting and distribution of containers and software packages in one reliable platform.
Key Features
- Single home for container images, Helm charts and software packages
- Advanced access and permissions controls
- Audit logs provide full accountability
- Integrates with CI/CD pipelines
- Generous free tier with upgraded paid plans
Best For
- Startups with dynamic needs – leverage breadth of offerings
- Teams using Kubernetes/containers alongside traditional apps
11. MyGet
MyGet provides Windows developers with a complete package management solution for NuGet, npm, Maven and more.
Key Features
- Unified .NET, Java, JavaScript, and containers package management
- Integrates with Azure DevOps pipelines andArtifactory
- Granular permissions and access controls
- Free public repos with paid private hosting
- Specific focus on serving Windows ecosystem
Best For
- .NET developers on Windows
- Teams already using Azure DevOps
12. Inedo ProGet
Inedo ProGet provides a universal repository with advanced capabilities likeosis
caching proxies, Web hooks, and reuse via CLI/API.
Key Features
- Unified packages including but not limited to NuGet, Docker, npm, PowerShell
- Intelligent proxies cache packages behind the scenes
- Fine-grained permissions and access control
- Integrates with Windows, Linux and popular CI/CD platforms
- Free version and paid enterprise licensing
Best For
- Windows-centric teams looking for breadth
- Organizations needing to host multiple package types
13. Sonatype Nexus
Nexus provides an on-prem component and build artifact repository helping development teams optimize their software supply chain.
Key Features
- Repository manager for Java/Maven, npm, Docker, etc
- Twin community and commercial options to meet budget
- Tight integration with CI/CD pipelines
- Advanced capabilities like staging repositories and cleanup policies
- Large ecosystem of integrations
Best For
- Mid-size companies with on-prem infrastructure
- Heavily regulated industries averse to cloud
14. Private GitHub Repos
Private GitHub repos provide lightweight package management for startup teams before scaling up.
Key Features
- Leverage GitHub popularity and existing workflows
- Grant access to collaborators and teams as needed
- Usage-based monthly pricing, free for small teams
- Upgrade to GitHub Enterprise as needs grow
- Fully-managed service from a trusted brand
Best For
- Early-stage startups – maximize flexibility
- Small teams with ad hoc needs
