pip

pip is a free installer for Python packages, best suited to people who want to add dependencies directly to a Python environment from familiar and less common sources. Its flexibility and requirements-file support make it a practical default; its Python-version boundaries and security defaults deserve attention in managed deployments.

Overview

pip installs packages from PyPI and other indexes, as well as version-control URLs, local project directories, and local or remote source archives. That range is useful for everyday project setup and for code that is not published to an index. Dependency resolution and lockfile support help manage project dependencies, while requirements files let you specify an environment for installation.

Many users will find pip already installed: it is usually included in virtual environments and with Python downloaded from python.org. It can also be installed with ensurepip or get-pip.py. The install command can generate a JSON report of what it installed, giving teams a machine-readable installation record.

Key features

Flexible sources and formats

pip supports source distributions and wheels, and can install from Git, Mercurial, Subversion, and Bazaar repositories as well as indexes and archives. When a source distribution needs building, pip hands that work to a build backend rather than building it itself. This makes pip adaptable across different project workflows, but users who need to build packages directly will need a separate tool.

Private indexes and offline installs

Authentication options include basic HTTP authentication, credentials from a .netrc file, and keyring credentials when configured. Offline installation is supported, which can help in environments with limited connectivity. These options cover common access needs, though private-index credentials still need to be configured appropriately.

Installation records and security

The JSON installation report provides a structured account of an install. pip does not check for remote tampering by default, so security-conscious users should consider hash-checking mode or binary-only installs for a more secure installation method. It does not collect telemetry, but sends non-identifying environment information such as Python version and operating system to the remote indexes it uses; organizations should account for that when choosing indexes and policies.

Pricing

pip is free at no cost, with no paid plans or stated usage limits. There is no free trial because there is no paid tier to trial. The free plan is the whole offering, making it a straightforward choice for individual projects and teams that need an installer rather than a paid service plan.

Platforms

The current version works on Linux, macOS, and Windows. It supports CPython 3.10 through 3.15 and the latest PyPy3; other operating systems and Python versions are outside the maintainers’ supported range. The standalone zip application is experimental and should not be used in production, so production users should rely on the usual Python or virtual-environment installation route.

Who it's for

pip suits Python users who want a familiar, free way to install dependencies into their environments, especially when projects combine indexed packages with repositories or local archives. It is less suitable as the sole answer for deployments that require default remote-tampering checks, or for users working with Python versions or operating systems beyond its supported range.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Installs from indexes, multiple version-control systems, project directories, and archives, so users are not limited to packages published on PyPI.
• Pro: Requirements files, dependency resolution, and lockfile support help organize environment installs beyond one-package-at-a-time use.
• Pro: Private-index authentication and offline installation support suit projects with restricted or nonstandard package access.
• Con: Remote tampering is not checked by default, so users handling sensitive installs must opt for stronger installation practices.
• Con: Maintainer support is limited to the stated current Python and operating-system range; older or otherwise unsupported environments fall outside it.
• Con: The standalone zip application is experimental and unsuitable for production use.

Alternatives

For a broader comparison, browse Python Package Managers or Package Managers.

• ActiveState Platform is worth considering when a freemium option with a free plan and free trial better fits your needs; its free organization plan is limited to public projects, and its enterprise offering has custom pricing.
• Choose uv if you want another free Python package tool from Astral Software; it is also available on Linux, macOS, and Windows.
• Hatch is a free alternative for users looking for an MIT-licensed Python project manager.
• pip-tools may suit users who want command-line tools installed per virtual environment and support for Python 3.9 or later.
• Pixi is another free option for Linux, macOS, and Windows users.
• Twine is a free alternative for users on Python 3.10 or later.
• Spack is worth considering if you need a free package manager with self-hosted support.
• Anaconda Notebooks is a web-based alternative with a free plan that includes 5 GB of cloud storage.

Verdict

Choose pip if you want a free, widely used way to install Python dependencies from indexes, repositories, and local sources, with requirements files and installation reports to support project workflows. Look elsewhere if your deployment needs remote-tampering checks by default or if your Python and operating-system combination falls outside pip’s supported range.