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. 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.

Markdown version of this Buildstash vs Artifactory comparison (for AI and crawlers)

Buildstash vs Artifactory comparison

Buildstash vs Artifactory

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.

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.
Try Buildstash free

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 comparison: Buildstash vs Artifactory. Each row shows a feature and whether Buildstash and Artifactory support it (✓, Partially, or ✕).
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

Still not sure?

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