py2app vs PyInstaller

Side-by-side — pricing, strengths, tradeoffs, and fit.

py2app

Freezes Python scripts into standalone Mac OS X applications.

PyInstaller

Converts Python programs into stand-alone executables for cross-platform use.

At a glance

Open SourceFree Tier
● Established·From $0
Open SourceFree Tier
● Established·From $0

Overview

One-liner

Freezes Python scripts into standalone Mac OS X applications.

One-liner

Converts Python programs into stand-alone executables for cross-platform use.

Maturity

Established

Maturity

Established

Open source

✓ Yes

Open source

✓ Yes

Pricing

Free tier

✓ Available

Open source — free to use

Free tier

✓ Available

Open source — free to use

Starts at

$0

Starts at

$0

Model

Flat rate

Model

Flat rate

Enterprise

✕ None

Enterprise

✕ None

Best for

✓ Best for

Python developers looking to package and distribute their applications on macOS
Developers needing to create self-contained executables without requiring the user to install Python

✓ Best for

Developers looking to distribute their Python applications without requiring users to install additional software or dependencies.
Projects that need cross-platform compatibility, ensuring executables work on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Not ideal for

✕ Not for

Developers targeting platforms other than Mac OS X, as py2app is specific to this operating system.
Projects that require cross-platform compatibility out of the box.

✕ Not for

Scenarios where the application requires frequent updates or dynamic dependency management post-deployment
Applications that rely heavily on user-specific configurations or settings which cannot be embedded into a standalone executable

Strengths

↑ Strengths

Converts Python scripts into standalone Mac OS X applications
Supports packaging of dependencies and resources within the application bundle
Provides flexibility in customizing the application's appearance and behavior

↑ Strengths

Cross-platform support for Windows, macOS, and Linux
Handles Python dependencies automatically
Creates standalone executables without requiring end-users to install Python
Supports both console and GUI applications

Weaknesses

↓ Weaknesses

Limited to macOS environments
Complex setup process
Poor documentation for advanced configurations
Performance overhead due to bundling Python interpreter

↓ Weaknesses

Complex setup for large projects with many dependencies
Performance overhead in generated executables
Limited support for certain Python packages or modules
Debugging difficulties in standalone applications
Full py2app profile →Full PyInstaller profile →