py2exe vs Nuitka

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

py2exe

Freezes Python scripts into standalone Windows executables.

Nuitka

Compile Python programs into high-performance standalone executables.

At a glance

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

Overview

One-liner

Freezes Python scripts into standalone Windows executables.

One-liner

Compile Python programs into high-performance standalone executables.

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 distribute their applications on Windows without requiring the end-user to install Python.
Developers who need to create portable versions of Python-based tools or utilities for distribution.

✓ Best for

Developers who need to distribute Python applications as standalone executables across multiple platforms.
Projects aiming to improve the performance of their Python code by compiling it into machine code.

Not ideal for

✕ Not for

Projects that require cross-platform support beyond Windows.
Applications that heavily rely on dynamic updates and frequent changes, as executables are static.

✕ Not for

Scenarios where dynamic language features are heavily relied upon and cannot be compiled effectively
Users requiring real-time updates or hot-swapping of code in production environments

Strengths

↑ Strengths

Converts Python scripts into standalone Windows executables.
Does not require end-users to install Python.
Supports various Python libraries and modules.

↑ Strengths

Supports all Python versions
Generates standalone executables for Windows, macOS, and Linux
Improves performance by compiling to C++ code first
Cross-platform compatibility

Weaknesses

↓ Weaknesses

Limited support for newer Python features and libraries
Complex setup and configuration process
Performance overhead when running converted applications
Lack of comprehensive documentation and community support

↓ Weaknesses

Limited support for certain Python features
Complex setup and configuration
Performance improvements are not guaranteed
Debugging compiled code can be difficult
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