PyArmor vs Cython

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

PyArmor

Obfuscate Python scripts to protect intellectual property and restrict usage.

Cython

Optimizing Static Compiler for Python, enhancing performance and integration with C/C++.

At a glance

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

Overview

One-liner

Obfuscate Python scripts to protect intellectual property and restrict usage.

One-liner

Optimizing Static Compiler for Python, enhancing performance and integration with C/C++.

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

Developers needing to protect their Python code from reverse engineering and unauthorized use.
Companies that want to control the distribution and usage of their software through machine binding or expiration dates.

✓ Best for

Projects requiring significant performance improvements in Python code through static typing and C integration.
Teams needing to integrate existing C/C++ libraries into their Python projects without rewriting them.

Not ideal for

✕ Not for

Projects where complete transparency of source code is required.
Scenarios where the overhead of obfuscation and licensing checks would significantly impact performance.

✕ Not for

Developers looking for a purely managed service solution, as Cython requires local setup and compilation.
Projects where the overhead of setting up and maintaining C extensions outweighs performance gains.

Strengths

↑ Strengths

Obfuscates Python scripts to protect intellectual property.
Binds obfuscated scripts to specific machines for security.
Sets expiration dates on obfuscated scripts.
Supports command-line interface and integration with build systems.

↑ Strengths

Enhanced performance through static typing and C integration.
Seamless Python to C/C++ translation for faster execution.
Easy extension writing for Python with C/C++.

Weaknesses

↓ Weaknesses

Limited protection against determined reverse engineering
Performance overhead on obfuscated scripts
Complex setup for machine binding and expiration dates
Limited support for certain Python packages and environments

↓ Weaknesses

Steep learning curve for non-Python developers
Complex setup process
Limited support for dynamic Python features
Debugging difficulties with C extensions
Full PyArmor profile →Full Cython profile →