Buck2 vs NX: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Buck2 and NX comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 22, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Buck2
A high-performance, extensible build system designed for large, multi-language monorepos.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • Significantly faster build times compared to its predecessor, especially for large projects.
- • Ensures reliable builds through hermetic rules and strict dependency enforcement.
NX
Optimize builds, scale CI, and fix PRs faster with intelligent caching and AI-powered self-healing.
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.7/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • Accelerates builds and CI with intelligent caching and task distribution.
- • Automates PR fixes and reduces flaky tests with AI-powered self-healing.
| At a Glance |  Buck2 |  NX |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | IDE & Code Editors | IDE & Code Editors |
Rating | —/100 | 87/100 |
| Feature | Buck2 | NX |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | 87 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | IDE & Code EditorsAutomation | IDE & Code EditorsAutomation |
How Buck2 and NX Compare
Buck2
A high-performance, extensible build system designed for large, multi-language monorepos.
Free
NX
Optimize builds, scale CI, and fix PRs faster with intelligent caching and AI-powered self-healing.
Free tier available · 87/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Buck2 is free. NX is freemium.
Go with: Buck2
Want the highest-rated option?
NX scores 87/100. Buck2 is unrated.
Go with: NX
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: NX
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Buck2 is free. NX is freemium. Go with Buck2 if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are ide & code editors tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
NX
- Higher score: 87/100 vs unrated
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Buck2
- Completely free
The Bottom Line
NX (87/100) is our pick. That said, Buck2 is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Buck2 or NX better?
NX scores 87/100 in our evaluation. Buck2 is free and NX is freemium.
What are Buck2 and NX used for?
Buck2: A high-performance, extensible build system designed for large, multi-language monorepos.. NX: Optimize builds, scale CI, and fix PRs faster with intelligent caching and AI-powered self-healing..
What does Buck2 cost vs NX?
Buck2 is completely free. NX is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.