Cargo vs NuGet: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Cargo and NuGet 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 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Cargo
Rust's package manager and build system
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 8.2/10)
- • Cargo is the official package manager and build system for Rust
- • It handles dependencies, compilation, testing, and publishing of Rust packages
NuGet
.NET package manager
Best for you if:
- • NuGet is the package manager for .NET development
- • It hosts and distributes .NET libraries with Visual Studio integration
| At a Glance |  Cargo | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free |
Best For | IDE & Code Editors | IDE & Code Editors |
Rating | 86/100 | 82/100 |
| Feature | Cargo | NuGet |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| Editorial Score | 86 | 82 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | IDE & Code EditorsVersion Control | IDE & Code EditorsVersion Control |
How Cargo and NuGet Compare
Cargo
Rust's package manager and build system
Free · 86/100 score
NuGet
.NET package manager
Free · 82/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Cargo
Want the highest-rated option?
Cargo: 86/100. NuGet: 82/100.
Go with: Cargo
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Cargo
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are free. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are ide & code editors tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Cargo scores higher: 86/100 vs 82/100.
Key Takeaways
Cargo
- Higher score: 86/100 vs 82
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
NuGet
The Bottom Line
Cargo (86/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cargo or NuGet better?
Cargo scores 86/100 in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are Cargo and NuGet used for?
Cargo: Rust's package manager and build system. NuGet: .NET package manager.
What does Cargo cost vs NuGet?
Cargo is completely free. NuGet is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.