Cargo vs NX: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Cargo 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 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 need something completely free
- • Cargo is the official package manager and build system for Rust
- • It handles dependencies, compilation, testing, and publishing of Rust packages
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 8.6/10)
- • 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 |  Cargo |  NX |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | IDE & Code Editors | IDE & Code Editors |
Rating | 86/100 | 87/100 |
| Feature | Cargo | NX |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 86 | 87 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | IDE & Code EditorsVersion Control | IDE & Code EditorsAutomation |
How Cargo and NX Compare
Cargo
Rust's package manager and build system
Free · 86/100 score
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?
Cargo is free. NX is freemium.
Go with: Cargo
Want the highest-rated option?
Cargo: 86/100. NX: 87/100.
Go with: NX
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: NX
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Cargo is free. NX is freemium. Go with Cargo 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?
NX scores higher: 87/100 vs 86/100.
Key Takeaways
NX
- Higher score: 87/100 vs 86
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Cargo
- Completely free
The Bottom Line
NX (87/100) is our pick. That said, Cargo is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cargo or NX better?
NX scores 87/100 in our evaluation. Cargo is free and NX is freemium.
What are Cargo and NX used for?
Cargo: Rust's package manager and build system. NX: Optimize builds, scale CI, and fix PRs faster with intelligent caching and AI-powered self-healing..
What does Cargo cost vs NX?
Cargo is completely free. NX is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.