Packagist vs Helm: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Packagist and Helm 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:
Packagist
Fast, reliable, and secure Composer dependency installation for PHP packages.
Best for you if:
- • Manages private and public PHP Composer packages securely.
- • Mirrors and caches dependencies for faster, more reliable deployments.
Helm
Package manager for Kubernetes applications
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.0/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need something completely free
- • Helm is the package manager for Kubernetes that simplifies application deployment
- • It uses charts to define, install, and upgrade Kubernetes applications
| At a Glance |  Packagist |  Helm |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free |
Best For | Hosting & Deployment | Hosting & Deployment |
Rating | —/100 | 90/100 |
| Feature | Packagist | Helm |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Free |
| Editorial Score | — | 90 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Hosting & DeploymentCI/CD | Hosting & DeploymentCI/CD |
How Packagist and Helm Compare
Packagist
Fast, reliable, and secure Composer dependency installation for PHP packages.
Paid
Helm
Package manager for Kubernetes applications
Free · 90/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Helm is free. Packagist is paid.
Go with: Helm
Want the highest-rated option?
Helm scores 90/100. Packagist is unrated.
Go with: Helm
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Helm
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Packagist is paid. Helm is free. Go with Helm if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are hosting & deployment tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Helm
- Higher score: 90/100 vs unrated
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Packagist
The Bottom Line
Helm (90/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Packagist or Helm better?
Helm scores 90/100 in our evaluation. Packagist is paid and Helm is free.
What are Packagist and Helm used for?
Packagist: Fast, reliable, and secure Composer dependency installation for PHP packages.. Helm: Package manager for Kubernetes applications.
What does Packagist cost vs Helm?
Packagist is a paid tool. Helm is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.