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Chocolatey description
Chocolatey is essentially an app store for your Windows computers at work. It helps your IT team automatically install, update, and manage all the software your employees need, saving them time and reducing headaches. Chocolatey for Business, their premium offering, provides advanced features like internal software repositories and detailed software usage reports. This helps ensure everyone has the right software versions for enhanced security and productivity.
Who is Chocolatey best for
Chocolatey acts as a central software hub for Windows, simplifying installations and updates for IT teams. This saves time and headaches by automating software management. The premium version offers advanced features like internal repositories and usage reports. Chocolatey is best for small to mid-sized businesses.
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Best for small to mid-sized businesses needing streamlined software management.
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Not industry-specific; ideal for any organization managing Windows deployments.
Chocolatey features
| Supported Chocolatey can deploy existing MSI packages. |
| Supported Chocolatey can create and manage EXE installation packages, although they might require more customization. |
| Supported Chocolatey handles pre-requisites through package dependencies and scripting. |
| Supported Chocolatey allows running custom scripts during installation using PowerShell and hooks. |
Chocolatey pricing
See the Chocolatey pricing page.
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Chocolatey has a free plan.
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Chocolatey has a free trial.
Open Source
No Limit on Machines. Includes: Create Packages, Host Your Own Package Repository, Integration with Other Tools, Package Shims, Upgrade all software with one command, 30+ Built-in PowerShell Functions, Package Extensions.
Pro (Individual)
Up to 8 of Your Own Personal Machines. Includes all Open Source Features plus: Enhanced Functionality & Additional PowerShell Functions, Package Reducer, Package Throttle, Runtime Malware / Virus Protection, Download CDN Cache, Student Pricing Available.
Business (C4B)
Includes all Pro Features plus: Central Management, Self-Service Install Management, Full Package Synchronization, Package Internalizer, Package Audit, Support, Packaging Services Available, Discounts & Perpetual Pricing Available.
Chocolatey alternatives
1EBetter for real-time device performance monitoring and ITSM integration. Has more momentum in terms of employee growth. Provides broader visibility into endpoint usage and health but may have slower support and less flexible pricing. A strong Chocolatey alternative for enterprise endpoint management.Read more
Advanced InstallerBetter for software developers creating Windows installers. Focuses on packaging applications, including MSI, EXE, and AppX formats. Offers more customization options, including branding and theming. Note that some users find it expensive and complex for simpler tasks.Read more
NiniteBetter for Finance, Manufacturing, Hospitality, Media & Entertainment, IT, Professional Services, and Energy. A Chocolatey competitor and alternative with higher ratings and positive user reviews for simplified updates and bloatware-free installs.Read more
CloudsmithBetter for managing software artifacts, not just Windows updates. Supports a wider range of package formats and integrates with more developer tools. Has more momentum based on employee growth.Read more
JumpCloudBetter for mid-sized companies with diverse IT environments. Offers more comprehensive features including single sign-on, password management, and remote device management. JumpCloud is growing faster and offers broader cross-platform device management. It also boasts robust security features and excellent customer support. However, some users dislike occasional performance issues and limited customization. A strong Chocolatey alternative for identity and access management.Read more
Chocolatey FAQ
What is Chocolatey and what does Chocolatey do?
Chocolatey is a Windows package manager that simplifies software management for IT teams. It automates software installation, updates, and uninstallation, increasing productivity and ensuring consistent software versions across an organization. Chocolatey for Business offers enhanced features like internal repositories and usage reporting.
How does Chocolatey integrate with other tools?
Chocolatey integrates with existing infrastructure using PowerShell scripting and supports a range of installer types like MSI and EXE. It also manages dependencies, ensuring software prerequisites are met during automated installations. This streamlines software management for IT teams.
What the main competitors of Chocolatey?
Top alternatives to Chocolatey include Advanced Installer, Ninite Pro, and Patch My PC. These competitors offer similar functionality, focusing on software deployment, management, and patching for Windows environments. They cater to IT departments seeking streamlined software management solutions.
Is Chocolatey legit?
Yes, Chocolatey is a legitimate software management solution. It's a popular choice for automating software installation and updates on Windows, offering both free and paid versions. Chocolatey for Business helps streamline software management for enhanced productivity and security.
How much does Chocolatey cost?
Chocolatey's Open Source plan is free. Pro (Individual) is $96/year for up to 8 machines. Business (C4B) is $17.50/license/year with a 100 license minimum, offering central management and other pro features. A free trial is also available.
Is Chocolatey customer service good?
Chocolatey's support staff is described as "top-notch" and helpful in explaining complex documentation. Users appreciate their responsiveness and quick integration of user feedback into product updates. However, the documentation itself is considered very technical and difficult for newcomers to navigate.
Reviewed by
Michal has worked at startups for many years and writes about topics relating to software selection and IT management. As a former consultant for Bain, a business advisory company, he also knows how to understand needs of any business and find solutions to its problems.
Tymon is a seasoned CTO who loves finding the perfect tools for any task. He recently headed up the tech department at Batmaid, a well-known Swiss company, where he managed about 60 software purchases, including CX, HR, Payroll, Marketing automation and various developer tools.