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Calculated Shard: 31 (from laksa118)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa031.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://pydevtools.com/handbook/explanation/is-conda-actually-free/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://pydevtools.com/handbook/explanation/is-conda-actually-free/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/handbook\/explanation\/is-conda-actually-free\/","crawl_time":1775861821,"first_indexed_time":1741839268,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,pydevtools!\/handbook\/explanation\/is-conda-actually-free\/ s443","src_root_hash":"1213283889776284631","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Is Conda actually free? | pydevtools","meta_descriptions":["The conda package manager and conda-forge are free and open source, but Anaconda's repository requires a paid license for organizations with more than 200 employees."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"The\nconda\npackage manager is open source and always free. The\nAnaconda\nrepository that ships as the default package source for Anaconda Distribution and Miniconda is not. Confusing “conda” with “Anaconda” causes organizations to either pay for licenses they don’t need or violate terms they didn’t know existed.\nWhat costs money\nAnaconda, Inc. operates a curated package repository at\nrepo.anaconda.com\n. Accessing that repository requires a paid license for any organization (for-profit, nonprofit, or government) with more than 200 employees or contractors. The threshold counts all employees across the entire organization, including affiliates.\nAnaconda introduced these commercial terms in April 2020, then clarified the 200-employee threshold in September 2020. At the time, universities, nonprofits, and research institutions were explicitly exempt. A\nMarch 2024 update\nquietly removed those exemptions: nonprofits and government agencies above the threshold now require a paid license, and university research that falls outside classroom curricula does too. Anaconda later\nwalked back the academic restrictions\n, reaffirming free use for course-based education, but the policy for research labs and nonprofits remains ambiguous enough to warrant caution.\nThe licensing applies to any product that pulls packages from the Anaconda repository, including Miniconda. Installing Miniconda itself is free, but running\nconda install\nagainst the default channel triggers the commercial terms.\nWhat stays free\nTwo components of the\nconda ecosystem\ncarry no licensing restrictions regardless of organization size:\nThe conda package manager.\nThe CLI tool is BSD-licensed open source software.\nconda-forge\n.\nThis community-maintained channel hosts over 25,000 packages, updated within hours of upstream releases, and is free for all use, including commercial.\nThe licensing question reduces to one thing: which channel your packages come from.\nHow to use conda without paying\nThe practical fix is to avoid the Anaconda repository entirely.\nMiniforge\nships conda, mamba, and Python with\nconda-forge\nas the default channel. No commercial license applies.\nFor existing Miniconda or Anaconda installations, switching the default channel achieves the same result:\nconda config --add channels conda-forge\nconda config --set channel_priority strict\nconda config --remove channels defaults\nSetting\nchannel_priority strict\nensures conda never falls back to the Anaconda repository when resolving dependencies.\nPixi\n, a newer conda-compatible package manager, also defaults to conda-forge and carries no Anaconda licensing obligations. See\nuv vs. Pixi vs. Conda for scientific Python\nfor a comparison.\nWarning\nThe terms of service have changed multiple times since 2020, and Anaconda has sent enforcement letters to organizations (including nonprofits) it believes are out of compliance. Check the\ncurrent terms\nbefore assuming your organization qualifies for free use.\nLearn more\nUnderstanding the Conda\/Anaconda ecosystem\nWhy should I choose Conda?\nconda-forge reference\nAnaconda Terms of Service\nMiniforge on GitHub\nWas this helpful?","attrs_markdown":"[Skip to content](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/handbook\/explanation\/is-conda-actually-free\/#content)\n\n[![Logo](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/images\/logo.png) ![Dark Logo](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/images\/logo.png) Python Developer Tooling Handbook](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/)\n\nHandbook\n\n- [Tutorial](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/handbook\/tutorial)\n- [How To](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/handbook\/how-to)\n- [Explanation](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/handbook\/explanation)\n- [Reference](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/handbook\/reference)\n\n[Topics](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/handbook\/topics\/) [Blog](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/blog) [Support](https:\/\/github.com\/sponsors\/python-developer-tooling-handbook)\n\n[Github](https:\/\/github.com\/python-developer-tooling-handbook \"Github\")\n```\n\n      CTRL K\n```\n- Light\n- Dark\n- System\n\n```\n\n      CTRL K\n```\n- [Handbook](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/handbook)\n- [Topics](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/handbook\/topics\/)\n- [Blog](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/blog)\n- [Support](https:\/\/github.com\/sponsors\/python-developer-tooling-handbook)\n- [Github](https:\/\/github.com\/python-developer-tooling-handbook)\n- [Theme](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/handbook\/explanation\/is-conda-actually-free\/)\n\n[← Handbook](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/handbook\/)\n\n- [Tutorial](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/handbook\/tutorial\/)\n- [How To](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/handbook\/how-to\/)\n- [Explanation](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/handbook\/explanation\/)\n- [Reference](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/handbook\/reference\/)\n\nExplanation\n\n### Why Python Tooling Looks Like This\n- [Does Poetry Support Python Standards for Dependency Management?](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/handbook\/explanation\/poetry-python-dependency-management\/)\n- [Is Conda actually free?](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/handbook\/explanation\/is-conda-actually-free\/)\n- [Should I run \\`python setup.py\\`?](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/handbook\/explanation\/should-i-run-python-setuppy-commands\/)\n- [Should I use Homebrew to install Python?](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/handbook\/explanation\/should-i-use-homebrew-to-install-python\/)\n- [Why are there so many Python packaging tools?](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/handbook\/explanation\/why-are-there-so-many-python-packaging-tools\/)\n- [Why did uv originally use Hatch as a build backend?](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/handbook\/explanation\/why-does-uv-use-hatch-as-a-backend\/)\n- [Why doesn't Python just fix packaging?](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/handbook\/explanation\/why-doesnt-python-just-fix-packaging\/)\n- [Why Doesn't the Authoritative Python Packaging Guide Mention the Best Thing that's Happened to Python Packaging?](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/handbook\/explanation\/uv-not-in-ppug\/)\n- [Why should I avoid using the system Python?](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/handbook\/explanation\/why-should-i-avoid-system-python\/)\n- [Why should I choose Conda?](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/handbook\/explanation\/why-should-i-choose-conda\/)\n- [Why Should I Choose pyproject.toml over requirements.txt for managing dependencies?](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/handbook\/explanation\/pyproject-vs-requirements\/)\n- [Why should I use a virtual environment?](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/handbook\/explanation\/why-should-i-use-a-virtual-environment\/)\n- [Why use native uv commands instead of uv pip](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/handbook\/explanation\/why-use-native-uv-over-uv-pip\/)\n- [Why Use Trusted Publishing for PyPI?](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/handbook\/explanation\/why-use-trusted-publishing-for-pypi\/)\n- [Why You Should Try uv if You Use Python](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/handbook\/explanation\/why-you-should-try-uv-if-you-use-python\/)\n\n[← All Explanation groups](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/handbook\/explanation\/#philosophy)\n\n[Sponsor this project](https:\/\/github.com\/sponsors\/python-developer-tooling-handbook)\n\nOn this page\n\n- [What costs money](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/handbook\/explanation\/is-conda-actually-free\/#what-costs-money)\n- [What stays free](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/handbook\/explanation\/is-conda-actually-free\/#what-stays-free)\n- [How to use conda without paying](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/handbook\/explanation\/is-conda-actually-free\/#how-to-use-conda-without-paying)\n- [Learn more](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/handbook\/explanation\/is-conda-actually-free\/#learn-more)\n\nScroll to top\n\nTim Hopper\n\nResearch engineer and creator of the Python Developer Tooling Handbook.\n\n[LinkedIn](https:\/\/linkedin.com\/in\/tdhopper) [Resume](https:\/\/resume.tdhopper.com\/) [GitHub](https:\/\/github.com\/tdhopper) [X](https:\/\/x.com\/tdhopper)\n\n# Is Conda actually free?\nby [Tim Hopper](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/about\/)\n\n[Scientific Python](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/handbook\/topics\/scientific-python\/)\n\nThe [conda](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/handbook\/reference\/conda\/) package manager is open source and always free. The [Anaconda](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/handbook\/reference\/anaconda\/) repository that ships as the default package source for Anaconda Distribution and Miniconda is not. Confusing “conda” with “Anaconda” causes organizations to either pay for licenses they don’t need or violate terms they didn’t know existed.\n\n## What costs money\nAnaconda, Inc. operates a curated package repository at `repo.anaconda.com`. Accessing that repository requires a paid license for any organization (for-profit, nonprofit, or government) with more than 200 employees or contractors. The threshold counts all employees across the entire organization, including affiliates.\n\nAnaconda introduced these commercial terms in April 2020, then clarified the 200-employee threshold in September 2020. At the time, universities, nonprofits, and research institutions were explicitly exempt. A [March 2024 update](https:\/\/mfisher87.github.io\/posts\/anaconda-tos-2024\/) quietly removed those exemptions: nonprofits and government agencies above the threshold now require a paid license, and university research that falls outside classroom curricula does too. Anaconda later [walked back the academic restrictions](https:\/\/www.anaconda.com\/blog\/update-on-anacondas-terms-of-service-for-academia-and-research), reaffirming free use for course-based education, but the policy for research labs and nonprofits remains ambiguous enough to warrant caution.\n\nThe licensing applies to any product that pulls packages from the Anaconda repository, including Miniconda. Installing Miniconda itself is free, but running `conda install` against the default channel triggers the commercial terms.\n\n## What stays free\nTwo components of the [conda ecosystem](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/handbook\/explanation\/understanding-the-conda-anaconda-ecosystem\/) carry no licensing restrictions regardless of organization size:\n\n- **The conda package manager.** The CLI tool is BSD-licensed open source software.\n- **[conda-forge](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/handbook\/reference\/conda-forge\/).** This community-maintained channel hosts over 25,000 packages, updated within hours of upstream releases, and is free for all use, including commercial.\n\nThe licensing question reduces to one thing: which channel your packages come from.\n\n## How to use conda without paying\nThe practical fix is to avoid the Anaconda repository entirely. [Miniforge](https:\/\/github.com\/conda-forge\/miniforge) ships conda, mamba, and Python with [conda-forge](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/handbook\/reference\/conda-forge\/) as the default channel. No commercial license applies.\n\nFor existing Miniconda or Anaconda installations, switching the default channel achieves the same result:\n```\nconda config --add channels conda-forge\nconda config --set channel_priority strict\nconda config --remove channels defaults\n```\nSetting `channel_priority strict` ensures conda never falls back to the Anaconda repository when resolving dependencies.\n\n[Pixi](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/handbook\/reference\/pixi\/), a newer conda-compatible package manager, also defaults to conda-forge and carries no Anaconda licensing obligations. See [uv vs. Pixi vs. Conda for scientific Python](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/handbook\/explanation\/uv-vs-pixi-vs-conda-for-scientific-python\/) for a comparison.\n\nWarning\n\nThe terms of service have changed multiple times since 2020, and Anaconda has sent enforcement letters to organizations (including nonprofits) it believes are out of compliance. Check the [current terms](https:\/\/www.anaconda.com\/legal\/terms\/terms-of-service) before assuming your organization qualifies for free use.\n## Learn more\n- [Understanding the Conda\/Anaconda ecosystem](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/handbook\/explanation\/understanding-the-conda-anaconda-ecosystem\/)\n- [Why should I choose Conda?](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/handbook\/explanation\/why-should-i-choose-conda\/)\n- [conda-forge reference](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/handbook\/reference\/conda-forge\/)\n- [Anaconda Terms of Service](https:\/\/www.anaconda.com\/legal\/terms\/terms-of-service)\n- [Miniforge on GitHub](https:\/\/github.com\/conda-forge\/miniforge)\n\nWas this helpful?\n\nThanks for the signal\\!\n\n## Mentioned in\n- [Anaconda: Python and R Data Science Platform](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/handbook\/reference\/anaconda\/)\n- [Conda](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/handbook\/reference\/conda\/)\n- [conda-forge: Community Conda Package Channel](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/handbook\/reference\/conda-forge\/)\n- [Take over an existing conda environment](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/handbook\/tutorial\/take-over-an-existing-conda-environment\/)\n- [Understanding the Conda\/Anaconda Ecosystem](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/handbook\/explanation\/understanding-the-conda-anaconda-ecosystem\/)\n- [uv vs pixi vs conda for Scientific Python](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/handbook\/explanation\/uv-vs-pixi-vs-conda-for-scientific-python\/)\n- [Why should I choose Conda?](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/handbook\/explanation\/why-should-i-choose-conda\/)\n\n## Get new Python tooling articles in your inbox\nOne email a month. No spam. Unsubscribe in one click.\n\nLast updated on\n\nApril 10, 2026\n\n[How Python tools adopt uv under the hood](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/handbook\/explanation\/how-python-tools-adopt-uv-under-the-hood\/ \"How Python tools adopt uv under the hood\")\n\n[Modern Python Project Setup Guide for AI Assistants](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/handbook\/explanation\/modern-python-project-setup-guide-for-ai-assistants\/ \"Modern Python Project Setup Guide for AI Assistants\")\n\nPlease submit corrections and feedback...","attrs_readable_markdown":"The [conda](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/handbook\/reference\/conda\/) package manager is open source and always free. The [Anaconda](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/handbook\/reference\/anaconda\/) repository that ships as the default package source for Anaconda Distribution and Miniconda is not. Confusing “conda” with “Anaconda” causes organizations to either pay for licenses they don’t need or violate terms they didn’t know existed.\n\n## What costs money\nAnaconda, Inc. operates a curated package repository at `repo.anaconda.com`. Accessing that repository requires a paid license for any organization (for-profit, nonprofit, or government) with more than 200 employees or contractors. The threshold counts all employees across the entire organization, including affiliates.\n\nAnaconda introduced these commercial terms in April 2020, then clarified the 200-employee threshold in September 2020. At the time, universities, nonprofits, and research institutions were explicitly exempt. A [March 2024 update](https:\/\/mfisher87.github.io\/posts\/anaconda-tos-2024\/) quietly removed those exemptions: nonprofits and government agencies above the threshold now require a paid license, and university research that falls outside classroom curricula does too. Anaconda later [walked back the academic restrictions](https:\/\/www.anaconda.com\/blog\/update-on-anacondas-terms-of-service-for-academia-and-research), reaffirming free use for course-based education, but the policy for research labs and nonprofits remains ambiguous enough to warrant caution.\n\nThe licensing applies to any product that pulls packages from the Anaconda repository, including Miniconda. Installing Miniconda itself is free, but running `conda install` against the default channel triggers the commercial terms.\n\n## What stays free\nTwo components of the [conda ecosystem](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/handbook\/explanation\/understanding-the-conda-anaconda-ecosystem\/) carry no licensing restrictions regardless of organization size:\n\n- **The conda package manager.** The CLI tool is BSD-licensed open source software.\n- **[conda-forge](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/handbook\/reference\/conda-forge\/).** This community-maintained channel hosts over 25,000 packages, updated within hours of upstream releases, and is free for all use, including commercial.\n\nThe licensing question reduces to one thing: which channel your packages come from.\n\n## How to use conda without paying\nThe practical fix is to avoid the Anaconda repository entirely. [Miniforge](https:\/\/github.com\/conda-forge\/miniforge) ships conda, mamba, and Python with [conda-forge](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/handbook\/reference\/conda-forge\/) as the default channel. No commercial license applies.\n\nFor existing Miniconda or Anaconda installations, switching the default channel achieves the same result:\n```\nconda config --add channels conda-forge\nconda config --set channel_priority strict\nconda config --remove channels defaults\n```\nSetting `channel_priority strict` ensures conda never falls back to the Anaconda repository when resolving dependencies.\n\n[Pixi](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/handbook\/reference\/pixi\/), a newer conda-compatible package manager, also defaults to conda-forge and carries no Anaconda licensing obligations. See [uv vs. Pixi vs. Conda for scientific Python](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/handbook\/explanation\/uv-vs-pixi-vs-conda-for-scientific-python\/) for a comparison.\n\nWarning\n\nThe terms of service have changed multiple times since 2020, and Anaconda has sent enforcement letters to organizations (including nonprofits) it believes are out of compliance. Check the [current terms](https:\/\/www.anaconda.com\/legal\/terms\/terms-of-service) before assuming your organization qualifies for free use.\n## Learn more\n- [Understanding the Conda\/Anaconda ecosystem](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/handbook\/explanation\/understanding-the-conda-anaconda-ecosystem\/)\n- [Why should I choose Conda?](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/handbook\/explanation\/why-should-i-choose-conda\/)\n- [conda-forge reference](https:\/\/pydevtools.com\/handbook\/reference\/conda-forge\/)\n- [Anaconda Terms of Service](https:\/\/www.anaconda.com\/legal\/terms\/terms-of-service)\n- [Miniforge on GitHub](https:\/\/github.com\/conda-forge\/miniforge)\n\nWas this helpful?","meta_canonical":null}

3. Robots.txt Check

Query:

Response:

4. Spam/Ban Check

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Response:

5. Seen Status Check

ℹ️ Skipped - page is already crawled

📄

INDEXABLE

✅

CRAWLED

1 day ago

🤖

ROBOTS ALLOWED

Page Info Filters

Filter	Status	Condition	Details
HTTP status	PASS	`download_http_code = 200`	HTTP 200
Age cutoff	PASS	`download_stamp > now() - 6 MONTH`	0 months ago
History drop	PASS	`isNull(history_drop_reason)`	No drop reason
Spam/ban	PASS	`fh_dont_index != 1 AND ml_spam_score = 0`	ml_spam_score=0
Canonical	PASS	`meta_canonical IS NULL OR = '' OR = src_unparsed`	Not set

Page Details

Property	Value
URL	https://pydevtools.com/handbook/explanation/is-conda-actually-free/
Last Crawled	2026-04-10 22:57:01 (1 day ago)
First Indexed	2025-03-13 04:14:28 (1 year ago)
HTTP Status Code	200
Meta Title	Is Conda actually free? \| pydevtools
Meta Description	The conda package manager and conda-forge are free and open source, but Anaconda's repository requires a paid license for organizations with more than 200 employees.
Meta Canonical	null
Boilerpipe Text	The conda package manager is open source and always free. The Anaconda repository that ships as the default package source for Anaconda Distribution and Miniconda is not. Confusing “conda” with “Anaconda” causes organizations to either pay for licenses they don’t need or violate terms they didn’t know existed. What costs money Anaconda, Inc. operates a curated package repository at repo.anaconda.com . Accessing that repository requires a paid license for any organization (for-profit, nonprofit, or government) with more than 200 employees or contractors. The threshold counts all employees across the entire organization, including affiliates. Anaconda introduced these commercial terms in April 2020, then clarified the 200-employee threshold in September 2020. At the time, universities, nonprofits, and research institutions were explicitly exempt. A March 2024 update quietly removed those exemptions: nonprofits and government agencies above the threshold now require a paid license, and university research that falls outside classroom curricula does too. Anaconda later walked back the academic restrictions , reaffirming free use for course-based education, but the policy for research labs and nonprofits remains ambiguous enough to warrant caution. The licensing applies to any product that pulls packages from the Anaconda repository, including Miniconda. Installing Miniconda itself is free, but running conda install against the default channel triggers the commercial terms. What stays free Two components of the conda ecosystem carry no licensing restrictions regardless of organization size: The conda package manager. The CLI tool is BSD-licensed open source software. conda-forge . This community-maintained channel hosts over 25,000 packages, updated within hours of upstream releases, and is free for all use, including commercial. The licensing question reduces to one thing: which channel your packages come from. How to use conda without paying The practical fix is to avoid the Anaconda repository entirely. Miniforge ships conda, mamba, and Python with conda-forge as the default channel. No commercial license applies. For existing Miniconda or Anaconda installations, switching the default channel achieves the same result: conda config --add channels conda-forge conda config --set channel_priority strict conda config --remove channels defaults Setting channel_priority strict ensures conda never falls back to the Anaconda repository when resolving dependencies. Pixi , a newer conda-compatible package manager, also defaults to conda-forge and carries no Anaconda licensing obligations. See uv vs. Pixi vs. Conda for scientific Python for a comparison. Warning The terms of service have changed multiple times since 2020, and Anaconda has sent enforcement letters to organizations (including nonprofits) it believes are out of compliance. Check the current terms before assuming your organization qualifies for free use. Learn more Understanding the Conda/Anaconda ecosystem Why should I choose Conda? conda-forge reference Anaconda Terms of Service Miniforge on GitHub Was this helpful?
Markdown	[Skip to content](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/explanation/is-conda-actually-free/#content) [![Logo](https://pydevtools.com/images/logo.png) ![Dark Logo](https://pydevtools.com/images/logo.png) Python Developer Tooling Handbook](https://pydevtools.com/) Handbook - [Tutorial](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/tutorial) - [How To](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/how-to) - [Explanation](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/explanation) - [Reference](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/reference) [Topics](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/topics/) [Blog](https://pydevtools.com/blog) [Support](https://github.com/sponsors/python-developer-tooling-handbook) [Github](https://github.com/python-developer-tooling-handbook "Github") ``` CTRL K ``` - Light - Dark - System ``` CTRL K ``` - [Handbook](https://pydevtools.com/handbook) - [Topics](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/topics/) - [Blog](https://pydevtools.com/blog) - [Support](https://github.com/sponsors/python-developer-tooling-handbook) - [Github](https://github.com/python-developer-tooling-handbook) - [Theme](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/explanation/is-conda-actually-free/) [← Handbook](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/) - [Tutorial](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/tutorial/) - [How To](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/how-to/) - [Explanation](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/explanation/) - [Reference](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/reference/) Explanation ### Why Python Tooling Looks Like This - [Does Poetry Support Python Standards for Dependency Management?](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/explanation/poetry-python-dependency-management/) - [Is Conda actually free?](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/explanation/is-conda-actually-free/) - [Should I run \`python setup.py\`?](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/explanation/should-i-run-python-setuppy-commands/) - [Should I use Homebrew to install Python?](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/explanation/should-i-use-homebrew-to-install-python/) - [Why are there so many Python packaging tools?](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/explanation/why-are-there-so-many-python-packaging-tools/) - [Why did uv originally use Hatch as a build backend?](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/explanation/why-does-uv-use-hatch-as-a-backend/) - [Why doesn't Python just fix packaging?](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/explanation/why-doesnt-python-just-fix-packaging/) - [Why Doesn't the Authoritative Python Packaging Guide Mention the Best Thing that's Happened to Python Packaging?](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/explanation/uv-not-in-ppug/) - [Why should I avoid using the system Python?](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/explanation/why-should-i-avoid-system-python/) - [Why should I choose Conda?](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/explanation/why-should-i-choose-conda/) - [Why Should I Choose pyproject.toml over requirements.txt for managing dependencies?](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/explanation/pyproject-vs-requirements/) - [Why should I use a virtual environment?](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/explanation/why-should-i-use-a-virtual-environment/) - [Why use native uv commands instead of uv pip](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/explanation/why-use-native-uv-over-uv-pip/) - [Why Use Trusted Publishing for PyPI?](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/explanation/why-use-trusted-publishing-for-pypi/) - [Why You Should Try uv if You Use Python](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/explanation/why-you-should-try-uv-if-you-use-python/) [← All Explanation groups](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/explanation/#philosophy) [Sponsor this project](https://github.com/sponsors/python-developer-tooling-handbook) On this page - [What costs money](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/explanation/is-conda-actually-free/#what-costs-money) - [What stays free](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/explanation/is-conda-actually-free/#what-stays-free) - [How to use conda without paying](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/explanation/is-conda-actually-free/#how-to-use-conda-without-paying) - [Learn more](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/explanation/is-conda-actually-free/#learn-more) Scroll to top Tim Hopper Research engineer and creator of the Python Developer Tooling Handbook. [LinkedIn](https://linkedin.com/in/tdhopper) [Resume](https://resume.tdhopper.com/) [GitHub](https://github.com/tdhopper) [X](https://x.com/tdhopper) # Is Conda actually free? by [Tim Hopper](https://pydevtools.com/about/) [Scientific Python](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/topics/scientific-python/) The [conda](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/reference/conda/) package manager is open source and always free. The [Anaconda](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/reference/anaconda/) repository that ships as the default package source for Anaconda Distribution and Miniconda is not. Confusing “conda” with “Anaconda” causes organizations to either pay for licenses they don’t need or violate terms they didn’t know existed. ## What costs money Anaconda, Inc. operates a curated package repository at `repo.anaconda.com`. Accessing that repository requires a paid license for any organization (for-profit, nonprofit, or government) with more than 200 employees or contractors. The threshold counts all employees across the entire organization, including affiliates. Anaconda introduced these commercial terms in April 2020, then clarified the 200-employee threshold in September 2020. At the time, universities, nonprofits, and research institutions were explicitly exempt. A [March 2024 update](https://mfisher87.github.io/posts/anaconda-tos-2024/) quietly removed those exemptions: nonprofits and government agencies above the threshold now require a paid license, and university research that falls outside classroom curricula does too. Anaconda later [walked back the academic restrictions](https://www.anaconda.com/blog/update-on-anacondas-terms-of-service-for-academia-and-research), reaffirming free use for course-based education, but the policy for research labs and nonprofits remains ambiguous enough to warrant caution. The licensing applies to any product that pulls packages from the Anaconda repository, including Miniconda. Installing Miniconda itself is free, but running `conda install` against the default channel triggers the commercial terms. ## What stays free Two components of the [conda ecosystem](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/explanation/understanding-the-conda-anaconda-ecosystem/) carry no licensing restrictions regardless of organization size: - The conda package manager. The CLI tool is BSD-licensed open source software. - [conda-forge](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/reference/conda-forge/). This community-maintained channel hosts over 25,000 packages, updated within hours of upstream releases, and is free for all use, including commercial. The licensing question reduces to one thing: which channel your packages come from. ## How to use conda without paying The practical fix is to avoid the Anaconda repository entirely. [Miniforge](https://github.com/conda-forge/miniforge) ships conda, mamba, and Python with [conda-forge](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/reference/conda-forge/) as the default channel. No commercial license applies. For existing Miniconda or Anaconda installations, switching the default channel achieves the same result: ``` conda config --add channels conda-forge conda config --set channel_priority strict conda config --remove channels defaults ``` Setting `channel_priority strict` ensures conda never falls back to the Anaconda repository when resolving dependencies. [Pixi](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/reference/pixi/), a newer conda-compatible package manager, also defaults to conda-forge and carries no Anaconda licensing obligations. See [uv vs. Pixi vs. Conda for scientific Python](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/explanation/uv-vs-pixi-vs-conda-for-scientific-python/) for a comparison. Warning The terms of service have changed multiple times since 2020, and Anaconda has sent enforcement letters to organizations (including nonprofits) it believes are out of compliance. Check the [current terms](https://www.anaconda.com/legal/terms/terms-of-service) before assuming your organization qualifies for free use. ## Learn more - [Understanding the Conda/Anaconda ecosystem](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/explanation/understanding-the-conda-anaconda-ecosystem/) - [Why should I choose Conda?](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/explanation/why-should-i-choose-conda/) - [conda-forge reference](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/reference/conda-forge/) - [Anaconda Terms of Service](https://www.anaconda.com/legal/terms/terms-of-service) - [Miniforge on GitHub](https://github.com/conda-forge/miniforge) Was this helpful? Thanks for the signal\! ## Mentioned in - [Anaconda: Python and R Data Science Platform](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/reference/anaconda/) - [Conda](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/reference/conda/) - [conda-forge: Community Conda Package Channel](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/reference/conda-forge/) - [Take over an existing conda environment](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/tutorial/take-over-an-existing-conda-environment/) - [Understanding the Conda/Anaconda Ecosystem](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/explanation/understanding-the-conda-anaconda-ecosystem/) - [uv vs pixi vs conda for Scientific Python](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/explanation/uv-vs-pixi-vs-conda-for-scientific-python/) - [Why should I choose Conda?](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/explanation/why-should-i-choose-conda/) ## Get new Python tooling articles in your inbox One email a month. No spam. Unsubscribe in one click. Last updated on April 10, 2026 [How Python tools adopt uv under the hood](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/explanation/how-python-tools-adopt-uv-under-the-hood/ "How Python tools adopt uv under the hood") [Modern Python Project Setup Guide for AI Assistants](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/explanation/modern-python-project-setup-guide-for-ai-assistants/ "Modern Python Project Setup Guide for AI Assistants") Please submit corrections and feedback...
Readable Markdown	The [conda](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/reference/conda/) package manager is open source and always free. The [Anaconda](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/reference/anaconda/) repository that ships as the default package source for Anaconda Distribution and Miniconda is not. Confusing “conda” with “Anaconda” causes organizations to either pay for licenses they don’t need or violate terms they didn’t know existed. ## What costs money Anaconda, Inc. operates a curated package repository at `repo.anaconda.com`. Accessing that repository requires a paid license for any organization (for-profit, nonprofit, or government) with more than 200 employees or contractors. The threshold counts all employees across the entire organization, including affiliates. Anaconda introduced these commercial terms in April 2020, then clarified the 200-employee threshold in September 2020. At the time, universities, nonprofits, and research institutions were explicitly exempt. A [March 2024 update](https://mfisher87.github.io/posts/anaconda-tos-2024/) quietly removed those exemptions: nonprofits and government agencies above the threshold now require a paid license, and university research that falls outside classroom curricula does too. Anaconda later [walked back the academic restrictions](https://www.anaconda.com/blog/update-on-anacondas-terms-of-service-for-academia-and-research), reaffirming free use for course-based education, but the policy for research labs and nonprofits remains ambiguous enough to warrant caution. The licensing applies to any product that pulls packages from the Anaconda repository, including Miniconda. Installing Miniconda itself is free, but running `conda install` against the default channel triggers the commercial terms. ## What stays free Two components of the [conda ecosystem](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/explanation/understanding-the-conda-anaconda-ecosystem/) carry no licensing restrictions regardless of organization size: - The conda package manager. The CLI tool is BSD-licensed open source software. - [conda-forge](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/reference/conda-forge/). This community-maintained channel hosts over 25,000 packages, updated within hours of upstream releases, and is free for all use, including commercial. The licensing question reduces to one thing: which channel your packages come from. ## How to use conda without paying The practical fix is to avoid the Anaconda repository entirely. [Miniforge](https://github.com/conda-forge/miniforge) ships conda, mamba, and Python with [conda-forge](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/reference/conda-forge/) as the default channel. No commercial license applies. For existing Miniconda or Anaconda installations, switching the default channel achieves the same result: ``` conda config --add channels conda-forge conda config --set channel_priority strict conda config --remove channels defaults ``` Setting `channel_priority strict` ensures conda never falls back to the Anaconda repository when resolving dependencies. [Pixi](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/reference/pixi/), a newer conda-compatible package manager, also defaults to conda-forge and carries no Anaconda licensing obligations. See [uv vs. Pixi vs. Conda for scientific Python](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/explanation/uv-vs-pixi-vs-conda-for-scientific-python/) for a comparison. Warning The terms of service have changed multiple times since 2020, and Anaconda has sent enforcement letters to organizations (including nonprofits) it believes are out of compliance. Check the [current terms](https://www.anaconda.com/legal/terms/terms-of-service) before assuming your organization qualifies for free use. ## Learn more - [Understanding the Conda/Anaconda ecosystem](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/explanation/understanding-the-conda-anaconda-ecosystem/) - [Why should I choose Conda?](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/explanation/why-should-i-choose-conda/) - [conda-forge reference](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/reference/conda-forge/) - [Anaconda Terms of Service](https://www.anaconda.com/legal/terms/terms-of-service) - [Miniforge on GitHub](https://github.com/conda-forge/miniforge) Was this helpful?
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