JFrog Artifactory is $98/mo (Cloud Pro). Parcel is a self-hosted alternative at $1.99/mo. Here's when each makes sense.
| Parcel | JFrog Artifactory | |
|---|---|---|
| Hosting | Self-hosted, your infra | Self-hosted requires Java and a database |
| Data location | Your server, your disk | Your server (if self-hosted) |
| Free tier | 1GB storage | Paid only |
| Pro pricing | $1.99/mo | $98/mo (Cloud Pro) |
| Dependencies | None (single binary + SQLite) | Docker, Postgres, etc. |
| Setup time | ~30 seconds | 15-30 minutes (self-host) |
| Dashboard | Built-in at /ui | Web UI |
| License | BSL 1.1 | Open source |
Parcel is a single Go binary with embedded SQLite. Install it with one command, and you are running in under a minute. Your data stays on your server.
curl -fsSL https://stockyard.dev/parcel/install.sh | sh
The decision between Parcel and JFrog Artifactory usually comes down to one question: do you need the breadth of features that JFrog Artifactory offers, or would a focused tool that stays out of your way be a better fit? JFrog Artifactory has spent years building an ecosystem around artifact registry. Parcel does one thing well and gives you complete control of the underlying data.
The operational difference is significant. JFrog Artifactory requires you to trust their infrastructure, their security practices, and their business continuity. Parcel requires you to run a process and keep the data directory backed up. If your server dies, restore the binary and the SQLite file to a new server. The entire recovery procedure fits in a single paragraph because there is nothing else involved.
JFrog Artifactory can be self-hosted, but the experience differs significantly from Parcel. Self-hosted requires Java and a database With Parcel, self-hosting means downloading one file and running it. The gap in operational complexity matters most for small teams without dedicated DevOps staff.
The migration path from JFrog Artifactory depends on how much history you need to bring over. If you only need active records, a manual re-entry through Parcel's dashboard might be faster than writing a migration script. If you need full history, export from JFrog Artifactory and use Parcel's POST API to import records. Either way, the process is measured in hours, not weeks.
Single binary. Free to start. $1.99/mo for Pro.