# Cloudsmith vs The Update Framework (TUF): side-by-side comparison (2026)

[Cloudsmith](https://cybersectools.com/tools/cloudsmith) is a commercial [software supply chain security](https://cybersectools.com/categories/software-supply-chain-security) solution by [Cloudsmith](https://cybersectools.com/companies/cloudsmith). [The Update Framework (TUF)](https://cybersectools.com/tools/the-update-framework-tuf) is a free [software supply chain security](https://cybersectools.com/categories/software-supply-chain-security) solution. Features, integrations, deployment and the company behind each one, side by side.

## Side-by-side comparison

| | Cloudsmith | The Update Framework (TUF) |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Commercial | Free |
| Category | Software Supply Chain Security | Software Supply Chain Security |
| Verified | No | No |
| Deployment type | Cloud | Hybrid |
| Company size fit | Mid-Market, Enterprise | Startup, SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise |
| GitHub stars | – | 3,284 |
| Last commit | – | Apr 2024 |
| Company | Cloudsmith | – |
| Headquarters | – | – |

### Use cases and capabilities

| | Cloudsmith | The Update Framework (TUF) |
|---|---|---|
| Software Supply Chain | Yes | – |
| Supply Chain Security | Yes | – |
| Package Security | Yes | – |
| CI/CD | Yes | – |
| RBAC | Yes | – |
| License Compliance | Yes | – |
| Dependency Scanning | Yes | – |
| SBOM | Yes | – |
| Observability | Yes | – |
| Signature | – | Yes |
| Software Security | – | Yes |
| Verification | – | Yes |

### Core features

**Cloudsmith**

10 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them.

**The Update Framework (TUF)**

No features listed.

### Integrations

**Cloudsmith**

10 integrations listed. Sign in on the page to see them.

**The Update Framework (TUF)**

No integrations listed.

## Which one fits you

Based on what each listing shows: deployment, company size, price and open source.

- [Cloudsmith](https://cybersectools.com/tools/cloudsmith) fits if you want a cloud product.
- [The Update Framework (TUF)](https://cybersectools.com/tools/the-update-framework-tuf) fits if you need both cloud and on-premises options, you are a startup or a small business, you need a free product and you want an open-source product.

## Cloudsmith vs The Update Framework (TUF) FAQ

Common questions when comparing Cloudsmith vs The Update Framework (TUF) for software supply chain security.

### What is the difference between Cloudsmith and The Update Framework (TUF)?

**Cloudsmith**: Cloud-native artifact mgmt & software supply chain security platform. Built by Cloudsmith.

**The Update Framework (TUF)**: A cryptographic framework that secures software update systems by enabling publishers to sign content offline and consumers to verify authenticity through trusted verification mechanisms.

The table above shows where their features, integrations, deployment and company size fit differ.

### Who makes Cloudsmith and The Update Framework (TUF)?

**Cloudsmith** is made by Cloudsmith. **The Update Framework (TUF)** is open-source with 3,284 GitHub stars. The vendor behind a product decides its roadmap, support, and longevity, so check each company's profile before you commit.

### Is Cloudsmith a good alternative to The Update Framework (TUF)?

Often, yes. Cloudsmith and The Update Framework (TUF) are both Software Supply Chain Security products. Key differences: Cloudsmith is Commercial while The Update Framework (TUF) is Free, The Update Framework (TUF) is open-source. Use the table above to see where features, deployment and company size fit differ.

## Related comparisons

- [Cloudsmith vs Veracode Secure Your Software Supply Chain](https://cybersectools.com/compare/cloudsmith-vs-veracode-secure-your-software-supply-chain)
- [Cloudsmith vs ActiveState Curated Catalog](https://cybersectools.com/compare/activestate-curated-catalog-vs-cloudsmith)
- [Cloudsmith vs Kusari Software Supply Chain Security](https://cybersectools.com/compare/cloudsmith-vs-kusari-software-supply-chain-security)
- [The Update Framework (TUF) vs Veracode Secure Your Software Supply Chain](https://cybersectools.com/compare/the-update-framework-tuf-vs-veracode-secure-your-software-supply-chain)
- [The Update Framework (TUF) vs ActiveState Curated Catalog](https://cybersectools.com/compare/activestate-curated-catalog-vs-the-update-framework-tuf)
- [The Update Framework (TUF) vs Kusari Software Supply Chain Security](https://cybersectools.com/compare/kusari-software-supply-chain-security-vs-the-update-framework-tuf)

## Alternatives to each

- [See all Cloudsmith alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/cloudsmith)
- [See all The Update Framework (TUF) alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/the-update-framework-tuf)

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Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/cloudsmith-vs-the-update-framework-tuf

For AI agents: each product above has its own Markdown page (add .md to its URL, for example https://cybersectools.com/tools/cloudsmith.md). Every CybersecTools shortlist is listed at https://cybersectools.com/shortlists.md.

More on Cloudsmith and The Update Framework (TUF): funding, momentum, hiring and news, plus the full product and company record, are available through the Mandos MCP Server (paid plans), which connects to AI assistants: https://mandos.io/mcp?utm_source=cybersectools.com&utm_medium=compare-md