PyArmor Free vs Pro: What You Get (and What You Pay For)
PyArmor's free version covers basic obfuscation and evaluation, but limits the advanced protection modes and some runtime/licensing features. Paid licenses unlock stronger modes (RFT and BCC), remove restrictions, and enable full commercial licensing/DRM. For hobby use the free tier may be enough; for a commercial product you'll likely need a paid license. Always confirm current terms on PyArmor's official site.
PyArmor offers a free version and paid licenses, and the differences matter if you're deciding whether to pay. This breaks down what the free tier realistically covers versus what the paid license adds.
Note: PyArmor's licensing and features have changed significantly across versions (especially PyArmor 8+), so treat this as a conceptual guide and verify exact, current terms and pricing on the official PyArmor website before you buy.
PyArmor Free vs Paid at a glance
| Free | Paid | |
|---|---|---|
| Basic obfuscation | Yes | Yes |
| Advanced modes (RFT / BCC) | Limited / restricted | Yes |
| Runtime restrictions | Some (e.g. platform/limits) | Removed |
| Licensing / expiration / hardware bind | Limited | Full |
| Commercial use | Check current terms | Yes |
| Support | Community | Priority |
What the free version gives you
PyArmor's free tier lets you obfuscate scripts and evaluate the tool. For simple, non-commercial use or trying it out, it can be genuinely useful.
The catches are around advanced protection and licensing: the strongest modes and the full DRM feature set are gated, and there can be restrictions on how obfuscated code is generated or run. If you're relying on it for a paid product, you'll bump into those limits.
What a paid license unlocks
Paid PyArmor licenses unlock the advanced obfuscation modes — notably RFT (rename-and-transform style hardening) and BCC (compiling parts of your code to C functions) — plus the complete licensing/DRM toolkit: expirations, trials, and hardware binding.
You also get restrictions lifted and better support. For commercial software distribution, this is usually the tier you actually need.
When the free tier is enough
If you're obfuscating a personal project, a script for a friend, or just kicking the tires, the free version may cover it — especially if you don't need licensing or the strongest modes.
If your only real need is free source obfuscation (not DRM), it's also worth trying a zero-cost, no-install alternative like Pyobfuscate, which returns standalone Python with no runtime to manage.
When to pay for Pro
Upgrade when you're selling software and need real license enforcement, when you want the strongest obfuscation modes, or when the free tier's restrictions get in the way of shipping.
In short: hobby and evaluation → free may do; commercial product with DRM → paid.
Verdict: is Pro worth it?
Stay on Free if you're doing basic, non-commercial obfuscation and don't need licensing or the top-tier modes.
Upgrade to Paid if you sell your software and need DRM (expiration, trials, hardware locking) or the advanced RFT/BCC modes.
Just need free source protection? Pyobfuscate obfuscates your code for free in the browser — no license, no runtime, no limits. Confirm PyArmor's current pricing on their official site before purchasing.
Protect your Python code for free
Obfuscate your source in the browser — no install, no signup, standalone output.
Open the Python ObfuscatorFrequently asked questions
Is PyArmor free for commercial use?
It depends on the current license terms, which have changed across PyArmor versions. Historically, full commercial and licensing features require a paid license. Always check PyArmor's official site for the terms that apply to your version.
What do RFT and BCC modes do?
They are PyArmor's advanced protection modes: RFT applies stronger rename/transform hardening, and BCC compiles parts of your code into C functions for tougher protection. These are part of the paid offering.
Is there a free alternative to PyArmor for obfuscation?
Yes — Pyobfuscate is a free, browser-based obfuscator. It doesn't provide PyArmor's licensing/DRM, but for free source obfuscation with standalone output it's a solid option.
Do I need Pro to protect a commercial product?
Usually yes, if you need license enforcement or the strongest modes. If you only need source obfuscation (not DRM), a free obfuscator can cover that part at no cost.