PyArmor is a mature, respected obfuscator that does one job well: hardening your Python code. PyLocket does that too, then goes further, with server-issued keys, identity-verified developers, and a full platform to license, deliver, and update your app.
It obfuscates your Python bytecode and ships a runtime that executes it without writing plaintext to disk. It's mature, widely used, works fully offline as a local CLI, and supports a broad range of Python versions. It's a protection tool; licensing, delivery, and updates are left to you.
Per-function encryption, with keys issued to each licensed device at activation rather than baked into the artifact. On top of protection it's a managed platform: hosted per-customer license keys with device binding and remote revocation, branded delivery pages, trials, one-click updates, and checkout. Every developer is identity-verified. You code-sign your app with your own certificate, and PyLocket delivers the signed copy you upload, byte for byte.
An honest comparison, including where PyArmor is the better fit.
| Capability | PyArmor | PyLocket |
|---|---|---|
| Runtime-hardened native protection | ✔ | ✔ |
| Keys issued per device at activation, not baked in | ✘ | ✔ |
| Hosted per-customer licensing with remote revocation | ✘ | ✔ |
| Sell, deliver, push updates (pages, trials, checkout) | ✘ | ✔ |
| Identity-verified developers | ✘ | ✔ |
| Managed cloud protection, no local toolchain | ✘ | ✔ |
| No percentage of your sales | ✔ | ✔ |
| Broad Python version range, including legacy | ✔ | ✘ |
| Fully offline, local build with no upload | ✔ | ✘ |
PyArmor is licensed as a tool (per developer or organization). PyLocket is a flat subscription per account plus $4 per license activated, with no percentage of your sales. Based on publicly available information; verify current specifics with each vendor.
PyArmor is a strong, well-regarded protection tool. The question is whether you need protection alone, or a platform that also runs the commercial side of shipping your app.