Our verdict: Anaconda Distribution is the quickest way to get a complete Python data science setup with Jupyter, Spyder and hundreds of libraries in one installer. The price is size: Anaconda asks for at least 5 GB of free disk space. Organizations with 200 or more employees need a paid license, and experienced users usually prefer the much smaller Miniconda or Miniforge.
About Anaconda Distribution
Anaconda Distribution installs Python, the conda package and environment manager, the Anaconda Navigator desktop app and more than 600 popular data science and machine learning packages into a ready-made base environment. Navigator lets you create environments, install packages and launch tools such as Jupyter Notebook, JupyterLab and Spyder without the command line.
Anaconda's Terms of Service allow free use for individuals and for organizations with fewer than 200 employees and contractors; larger organizations need a paid business license, with possible exemptions for academic and non-profit research. Registration on the download page is optional.
What it does well
- 600+ packages included. NumPy, pandas, Matplotlib, scikit-learn and many more are preinstalled.
- conda environments. Separate environments with their own Python and package versions.
- Anaconda Navigator. A graphical launcher for environments, packages and tools.
- Jupyter and Spyder. Notebooks and a scientific IDE are ready to launch after setup.
- Anaconda Prompt. A terminal with conda activated for command-line work.
Who it is for
Good fit
Beginners in data science, students and analysts who want everything installed in one step.
Look elsewhere
Employees of organizations with 200+ staff without a business license, and users short on disk space.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Complete data science stack in one installer
- conda handles non-Python dependencies too
- Navigator for people who avoid the command line
- Free for individuals and small organizations
Cons
- Needs at least 5 GB of disk space
- Organizations with 200+ employees must pay
- Base environment can break if you install too much into it
How to install Anaconda Distribution
On the download page you can skip registration and download the Windows installer directly. Choose Just Me unless you need a shared install, and leave Add to PATH unticked as recommended; use Anaconda Prompt or Navigator instead. Create a separate environment for each project rather than installing everything into base.
Questions about Anaconda Distribution
Is Anaconda free?
Yes for individuals and organizations with fewer than 200 employees and contractors. Larger organizations need a paid business license under Anaconda's Terms of Service.
What is the difference between Anaconda and Miniconda?
Both install conda and Python. Anaconda Distribution adds Navigator and 600+ packages and needs at least 5 GB; Miniconda includes only conda, Python and a few essential packages, so it is much smaller.
Do I have to register to download Anaconda?
No. Registration is offered on the download page, but you can skip it and download the installer directly.
