Apache 2.0 vs GPL 3.0: what is the difference?

Short answer: Apache 2.0: commercial use, modification, redistribution: Yes. GPL 3.0: the same uses: Yes.

Apache 2.0: Use, reproduce, modify, sublicense and distribute for any purpose, with an express patent license; keep notices, include the license and mark changed files. GPL 3.0: Run, study, change and share the software, including commercially. If you convey it or a work based on it, you must do so under the GPL with the corresponding source.

Apache 2.0: commercial use, modification, redistribution: Yes

License: Apache License 2.0 (Apache-2.0, curated)

• Every use you described is granted by Apache 2.0, and nothing you described is prohibited.

Duties: attribution, license_notice, state_changes

GPL 3.0: the same uses: Yes

License: GNU General Public License v3.0 (GPL-3.0-only, curated)

• Every use you described is granted by GPL 3.0, and nothing you described is prohibited.

Duties: attribution, license_notice, state_changes, share_alike, source_disclosure

Duties and notes compared

• Apache-2.0: duties attribution, license_notice, state_changes. Includes an express patent license that ends for anyone who sues over patents in the work (section 3). Does not grant rights to the licensor's trademarks (section 6).
• GPL-3.0-only: duties attribution, license_notice, state_changes, share_alike, source_disclosure. Sublicensing is not allowed; every recipient receives a license from the original licensors (sections 2 and 10). Running the software, including as a network service, does not by itself trigger the duty to share source; conveying copies does.

Combined in one work: compatible.

Context

• The duties differ: compare the duties and notes listed for each license below.

Sources

• Apache License 2.0: official text
• Apache-2.0 on the SPDX License List
• GNU General Public License v3.0: official text
• GPL-3.0-only on the SPDX License List

Check it yourself (free, no key)

{
  "tool": "check_license",
  "arguments": {
    "license": "Apache-2.0",
    "intended_use": {
      "commercial_use": true,
      "modification": true,
      "redistribution": true
    }
  }
}

Computed from Rightshold's license profiles; not legal advice. Updated 2026-10-19. JSON · Markdown