Head-to-head · Package Managers
npm vs Apache Maven
npm leads on 0 checks, Apache Maven on 0, and 6 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scorenpm · 9.4/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresnpm · 5 of 5
npm scores higher on our rubric for package managers: 9.4 against 8.3 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #10.
npm is the better fit for javaScript package discovery and publishing. Apache Maven is the better fit for mature Java dependency management.
- npm fits best
JavaScript package discovery and publishing
- Apache Maven fits best
Mature Java dependency management
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Side by side
| Feature | npm 9.4/10 Visit ↗ | Apache Maven 8.3/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.4 | 8.3 |
| Ranking | #1 in Package Managers | #10 in Package Managers |
| Best for | JavaScript package discovery and publishing | Mature Java dependency management |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free |
| Starting price | $7/mo | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Features npm 5/5 · Apache Maven 4/5 | ||
| Dependency resolution | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lockfile support | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Workspace support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Private registry auth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Offline installation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Package formats | package.json folders, gzipped tarballs, URLs, name@version, name@tag, Git URLs | pom, jar, maven-plugin, ejb, war, ear, rar |
| Supported platforms | macOS, Windows, Linux, and other operating systems via Node.js installers or version managers | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | npm brings together a package discovery website, command-line interface, and registry for JavaScript and Node.js software. It suits developers who need to find dependencies, install them into projects, manage versions, publish packages, or… Read the review → |
Apache Maven is an open-source build automation and project management tool primarily designed for Java projects. It uses a Project Object Model, or POM, to define project metadata, dependencies, plugins, build configuration, and… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
npm — where it wins
- Combines discovery, installation, publishing, and dependency resolution.
- Supports lockfiles, workspaces, caching, offline mode, and npx.
- Works across web, Windows, macOS, Linux, and private registries.
Where it doesn't
- Private package installation and publishing requires the $7/month paid account.
- Its focus is JavaScript and Node.js package workflows.
- Advanced registry setups may require authentication and configuration.
Apache Maven — where it wins
- Resolves and mediates direct and transitive dependencies
- Supports multi-module builds with reactor ordering
- Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux with offline builds
Where it doesn't
- Primarily targets Java projects rather than broad language coverage
- Command-line delivery may not suit teams seeking graphical project management
- Named integrations are limited to Git and Subversion
- npm9.4/10 · Free plan
A complete JavaScript package workflow with public access free and private packages at $7/month.
Visit npmFull verdict → - Apache Maven8.3/10 · Free plan
A proven open-source choice for structured Java builds and dependency management.
Visit Apache MavenFull verdict →
More comparisons
All package managers comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update