Head-to-head · JavaScript Package Managers
npm vs Aube
npm leads on 0 checks, Aube on 0, and 7 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 7 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 planonly npm
- Most featuresAube · 6 of 6
npm scores higher on our rubric for javascript package managers: 9.4 against 8.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #6.
npm is the better fit for most JavaScript developers and package publishers. Aube is the better fit for advanced macOS and Linux package workflows.
- npm fits best
Most JavaScript developers and package publishers
- Aube fits best
Advanced macOS and Linux package workflows
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Side by side
| Feature | npm 9.4/10 Visit ↗ | Aube 8.2/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.4 | 8.2 |
| Ranking | #1 in JavaScript Package Managers | #6 in JavaScript Package Managers |
| Best for | Most JavaScript developers and package publishers | Advanced macOS and Linux package workflows |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free |
| Starting price | $7/mo | Open source |
| Free plan | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux | macOS, Linux |
| Features npm 0/6 · Aube 6/6 | ||
| Workspace support | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Lockfile support | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Peer dependency handling | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Package publishing | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Offline package cache | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Global installation | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | npm combines a package discovery website, command-line interface, and registry for JavaScript and Node.js software. It is aimed at developers adding dependencies to applications, maintaining package versions, publishing software, and… Read the review → |
Aube is a Rust-based, open-source Node.js package manager for developers and teams. It automatically installs missing or stale dependencies before running project scripts, while supporting workspace packages, local binaries, one-off tools,… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
npm — where it wins
- Combines discovery, installation, publishing, and registry access
- Lockfiles, dependency resolution, workspaces, caching, and offline mode
- Runs across web, Windows, macOS, and Linux
Where it doesn't
- Private package installation and publishing require a paid account
- Its focus is limited to JavaScript and Node.js package workflows
- Custom registries require authentication and registry configuration
Aube — where it wins
- Reads and writes Aube, pnpm, npm, Yarn, and Bun lockfiles
- Supports workspaces, filters, catalogs, and recursive commands
- Includes publishing, global stores, peer inspection, and security checks
Where it doesn't
- Platform coverage is limited to macOS and Linux
- Its feature set is focused on Node.js package workflows
- Advanced controls may be more than small projects need
- npm9.4/10 · Free plan
A broad JavaScript package workflow with public access free and private packages paid.
Visit npmFull verdict → - Aube8.2/10 · Open source
Aube suits advanced Node.js workflows that need broad lockfile and workspace support.
Visit AubeFull verdict →
More comparisons
All JavaScript package managers comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update