Head-to-head · JavaScript Package Managers
npm vs Bun
npm leads on 0 checks, Bun on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scorenpm · 9.4/10
- Free planonly npm
npm scores higher on our rubric for javascript package managers: 9.4 against 8.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #4.
npm is the better fit for most JavaScript developers and package publishers. Bun is the better fit for developers wanting a fast all-in-one runtime tool.
- npm fits best
Most JavaScript developers and package publishers
- Bun fits best
Developers wanting a fast all-in-one runtime tool
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Side by side
| Feature | npm 9.4/10 Visit ↗ | Bun 8.7/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.4 | 8.7 |
| Ranking | #1 in JavaScript Package Managers | #4 in JavaScript Package Managers |
| Best for | Most JavaScript developers and package publishers | Developers wanting a fast all-in-one runtime tool |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free |
| Starting price | $7/mo | Open source |
| Free plan | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Desktop | Desktop, Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Features npm 0/6 · Bun 0/6 | ||
| Workspace support | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Lockfile support | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Peer dependency handling | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Package publishing | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Offline package cache | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Global installation | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| 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 → |
Bun is an open-source toolkit for JavaScript and TypeScript development that combines a Node.js-compatible runtime with a package manager, test runner, and bundler. Its package manager is intended for individual developers and teams… 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
Bun — where it wins
- Combines package management with a runtime, test runner, and bundler
- Supports workspaces, lockfiles, peer dependencies, and offline installs
- Works with npm, GitHub Actions, Docker, and private registries
Where it doesn't
- Package inputs are limited to npm, Git, and tarball URLs
- Its broader toolkit may exceed teams seeking only package management
- Global installation uses Bun-specific command syntax
- npm9.4/10 · Free plan
A broad JavaScript package workflow with public access free and private packages paid.
Visit npmFull verdict → - Bun8.7/10 · Open source
A free, open-source package manager for JavaScript and TypeScript projects.
Visit BunFull 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