Head-to-head · JavaScript Package Managers
npm vs cnpm
npm leads on 0 checks, cnpm 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 featurescnpm · 5 of 6
npm scores higher on our rubric for javascript package managers: 9.4 against 7.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #8.
npm is the better fit for most JavaScript developers and package publishers. cnpm is the better fit for npm-compatible users needing registry flexibility.
- npm fits best
Most JavaScript developers and package publishers
- cnpm fits best
npm-compatible users needing registry flexibility
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Side by side
| Feature | npm 9.4/10 Visit ↗ | cnpm 7.8/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.4 | 7.8 |
| Ranking | #1 in JavaScript Package Managers | #8 in JavaScript Package Managers |
| Best for | Most JavaScript developers and package publishers | npm-compatible users needing registry flexibility |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free |
| Starting price | $7/mo | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Features npm 0/6 · cnpm 5/6 | ||
| 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 | Not checked yet |
| 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 → |
cnpm is an open-source command-line JavaScript package manager and npm client associated with the npmmirror.com registry. It is aimed at developers and teams that want npm-style commands while working with a different default registry or… 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
cnpm — where it wins
- npm-compatible commands with package-lock.json compatibility
- Custom and private registry configuration
- Workspaces, peer dependencies, and global installs
Where it doesn't
- Uses npminstall by default instead of the original npm installer
- No AI features
- Node.js environment required
- npm9.4/10 · Free plan
A broad JavaScript package workflow with public access free and private packages paid.
Visit npmFull verdict → - cnpm7.8/10 · Free plan
A free, open-source npm client for teams that need registry flexibility.
Visit cnpmFull 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