Hono
Hono: A focused, open-source TypeScript framework for APIs across JavaScript runtimes. Ranked #16 of 31 in Web Frameworks by our editors (7.3/10); pricing: Free plan; best for typeScript teams targeting multiple JavaScript runtimes.
At a glance
- Editor score7.3 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forTypeScript teams targeting multiple JavaScript runtimes
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Framework typeBackend
- Facts checked24 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Web-standard Request and Response APIs support portable server code
- Routing and middleware cover core backend application patterns
- Runtime-specific adapters support cloud and self-hosted deployment
Where it doesn't
- No built-in ORM for database access
- Authentication requires other libraries or services
- Focused scope leaves broader application features to add-ons
Our verdict on Hono
Hono is an open-source backend web framework for building applications and APIs with JavaScript or TypeScript. It combines URL-based routing, middleware composition, request and response helpers, and Web-standard Request and Response APIs. Runtime-specific adapters are designed to let teams target compatible JavaScript runtimes and hosting environments, including cloud and self-hosted deployments. Its fit spans solo developers through enterprise teams that want a focused server framework rather than an all-in-one application stack.
The framework’s strongest differentiator is its runtime and platform fit. Web-standard request and response interfaces provide a consistent foundation, while adapters connect applications to supported JavaScript runtimes and compatible hosting platforms. TypeScript support suits teams that want typed backend code, and routing includes parameter and wildcard matching for common API and web application paths. Middleware composition gives projects a way to organize cross-cutting request handling without changing the framework’s focused model.
Hono keeps its pricing straightforward: it is free and open-source, with deployment options covering cloud and self-hosted environments. The trade-off is scope. Database access and authentication are added through other libraries or services, and the supplied feature set centers on routing, middleware, HTTP helpers, and runtime portability. Choose Hono when a team values a small backend core that can move across JavaScript runtimes. Teams seeking built-in data access or authentication may prefer a framework that includes those application services directly.
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Hono pricing
Hono fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Framework type | Backend |
| Primary languages | JavaScript, TypeScript |
| Rendering modes | Not verified |
| Included ORM | No |
| Built-in authentication | No |
| Deployment targets | Not verified |
| License model | Open-source |
| Deployment | Cloud, Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Web |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | hono.dev |
| Facts checked | 24 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Hono
- Ruby on RailsRails gives Ruby teams a convention-led, full-stack foundation for database-backed web apps.9.3
- DjangoA free Python backend framework combining ORM, authentication, administration, and deployment flexibility.9.1
- Next.jsA free, open-source full-stack React framework with hybrid rendering and backend routes.9.0
Also Ranked In
Hono is ranked in 2 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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