Babel vs NX: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Babel and NX comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Babel
JavaScript compiler
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • JavaScript compiler
- • Next-gen JS support
NX
Optimize builds, scale CI, and fix PRs faster with intelligent caching and AI-powered self-healing.
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.7/10 vs 7.5/10)
- • Accelerates builds and CI with intelligent caching and task distribution.
- • Automates PR fixes and reduces flaky tests with AI-powered self-healing.
| At a Glance |  Babel |  NX |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | IDE & Code Editors | IDE & Code Editors |
Rating | 75/100 | 87/100 |
| Feature | Babel | NX |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 75 | 87 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | IDE & Code EditorsAPI Tools | IDE & Code EditorsAutomation |
How Babel and NX Compare
Babel
JavaScript compiler
Free · 75/100 score
NX
Optimize builds, scale CI, and fix PRs faster with intelligent caching and AI-powered self-healing.
Free tier available · 87/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Babel is free. NX is freemium.
Go with: Babel
Want the highest-rated option?
Babel: 75/100. NX: 87/100.
Go with: NX
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: NX
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Babel is free. NX is freemium. Go with Babel if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are ide & code editors tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
NX scores higher: 87/100 vs 75/100.
Key Takeaways
NX
- Higher score: 87/100 vs 75
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Babel
- Completely free
The Bottom Line
NX (87/100) is our pick. That said, Babel is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Babel or NX better?
NX scores 87/100 in our evaluation. Babel is free and NX is freemium.
What are Babel and NX used for?
Babel: JavaScript compiler. NX: Optimize builds, scale CI, and fix PRs faster with intelligent caching and AI-powered self-healing..
What does Babel cost vs NX?
Babel is completely free. NX is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.