Bun vs Deno: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Bun and Deno 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:
Bun
Fast JavaScript runtime and package manager
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.5/10 vs 8.4/10)
- • You need something completely free
- • Bun is an all-in-one JavaScript runtime and toolkit designed for speed
- • It provides a bundler, test runner, and package manager that's dramatically faster than Node
Deno
The next-generation open-source JavaScript runtime for the modern web, built on web standards.
Best for you if:
- • A secure and modern JavaScript/TypeScript runtime with built-in tooling.
- • Supports web standards, TypeScript, JSX, and integrates with npm/Node.js.
| At a Glance |  Bun |  Deno |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | IDE & Code Editors | IDE & Code Editors |
Rating | 85/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | Bun | Deno |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 85 | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | IDE & Code EditorsTerminal Tools | IDE & Code EditorsAPI Tools |
How Bun and Deno Compare
Bun
Fast JavaScript runtime and package manager
Free · 85/100 score
Deno
The next-generation open-source JavaScript runtime for the modern web, built on web standards.
Free tier available · 84/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Bun is free. Deno is freemium.
Go with: Bun
Want the highest-rated option?
Bun: 85/100. Deno: 84/100.
Go with: Bun
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Bun
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Bun is free. Deno is freemium. Go with Bun 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?
Bun scores higher: 85/100 vs 84/100.
Key Takeaways
Bun
- Higher score: 85/100 vs 84
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Deno
The Bottom Line
Bun (85/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bun or Deno better?
Bun scores 85/100 in our evaluation. Bun is free and Deno is freemium.
What are Bun and Deno used for?
Bun: Fast JavaScript runtime and package manager. Deno: The next-generation open-source JavaScript runtime for the modern web, built on web standards..
What does Bun cost vs Deno?
Bun is completely free. Deno is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.