Composer vs Deno: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Composer 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:
Composer
Dependency manager for PHP
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • Composer is the dependency manager for PHP that manages packages and autoloading
- • It resolves dependencies, installs packages, and generates autoload files for PHP projects
Deno
The next-generation open-source JavaScript runtime for the modern web, built on web standards.
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.4/10 vs 8.2/10)
- • 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 |  Composer |  Deno |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | IDE & Code Editors | IDE & Code Editors |
Rating | 82/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | Composer | Deno |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 82 | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | IDE & Code EditorsVersion Control | IDE & Code EditorsAPI Tools |
How Composer and Deno Compare
Composer
Dependency manager for PHP
Free · 82/100 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?
Composer is free. Deno is freemium.
Go with: Composer
Want the highest-rated option?
Composer: 82/100. Deno: 84/100.
Go with: Deno
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Deno
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Composer is free. Deno is freemium. Go with Composer 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?
Deno scores higher: 84/100 vs 82/100.
Key Takeaways
Deno
- Higher score: 84/100 vs 82
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Composer
- Completely free
The Bottom Line
Deno (84/100) is our pick. That said, Composer is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Composer or Deno better?
Deno scores 84/100 in our evaluation. Composer is free and Deno is freemium.
What are Composer and Deno used for?
Composer: Dependency manager for PHP. Deno: The next-generation open-source JavaScript runtime for the modern web, built on web standards..
What does Composer cost vs Deno?
Composer is completely free. Deno is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.