Defer Jobs vs Trigger.dev: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Defer Jobs and Trigger.dev 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:
Defer Jobs
Background jobs for Node.js, simplified.
Best for you if:
- • You need automation features specifically
- • Simplifies background job execution for Node.js
- • Handles queuing, retries, and scheduling
Trigger.dev
Background jobs for serverless
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.4/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need hosting & deployment features specifically
- • Trigger.dev is an open-source background jobs framework for TypeScript
- • It runs long-running tasks with retries and scheduling
| At a Glance |  Defer Jobs |  Trigger.dev |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Automation | Hosting & Deployment |
Rating | —/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | Defer Jobs | Trigger.dev |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | AutomationWorkflow Automation | Hosting & DeploymentWorkflow Automation |
How Defer Jobs and Trigger.dev Compare
Defer Jobs
Background jobs for Node.js, simplified.
Free tier available
Trigger.dev
Background jobs for serverless
Free tier available · 84/100 score
Defer Jobs is a automation tool. Trigger.dev is in hosting & deployment.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Defer Jobs
Want the highest-rated option?
Trigger.dev scores 84/100. Defer Jobs is unrated.
Go with: Trigger.dev
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Trigger.dev
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Defer Jobs is a automation tool. Trigger.dev is in hosting & deployment. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Trigger.dev
- Higher score: 84/100 vs unrated
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Defer Jobs
- Better fit for automation
The Bottom Line
Trigger.dev (84/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Defer Jobs or Trigger.dev better?
Trigger.dev scores 84/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Defer Jobs and Trigger.dev used for?
Defer Jobs: Background jobs for Node.js, simplified.. Trigger.dev: Background jobs for serverless.
What does Defer Jobs cost vs Trigger.dev?
Defer Jobs is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Trigger.dev is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.