ESLint vs Trunk: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between ESLint and Trunk 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.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
ESLint
Pluggable JavaScript and TypeScript linter
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • Standard JavaScript/TypeScript linter for code quality
- • Configurable rules with extensive plugin ecosystem
Trunk
Code quality and developer experience tools
Best for you if:
- • Trunk is a developer productivity tool for code quality and CI
- • It provides linting, formatting, and merge queue automation
| At a Glance |  ESLint |  Trunk |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Developer Tools | Developer Tools |
Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.9/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose ESLint or Trunk?
Choose ESLint if
Pluggable JavaScript and TypeScript linter
- Industry standard
- Highly configurable
- Great ecosystem
- You want a fully free tool (Trunk requires payment)
Choose Trunk if
Code quality and developer experience tools
- All-in-one linting
- Good defaults
- Active development
| Feature | ESLint | Trunk |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.5/5 2,050 reviews | ★4.9/5 145 reviews |
| Categories | Developer ToolsCode Review | Developer ToolsCode Review |
In-Depth Analysis
ESLint
Pluggable JavaScript and TypeScript linter
Strengths
- +Industry standard
- +Highly configurable
- +Great ecosystem
Weaknesses
- -Configuration complexity
- -Can be slow on large codebases
- -Plugin version conflicts
Key features
Trunk
Code quality and developer experience tools
Strengths
- +All-in-one linting
- +Good defaults
- +Active development
- +Good documentation
- +Fair pricing
Weaknesses
- -Newer tool
- -Learning curve
- -Feature gaps
- -Vendor lock-in
- -Still maturing
Key features
Pricing: ESLint vs Trunk
| Plan | ESLint | Trunk |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | N/A | Custom Team |
| Tier 3 | N/A | Custom Enterprise |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on ESLint pricing and Trunk pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
ESLint is free. Trunk is freemium.
Go with: ESLint
Want the highest-rated option?
ESLint: 4.5/5 (2,050 reviews). Trunk: 4.9/5 (145 reviews).
Go with: Trunk
Value user reviews?
ESLint: 2,050 reviews (4.5/5). Trunk: 145 reviews (4.9/5).
Go with: ESLint
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
ESLint is free. Trunk is freemium. Go with ESLint if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are developer tools tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Trunk is rated higher: 4.9/5 vs 4.5/5.
Key Takeaways
ESLint
- Larger review base (2,050 reviews)
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Trunk
- Higher user rating: 4.9/5 vs 4.5/5
The Bottom Line
ESLint is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ESLint or Trunk better?
ESLint is rated in our evaluation. ESLint is free and Trunk is freemium.
What are ESLint and Trunk used for?
ESLint: Pluggable JavaScript and TypeScript linter. Trunk: Code quality and developer experience tools.
What does ESLint cost vs Trunk?
ESLint is completely free. Trunk is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.