jsDelivr vs unpkg: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between jsDelivr and unpkg 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:
jsDelivr
Free CDN for open source packages
Best for you if:
- • jsDelivr is a free CDN for open-source projects hosted on npm and GitHub
- • It serves JavaScript libraries with global distribution and automatic minification
unpkg
Instant CDN access to any npm package
Best for you if:
- • unpkg is a fast CDN for npm packages
- • It serves any file from any npm package instantly
| At a Glance |  jsDelivr |  unpkg |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | CDN | CDN |
Rating | 3.9/5 | 4.1/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose jsDelivr or unpkg?
Choose jsDelivr if
Free CDN for open source packages
- Free CDN for npm/GitHub
- Fast global network
- No configuration
Choose unpkg if
Instant CDN access to any npm package
- Fast CDN for npm packages
- No configuration required
- Browse package files easily
| Feature | jsDelivr | unpkg |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| User Rating | ★3.9/5 148 reviews | ★4.1/5 4,913 reviews |
| Categories | CDNDeveloper Tools | CDNDeveloper Tools |
In-Depth Analysis
jsDelivr
Free CDN for open source packages
jsDelivr's pricing is exceptionally generous, as it offers a completely free CDN service for open-source packages, npm, and GitHub files with unlimited bandwidth.
Watch out
No dedicated support channels
Strengths
- +Free CDN for npm/GitHub
- +Fast global network
- +No configuration
- +Good uptime
- +Multi-CDN
Weaknesses
- -No custom domains
- -Limited analytics
- -No origin support
- -For public packages only
- -Rate limits possible
Key features
unpkg
Instant CDN access to any npm package
Unpkg's pricing is exceptionally generous, as it offers a fully functional CDN for npm packages completely free of charge.
Watch out
No official SLA or dedicated support
Strengths
- +Fast CDN for npm packages
- +No configuration required
- +Browse package files easily
- +Automatic latest version
- +Free to use
Weaknesses
- -Not recommended for production
- -No SLA guarantees
- -Dependency on service availability
- -Version pinning important
- -Security considerations for CDN use
Key features
Pricing: jsDelivr vs unpkg
| Plan | jsDelivr | unpkg |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | N/A | Free Free |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on jsDelivr pricing and unpkg pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: jsDelivr
Want the highest-rated option?
jsDelivr: 3.9/5 (148 reviews). unpkg: 4.1/5 (4,913 reviews).
Go with: unpkg
Value user reviews?
jsDelivr: 148 reviews (3.9/5). unpkg: 4,913 reviews (4.1/5).
Go with: unpkg
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are free. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are cdn tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
unpkg is rated higher: 4.1/5 vs 3.9/5.
Key Takeaways
jsDelivr
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
unpkg
- Higher user rating: 4.1/5 vs 3.9/5
- Larger review base (4,913 reviews)
The Bottom Line
jsDelivr is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is jsDelivr or unpkg better?
jsDelivr is rated in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are jsDelivr and unpkg used for?
jsDelivr: Free CDN for open source packages. unpkg: Instant CDN access to any npm package.
What does jsDelivr cost vs unpkg?
jsDelivr is completely free. unpkg is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.