npm vs pnpm: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between npm and pnpm 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:
npm
The world's largest software registry
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.0/10 vs 8.8/10)
- • You need ide & code editors features specifically
- • npm is the package manager for JavaScript and the world's largest registry
- • It installs, shares, and manages JavaScript dependencies for projects
pnpm
Fast, disk space efficient package manager
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need api tools features specifically
- • Fast, disk-efficient package manager using hard links
- • Strict node_modules prevents phantom dependencies
| At a Glance |  npm |  pnpm |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free |
Best For | IDE & Code Editors | API Tools |
Rating | 90/100 | 88/100 |
| Feature | npm | pnpm |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| Editorial Score | 90 | 88 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | IDE & Code EditorsAPI Tools | API ToolsTerminal Tools |
How npm and pnpm Compare
npm
The world's largest software registry
Free tier available · 90/100 score
pnpm
Fast, disk space efficient package manager
Free · 88/100 score
npm is a ide & code editors tool. pnpm is in api tools.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
pnpm is free. npm is freemium.
Go with: pnpm
Want the highest-rated option?
npm: 90/100. pnpm: 88/100.
Go with: npm
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: npm
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
npm is freemium. pnpm is free. Go with pnpm if free matters most.
What's your use case?
npm is a ide & code editors tool. pnpm is in api tools. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
npm scores higher: 90/100 vs 88/100.
Key Takeaways
npm
- Higher score: 90/100 vs 88
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
pnpm
- Completely free
- Better fit for api tools
The Bottom Line
npm (90/100) is our pick. That said, pnpm is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is npm or pnpm better?
npm scores 90/100 in our evaluation. npm is freemium and pnpm is free.
What are npm and pnpm used for?
npm: The world's largest software registry. pnpm: Fast, disk space efficient package manager.
What does npm cost vs pnpm?
npm is freemium (free tier + paid plans). pnpm is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.