WinterJS vs Trigger.dev: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between WinterJS 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:
WinterJS
Blazing-fast JavaScript server for Service Workers, built for high performance.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • A blazing-fast JavaScript server running WinterCG-compliant Service Workers.
- • Achieves high performance, handling up to 100,000 requests/second.
Trigger.dev
Background jobs for serverless
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.4/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • Trigger.dev is an open-source background jobs framework for TypeScript
- • It runs long-running tasks with retries and scheduling
| At a Glance |  WinterJS |  Trigger.dev |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | Hosting & Deployment | Hosting & Deployment |
Rating | —/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | WinterJS | Trigger.dev |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Hosting & DeploymentServerless | Hosting & DeploymentWorkflow Automation |
How WinterJS and Trigger.dev Compare
WinterJS
Blazing-fast JavaScript server for Service Workers, built for high performance.
Free
Trigger.dev
Background jobs for serverless
Free tier available · 84/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
WinterJS is free. Trigger.dev is freemium.
Go with: WinterJS
Want the highest-rated option?
Trigger.dev scores 84/100. WinterJS 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?
WinterJS is free. Trigger.dev is freemium. Go with WinterJS if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are hosting & deployment tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
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
WinterJS
- Completely free
The Bottom Line
Trigger.dev (84/100) is our pick. That said, WinterJS is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is WinterJS or Trigger.dev better?
Trigger.dev scores 84/100 in our evaluation. WinterJS is free and Trigger.dev is freemium.
What are WinterJS and Trigger.dev used for?
WinterJS: Blazing-fast JavaScript server for Service Workers, built for high performance.. Trigger.dev: Background jobs for serverless.
What does WinterJS cost vs Trigger.dev?
WinterJS is completely free. Trigger.dev is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.