Yarn vs npm: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Yarn and npm 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:
Yarn
Fast and reliable JavaScript package manager
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need api tools features specifically
- • Yarn is a fast, reliable package manager for JavaScript
- • It provides deterministic installs with workspace support for monorepos
npm
The world's largest software registry
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.0/10 vs 8.5/10)
- • 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
| At a Glance |  Yarn |  npm |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | API Tools | IDE & Code Editors |
Rating | 85/100 | 90/100 |
| Feature | Yarn | npm |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 85 | 90 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | API ToolsTerminal Tools | IDE & Code EditorsAPI Tools |
How Yarn and npm Compare
Yarn
Fast and reliable JavaScript package manager
Free · 85/100 score
npm
The world's largest software registry
Free tier available · 90/100 score
Yarn is a api tools tool. npm is in ide & code editors.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Yarn is free. npm is freemium.
Go with: Yarn
Want the highest-rated option?
Yarn: 85/100. npm: 90/100.
Go with: npm
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: npm
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Yarn is free. npm is freemium. Go with Yarn if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Yarn is a api tools tool. npm is in ide & code editors. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
npm scores higher: 90/100 vs 85/100.
Key Takeaways
npm
- Higher score: 90/100 vs 85
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Yarn
- Completely free
- Better fit for api tools
The Bottom Line
npm (90/100) is our pick. That said, Yarn is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Yarn or npm better?
npm scores 90/100 in our evaluation. Yarn is free and npm is freemium.
What are Yarn and npm used for?
Yarn: Fast and reliable JavaScript package manager. npm: The world's largest software registry.
What does Yarn cost vs npm?
Yarn is completely free. npm is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.