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Load modern JavaScript packages on-demand with global CDN performance.

Free, no paid tier Visit Website
Reviews on SourceForge
67 reviews tracked

The Bottom Line

Price
Free, no paid tier. Compare plans

Key facts

  • Delivers JavaScript modules on-demand via a global CDN.
  • Optimized for modern web browsers, Node.js, and Deno environments.
  • Utilizes advanced delivery technologies for high performance and uptime.

Pros

  • Simplifies JavaScript module loading without a build step
  • Ensures high performance and uptime globally
  • Utilizes advanced web delivery optimizations
  • Suitable for quick demos and prototyping
  • Free to use

Cons

  • Currently in beta for production use
  • Limited information available on the website beyond core functionality

What is esm.run?

esm.run is a new-age Content Delivery Network (CDN) specifically designed for JavaScript modules. It allows developers to import modern JavaScript packages directly into their web browsers, Node.js, and Deno environments without needing a build step. The service dynamically builds packages on-demand and stores them permanently for fast future access. Powered by jsDelivr and its global network of sponsors like Cloudflare, Fastly, Bunny, and GCore, esm.run ensures high performance and uptime worldwide, including mainland China. It leverages state-of-the-art delivery optimizations such as HTTP/2, HTTP/3, code minification, Brotli compression, fine-tuned HTTP caching, and dependency preloading to improve overall performance. It's ideal for quick demos, prototyping, and eventually production use for serving JavaScript modules efficiently.

Available on: Web

Ratings Across the Web

4.3 (67 reviews)

esm.run holds an aggregate rating of 4.3 out of 5 from 67 reviews across SourceForge, last checked March 19, 2026.

Ratings aggregated from independent review platforms. Learn more

Key Features

  • On-demand JavaScript module builds
  • Permanent storage for built files
  • Global Multi-CDN powered by jsDelivr
  • Support for modern web browsers, Node.js, and Deno
  • HTTP/2 and HTTP/3 delivery
  • Code minification
  • Brotli compression
  • Fine-tuned HTTP caching

Pricing Plans

Pricing checked Sep 30, 2026. Source: esm.run, read Sep 30, 2026

esm.run plans and prices, checked September 2026
Plan Price Details
Free

Free

  • A New-Age CDN for JavaScript modules
  • Works in modern web browsers, node.js, and deno
  • Global Multi-CDN powered by jsDelivr
+2 more
  • On-demand builds with permanent storage
  • State-of-the-art delivery (HTTP/2, HTTP/3, code minification, brotli compression, fine-tuned HTTP caching, dependency preloading)

Is esm.run worth the price?

Great value

The pricing for esm.run is exceptionally generous as it offers a fully-featured CDN for JavaScript modules completely free of charge.

There are no paid tiers, making it an outstanding value proposition for any developer or organization needing reliable module delivery. It's best for anyone looking for a robust and free solution for JavaScript module distribution.

Full esm.run pricing: every plan, hidden costs and alternatives

esm.run by the numbers

esm.run compared with 34 CDN tools on Toolradar, as of Oct 2026
Metric esm.run Peer median Position (1 is best)
Free plan Yes 23 of 34 have one n/a
Listed as an alternative to 1 tool 4 #26 of 34 (joint)
User rating 4.3/5 (across the web, 67 ratings) 4.4/5 #12 of 21 (joint) tools with 20+ reviews

Each position is counted among the tools that have data for that row, as noted under it. All CDN data · How we compute this. Advertising and placement fees are not inputs to any position.

Cite this: Toolradar, “esm.run by the numbers”, Oct 2026.

Reviews

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4.3/5

Across 67 verified user reviews on SourceForge

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esm.run FAQ

How does esm.run ensure high performance and uptime globally, including in mainland China?

esm.run is powered by jsDelivr and its sponsors, including Cloudflare, Fastly, Bunny, and GCore. This multi-CDN approach guarantees optimal performance and availability across the globe, extending to mainland China.

What happens to files after they are built by esm.run?

Once a file is built, it is stored in a permanent storage system that is shared by all edge servers. This ensures that subsequent access to these files will always be fast, even if they haven't yet been cached at a specific CDN edge.

What advanced delivery optimizations does esm.run utilize?

esm.run employs state-of-the-art delivery optimizations such as HTTP/2, HTTP/3, code minification, brotli compression, fine-tuned HTTP caching, and dependency preloading. These technologies are used to maximize overall performance.

Can esm.run be used for production applications?

esm.run links are suitable for quick demos or prototyping. While the production feature is currently in beta, it is recommended to use jsDelivr's main domain for production environments once this feature is officially released.

What environments are compatible with JavaScript modules loaded via esm.run?

JavaScript modules loaded through esm.run are designed to work in modern web browsers, Node.js, and Deno environments. This broad compatibility allows for flexible use across different development ecosystems.

Source: esm.run

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