When you create a new project, the first thing you almost always write is npm install. But is it still worth using npm in 2025? Or is it time to switch to pnpm or bun? We understand what the differences are and who is overtaking whom.
🧠 Why do we need npm alternatives at all?
npm — the default package manager in Node.js. It works, it's reliable, but:
puts packages inefficiently (huge
node_modules)works slowly with dependencies
not the fastest script execution
Therefore, faster and "smarter" managers appeared: pnpm and bun.
⚖️ Comparison: npm vs pnpm vs bun
Characteristics | npm | pnpm | bun |
|---|---|---|---|
🛠 Architecture | Classic | Links and hardlinks | From scratch, on Zig |
🚀 Installation speed | Average | Fast | Very fast (10–20x faster) |
📦 Size | Large | Minimum (deduplication) | Small |
🧪 Scripts | Through | Through | After |
📂 Caching | Normal | Smart, reusable | Caches dependencies and build |
📚 Support | Reliable | Actively developing | Still unstable in edge functions |
💥 Compatibility | 100% | 99% | Sometimes it does not support old packages |
🥇 Who will win in 2025?
✅ pnpm is the best choice for most
Installs packages faster and more compactly than npm
Supports workspaces and monorepositories
Compatible with almost everything
Works great in CI/CD
⚡ bun - for those who want maximum speed
Lightning-fast installation
Running scripts faster than through Node
Built-in dev server, testing and runtime
Perfect for pet projects and prototypes
🧓 npm is still reliable, but slow
Familiar
Reliable, but morally obsolete
You pay with time for compatibility
🧪 Installation speed test
Project | npm | pnpm | bun |
|---|---|---|---|
React + Vite | 18 sec | 7 sec | 2 sec |
Next.js monorepo | 42 sec | 16 sec | 10 sec |
Express API | 12 sec | 5 sec | 1.5 sec |
Note: the data is approximate and depends on the system, cache and Internet.
📌 Summary: who to choose?
Do you want | Selection |
|---|---|
Maximum speed and minimum time | bun |
Advanced, reliable manager for teams | pnpm |
Classic without changes | npm |
If you want to learn how to work with pnpm, bun, and other modern tools, try Code.
📢 And we also have Telegram channel!
This is an interactive application for learning programming, where you get real tasks, projects and step-by-step tips.
Have you already switched to pnpm or still on npm? Or have you tried bun? Share your experience — let's discuss who is the best now 🤔