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Bun vs Node.js: catalog facts
BunNode.js
Free

Free and open source. The runtime core is MIT licensed with some bundled components under…

Free

Free and open source under the MIT licence, governed by the OpenJS Foundation.

Windows, macOS, Linux, Command line Windows, macOS, Linux, Command line
  • Runtime, bundler, test runner and package manager in one executable
  • Much faster startup and installs than the Node and npm equivalents
  • The largest package ecosystem of any language through npm
  • Predictable release schedule with clearly marked long-term support versions
  • Node compatibility is good but not complete; packages using deep internals can break
  • Younger than Node, so fewer production deployments to learn from
  • Single-threaded by default, so CPU-heavy work needs worker threads or another process
  • The size and churn of the npm ecosystem is itself a supply chain risk
Downloadable app Downloadable app
Open source Open source
License: MIT License: MIT
No account needed No account needed
Works offline Works offline

Checked September 21, 2026

Checked September 21, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.