Deno vs Node.js

Side-by-side open-source comparison for 2026. Node.js currently leads on GitHub stars (116.7k) over Deno (106.4k). Both tools list each other as alternatives in this directory.

Quick comparison

Deno vs Node.js, ranked by GitHub stars
#ToolStarsLanguageLicense
1Node.js

High-performance JavaScript runtime that enables scalable server-side development, real-time applications, and enterprise-grade systems.

116.7kJavaScriptMIT License
2Deno

A modern and secure runtime for JavaScript and TypeScript with built-in support for TypeScript.

106.4kRustMIT License

Overview

Deno

A modern and secure runtime for JavaScript and TypeScript with built-in support for TypeScript.

Rust ยท MIT License ยท 106.4k GitHub stars

Node.js

High-performance JavaScript runtime that enables scalable server-side development, real-time applications, and enterprise-grade systems.

JavaScript ยท MIT License ยท 116.7k GitHub stars

Explore both tools

Frequently asked questions

Which is more popular, Deno or Node.js?

Node.js currently has more GitHub stars (116.7k) than Deno (106.4k). Star counts are a proxy for community adoption.

Are Deno and Node.js free?

Yes. Both are open source and free to use in your own projects.

How does this comparison work?

Pages only exist for mutual alternatives โ€” each tool lists the other in its alternatives metadata. Stats come from the canonical tool records in this directory.

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