npm

Reviewed by Alexis Morain · Updated July 14, 2026

npm is the reference package manager for JavaScript and Node.js, with the largest library registry in the world. Free, paid options for teams.

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SaaS Radar Review

8/10

The default package manager of JavaScript, an essential foundation of the ecosystem, free for the vast majority of uses.

Largest library registry in the world
Free for public use
Dependency management sometimes heavy

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npm (Node Package Manager) is the package manager of the JavaScript ecosystem, now owned by GitHub (Microsoft). It provides access to the largest registry of open-source libraries in the world and lets you install, publish and manage the dependencies of a JavaScript or Node.js project.

What is npm used for?

npm is used to manage a project's dependencies: install third-party libraries, lock their versions, run scripts and publish your own packages. The free public registry is at the heart of modern web development: almost every JavaScript project relies on it. The npm command line ships with Node.js.

npm or another manager?

Alternatives like Yarn or pnpm exist and stand out on speed or disk management, but they rely on the same npm registry. npm remains the default and most universal manager of the ecosystem.

How much does npm cost?

Using the public registry and the command line is entirely free. Paid offerings exist for enterprise needs: npm Pro and npm Teams (around $7 per user per month) add private packages and team access management.

Pros & Cons

What we love

Largest library registry in the world
Free for public use
Ships with Node.js
De facto ecosystem standard

What could be better

Dependency management sometimes heavy
Security concerns on third-party packages
Paid private offerings

Key features of npm

Package registry

The largest library catalog

Dependency management

Install and lock versions

Scripts

Run project tasks

Publishing

Distribute your own packages

npm pricing

The core of npm is free: the public registry of open-source libraries and the command line (shipped with Node.js) carry no cost, and that is how almost all developers use it. Paid offerings target enterprise needs: npm Pro and npm Teams, around $7 per user per month, add private packages and team access management.

Free plan / trial

Public registry and command line entirely free.

Free

Unlimited public registry · Complete command line · Open-source packages

Free

Pro / Teams

Private packages · Team access management · Enterprise features

~$7 user/month

Pricing verified on July 14, 2026

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