Development tools > Deno 2.0 vs. Bun 2.0
Deno and Bun are modern JavaScript runtimes aiming to improve upon Node.js. Understanding their core philosophies and strengths is essential for selecting the right tool for your next project, especially when considering performance, security, and ecosystem.
This comparison analyzes real-world performance, user feedback, and key differentiators to help you make an informed decision.
Quick Verdict
For projects needing maximum speed and near-seamless Node.js transition, Bun is the clear choice. Deno is better suited for new projects where security and modern tooling are paramount, and a gradual migration from Node.js is acceptable.
- Bun prioritizes speed and Node.js compatibility above all else.
- Deno emphasizes security and modern tooling, with growing Node.js compatibility.
Who Should Choose Which?
Choose Deno 2.0 if:
Developers starting new projects who value security, modern tooling, and TypeScript support out-of-the-box.
Choose Bun 2.0 if:
Developers seeking maximum performance and near-complete Node.js compatibility for existing or new projects.
Key features – Side-by-Side
| Attribute | Deno 2.0 | Bun 2.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Startup Time | Faster than Node.js, slower than Bun | Generally the fastest |
| Package Management | Built-in, supports package.json and node_modules | Built-in, npm-compatible, faster than npm/yarn/pnpm |
| Node.js Compatibility | Backwards compatible, supports Node.js built-in modules, CommonJS, and npm packages | Aims to be a drop-in replacement, supports node_modules, CommonJS, and ES modules |
| Security | Secure by default with explicit permissions | No strict permissions model, trustedDependencies setting available |
| Ecosystem Size | Smaller but growing, 400k+ active users, 2M+ community modules | Growing community, vast library ecosystem through npm compatibility |
Overall Comparison
Pros and Cons
Deno 2.0
- JavaScript and TypeScript Support
- Performance Benchmarks (Startup Time) - Faster than Node.js
- Package Management System
- Compatibility with Node.js Modules
- Built-in Test Runner
- Security Features (Permissions)
- Bundling Capabilities
- Standard Library Features
- Tooling and Editor Support
- Automatic Code Formatting
- WebAssembly Support
- Performance Benchmarks (Startup Time) - Slower than Bun
- Community and Ecosystem Size - Smaller than Node.js
Bun 2.0
- Fast startup times
- NPM compatible package manager
- Drop-in replacement for Node.js
- Built-in test runner
- Built-in bundler
- Optimized standard library APIs
- Can handle more HTTP requests per second than Deno
- No strict permissions model
- Community is still growing
- Automatic code formatting information not found
- WebAssembly support information not found
- Tooling and editor support information not found
User Experiences and Feedback
Deno 2.0
- Backwards compatibility with Node.js and npm facilitates easier migration of existing Node.js projects.
- Deno doesn't enforce a strict permissions model like Deno, providing more flexibility but potentially less security.
- No value feedback reported.
- Deno enforces a strict permissions model by default, requiring explicit permissions for accessing resources like the network and file system.
- Deno 2.0 has improved compatibility with Node.js packages, including support for `package.json` and `node_modules`.
- Deno provides a comprehensive standard library for essential functionalities.
- Deno has built-in tooling for testing, formatting, and linting.
- Deno includes a built-in code formatter (`deno fmt`) based on `dprint`.
Bun 2.0
- No highlights reported.
- No major complaints reported.
- No value feedback reported.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bun production-ready?
Bun is rapidly evolving, and while it shows great promise, some features are still under development. Assess your project's dependencies and testing requirements before deploying to production.
Can I use npm packages with Deno?
Deno has improved npm compatibility, but some packages may require shims or adjustments. Verify compatibility for critical dependencies.
Sources & Citations
- Official product specifications
- Expert reviews from tech publications
- User feedback from online forums
Information gathered through AI-assisted web search and analysis. Last updated: September 2025
Methodology & Transparency
Our comparison methodology combines multiple data sources to provide comprehensive, unbiased analysis:
- Data Collection: We gather information from official specifications, user reviews, and independent testing
- AI-Assisted Analysis: Advanced AI helps process large amounts of data while maintaining accuracy
- Human Oversight: All comparisons are reviewed for accuracy and relevance
- Regular Updates: Content is refreshed to reflect new information and user feedback
- Bias Mitigation: We strive for objectivity by considering multiple perspectives and sources
Versusly.ai uses AI-assisted content generation combined with human oversight to deliver comprehensive comparisons. We are transparent about our process and continuously work to improve accuracy and usefulness.