esm.sh vs imgix

esm.sh is an open-source service for importing JavaScript modules through HTTP URLs, so developers can use packages in browser apps or Deno without build tools. It serves packages from npm, JSR, GitHub and pkg.pr.new, and can transform TypeScript, TSX, Vue and Svelte files for direct imports. Modules are bundled by default; URL options let developers alter bundling, request raw content, set dependency versions or aliases, and select exports. Export selection does not work with CommonJS modules. The service supports CSS imports when a package imports CSS directly from JavaScript, and it can load modules as web workers. Build targets include es2015 through es2024, esnext, Deno, denonext and Node. A lightweight TSX script can compile and cache TSX written directly in HTML. The FAQ describes compatibility with modern browsers that support ES6 modules, including Deno. The public CDN does not support private npm packages; the project directs those users to self-hosting and provides a Docker image and deployment instructions. The project is MIT-licensed, with bug reports directed to GitHub issues.

imgix is a visual media platform for image and video workflows, available through web and API. Connect an asset location, such as Amazon S3, Google Cloud Storage, or a web folder, and serve media through its Rendering API. URL parameters expose more than 150 image transformations, including cropping, masking, color adjustments, text overlays, and responsive resizing; images are automatically optimized and AVIF is supported. AI tools can upscale images, remove or replace backgrounds, remove objects, generate fills, create alt text, and add image tags. Video support includes adaptive HLS or DASH streaming from 360p up to 4K, capped by the source, and a stated limit of 30 minutes per video. Captions can be generated from video audio and translated into more than 100 languages. Pricing uses credits for media management, delivery, and transformations. Starter costs $25 a month and includes 100 credits per month; the free trial requires no credit card. There is no free plan.