JSPM vs npm

JSPM is an open-source project for managing browser dependencies through import maps. Its CLI is the main package-management tool for import maps, while the jspm.io CDN loads optimized npm dependencies directly, without a separate build step. The development server can install packages automatically, hot-reload, and strip TypeScript types. For production, jspm build uses RollupJS to bundle package entry points and dependencies. JSPM supports native ES modules and standards-based browser workflows, and can add Subresource Integrity hashes across an application's static and dynamic module graph. Built-in providers include jspm.io, nodemodules, esm.sh, unpkg, skypack, and jsdelivr; custom providers can also be configured. Integrations include an online generator, VSCode web extension, Vite plugin, experimental Node.js loader, Import Map Rails, and Symfony AssetMapper. The hosted API generates import maps and dependency graphs, though JSPM recommends running its Generator library directly when possible. Import maps are supported in recent Firefox, Safari, and Chrome, and in Deno. The project costs nothing; CDN services are described as free and donation-supported. Its publish command is experimental and has no reliability guarantees for publishing on jspm.io.

npm is a JavaScript package registry and command-line tool for sharing code and managing packages. The Registry and CLI are free for public package use, and the Free plan lets public package authors publish unlimited public packages. npm accepts package.json folders, gzipped tarballs, URLs, name-and-version or name-and-tag references, and Git URLs. Its tools support dependency resolution, lockfiles, workspaces, private registry authentication, and offline installation. It runs on Linux, macOS, Windows, and other operating systems through Node.js installers or version managers. For private packages, the Paid user account plan is $7 a month; Pro is also $7 a month for individual creators, while Teams is $7 per user per month for teams and organizations. Pro includes unlimited private packages and package-based permissions; Teams adds team-based permissions. Organizations can manage members, teams, roles, permissions, and package access. All plans include basic support and automatic security warnings. Paid billing starts when card details are submitted, with the first month charged immediately.