npm vs vlt

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.

vlt provides npm-compatible JavaScript package registries for teams publishing scoped or private packages and managing organizations and access. It is available as a web service or self-hosted, with a client compatible with vlt, npm, pnpm, yarn, bun, deno and CI publishing. Registry infrastructure uses caching and smaller payloads. Developers can inspect resolved dependency graphs, trace why dependencies exist and query them with selector syntax; the CLI handles installation, publishing, configuration, execution and dependency queries. The registry says it blocks known malware and high-risk software through advisory and malware scanning across a safe npm mirror. Lifecycle scripts are restricted or disabled by default, and risky behavior needs explicit approval. Socket integration identifies dependency security risks. The VSR private registry can run locally or in CI with granular access tokens. TLS 1.2 or later and MFA for high-risk systems are stated security controls. Free costs nothing with 2GB storage and delivery, upstream proxy, user and token management and community support. Pro costs $8 a month, billed annually; Premium costs $20 a month, billed annually; Enterprise costs $79 a month, billed annually. Enterprise+ pricing is custom.