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Software · head to head

Bun vs Deno

Bun logo

Bun

Software

JavaScript runtime, bundler, test runner and package manager unified in single toolchain

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
D

Deno

Software

A fast, open-source, fully Node-compatible JS runtime with TypeScript baked right in

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Bun linux requires kernel 5.6 or higher (5.1 minimum but with compatibility issues); older systems not supported; Deno the runtime itself is MIT licensed per the project's GitHub repository (denoland/deno LICENSE.md) with no cost, but Deno Deploy's free tier caps at 1 million requests and 15 CPU hours per month, per deno.com/deploy/pricing (Aug 2026)

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Bun and Deno actually diverge.

Attributes where Bun and Deno differ
AttributeBunDeno
Pricing modelopen-sourcefreemium
PlatformsmacOS, Windows, Linux, FreeBSD, AndroidWeb

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Bun

  • High-performance JavaScript services prioritising startup time and memory efficiencynot Deno
  • Single-file executable deployment without Node runtime dependenciesnot Deno
  • Monorepo management with workspace supportnot Deno
  • Full-stack development with unified toolchainnot Deno
  • Systems programming and shell scripting with JavaScriptnot Deno

Deno

No use cases recorded yet. See the Deno review.

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Bun

  • Linux requires kernel 5.6 or higher (5.1 minimum but with compatibility issues); older systems not supported
  • Native Node.js addons not supported directly; requires FFI workarounds for C libraries
  • Ecosystem less mature than Node.js; fewer third-party packages optimised for Bun
  • Windows support newer and less mature than Linux/macOS; occasional edge cases

Deno

  • The runtime itself is MIT licensed per the project's GitHub repository (denoland/deno LICENSE.md) with no cost, but Deno Deploy's free tier caps at 1 million requests and 15 CPU hours per month, per deno.com/deploy/pricing (Aug 2026)
  • Deno Deploy Pro at $20 per month charges $2 per additional million requests and $0.05 per additional CPU hour once the included quota is exceeded, per deno.com/deploy/pricing

Pricing, plan by plan

Bun

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Bun review.

Deno

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Deno review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Bun if

  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on macOS, Windows, Linux, FreeBSD, Android.
Bun review

Choose Deno if

  • You want to start without paying.
Deno review

Questions people ask

Is Bun or Deno better?
Neither clearly leads. Bun starts at Free and Deno at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Bun or Deno?
Bun starts at Free and Deno at Free.
Does Bun or Deno run on more platforms?
Bun runs on macOS, Windows, Linux, FreeBSD, Android. Deno runs on Web.
Can I use Bun for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Bun best used for?
Bun is most often used for high-performance javascript services prioritising startup time and memory efficiency, single-file executable deployment without node runtime dependencies, monorepo management with workspace support, full-stack development with unified toolchain. Of those, high-performance javascript services prioritising startup time and memory efficiency and single-file executable deployment without node runtime dependencies are not what Deno is typically brought in for.
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