Deno is a secure JavaScript and TypeScript runtime built by Ryan Dahl (the creator of Node.js) to address Node.js's design regrets. It runs TypeScript natively without compilation, enforces a permission-based security model, has built-in web-standard APIs, and ships with a complete standard library. Deno 2.0 improved Node.js and npm compatibility, making it a practical alternative to Node.js for new projects.
Secure JavaScript and TypeScript runtime with built-in tools.
Best for: JavaScript/TypeScript developers who want a secure, modern runtime with built-in tooling and edge deployment.
- Free plan
4.5/5 ratingEditorial score 87/100deno.com
The editorial note
What to know about Deno
Is it right for you?
Who Deno suits
Choose it if
- JavaScript/TypeScript developers who want a secure, modern runtime with built-in tooling and edge deployment.
Look elsewhere if
- Teams with large existing Node.js codebases — migration cost is high
- Bun offers similar benefits with much better Node.js compatibility for existing projects
What you get
Key features
- TypeScript runtime with no build step
- Permission model for secure execution
- Built-in standard library
- Web-standard APIs (fetch, Web Crypto, etc.)
- npm compatibility (Deno 2.0+)
- Deno Deploy serverless platform
- Built-in test runner, linter, and formatter
- JSR (JavaScript Registry) package publishing
Works with
Integrations8
npm packages (compatible)Deno DeployCloudflare Workers (compatible APIs)GitHub ActionsDockerSupabaseFresh frameworkHono framework
What it costs
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What it includes |
|---|---|---|
| Free (Runtime) | FreeBilled monthly | Open-source Deno runtime — free to download and use locally |
| Deploy Free | FreeBilled monthly | 100k requests/day, 100GB bandwidth/month, Deno KV, edge functions |
| Deploy Pro | $10 / monthBilled monthly | 10M requests/month, 100GB bandwidth, custom domains, KV storage |
| Deploy Enterprise | CustomBilled monthly | Dedicated infrastructure, SLA, custom limits, support |
Prices are recorded from the vendor's public pricing page and can change. Check before you buy.
The trade-off
Pros and cons
Pros
- Native TypeScript support — no tsconfig or build step required
- Secure by default — explicit permissions for file, network, and environment access
- Built-in standard library covers common tasks without npm dependencies
- Web-standard APIs (fetch, Web Crypto) align with browser and edge environments
- Deno Deploy offers serverless edge hosting tightly integrated with the runtime
Cons
- npm ecosystem compatibility improved but not perfect — some native modules fail
- Smaller community and fewer Stack Overflow answers than Node.js
- Some npm packages with native addons do not work in Deno
- Deno Deploy has fewer regions than Cloudflare Workers or Vercel Edge
Quick read
At a glance
- Category
- Development & Coding
- Pricing model
- Freemium
- Entry plan
- Free
- Free plan
- Available
- Free trial
- Not listed
- Website
- deno.com
The verdict
Our take on Deno
The most secure JavaScript runtime — permissions model preventing accidental data leaks makes it ideal for security-conscious development.
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