Node.js has become a leading platform for scalable network applications using JavaScript. Its event-driven, non-blocking I/O model simplifies the development of fast and efficient web apps, APIs, real-time services, and micro-services. The ecosystem includes numerous frameworks and libraries, streamlining full-stack development.

This post explores the best Node.js frameworks in 2024, widely adopted by companies and developers for building high-performance backend services, web servers, REST APIs, real-time apps, and full-stack JavaScript applications.

What Is Node.js?

Introduced in 2009, Node.js is a cross-platform, open-source JavaScript runtime environment that enables server-side execution of JavaScript. Utilising an event-driven, non-blocking I/O model and powered by Chrome’s V8 engine, Node.js is lightweight and efficient. Its core modules, such as HTTP, DNS, and FS, simplify file and network operations. Node.js allows developers to use a single language (JavaScript) across the full stack.

Node.js frameworks complement Node.js by providing essential features for building robust applications. These frameworks, written in JavaScript, run within the Node.js environment, offering benefits such as easy request routing, built-in security, templating support, and database integration helpers. By streamlining the development process, Node.js frameworks empower developers to focus on application logic, avoiding repetitive rebuilding of core infrastructure.

Node.js isn’t a Framework

Node.js is not a framework. It is a runtime environment that allows developers to execute JavaScript on servers. Node.js provides a JavaScript environment on top of which frameworks can be built.

Some popular Node.js frameworks include Express.js, Sails.js, Hapi, and Koa. These frameworks simplify the building of web applications and sites using Node.js. They provide helpful functionality and conventions on top of raw Node.js.

Different Types of Node.js Frameworks?

Node.js web frameworks can be grouped into three main categories: MVC frameworks, full-stack MVC frameworks, and REST API frameworks.

MVC Frameworks

MVC frameworks like Express.js follow the model-view-controller software design pattern to separate application logic into three parts for easier maintenance and scaling. The model represents the data and business logic, the view handles presentation and UI, and the controller manages interactions and flows between the two.

Full-Stack MVC

Full-stack MVC Node.js frameworks offer comprehensive tools and capabilities that cover both the frontend and backend aspects of web development. They provide scaffolding, libraries, template engines, and other features tailored for building real-time, dynamic applications.

REST API Focused

REST API-focused frameworks optimise for rapidly developing internet-connected apps with established REST APIs. This enables seamless integration without extensive architectural overhead, allowing developers to build out the backend and connect to frontends swiftly.

What Is a Node.js Framework Used For?

Here are some of the top reasons to use a Node.js framework:

• Simpler Web Server: A Node.js server on its own has no native routing capabilities. Frameworks provide easy APIs to map app routes, and middleware’s, etc.
• Reduce Boilerplate Code: Useful abstractions help reuse code and follow best practices for organisation.
• Built-in Security Features: Protection against common web app attacks like CSRF, XSS, and parameter tampering.
• Active Open Source: Regular updates and fixes from large developer communities committed to the project.
• Wider Feature Set: Caching, request validation, localisation, template engine – features that accelerate app development.
• An Ecosystem of Libraries: Thousands of complementary packages to further extend capabilities as per custom needs.

General Features of Node.js Frameworks

While Node.js frameworks have specific advantages based on their purpose and philosophy, most share some common and useful capabilities:

• Routing: Map app endpoints and REST API patterns easily.
• Middleware and Modules: Extend with independent building blocks of code.
• Database ORM/ODM: Simplifies data modelling and queries.
• Templating Engine: Supports reuse of frontend markup code.
• Data Validation: Automatic sanitisation and validation helpers.
• Authentication and Authorisation: User login, access control, and roles.
• Event Listeners: Useful triggers across the lifecycle of an application.
• Asset Bundling: Optimisation of JavaScript and CSS assets.
• Internationalisation: Multi-language and localisation support.

These shared general-purpose features allow developers to start new apps faster without reinventing the wheel. Now, let’s look at some of Node.js frameworks in 2024.

1. FeathersJS

Feathers.js is a popular JavaScript framework for backend development that offers flexibility with Node.js and React Native, and supports multiple databases. As a Node.js microservices framework with real-time functionality, Feathers.js is designed to simplify modern web and mobile app development.

Feathers.js decodes programming into a straightforward and intelligible manner, eliminating the complexity of RESTful APIs for developers. It simplifies the implementation, connection, and communication of features for web apps.

Features of Feathers.js

• Super Lightweight: Minimal overhead for faster performance.
• Service Reusability: Allows easy reuse of services across applications.
• CLI: Command-line interface for streamlined development workflows.
• Automatic RESTful APIs: Automatically generates RESTful APIs from your code.
• Default Plugins for Authentication and Authorization: Built-in support for securing your applications.

When to Use Feathers.js

Feathers.js is ideal for various scenarios due to its flexibility and comprehensive feature set:

• Supports All Frontend Technologies: Compatible with any frontend framework.
• Database Agnostic: Works seamlessly with any database.
• Node.js Environment: Optimized for use with Node.js, supporting both JavaScript and TypeScript.
• Rapid Development: Enables the creation of production-ready apps, real-time apps, and REST APIs in a matter of days.
• Full-Stack Development: Facilitates the creation of full-stack web apps using the platform’s services and hooks.
• Simplifies Complex Applications: Reduces development time and complexity for intricate applications.

Feathers.js empowers developers to build sophisticated applications quickly and efficiently, making it a valuable tool for modern web and mobile app development.

2. Meteor.js

If you’re seeking a framework dedicated to JavaScript and utilizing only one language, Meteor.js is an ideal choice.

Officially launched in 2012 by the startup Meteor, Meteor.js is an open-source, isomorphic JavaScript web framework. It enables automatic data synchronization between clients without additional effort from developers. One of its significant advantages is its compatibility with various device operating systems, including Android, iOS for mobile devices, and desktop applications—all wrapped in a single language: JavaScript.

Meteor.js comes with comprehensive libraries and testing features to facilitate seamless client-server communication. The framework is renowned for its smooth handling of data flow between client and server, essential for high-streaming, real-time applications.

Meteor.js is an excellent Node.js framework for building simple, efficient, and modern web applications.

Features of Meteor.js

• Isomorphic JavaScript Framework: Write code in modern JavaScript that runs seamlessly on both the client and server.
• Cross-Platform: Supports rapid prototyping with CLI, and builds applications for web, Android, and iOS using the same codebase.
• Extensive Community Support: Open-source with a vibrant community.
• Full-Stack Solution: Integrated solutions for both front-end and back-end development.
• Superfast Interactions: Ensures quick responses and fast results.
• Easy Integration: Compatible with other frameworks and libraries for enhanced functionality.

When to Use Meteor.js

Meteor.js is an excellent choice if your development team is proficient in JavaScript. It is easy to learn and enjoyable to program with, allowing you to build applications rapidly. The framework enables you to use the same codebase for both web and mobile apps, streamlining the development process.

Meteor.js also supports live updates for installed apps without disrupting ongoing user sessions, making it ideal for real-time applications. Its built-in core facilitates the development of collaboration tools and real-time projects, especially when working with short deadlines and cross-platform requirements.

Meteor.js is perfect for developers looking to build modern, efficient, and interactive web applications with ease.

3. Express.js

Express.js, also known as Express, is one of the best Node.js frameworks, widely recognized for its minimalist approach and straightforward coding architecture. Officially launched in 2010 under the MIT license, it is considered the de facto standard for Node.js frameworks.

Express.js does not demand a steep learning curve; a basic understanding of the Node.js environment and programming skills is sufficient. Its fast, robust, and asynchronous architecture aligns well with Node.js, making it ideal for high-speed I/O operations and single-threaded processes.

The framework is known for enhancing communication between client and server, leading to a better user experience for web or mobile applications. Major companies like Twitter, Uber, Accenture, and IBM use applications built with Express.

Features of Express.js

• Rapid Server-Side Programming: The framework includes many Node.js features as functions, speeding up development with fewer lines of code.
• High Performance: Supports asynchronous programming, allowing multiple operations to execute independently.
• Super-High Test Coverage: Helps build applications with maximum testability.
• HTTP Helpers: Provides a myriad of helpers that make programs more intelligible and reusable.
• Better Content Negotiation: Enhances client-server communication by providing HTTP headers to URLs, fetching precise information for users.
• MVC Architectural Pattern: Adopts the model-view-controller design pattern for organized code structure and maintenance.

When to Use Express.js

Express.js is suitable for a wide range of applications, from small to large-scale projects. Its robust routing, templating, security features, and error-handling provisions make it an excellent choice for enterprise-grade or browser-based apps.

You can develop web applications faster with Express due to its readily available tools for API generation. It’s particularly beneficial for development teams at beginner levels, thanks to the extensive community support available.

Express.js is versatile and can be used for almost any kind of web and mobile application development. Its simplicity, combined with powerful features, makes it an essential framework for modern web development.

4. Nest.js

Nest.js is a progressive Node.js framework designed for building dynamic and scalable enterprise-grade applications. It offers complete flexibility with its extensive libraries and serves as a perfect example of a backend productivity booster. Nest.js is well-suited for developing multilayered enterprise applications, leveraging its extensive library support without limitations.

Built with TypeScript, Nest.js maintains a clean-code architecture while managing the code complexity of large-scale applications. The framework integrates seamlessly with other popular Node.js frameworks like Fastify and Express, providing developers with a versatile toolset.

Nest.js combines object-oriented and functional reactive programming (FRP), potentially doubling developers’ productivity and enhancing application performance while saving valuable time.

Features of Nest.js

• CLI for Modular Structure: Provides a command-line interface for creating a well-organized and modular application structure.
• Smooth Learning Curve: Easy for developers to pick up and start using.
• FRP for Simplifying Complex GUIs: Functional reactive programming simplifies the development of complex graphical user interfaces, such as those in games and robotics.
• Easy Integration with External Libraries: Systematic code arrangement facilitates the use of external libraries.
• High Compatibility with Angular: Aligns well with Angular for frontend development, ensuring a cohesive development experience.

When to Use Nest.js

Nest.js is ideal for building efficient and scalable web applications. Its TypeScript foundation, similar to Angular, addresses the main challenges of Node.js by organizing the architecture pattern and keeping it clean and modularized. This makes it easier for developers to build more scalable and maintainable applications.

Nest.js is particularly useful in the following scenarios:

• Enterprise-Grade Applications: Perfect for large, multilayered applications that require extensive use of libraries and modular architecture.
• Applications Requiring Complex GUIs: The FRP capabilities simplify the development of complex interfaces, such as those in gaming or robotics.
• Projects Needing TypeScript: If your team prefers TypeScript for its type safety and enhanced development experience, Nest.js is a natural choice.
• Integration with Angular: If your project involves Angular for the frontend, Nest.js offers seamless compatibility, making full-stack development more streamlined.

5. Sails.js

Sails.js is a Node.js framework that resembles the MVC (Model-View-Controller) architecture pattern from frameworks like Ruby on Rails, supporting modern, data-oriented development. It is compatible with all databases and flexible in integrating with JavaScript frameworks, making it suitable for building high-end customized applications. Sails.js’ specific code-writing policies reduce the amount of required code and allow for flexible integration with npm modules.

Sails.js is a frontend-agnostic backend platform that leverages Express for HTTP requests and Socket.io for WebSockets. This lightweight framework supports auto-generated REST APIs and reusable security policies, enhancing productivity and reducing development effort.

Features of Sails.js

• Auto-Generate REST APIs: Quickly create RESTful APIs with minimal coding effort.
• Reusable Security Policies: Implement security policies that can be reused across different parts of the application.
• Frontend Agnostic: Can be used with any frontend framework, providing flexibility in frontend development.
• ORM (Object Relational Mapping): Ensures compatibility with various databases, simplifying data management.
• Integration with Express and Socket.io: Uses Express for handling HTTP requests and Socket.io for real-time WebSockets communication.

When to Use Sails.js

Sails.js is an excellent choice for building customized, enterprise-scale Node.js applications. It is particularly suitable for:

• Custom Chat Applications: Its streamlined data handling and reusable middleware functions make it ideal for chat apps.
• Gaming and Social Media Apps: The framework’s compatibility with Socket.io is advantageous for real-time functionalities needed in gaming and social media applications.
• Enterprise Applications: Sails.js is designed for larger, more complex applications where the MVC architecture can help maintain organized and scalable code.

6. Loopback.js

Loopback.js is a Node.js framework designed for building powerful end-to-end APIs with minimal development time. It offers excellent connectivity with any Node.js framework and can integrate with various API services. Loopback.js is particularly adept at creating REST APIs and provides flexibility in connecting with a wide range of devices, browsers, databases, and services. The framework’s structured codebase helps maintain app modules and development speed, making it a valuable tool for developers.

Loopback.js is known for its comprehensive documentation, which makes it accessible even for novice developers. Companies like Sapient, GoDaddy, and Wizerg have leveraged Loopback.js to build robust server-side applications, highlighting its extensibility and modern capabilities.

Features of Loopback.js

• Fully-Functional Support for Networked Apps: Designed to build scalable and networked applications.
• Built-In Client API Explorer: Facilitates testing and exploration of APIs during development.
• Highly Extensible: Allows for customization and expansion to meet specific project needs.
• Multiple-Database Support: Compatible with various databases, enhancing flexibility in data management.
• Clean & Modular Code: Promotes maintainable and organized code structure.
• Full-Stack Development: Supports both frontend and backend development needs.
• Data Storage, Third-Party Access, and User Management: Simplifies handling of data storage, integration with third-party services, and user management tasks.

When to Use Loopback.js

Loopback.js is ideal for scenarios where powerful and efficient API development is required. It is particularly useful for:

• Building REST APIs: Optimized for creating RESTful APIs quickly and efficiently.
• Handling API Requests: Designed to manage and streamline API requests effectively.
• External API Services: Can be used to accelerate the delivery of solutions by acting as an external API service.
• Security and Authentication: Provides robust features for adding security measures and authenticating users.

7. Koa.js

Koa.js is a powerful Node.js framework designed for building web services, commonly known as APIs. Developed by the creators of Express.js, Koa aims to be a smaller, more expressive, and robust foundation for web applications and APIs. It efficiently handles HTTP middleware using a stack-like approach, making the development process smooth and enjoyable.

Koa is designed to fix and normalize inconsistencies in Node.js, offering developers a more streamlined experience. It excels in managing various forms of content representation, such as translating pages, personalizing eCommerce content, and handling different image formats with the same URL. Koa provides the flexibility of Express with more freedom and fewer complexities, reducing the likelihood of errors across the application stack.

Features of Koa.js

• Customizable & Futuristic Framework: Often referred to as a lightweight version of Express, Koa offers extensive customization options.
• Exceptional Error Handling: Built-in mechanisms to handle errors effectively.
• Cascading Middleware: Enhances personalization of user experience through a stack-based middleware approach.
• Normalization of Node Inconsistencies: Cleans and maintains code, addressing common issues in Node.js.
• Cache Cleaning, Proxy Support, and Content Negotiation: Offers robust support for modern web application needs.
• Increased Customization Options: Allows developers to build applications from scratch, tailoring every aspect to their needs.

When to Use Koa.js

Koa.js is ideal for projects where performance is a critical requirement. It is especially suited for large-scale applications developed by experienced teams. Koa has proven to be faster than Express in certain scenarios, making it a strong choice for high-performance web applications.

However, due to its growing community and relative lack of popularity compared to more established frameworks, Koa may present a steeper learning curve for beginners. Despite this, its powerful features and flexibility make it a compelling option for advanced developers seeking to build robust, scalable web services.

8. Hapi

Hapi.js is a commercially available, open-source framework for building web applications. Known for its reliability and rich security features, Hapi.js is particularly suited for developing proxy servers, REST APIs, and other desktop applications. The framework comes with a comprehensive set of built-in plugins, eliminating the need for unofficial middleware and ensuring robust, out-of-the-box functionality.

Features of Hapi.js

• Scalable Applications: Designed to handle the growth and scaling of applications efficiently.
• Minimal Overhead: Optimized to reduce performance overhead, making applications faster.
• Secure Defaults: Comes with built-in security features to help protect applications from common vulnerabilities.
• Rich Ecosystem: Offers a variety of plugins and tools that enhance development.
• Fast & Easy Bug Fixing: Facilitates quick identification and resolution of bugs.
• Database Compatibility: Compatible with databases like MySQL, MongoDB, and others.
• Support for REST APIs & HTTPS Proxy Apps: Well-suited for developing REST APIs and HTTPS proxy applications.
• Default Caching, Authentication, and Input Validation: Provides built-in mechanisms for caching, authentication, and validating inputs.

When to Use Hapi.js

Hapi.js is ideal for building secure, scalable, real-time applications and social media platforms. Its robust security features and comprehensive plugin ecosystem make it a great choice for:

• Proxy Servers: Efficiently handles the complexities involved in proxy server development.
• API Servers: Ideal for developing reliable and secure REST API servers.
• Real-Time Applications: Supports the creation of scalable real-time applications.
• Social Media Platforms: Its scalability and security features are well-suited for social media application development.

9. Total.js

Total.js is a comprehensive, open-source Node.js framework that offers a CMS-like experience and extensive flexibility to developers. It is available in various versions such as Eshop, CMS, and HelpDesk, each catering to different application needs. Total.js is designed to support a wide range of applications, including Internet of Things (IoT) integrations, REST services, and high-performance, low-maintenance applications.

Features of Total.js

• Real-Time Tracking: Provides accurate real-time tracking capabilities for modern applications.
• API Testing: Built-in tools for testing APIs efficiently.
• Auto-Discover Projects: Automatically discovers and manages projects.
• Multiple-Database Compatibility: Compatible with various databases, enhancing flexibility.
• Frontend Framework Flexibility: Works well with different frontend frameworks, allowing for diverse frontend integrations.
• Speedy Development & Low Maintenance Cost: Facilitates rapid development and reduces maintenance costs, ensuring stable service.

When to Use Total.js

Total.js is ideal for a wide range of applications, particularly when customized development and real-time capabilities are required. It is especially suitable for:

• Customized Development: Perfect for tailored solutions that require a high degree of customization.
• Visual Programming Interfaces in IoT: Supports the creation of visual programming interfaces for IoT applications.
• eCommerce Web Development: Provides robust tools for building eCommerce websites with features like real-time tracking and API integration.
• Cloud Services: Suitable for developing cloud-based applications and services.
• Real-Time Collaboration: Enables real-time collaboration features in applications.
• Rapid Development Under Tight Deadlines: Ideal for projects with steep deadlines, helping to speed up development and reduce costs.

10. DerbyJS

Derby.js is a full-stack web application development framework built on Node.js technology. It follows the MVC (Model-View-Controller) architecture and is designed to simplify the development of real-time applications. One of its key features is the ability to use the same codebase for both the Node.js server and the browser, reducing the need for separate implementations of the view layer.

Features of Derby.js

• Racer Engine Support: Utilizes the Racer engine for real-time synchronization between the user interface, database, and application state.
• Operational Transformation for Data Synchronization: Implements operational transformation to manage data synchronization efficiently, especially in real-time collaborative environments.
• Support for Offline Usage and Conflict Resolution: Provides tools and techniques to handle offline usage scenarios and resolve conflicts in data synchronization.
• Code Customizations: Allows developers to customize and extend the framework according to project requirements.
• Codesharing Across Client-Side and Server-Side: Enables sharing of code between the client-side and server-side, promoting code reusability and maintainability.
• Renders Client-Side Views on the Server: Supports server-side rendering of client-side views, improving application performance and SEO-friendliness.

When to Use Derby.js?

Derby.js is particularly well-suited for developing real-time chat web applications and other applications that require seamless, real-time data synchronization. It excels in scenarios where:

• Real-Time Data Synchronization: Applications that need instant updates and collaboration across multiple users benefit from Derby.js’s real-time synchronization capabilities.
• Messaging Apps: Ideal for developing messaging applications where quick delivery of messages and real-time updates are crucial.
• SEO-Friendly Applications: By rendering client-side views on the server, Derby.js ensures that content is readily available to search engines, improving SEO rankings and user experience.
• Offline Capabilities: Projects requiring offline usage support and conflict resolution mechanisms can leverage Derby.js’s tools effectively.