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Node.js vs PM2

Node.js and PM2 are free.

Node.js logo: JavaScript runtime for the server. Run apps, CLIs, and build tools outside the browser.
Node.js logo: JavaScript runtime for the server. Run apps, CLIs, and build tools outside the browser.

Node.js

Free

JavaScript runtime for the server. Run apps, CLIs, and build tools outside the browser.

Try it

Pros of Node.js

  • Same language as front-end JavaScript

  • Huge package ecosystem via npm

  • Fits APIs, scripts, and full-stack frameworks

Cons of Node.js

  • CPU-heavy work needs care or workers

  • Version and native-module friction across machines

  • Not a fit if you want a different server language

PM2 logo: A Node.js process manager that keeps apps running, restarts on crash, and can cluster across cores.
PM2 logo: A Node.js process manager that keeps apps running, restarts on crash, and can cluster across cores.

PM2

Free

A Node.js process manager that keeps apps running, restarts on crash, and can cluster across cores.

Try it

Pros of PM2

  • Simple CLI for production Node

  • Free open-source runtime

  • Great with Nginx reverse proxies

  • Works inside Docker containers

Cons of PM2

  • Focused on Node/Bun, not every language

  • Plus monitoring is paid

  • Less of a fit if you already use Kubernetes