Yarn vs npm 2025: Is Yarn Still Worth Using or Should You Switch Back?

Yarn vs npm 2025: Is Yarn Still Worth Using or Should You Switch Back?

With the fast-paced evolution of JavaScript tooling, developers often face tough choices about their workflows. One recurring debate is whether to use Yarn or npm as your primary package manager. As we step into 2025, the landscape has shifted yet again. Is Yarn still relevant, or is it time to switch back to npm?

In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down the current state of Yarn vs npm in 2025. You'll get clear answers on performance, security, features, and real-world migration advice, so you can make the best decision for your team or project.

Table of Contents

1. The State of Package Managers in 2025
2. Yarn vs npm: Quick Overview
3. Yarn Performance in 2025
4. npm Advantages Over Yarn
5. Yarn vs npm: Security & Reliability
6. Feature Comparison: Yarn vs npm
7. Should You Switch Back to npm?
8. Migrating from Yarn to npm: Practical Steps
9. Yarn vs npm for Different Project Types
10. Latest News & Trends
11. Conclusion: Which Package Manager Wins in 2025?

The State of Package Managers in 2025

JavaScript package management has never been more competitive or innovative. Both Yarn and npm have been racing to add features, improve performance, and tighten security. In recent years, npm has made significant strides, but Yarn still boasts a loyal following and unique capabilities.

Yarn vs npm: Quick Overview

Before diving into specifics, let’s recap what each tool offers:

• npm (Node Package Manager): The original and default package manager for Node.js. Integrated directly into Node.js installations.
• Yarn: Developed by Facebook in response to npm's early shortcomings, it focuses on speed, reliability, and consistency.

Yarn Performance in 2025

Speed has always been a key selling point for Yarn. Early versions revolutionized install times and deterministic locking. But how does yarn performance 2025 compare?

• Yarn 3 and 4 have focused on further reducing cold and hot install times.
• Yarn's Plug'n'Play (PnP) technology eliminates node_modules and speeds up dependency resolution.
• npm, however, has aggressively optimized its own performance and bulk install times.

Yarn vs npm Speed: The Reality

• For most small-to-medium projects, npm v10+ and Yarn v3+ are comparable in speed.
• For very large codebases or monorepos, Yarn often retains a slight edge—especially with PnP enabled.
• Real-world differences may be negligible unless you’re pushing thousands of packages.

npm Advantages Over Yarn in 2025

npm has closed the gap in many areas:

• Native Node.js integration: No extra install needed.
• Improved security auditing and auto-fixes.
• Faster installs with improved caching.
• Better support in CI/CD pipelines and cloud environments.
• Broader community support and documentation.

Yarn vs npm: Security & Reliability

Both package managers have prioritized security in recent years, but there are differences:

npm Security

• npm’s audit feature automatically checks for known vulnerabilities.
• The npm registry has improved malware detection and incident response.

Yarn Security

• Yarn integrates npm’s audit database and adds its own checks.
• Yarn’s deterministic lockfiles can reduce unexpected dependency issues.
• Plug'n'Play isolates dependencies, limiting risk from malicious packages.

Reliability

• Both tools now offer lockfile protection.
• Yarn’s PnP can prevent “phantom dependency” issues but may break legacy tooling.

Feature Comparison: Yarn vs npm

Let’s highlight the unique and shared features of each package manager in 2025.

Shared Features

• Workspaces (monorepo support)
• Lockfiles for deterministic installs
• Scripts and lifecycle hooks
• Registry support and authentication

Unique Yarn Features

• Plug'n'Play (PnP) – eliminates node_modules for faster installs
• Enhanced offline cache
• Zero-install setups (dependencies committed to repo)
• Advanced workspace commands

Unique npm Features

• Deep integration with Node.js and popular IDEs
• Wider ecosystem compatibility
• Superior out-of-the-box security tooling

Should You Switch Back to npm?

If you’re considering switching from Yarn to npm, here’s what you should evaluate:

• Ecosystem Compatibility: npm often works more seamlessly with popular frameworks, CI/CD, and cloud providers.
• Team Familiarity: npm is the default for most new devs and onboarding is easier.
• Maintenance Burden: One less dependency if you stick to npm.
• Unique Yarn Features: If you rely heavily on PnP, offline cache, or zero-install, switching may not be worth it.

When to Stick with Yarn

• Your workflow depends on Plug'n'Play or zero-install.
• You manage a very large monorepo with complex workspaces.
• You value Yarn’s deterministic builds and workspace commands.

When to Switch to npm

• You want simpler setup with Node.js integration.
• Your toolchain or CI/CD expects npm.
• You want the latest security features and ecosystem support.

Migrating from Yarn to npm: Practical Steps

If you’ve decided to make the switch, here’s a step-by-step outline to migrate from Yarn to npm:

1. Remove Yarn Artifacts
   • Delete yarn.lock.
   • Remove .yarn directory if using PnP.
2. Recreate the Lockfile
   • Run npm install to generate a fresh package-lock.json.
3. Update CI/CD Pipelines
   • Replace yarn install with npm ci or npm install.
4. Check Scripts and Dependencies
   • Some Yarn-only scripts may need adjusting for npm compatibility.
5. Test Thoroughly
   • Run the full test suite and build process before deploying.

Yarn vs npm for Different Project Types

For Large Projects & Monorepos

• Yarn still excels with advanced workspace tools and PnP.
• npm now offers solid workspace support, closing the feature gap.

For Small to Medium Projects

• npm is often simpler and “just works.”

For React, Vue, and Other JS Frameworks

• Both tools are widely supported, but npm’s ecosystem integration is slightly stronger out-of-the-box.

For Teams with Mixed Experience

• npm is likely easier for new team members, but Yarn adds value for advanced workflows.

Latest News & Trends

Staying current is critical in JavaScript tooling. Here’s what’s shaping the Yarn vs npm debate in 2025:

• npm v10 has rolled out with improved performance, native workspaces, and enhanced security checks.
• Yarn 4 (Berry) introduces even tighter Plug'n'Play integration and better monorepo support.
• Security is a top priority for both, with frequent updates to auditing and malware prevention.
• Zero-install and offline workflows are gaining popularity for enterprise teams.
• Many projects now support both lockfiles, offering flexibility for contributors.

Conclusion: Which Package Manager Wins in 2025?

So, is Yarn still worth using in 2025? The answer depends on your project’s needs:

• If you rely on advanced monorepo support, PnP, or zero-install features, Yarn remains a powerful choice.
• If you value simplicity, broad compatibility, and seamless integration, npm is more appealing than ever.
• Both tools are well-maintained, secure, and feature-rich. Neither is truly obsolete or deprecated.

In short, choose the package manager that best fits your workflow and team.

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