Best Node.js Frameworks For Efficient Web Development

Node.js is an open-source, cross-platform, back-end JavaScript runtime environment that has been gaining popularity in recent years. It is used to build server-side applications using JavaScript. Node.js provides a fast and scalable platform for building real-time applications and has been adopted by many businesses and developers. Node.js has been widely adopted by many companies such as LinkedIn, Walmart, Netflix, and PayPal.

Knowing the different types of Node.js frameworks available in the market will help you choose the best Node js web framework for your project. Different Node.js frameworks have different features and functionalities, and it's important to choose a Node js frontend framework that meets the requirements of your project.

In this blog, we will explore the 13 best Node js frameworks in 2023, their benefits, and when to use them.

What do you mean by Node.js frameworks?

Node.js frameworks are collections of libraries, tools, and helpers that provide an easy way to build server-side applications using Node.js. These frameworks can be used to create web applications, APIs, real-time apps, and even desktop applications.

The most popular Node.js frameworks are

• Express.js
• Koa.js, Meteor.js
• Socket.io
• Nest.js
• Sails.js
• Total.js
• Hapi.js
• Feather.js
• Loopback.js
• Adonis.js
• Derby.js
• Keystone.js
  

While some developers may prefer to use Node.js without a framework, Node.js frameworks provide a lot of benefits. They provide a basic structure and organize your code, making it easier to maintain and scale your application over time. With the help of these frameworks, developers can build web applications more efficiently, with less code and fewer bugs.

Can't we just ask agencies which NodeJS framework to use?

While it's possible to hire an agency to build your web application using Node.js, it's always better to know the different types of Node.js frameworks available in the market. Knowing the different Node.js frameworks available will help you make an informed decision when choosing the right framework for your project.

See More:  PHP vs Nodejs: What To Choose in 2023

13 Best Node.js Frameworks in 2023

Here are the 13 best NodeJs frameworks worth exploring in 2023 and beyond

1. Express.js

Express.js is one of the most popular Node.js frameworks and is widely used for building web applications. Express.js provides a simple and flexible structure for building web applications. It is a minimalist Node js framework and provides a simple way to handle HTTP requests and responses.

Benefits of Express.js

• Easy to learn and use
• Provides a simple and flexible structure for building web applications
• Large community support and documentation are available
• Middleware support for handling requests and responses
• Supports various templating engines
• High performance and scalability
  

When to use Express.js?

• Building web applications that require a simple and flexible structure
• Building small to medium-sized web applications
• Building web applications that require high performance and scalability
• When working on projects that require extensive middleware support
  

Top apps built with Express.js

• Trello
• MyFitnessPal
• Uber
• Accenture

2. Koa.js

Koa.js is a lightweight Node.js framework that provides a more modern approach to building web applications. Koa.js provides a more streamlined middleware process and is easier to use than Express.js.

Benefits of Koa.js

• Lightweight and easy to learn
• Provides a streamlined middleware process
• High performance and scalability
• Supports modern programming techniques such as async/await
• Extensible with various plugins
  

When to use Koa.js?

• Building web applications that require a streamlined middleware process
• Building small to medium-sized web applications
• When working on projects that require modern programming techniques such as async/await
  

Top apps built with Koa.js

• Zillow
• Alibaba
• Gumtree

3. Meteor.js

Meteor.js is a full-stack JavaScript framework that provides an end-to-end solution for building web applications. Meteor.js provides a real-time server that allows developers to build web applications that respond to user input in real-time.

Benefits of Meteor.js

• Provides an end-to-end solution for building web applications
• Supports real-time web applications
• Easy to learn and use
• Large community support and documentation available
• Provides a simple and flexible structure for building web applications
  

When to use Meteor.js?

• Meteor.js is ideal for building real-time web applications that require automatic client-server data synchronization.
• It is an excellent choice for projects that require a simple and intuitive development experience.
• Suitable for projects that require a smooth integration with front-end frameworks like React and Angular.
  

Top apps built with Meteor.js

• Mazda
• Ikea
• Honeywell
• Edthena

4. Socket.io

Socket.io is a real-time framework that provides a set of tools for building web applications with real-time communication capabilities. It is built on top of Node.js and provides smooth integration with front-end frameworks like React and Angular.

Benefits of Socket.io

• Simple and intuitive API for real-time communication.
• Built-in support for web sockets and long polling.
• Automatic reconnection and connection loss detection.
• Large community support with numerous third-party packages.
  

When to use Socket.io?

• Building web applications that require real-time communication capabilities.
• It is an excellent choice for projects that require a simple and intuitive API for real-time communication.
• When working on projects that require a smooth integration with front-end frameworks like React and Angular.
  

Top apps built with Socket.io

• Microsoft
• Zendesk
• Hootsuite

5. Nest.js

Nest.js is a progressive Node.js framework that is built on top of Express.js, providing developers with a robust set of features and functionalities for building efficient and scalable server-side applications.

Its modular architecture and strong dependency injection system allow developers to easily manage and organize their codebase, making it a popular choice for building large-scale enterprise applications.

Benefits of Nest.js

• Modular and scalable architecture
• Strong typing with TypeScript
• Robust dependency injection system
• Built-in support for WebSockets, GraphQL, and microservices
• Excellent documentation and community support
  

When to use Nest.Js

• Nest.js is a great choice for building large-scale applications as it provides a modular architecture that allows developers to organize their code into reusable and maintainable modules.
• Nest.js is designed with microservices in mind, providing features such as built-in support for message-based communication between services and easy integration with popular message brokers like RabbitMQ and Kafka.
• Nest.js is built with TypeScript, which allows developers to write type-safe code, making it easier to catch errors early in the development process.
• Nest.js supports serverless deployments through AWS Lambda, Google Cloud Functions, and Microsoft Azure Functions, making it a great choice for building serverless applications.
  

Top apps built with Socket.io

Some popular applications built with Nest.js include -

• Trello
• Codecademy
• Terminus

6. Sails.js

Sails.js is a Node.js web application framework that provides developers with a simple and intuitive MVC (Model-View-Controller) architecture for building data-driven web applications.

It is built on top of Express.js and provides features such as automatic REST API generation, real-time event broadcasting, and easy database integration.

Benefits of Sails.js

• Simple and intuitive MVC architecture
• Automatic REST API generation
• Real-time event broadcasting with WebSockets
• Easy database integration with Waterline ORM
• Support for multiple view engines
  

When to use Sails.js?

• Sails.js provides built-in support for real-time communication using WebSockets, making it a great choice for building applications that require real-time updates and interactions.
• Sails.js has a built-in ORM called Waterline that supports multiple databases, making it easy to build database-driven applications.
• Sails.js is designed to be scalable, with support for distributed deployments and horizontal scaling using tools like Docker and Kubernetes.
• Sails.js provides a lot of out-of-the-box functionality, including authentication, security, and API generation, which makes it a great choice for rapid application development.
  
  

Top apps built with Sails.js

Sails.js is suitable for building data-driven web applications such as real-time chat apps, social media platforms, and e-commerce websites. Some popular applications built with Sails.js include -

• Balena
• Windyty
• Walmart

7. Total.js

Total.js is a web application framework built on top of Node.js, designed to facilitate the development of web applications and APIs. It comes with several features that make it a powerful tool for creating robust, scalable, and high-performance applications.

Benefits of Total.js

• Total.js is modular, meaning that you can use only the modules you need, and they are easy to integrate into your project.
• Total.js is built to be fast, thanks to its efficient routing system and optimized code.
• Total.js includes several built-in tools that make development easier, such as a debugger, a profiler, and a file manager.
• Total.js provides several built-in security features, such as protection against CSRF and XSS attacks, and encryption for sensitive data.
  

When to use Total.js?

• Total.js is ideal for building complex, scalable web applications and APIs.
• It is particularly useful for real-time applications, such as chat apps or online games, due to its efficient event-based communication system.
• It is also a good choice for enterprise-level applications, as it provides robust security features and can handle high levels of traffic.
  

Top apps built with Total.js

• Beagle, an e-commerce platform
• IoBroker, an open-source home automation platform built
• Muzzley, a platform that enables users to connect and control multiple IoT devices through a single app

8. Hapi.js

Hapi.js is a powerful and flexible Node.js framework that provides developers with a wide range of features and tools for building web applications. It is known for its robust plugin system and its focus on security and performance.

Benefits of Hapi.js

• Robust plugin system for adding new features and functionalities
• Focus on security and performance
• Easy handling of authentication and authorization
• Built-in support for caching and validation
• Excellent documentation and community support
  

When to use Hapi.js?

• Hapi.js is designed to be a highly configurable and extensible framework, making it a great choice for building large-scale enterprise-level applications.
• Hapi.js provides built-in support for API development, including input validation, request handling, and response formatting, making it easy to build scalable and secure APIs.
• Hapi.js has a powerful plugin system that allows developers to add functionality to their applications quickly and easily, without needing to write custom code.
• It has a built-in testing framework that makes it easy to write and run tests for your application, ensuring that your code is reliable and error-free.
  
  

Top apps built with Hapi.js

Hapi.js is suitable for building a wide range of web applications, from small API servers to large-scale enterprise applications. Some popular applications built with Hapi.js include -

• Walmart
• Classcraft
• Moz

9. Feather.js

Feather.js is a lightweight and fast Node.js framework that is designed for building real-time applications and APIs. It is built on top of Express.js and provides features such as real-time event broadcasting, authentication and authorization, and easy database integration.

When to use Feather.js?

• Feather.js provides real-time communication using WebSockets, making it a great choice for building real-time applications like chat applications, multiplayer games, and live dashboards.
• Feather.js is designed to be modular, making it easy to build microservices that can be integrated with other systems or deployed independently.
• Feather.js is a lightweight framework that is easy to set up and use, making it a great choice for building small to medium-sized applications.
• It can be used with popular front-end frameworks like React, Vue, and Angular, making it a great choice for front-end focused development where fast and scalable back-end services are required.
  

Benefits of Feather.js

• Lightweight and fast performance
• Real-time event broadcasting with WebSockets
• Easy database integration with Sequelize ORM
• Built-in support for authentication and authorization
• Support for both RESTful APIs and real-time APIs
  

Top apps built Feather.js

Feather.js is suitable for building real-time applications such as chat apps, live streaming platforms, and collaborative tools. Some popular applications built with Feather.js include -

• Twitter
• Microsoft
• Slack

10. Loopback.js

LoopBack is a highly extensible, open-source Node.js framework that enables developers to quickly build dynamic end-to-end REST APIs and microservices. It offers powerful tools for modeling data, connecting to backend data sources through the Node backend frameworks, and integrating with other services, making it a popular choice for building complex applications with ease.

Benefits of Loopback.js

LoopBack has several benefits, including its modular architecture, which makes it easy to customize and extend.

• It also has built-in support for multiple data sources, including databases and REST APIs, making it easy to connect and manage data from different sources.
• Additionally, LoopBack provides a command-line tool for scaffolding and generating code, reducing development time and increasing productivity.
  

When to use Loopback.js?

• LoopBack is an ideal framework for building APIs and microservices, especially for enterprise-level applications that require scalable and robust solutions.
• It is well-suited for projects that require multiple data sources and integrations with other services.
• LoopBack is also a great choice for developers who prefer an opinionated framework with strong conventions and built-in functionality.
  

Top apps built with Loopback.js

StrongLoop, the company behind LoopBack, has used the framework to build several successful applications, including -

• StrongLoop Arc
• IBM API Connect
• Groupon Merchant App
• edX Course Management System

11. Adonis.js

AdonisJS is a Node.js web application framework that follows the Model-View-Controller (MVC) architectural pattern. It is designed to be developer-friendly and offers several features out of the box, including authentication, sessions, and database ORM, making it a popular choice for building full-stack applications.

Benefits of Adonis.js

AdonisJS offers several benefits, including -

• Its intuitive API, which makes it easy to learn and use.
• It also provides a powerful command-line interface that helps automate repetitive tasks and speed up development time.
• AdonisJS has built-in support for several popular databases, including MySQL, PostgreSQL, and SQLite, and comes with a powerful ORM for managing database queries and relationships.
  

When to use Adonis.js?

• AdonisJS is ideal for building full-stack web applications that require a robust and scalable solution.
• It is a good choice for developers who prefer an opinionated framework that provides structure and conventions for building applications.
• AdonisJS is also a great choice for projects that require authentication, sessions, and database management.
  

Top apps built with Adonis.js

AdonisJS is a relatively new framework, but it has already been used to build several successful applications, including -

• the popular video-sharing platform VidFlow and
• the online multiplayer game Tycoon Online

12. Derby.js

DerbyJS is a full-stack web application framework that allows developers to build real-time, collaborative applications with ease. It uses Node.js on the server-side and React on the client-side to provide a seamless development experience.

Benefits of Derby.js

DerbyJS offers several benefits, including -

• Its ability to synchronize data between the server and client in real-time, making it ideal for building collaborative applications.
• It also has a modular architecture, which makes it easy to extend and customize.
• DerbyJS comes with a built-in ORM for managing database queries and relationships, as well as support for several popular databases, including MongoDB and MySQL.
  

When to use Derby.js?

• DerbyJS is ideal for building real-time, collaborative applications, such as chat applications, online multiplayer games, and collaborative document editors.
• It is a good choice for developers who prefer a modular and extensible framework that provides real-time synchronization out of the box.
  

Top apps built with Derby.js

DerbyJS has been used to build several successful applications, including -

• The collaborative document editor Google Docs and
• LearnBoost
• PairUp
  

13. Keystone.js

Keystone.js is a powerful and scalable Node.js-based CMS and web application framework. It provides a simple and intuitive way to build websites and applications with a powerful Admin UI, robust APIs, and flexible templates.

Keystone.js is built on top of the Express.js framework and uses MongoDB as its database. It's a great choice for building complex web applications, and it's flexible enough to work with any front-end framework.

Benefits of Keystone.js

• Keystone.js provides a powerful and intuitive Admin UI that allows you to manage your data and content with ease. It's built with simplicity in mind, and you don't need to have any prior experience with Node.js or MongoDB to use it.
• Keystone.js is highly flexible and can be used with any front-end framework. It provides a robust API that can be easily integrated with any front-end framework, such as React, Vue.js, or Angular.
• Keystone.js is designed to be scalable and can handle high traffic websites and applications. It's built on top of the Express.js framework, which is known for its scalability and performance.
• Keystone.js is highly customizable and provides a wide range of features and options that allow you to customize your website or application according to your needs. You can use any template engine or front-end framework to build your website or application.
  

When to use Keystone.js?

• Keystone.js is a great choice for building complex websites and applications that require a powerful and flexible CMS.
• It's also a great choice for building APIs and can be used with any front-end framework.
• Keystone.js is ideal for projects that require a scalable, easy-to-use, and customizable CMS.
  

Top apps built with Keystone.js

• Architizer that connects architects, designers, and builders with new clients
• Hotjar that provides insights into user behavior
• Zola that allows couples to create and manage their wedding website

See More: 7 Unbeatable Reasons to Use NodeJS For Enterprise Apps

NodeJS Frameworks: Comparison table

Now that you have a better idea on the top Node js realtime framework, let’s walk you through the Node.js frameworks comparison.

Choose the right Node development agency to guide you right on Node frameworks

Choosing the right Node.js framework can be a daunting task, especially if you are not familiar with the various options available in the market. A development agency can help you understand the correct framework from a business and scalability perspective by analyzing your business requirements, technical needs, and budget constraints. They can also evaluate the pros and cons of different frameworks such as Express.js, Koa.js, and Hapi.js, and suggest the most suitable one based on your project's specific needs. Additionally, a development agency can provide you with valuable insights into the latest industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies that can help you create a successful and scalable Node.js application.

Choosing the right Node development agency can help you get the most out of Node.js. The agency will provide you with a dedicated team of professionals with years-long experience in Node.js development, who can help you choose the base Node framework based on your specific needs. They can also provide you with a tailored solution that is tailored to your business needs.

Why should you go for Node compared to other frameworks?

At Third Rock Techkno, we offer an industry-grade Node.js development solution that caters to your business goals. Our professional team of developers has extensive experience in Node.js development and can guide you through the process of selecting the best Node framework for your business. We understand that every business has unique requirements and that is why we offer customized solutions to our clients.

We can help you choose the best Node framework based on your business requirements, budget, and timeframe. In addition to our expertise in Node.js development, we also offer a range of other services such as front-end development, back-end development, mobile app development, and more. Our team works closely with clients to understand their requirements and provide tailored solutions that meet their needs.

We believe in delivering high-quality services that exceed our clients' expectations. We work with businesses of all sizes, from startups to large enterprises, and have helped them achieve their business goals through our solutions. Our goal is to provide our clients with innovative and cost-effective solutions that help them stay ahead of the competition.

Check out our previous work that we are proud of and so have our clients. Drop us your project requirement to get started.

FAQs

1. Which is the best Node.js framework?

It depends on the specific needs of your project, but some of the popular Node.js frameworks include Express, Nest.js, and Koa.

2. What is the most widely used and well-known Node.js framework?

Express is the most widely used and well-known Node.js framework, with a large and active community of developers.

3. Is Node.js considered a framework?

Node.js is not considered a framework, but rather a runtime environment for executing JavaScript code outside of a web browser.

4. Is NodeJs a frontend framework?

Yes, Node.js is typically categorized as one of the Node JS backend frameworks since it is used for building server-side applications and APIs.

5. Is Node.js categorized as a backend framework?

The difficulty of a Node.js framework depends on the experience and familiarity of the developer. Some frameworks, like Nest.js, have a steeper learning curve due to their opinionated architecture and use of TypeScript.

6. Which Node.js framework is considered to be difficult?

The difficulty of a Node.js framework depends on the experience and familiarity of the developer. Some frameworks, like Nest.js, have a steeper learning curve due to their opinionated architecture and use of TypeScript.

7. Which Node.js framework is applicable in 2023?

All of the Node.js frameworks listed in this article (Express, Nest.js, Sails.js, Total.js, Hapi.js, Feather.js, Loopback.js, Adonis.js, Derby.js, and Keystone.js) are applicable in 2023, depending on the specific needs and requirements of your project.