@rspack/core vs esbuild
Side-by-side comparison of @rspack/core and esbuild
- Weekly Downloads
- 3.3M
- Stars
- 12.5K
- Gzip Size
- —
- License
- MIT
- Last Updated
- 6h ago
- Open Issues
- 209
- Forks
- 759
- Unpacked Size
- 1.5 MB
- Dependencies
- —
- Weekly Downloads
- 106.9M
- Stars
- 39.7K
- Gzip Size
- 14.8 kB
- License
- MIT
- Last Updated
- 2d ago
- Open Issues
- 586
- Forks
- 1.3K
- Unpacked Size
- 135.3 kB
- Dependencies
- 1
Download Trends
Verdict
@rspack/core is well-positioned for users looking for a modern bundler that integrates closely with existing webpack workflows, especially in projects that benefit from Rust's performance. Its significant weekly downloads indicate a growing interest and adoption within the community.
On the other hand, esbuild offers rapid bundling and minification capabilities, making it a prime choice for larger projects requiring quick build times and minimal overhead. With much higher weekly downloads and GitHub stars, esbuild is particularly appealing for teams that prioritize speed and efficiency in their development processes.
Developers migrating to @rspack/core should consider the learning curve and compatibility with webpack, while those using esbuild might find that its size and simplicity promote faster iterations. Both tools serve specific scenarios well, so teams should assess their current stack and needs before making a choice.
Detailed Comparison
| Criteria | @rspack/core | esbuild |
|---|---|---|
| Forks | 758 forks indicate that some users are customizing or extending functionality. | ✓1.3K forks suggest a more vibrant ecosystem of developers exploring enhancements. |
| Licensing | MIT License ensures permissive usage. | MIT License also guarantees broad usage rights. |
| Open Issues | ✓207 open issues may indicate active development but also potential areas of concern. | 586 open issues suggest a more extensive feature set or complexity in esbuild. |
| GitHub Stars | 12.5K stars reflect a solid interest in @rspack/core. | ✓39.7K stars show significant community support and recognition for esbuild. |
| Last Updated | Updated recently in February 2026, showing ongoing support. | Last updated in February 2026 as well, ensuring current relevancy. |
| Unpacked Size | 1.5 MB is relatively large, which may impact performance for some use cases. | ✓135.3 kB is compact, promoting faster installation and load times. |
| Learning Curve | Requires some familiarity with webpack for effective use. | ✓User-friendly with a straightforward setup, great for developers of all levels. |
| Target Use Cases | Designed for projects needing webpack compatibility and Rust's performance. | ✓Best suited for projects that prioritize fast builds and quick iterations. |
| Weekly Downloads | 3.3M downloads suggest decent usage, growing slowly. | ✓105.8M downloads indicate high popularity and active use in the community. |
| Bundle Size (gzip) | No gzip size provided, though larger unpacked size may imply larger bundles. | ✓14.8 kB is minimal, ensuring efficient delivery in production environments. |
| Overall Positioning | Integrates well with webpack, targeting users looking for a fast Rust-based bundler. | ✓Focuses on speed for large projects, ideal for quick builds and minification. |