ky vs superagent
Side-by-side comparison of ky and superagent
- Weekly Downloads
- 5.1M
- Stars
- 16.3K
- Gzip Size
- 5.1 kB
- License
- MIT
- Last Updated
- 14d ago
- Open Issues
- 31
- Forks
- 449
- Unpacked Size
- 280.7 kB
- Dependencies
- 1
- Weekly Downloads
- 15.0M
- Stars
- 16.7K
- Gzip Size
- 94.0 kB
- License
- MIT
- Last Updated
- 1mo ago
- Open Issues
- 180
- Forks
- 1.3K
- Unpacked Size
- 544.5 kB
- Dependencies
- 39
Download Trends
Verdict
ky is a lightweight HTTP client that leverages the Fetch API, ideal for developers looking for a minimalistic approach with a small bundle size. It's well-suited for modern applications where performance and elegance are prioritized. In contrast, superagent offers a richer feature set with a fluent API, catering to those who require extensive functionality and flexibility for complex HTTP interactions.
For smaller projects or those with a focus on simplicity, ky is a solid choice due to its tiny bundle size and lower learning curve. Conversely, superagent is preferable for larger applications or teams that need more advanced features, such as multipart file uploads or enhanced request handling. Its broader capabilities come at the cost of size and complexity.
Consider your team's expertise when choosing between them; if your team is more familiar with traditional callback patterns, superagent may be easier to integrate. However, if adopting the modern Fetch API aligns better with your project goals, ky is a compelling option with its straightforward design and efficient performance.
Detailed Comparison
| Criteria | ky | superagent |
|---|---|---|
| Features | Offers essential HTTP client functionalities | ✓Rich set of features suitable for various use cases |
| Bundle Size | ✓Minimal at 5.1 kB gzip, ideal for performance-focused apps | Significantly larger at 94.0 kB, which may impact load times |
| Open Issues | ✓Fewer open issues at 31, suggests stability | More issues at 180, indicating potential ongoing challenges |
| GitHub Forks | 449 forks indicating a moderate level of community engagement | ✓1.3K forks reflecting higher developer experimentation |
| GitHub Stars | 16.3K stars showing good community interest | ✓16.7K stars showing a slightly broader appeal |
| Last Updated | ✓Most recent update on 2026-01-25 suggests active maintenance | Updated on 2026-01-06, also indicating recent activity |
| Unpacked Size | ✓Lightweight at 280.7 kB, easy to integrate | Significantly larger at 544.5 kB, which may affect usability |
| Learning Curve | ✓Simple API is easy to learn and implement quickly | More complex API requires more time to master |
| Weekly Downloads | 5.1M indicates strong usage and community trust | ✓Higher at 14.9M, suggesting greater popularity and support |
| TypeScript Support | ✓Includes TypeScript definitions enhancing usability in TS projects | Supports TypeScript, but with a less clear integration |
| Use Case Flexibility | Best for projects prioritizing lightweight solutions | ✓Suitable for applications needing extensive handling of HTTP requests |