multer vs uploadthing
Side-by-side comparison of multer and uploadthing
- Weekly Downloads
- 10.4M
- Stars
- 12.0K
- Gzip Size
- 49.5 kB
- License
- MIT
- Last Updated
- 11d ago
- Open Issues
- 247
- Forks
- 1.1K
- Unpacked Size
- 29.5 kB
- Dependencies
- 12
- Weekly Downloads
- 97.4K
- Stars
- 5.0K
- Gzip Size
- —
- License
- MIT
- Last Updated
- 1d ago
- Open Issues
- 46
- Forks
- 407
- Unpacked Size
- 588.6 kB
- Dependencies
- —
Download Trends
Verdict
multer is a robust middleware specifically designed for handling `multipart/form-data`, which is essential for file uploads in web applications. With its large user base, thanks to 10.4 million weekly downloads, it has established a solid foundation in the Node.js community, making it a reliable choice for projects focused on file upload functionalities.
uploadthing, on the other hand, is tailored for modern file upload solutions and offers more extensive features as evidenced by its documentation. While it sees significantly fewer downloads compared to multer, it may provide capabilities that scale better for projects requiring advanced file management and storage features. Therefore, if you're working on a smaller project or require straightforward file upload handling, multer may be the preferable option for its maturity and community support. Conversely, for more complex requirements, particularly in larger applications, uploadthing might be the better fit due to its additional functionalities.
When considering migration, teams familiar with multer may find its structure easier to adopt without a steep learning curve. However, if you're looking for a solution that might require deeper functionality regarding file management, weigh the potential learning time and complexity for integrating uploadthing against the simplicity offered by multer.
Detailed Comparison
| Criteria | multer | uploadthing |
|---|---|---|
| Open Issues | ✓More active issues (247), suggesting ongoing development | Fewer issues (45), indicating stability or lesser activity |
| GitHub Forks | ✓Higher engagement with over 1.1K forks | Less engagement with 406 forks |
| GitHub Stars | ✓Strong community interest with 12K stars | Moderate interest with 5K stars |
| Last Updated | Recently updated on January 28, 2026 | Updated shortly before on January 23, 2026 |
| Unpacked Size | ✓Lightweight at 29.5 kB | Significantly larger at 588.6 kB |
| Weekly Downloads | ✓High popularity with 10.4M downloads | Lower usage with 95.6K downloads |
| Community Support | ✓Large community presence and support | Smaller community with potential for growth |
| Bundle Size (gzip) | ✓Compact at 49.5 kB | Notably more extensive at 588.6 kB |
| Description Clarity | Clear purpose for handling multipart data | Comprehensive documentation provided |
| Use Case Suitability | Excellent for direct file upload tasks | ✓Better for advanced upload management |
| Integration Complexity | ✓Straightforward for basic file uploads | May require more setup for advanced features |