pusher vs ws
Side-by-side comparison of pusher and ws
- Weekly Downloads
- 403.2K
- Stars
- 289
- Gzip Size
- 293.5 kB
- License
- MIT
- Last Updated
- 15d ago
- Open Issues
- 14
- Forks
- 72
- Unpacked Size
- 139.1 kB
- Dependencies
- 10
- Weekly Downloads
- 147.8M
- Stars
- 22.7K
- Gzip Size
- 17.5 kB
- License
- MIT
- Last Updated
- 1mo ago
- Open Issues
- 5
- Forks
- 2.5K
- Unpacked Size
- 147.8 kB
- Dependencies
- 4
Download Trends
Verdict
Pusher is designed specifically for interaction with the Pusher Channels REST API, making it an ideal choice for applications that require real-time functionalities with managed services. It targets developers who prioritize integration with the Pusher ecosystem and value its built-in features for pub/sub messaging.
On the other hand, ws is a more generic WebSocket library suitable for high-performance web socket client and server implementations. With significantly higher weekly downloads and community support, ws serves a broader audience looking for a lightweight and flexible solution for real-time applications, making it suitable for both small projects and large-scale deployment.
While both libraries are built for WebSocket communication, opting for ws is advisable when performance and flexibility are paramount, especially in Node.js applications requiring extensive WebSocket functionalities. However, if your project relies heavily on Pusher's infrastructure, then Pusher would be the better fit despite its narrower focus.
Detailed Comparison
| Criteria | pusher | ws |
|---|---|---|
| Licensing | Licensed under MIT, allowing broad usage. | Also under MIT, making both options equally accessible. |
| Open Issues | 14 open issues may affect maintenance and responsiveness. | ✓5 open issues suggest active management and lower backlog. |
| Performance | May be less optimized for raw WebSocket performance. | ✓Optimized for speed and high throughput in real-time applications. |
| GitHub Stars | 289 stars signify limited community engagement. | ✓22.7K stars indicate strong community support and trust. |
| Last Updated | ✓Last updated on 2026-01-24, indicating recent activity. | Updated on 2026-01-09, still relevant but slightly older. |
| Unpacked Size | 139.1 kB, on the heavier side for simple integrations. | 147.8 kB is slightly larger but offers similar functionality in practice. |
| Overall Purpose | Focused on Pusher Channels for real-time communication. | ✓Generic WebSocket library for various use cases. |
| Team Experience | Ease of use for teams familiar with the Pusher platform. | ✓Simple API suitable for teams with any WebSocket experience. |
| Weekly Downloads | Relatively low at 401.5K, indicating niche usage. | ✓High at 147.6M, suggesting broader adoption. |
| Bundle Size (gzip) | 293.5 kB is relatively larger, possibly impacting load times. | ✓17.5 kB is minimal, ideal for performance-sensitive applications. |
| Practical Use Cases | Best for projects explicitly using Pusher services. | ✓Ideal for any Node.js application needing WebSocket support. |
| Community Engagement | Limited engagement with 72 forks. | ✓High engagement with 2.5K forks, encouraging community contributions. |