axios
Promise based HTTP client for the browser and node.js
114.0M weekly downloads · 18.5 KB gzip · Health 85/100
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Comparison guide
Axios vs Request
Side-by-side NPM package comparison
Quick Verdict
Axios leads across all categories in this comparison. Check the detailed metrics below to see how each package performs for your specific needs.
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Choosing between Axios and Request? Here's a data-driven comparison based on real npm data — downloads, bundle size, health scores, and more — to help you decide which package fits your project best.
Downloads & Popularity
Axios leads with 114.0M weekly downloads — roughly 9.5x more. Request has 12.0M weekly downloads. Higher download counts generally indicate broader community adoption and a larger ecosystem of tutorials, plugins, and support.
Bundle Size
Axios has the smallest gzipped bundle at 18.5 KB. Request comes in at 188.3 KB. A smaller bundle size means faster page loads, which improves user experience and Core Web Vitals scores.
Health Score Comparison
Axios has an overall health score of 85/100 (very good), with strong maintenance, security, popularity scores. Request has an overall health score of 79/100 (very good), with strong maintenance, security, popularity scores. Health scores are calculated from maintenance activity, code quality, security posture, popularity, and stability metrics.
When to Choose Each
Choose Axios if you value massive community and ecosystem, actively maintained, strong security track record. Choose Request if you value massive community and ecosystem, strong security track record.
Our Verdict
Both Axios and Request are solid choices for JavaScript development. Axios has the edge in overall health score (85/100), while each package brings unique strengths to the table. Evaluate them based on your project's priorities — whether that's community size, bundle efficiency, or maintenance activity — and choose the one that aligns best with your requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is axios better than request?
- It depends on your needs. Axios has a health score of 85/100 while Request scores 79/100. Axios has more recorded weekly downloads (114.0M). Consider your specific requirements — bundle size, community support, and feature set — to decide which is the better fit.
- Which has a smaller bundle size, axios or request?
- Axios has the smaller gzipped bundle at 18.5 KB. A smaller bundle means faster load times for your users, which can positively impact SEO and user experience.
- How many developers use axios vs request?
- Axios has more recorded weekly downloads (114.0M). Download counts reflect package installations, not unique developers.
- Which is better maintained, axios or request?
- Axios has a maintenance score of 100/100. Axios scores 100/100 and Request scores 80/100 on maintenance.
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