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Comparison guide

Axios vs Superagent

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.

  1. 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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  2. superagent

    elegant & feature rich browser / node HTTP with a fluent API

    23.6M weekly downloads · 19.1 KB gzip · Health 85/100

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Choosing between Axios and Superagent? 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 4.8x more. Superagent has 23.6M 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. Superagent comes in at 19.1 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. Superagent has an overall health score of 85/100 (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 Superagent if you value massive community and ecosystem, actively maintained, strong security track record.

Our Verdict

Both Axios and Superagent 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 superagent?
It depends on your needs. Axios has a health score of 85/100 while Superagent scores 85/100. 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 superagent?
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 superagent?
Axios has more recorded weekly downloads (114.0M). Download counts reflect package installations, not unique developers.
Which is better maintained, axios or superagent?
Axios has a maintenance score of 100/100. Axios scores 100/100 and Superagent scores 100/100 on maintenance.

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