12 best Nodejs Frameworks for app development

2025 has seen a rise in the need for web apps as more companies adopt them to provide improved user experiences. 

Developers are always experimenting with various frameworks that provide cutting-edge capabilities to create web apps in response to this growing need. 

Four out of five back-end and full-stack engineers said that Node.js frameworks are their first choice, per the Node.js user survey report.

Mater Full-stack web development in just 7 days! 

They provide software developers with special toolkits so they may create various use cases without squandering time or needing additional funding for web app development. 

But with technology, as widely used as Node.js, there’s usually a vibrant developer community that’s always creating and proposing new frameworks.

Thus, picking the best framework may be challenging, particularly in light of the abundance of options. While some could encourage automation, others might grant independence for development.

We identify the top 12 most widely used Node.js frameworks in this blog post based on developer usage and popularity. 

The whens and whys of using them to carry out particular tasks during web app development are also covered.

What are Node.js Frameworks?

Each type of framework that a web app technology offers supports a certain use case during the development lifecycle. MVC, Full-Stack MVC, and REST API frameworks are the three primary categories of Node.js frameworks.

MVC frameworks

These frameworks provide a useful design pattern that divides the logic of an application into three components: controllers, views, and models. It is incredibly easy to scale and manage the app when development issues are kept apart. A well-known illustration of an MVC framework is Express.js.

Complete MVC frameworks

Full-Stack MVC frameworks include a wealth of scaffolding, libraries, template engines, and other development tools that are useful while developing a real-time application. They are also capable of handling the front-end and back-end development of apps.

Representational state transfer using REST API and REST API frameworks

The Node.js frameworks are well-known for facilitating the speedier development of apps with a ready-to-use REST API-built experience. This implies that network application architectural styles are not a concern for you.

The ready programming interface that almost all of these frameworks offer reduces the amount of time needed to develop apps that need an online connection.

What are the trends in Node.js Frameworks?

The 2018 Node.js web survey study states that Node.js has significantly improved app performance, decreased development expenses, and raised developer productivity by 68%. This is the outcome of node.js frameworks being successfully adopted and implemented.

Considering the current trends, Express.js, which bills itself as a neutral and lightweight framework, is the most well-liked framework with more than 43,000 Github stars. Meteor.js, which has over 40,000 Github stars and specializes in creating large-scale apps and real-time chat, comes in second place on the list.

CTOs are gravitating toward frameworks that enable them to cut down on resource usage and marketing time in light of the present development requirements.

This trend is being driven by frameworks like Express, Meteor, Nestjs, and Total.js, whose features are well adapted to 2025’s development requirements.

Top 12 Best Node.js Frameworks For App Development

1. Express.js

Express.js is without a doubt the greatest Node.js framework available. Since its launch in 2010, it has been quite well-liked among experienced developers. It is a traditional Node.js framework with a simple design.

Express has a number of powerful capabilities that make it simple and rapid to construct web apps. The fact that this framework doesn’t have a more difficult learning curve is its finest feature. This implies that you may begin developing web apps even if you only know the basics of programming and the Node.js environment.

Furthermore, this framework is compatible with Node.js’s fast I/O operations and single-threaded architecture. Additionally, it could provide online and mobile consumers with a pleasant experience. 

Several prominent corporations utilize Express.js for developing enterprise applications including Uber, Accenture, Twitter, and IBM.

Also read: How to build an app like Uber: Step by step guide!

Express.js features include:

• High-performance: Express.js makes it possible to create apps with great performance. It allows for the separate execution of several operations through the use of asynchronous programming.
• Quick server-side programming: The framework includes a number of Node.js capabilities that enable rapid development with a small number of code lines.
• Improved content negotiation: Express.js makes it easier for the client and server to communicate with each other. Accurate information may be easily and simply retrieved from the client or user side.
• Numerous HTTP helpers: These aids improve the reusability and comprehensibility of applications.
• High test Coverage: The framework makes it possible to create perfect apps that are as testable as possible. 

2. Socket.io

It may surprise you to learn that over 1400 businesses use Socket.io for their app development requirements. That is accurate, indeed! Reliability, multiplexing support, and binary support are a few of the main factors driving Socket.io demand.

Basically, Socket.io is a well-known JavaScript library used in real-time application development. It lets servers and web clients to communicate in both directions. This framework may be used to create chat apps such as WhatsApp, which need to have their background pages refreshed continuously and have real-time updates.

Among the leading businesses using Socket.io are Patreon, Bepro, and Barogo.

What Socket.io offers:

• Error detection and auto-correction
• Support for multiplexing
• Support for binary
• Dependability
• Comparable client-side and server-side programming interfaces

3. Meteor.js

Meteor.js is a popular Node.js framework. Are you looking for a JavaScript-specific framework that only employs one language? In such a scenario, Meteor.js is the ideal option.

Since its 2012 launch, Meteor has advanced significantly. This well-liked open-source framework makes it easy to construct online applications. Additionally, it functions well with a variety of operating systems, including Android and iOS.

Comprehensive testing tools and libraries are included with Meteor.js to guarantee effective client-server interactions. It makes data exchange between the client and server easy. It is hence appropriate for creating high-performing apps. Meteor.js is the ideal choice if you want to create straightforward, contemporary, and effective online apps. 

Consistencies of Meteor.js:

• Open-source architecture 
• Complete stack solution
• Simple integration across many frameworks
• Framework for cross-platform use
• Quick exchanges and prompt outcomes
• Large-scale community of support

4. Koa.js

Koa.js is among the top Node.js frameworks for building web apps. It’s really effective when it comes to creating APIs. Since its 2014 launch, this framework has gained a lot of popularity among developers because of its adaptability, ease of use, and extensibility. Additionally, Koa.js is a lightweight, open-source framework.

Another well-known feature of Koa.js is its capacity to constructively normalize Node defects. This framework is a great option if you want to translate a page, add personalization to your website’s content, or generate several picture formats.

Koa and Express.js are comparable in a few ways. It is frequently referred to as the latter’s more portable version. On the other hand, Koa.js is simpler and gives developers greater freedom. This greatly lowers the likelihood of mistakes, allowing you to create error-free online applications.

Characteristics of Koa.js:

• Modern and readily adaptable structure
• Cleans cache, supports content negotiation, and supports proxies
• Improved error management
• Simple code upkeep
• Makes node inconsistencies more normal

5. Nest.js

A dependable server-side framework called Nest.js makes it possible to create apps that are both scalable and extensively tested. It allows developers to create enterprise-grade apps and comes with large libraries. Additionally, Nest.js is the greatest tool for increasing backend efficiency.

Also read: How to use Node.Js for Backend web development

This implies that programmers may create multi-layered enterprise-level apps by utilizing the framework. The vast libraries are at your disposal for easy web app development.

A clean-code web application architecture is provided by Nest.js. You may still use the framework, though, to develop sophisticated apps. Additionally, the framework guarantees flawless interoperability with sibling frameworks like Fastify and Express. 

Pre-built modules and functionality including database administration, authentication, caching, logging, and more are included with Nest.js. Therefore, these functionalities do not need to be created from start by developers. Consequently, it facilitates speedier web app development and helps developers save a significant amount of time and effort.

Functional reactive and object-oriented programming are best combined with Nest. As a result, it guarantees more time savings and increases developer productivity.

Highlights of Nest.js:

• The quick and seamless learning curve
• Exceptionally well-suited to the Angular framework
• Provides a wide selection of user-friendly libraries
• Simplifies gaming applications’ intricate graphical user interface

6. Hapi.js

One of the most widely used Node.js frameworks for creating web applications among developers is called Hapi. It is an open-source framework that made creating scalable and reliable server-side applications easier. The construction, upkeep, and testing of apps are made simpler for developers by the abundance of robust plugins and functionalities that Hapi.js provides.

Additionally, the framework uses a configuration-over-code methodology. As a result, using it becomes very simple and adaptable. REST APIs, proxy servers, and other desktop apps are frequently developed with hapi.js.

Rich security features are included with the dependable foundation. Additionally, there is a unique collection of integrated plugins. So, you may create web apps without worrying about using unapproved middleware. 

Features of Hapi.js

• Very Little Overhead
• thriving ecosystem
• Applications that scale
• Bug repair is simple and quick.
• Safe default settings
• Authentication, input validation, and default caching
• Compatible with a number of databases, including MySQL and MongoDB
• Suitable with REST APIs and HTTPS proxy applications

7. Sail.js

You may use Sails.js, another well-known Node.js framework, to construct web applications. This framework is quite similar to Ruby on Rails and other frameworks that follow the MVC design paradigm. It provides top-notch assistance for the construction of data-driven, contemporary web apps.

Sails.js is the ideal choice for developing unique, real-time apps. But it’s also helpful for developing RESTful APIs and web sockets. This framework’s easy compatibility with all databases is its finest feature.

Code-writing guidelines related to Sails.js are included. It expedites the app development process and greatly reduces the quantity of needed codes. Additionally, it facilitates simple integration with npm modules and is open and adaptable.

Developers may utilize Express for HTTP queries and Socket.io for Web Sockets thanks to Sails.js. It also makes it easier for two development teams or web service teams to share the same API. In the end, it can provide you a competitive advantage and save a significant amount of time and work.

Capabilities of Sail.js:

• Frontend Independent and Self-Generating REST APIs
• Combining Express for HTTP requests and Socket.io for WebSockets
• Security policies that are reusable
• Object Relational Mapping (ORM) to ensure that the framework and databases operate together effectively

8. Feathers.js

Feathers.js is an indispensable framework for web app development when it comes to the list of top Node.js frameworks. This well-liked backend development framework provides versatility with several databases, React Native, and Node.js. Real-time functionality and a simplified mobile and web app development process are features of Feathers.js.

The framework is becoming more and more popular among developers, in large part because it makes program decoding simple and understandable. As a result, it keeps developers from understanding how complicated RESTful APIs are. The framework makes it possible for developers to quickly and simply address any potential flaws in online and mobile applications.

Features of Feathers.js

• Default plugins for authorization and authentication 
• Super lightweight framework 
• CLI
• Automatic RESTful APIs
• Reuse of services

9. Total.js 

Another well-liked Node.js framework that’s great for creating web apps is called Total.js. Out of all the frameworks on our list, Total.js provides a CMS-like interface. Furthermore, it can offer you all you would need in a Node.js setup.

With the help of this open-source framework, you may minimize the expense associated with developing web applications. Also, it gives developers the most amount of freedom.

One distinctive feature of Total.js is its multi-version availability. A few of the often-used versions include Eshop, HelpDesk, and CMS. You may choose the appropriate version for your app development needs based on your unique specifications.

It expands the breadth of your applications. With the framework, developers can easily create apps that are reliable and require little upkeep. 

Because of its real-time tracking precision, Total.js is a popular choice for contemporary apps.

Attributes of Total.js

• Testing API compatibility across several databases
• Tracking in real-time
• Minimal upkeep costs
• Quicker creation of web applications
• Auto-discovery initiatives
• Adaptable to several front-end frameworks

10. Adonis.js

Essentially, Adonis.js is an MVC framework for Node.js. Its foundation appears to be a Laravel-like structural design. Additionally, it works with a number of well-known operating systems.

The environment offered by Adonis.js is perfect for creating server-side web applications. It thus enables you to provide your whole attention to your unique requirements. The framework guarantees a quicker speed to market and considerably cuts down on development time.

Several essential characteristics that contribute to reduced development time include web socket support right out of the box, productivity and speed gains in development, and lifecycle dependency management. 

Additionally, the framework comes with several built-in Redis, mailing, data validation, and authentication modules.

The developers can easily comprehend the code structure and command-based interface. The well-organized structure of Adonis.js makes it easy for developers to access the different framework components.

Adonis.js’s features include:

• Validator: To facilitate user input validation, the framework has an integrated validation source.
• Folder organization: This framework’s simple folder structure helps users keep everything organized.
• Excellent support with a clear ORM
• the capacity to compose unique functional test scripts
• defense against several dangers, such as cross-site forgeries
• Assistance with Lucid ORM

11. Loopback.js

Loopback.js is a terrific framework to use if you’re searching for excellent communication with any Node.js framework. The framework may be easily and quickly integrated with a variety of API services by developers. Another factor contributing to Loopback.js’s rising popularity among developers is its exceptional versatility.

The framework is compatible with a large number of browsers, gadgets, services, and databases with ease. No, that’s not it! This framework still has a lot of enticing aspects.

The organized code of Loopback.js facilitates a faster web app development process. Additionally, it makes maintaining mobile app components simple. There is good documentation for this framework. Because of this, even inexperienced developers may create web apps using this framework.

Among the leading businesses using Loopback.js are Wizerg, GoDaddy, and others. It is shown to be one of the trustworthy Node.js frameworks for applications running on servers.

Loopback.js features include:

• Completely integrated development
• Client API Explorer built-in
• Third-party access, data storage, and user management
• Incredibly flexible
• Clean, modular coding
• Support for many databases
• Completely working support for many networked applications

12. Derby.js

A dependable framework for full-stack web app development is Derby.js. It makes use of the MVC architecture and has an easy-to-write code terminology. A great framework for creating real-time web apps is Derby.js.

The identical programs can execute on the Node.js server and in the browser thanks to the framework. Consequently, you are spared from writing distinct codes. As a consequence, it facilitates coding and increases time savings for developers.

Derby.js uses the Race Engine to provide real-time synchronization between the user, the database, and the application interface. The framework avoids any delays in content delivery and makes client-side view rendering easier.

Additionally, the framework is essential to improving the applications’ search engine optimization. 

Features of Derby.js:

• Support for effective conflict resolution and offline usage
• Easy rendering of client-side views
• Race Engine support
• Convenient customization of codes
• Easy code sharing across server-side as well as client-side

Conclusion

Node.js frameworks enable the construction of online and mobile apps with remarkable ease, thanks to their tremendous capabilities. 

Selecting the optimal framework for our constantly changing technological environment requires careful consideration of our project requirements as well as the availability of resources.

With this knowledge, we hope you will be more adept at selecting Node.js frameworks that meet the different requirements of your next projects. 

Hire mobile app development company to learn and implement on these frameworks in business apps or websites!