NpmStars is a free, web-based tool by BasicUtils that combines npm download trends and GitHub star history into a single unified platform for tracking open-source package popularity.
What is NpmStars?
NpmStars is a unified analytics platform that takes npm package names as input and produces synchronized line charts of npm downloads over time and GitHub star growth, plus a metrics table with size, version, and links. It runs entirely in the browser and is developed by BasicUtils.
Key Features
- Unified Graphs — Side-by-side line charts for npm downloads and GitHub stars with synchronized time ranges (daily, weekly, monthly, yearly).
- Multi-package Comparison — Compare up to 5 packages simultaneously with autocomplete search; optimized for 5 at a time.
- Shareable Insights — Generate shareable images and direct links for all charts; no login required.
- Metrics Dashboard — Per-package table showing total downloads, size (kB), gzip size, version, and direct links to View on NPM, View Repository, and View on Bundlephobia.
- GitHub Token Support — Optional personal access token (no scopes required) raises the API rate limit from 60 to 5,000 requests/hour.
- Modern Tech Stack — Built with Next.js, TypeScript, Recharts, React, and TailwindCSS for fast, responsive performance on desktop and mobile.
- Free and No Account — Start typing package names immediately; no sign-up or subscription.
Who is it for?
- Open-source maintainers tracking download trends and star growth to measure project adoption and community engagement.
- Developers evaluating packages for integration by comparing popularity and activity without switching between npmtrends and star-history.
- Technical analysts researching ecosystem trends using dual-metric insights (downloads vs. stars) for reports or strategy.
What can you do with NpmStars?
- Compare npm download trends of multiple open-source packages to see usage over the last year or custom time range.
- Track GitHub star growth to gauge community interest and long-term viability.
- Visualize the relationship between downloads and stars directly on the same page to understand if high usage aligns with high engagement.
- Share visual comparisons as shareable image URLs or direct links; embed graphs in blog posts or documentation.
How does NpmStars work?
Type a package name into the search bar (autocomplete suggests valid packages). The tool fetches real-time data from npm, GitHub, and Bundlephobia. Two synchronized line charts appear for npm downloads and GitHub stars, plus a metrics table with details. You can add more packages to compare side by side.
Pricing
NpmStars is completely free to use with no hidden tiers or account requirements.
Alternatives
FAQ
Is NpmStars free?
Yes, it is entirely free and maintained by BasicUtils.
Do I need an account?
No account or login is required. Just visit the site and start comparing packages.
How many packages can I compare at once?
The tool is optimized for up to 5 packages, but there is no hard limit.
Can I download or embed the graphs?
Yes, you can generate shareable images and direct links for all charts.
What data sources does NpmStars use?
It pulls data directly from npm, GitHub, and Bundlephobia, ensuring up-to-date and accurate metrics.
