Side by side
Composer vs Yarn
Both stand on package managers. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1
Composer covers dependency installation and updates, with support for several repository types and development workflows. Take care with untrusted packages because plugins and scripts can run with your permissions.
Visit Composer
Free plan LinuxMacWindows
Yarn offers multiple installation approaches, caching, workspaces and plugin extensions across Linux, macOS and Windows. Note its React Native and Expo compatibility requirement and that audits are a separate step.
Visit YarnThe facts
| Composer | Yarn | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | getcomposer.org | yarnpkg.com |
| On package managers | #6 of 93 | #10 of 93 |
Composer: what it does well
- Resolves dependencies and supports lockfiles
- Works with several version control systems
- Supports offline installation
- Audit command checks installed packages
- Free under the MIT license
What to know first
- Latest version requires PHP 7.2.5 or later
- Plugins and scripts can run with your permissions
Yarn: what it does well
- Workspaces support monorepo package linking.
- Offers Plug'n'Play, node_modules and pnpm-style installs.
- Caches packages across projects on the same machine.
- Free, with no paid plans or usage limits stated.
What to know first
- React Native and Expo require node_modules installs.
- Audits do not run during installation by default.
- Hardened mode checks can slow installs.
Alternatives to Composer Alternatives to Yarn The whole list