webpack vs rollup vs browserify vs gulp vs grunt vs parcel: Which is Better JavaScript Module Bundlers and Task Runners?

Package	Downloads	Stars	Size	Issues	Publish	License

webpack	25,229,897	64,616	5.08 MB	263	12 days ago	MIT
rollup	24,029,858	25,283	2.59 MB	560	5 days ago	MIT
browserify	1,359,359	14,599	363 kB	396	4 days ago	MIT
gulp	1,331,004	32,997	11.2 kB	29	6 months ago	MIT
grunt	681,928	12,272	68.3 kB	162	2 years ago	MIT
parcel	197,712	43,418	40.5 kB	684	7 months ago	MIT

Bundling Approach

webpack: Webpack is highly configurable and supports various module formats, allowing for complex bundling scenarios and optimizations.
rollup: Rollup focuses on ES module bundling and tree-shaking, producing smaller and more optimized bundles by removing unused code.
browserify: Browserify allows you to use Node.js-style require() calls in your browser code, enabling a straightforward bundling process for CommonJS modules.
gulp: Gulp uses a streaming approach to bundle files, allowing for more efficient processing and better performance during the build process.
grunt: Grunt does not bundle files directly; instead, it automates tasks that can include bundling through plugins, making it more of a task runner than a bundler.
parcel: Parcel automatically bundles your files without requiring configuration, making it user-friendly and efficient for smaller projects.

Configuration Complexity

webpack: Webpack has a steep learning curve due to its extensive configuration options, but it offers unparalleled flexibility and power for complex applications.
rollup: Rollup requires some configuration, especially for plugins and optimizations, but it is generally simpler than Webpack.
browserify: Browserify requires minimal configuration, making it easy to set up for projects that use CommonJS modules.
gulp: Gulp's configuration is more straightforward as it uses JavaScript code, allowing for a more programmatic approach to defining tasks.
grunt: Grunt relies heavily on configuration files, which can become complex and verbose as the project grows, requiring more maintenance.
parcel: Parcel is designed to work out of the box with zero configuration, making it ideal for developers who want to get started quickly without setup overhead.

Performance

webpack: Webpack can be optimized for performance, but its initial setup may lead to longer build times without proper configuration. However, it excels in handling large applications with complex dependencies.
rollup: Rollup generates highly optimized bundles with tree-shaking capabilities, resulting in smaller file sizes and faster load times for applications.
browserify: Browserify can be slower for larger projects due to its single-threaded nature and the way it processes modules, but it is efficient for smaller applications.
gulp: Gulp is known for its speed due to its streaming build system, which processes files in memory and can handle large projects efficiently.
grunt: Grunt can be slower than other tools because it runs tasks sequentially, which may lead to longer build times for larger projects.
parcel: Parcel is designed for speed and automatically optimizes builds, making it one of the fastest bundlers available, especially for smaller projects.

Ecosystem and Community

webpack: Webpack has a large and active community, with extensive documentation and a rich ecosystem of plugins and loaders, making it the go-to choice for many developers.
rollup: Rollup has a dedicated community focused on module bundling, especially for libraries, and it supports various plugins for extended functionality.
browserify: Browserify has a smaller ecosystem compared to others, but it integrates well with Node.js libraries and has a dedicated community.
gulp: Gulp has a strong community and a rich ecosystem of plugins, allowing for extensive customization and functionality in build processes.
grunt: Grunt has a vast ecosystem of plugins, making it versatile for various tasks, but its popularity has declined in favor of newer tools.
parcel: Parcel is gaining popularity for its simplicity and ease of use, and its community is growing rapidly, leading to more plugins and resources.

Learning Curve

webpack: Webpack has a steep learning curve due to its complexity and configuration options, but it offers powerful features for those willing to invest the time.
rollup: Rollup has a moderate learning curve, especially for those unfamiliar with ES modules and tree-shaking concepts.
browserify: Browserify has a gentle learning curve, especially for developers familiar with Node.js and CommonJS modules.
gulp: Gulp is relatively easy to learn, especially for developers familiar with JavaScript, as it allows for a more intuitive task definition using code.
grunt: Grunt can have a steep learning curve due to its configuration-heavy approach, which may be overwhelming for newcomers.
parcel: Parcel is designed to be user-friendly with little to no configuration, making it ideal for beginners and quick projects.

webpack: Choose Webpack if you need a powerful and flexible bundler that supports complex configurations and advanced features like code splitting, hot module replacement, and asset management. It's suitable for large-scale applications.

rollup: Choose Rollup if you are focused on creating libraries or applications that require tree-shaking to eliminate dead code. Rollup excels in producing optimized bundles for ES modules.

browserify: Choose Browserify if you need a simple solution for bundling JavaScript modules using the CommonJS module system, especially for projects that prioritize compatibility with Node.js-style modules.

gulp: Choose Gulp if you favor a code-over-configuration approach and want to create build processes using JavaScript code. Gulp is known for its speed and simplicity in defining streaming build processes.

grunt: Choose Grunt if you prefer a configuration-driven approach to task automation and need a wide variety of plugins for different tasks. It's suitable for projects where you want to define tasks in a clear and organized manner.

parcel: Choose Parcel if you want a zero-configuration bundler that automatically handles dependencies and optimizations. It's ideal for quick prototypes or projects where you want to minimize setup time.