nvm
7.4#1 in runtime version managersFree planFree planLinuxmacOSSelf-hostedWindows
Visitnvm vs vfox
What both publish
| Fact | nvm | vfox |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic switching | Automatic directory switching is documented as user-added bash or zsh hooks rather than built into the core command. | It can automatically switch to the appropriate version when entering a project directory. |
| Integrations | Documented integrations include Docker, Ansible, zsh plugins, bash completion and optional nvshim shims. | The documentation lists community plugins for tools including Bun, Clang, CMake, Crystal, Dart, Deno, and .NET. |
| License | nvm is distributed under the MIT License, permitting use, modification, distribution and sale subject to retaining notices. | The site states that vfox is released under the Apache 2.0 License. |
| Purpose | nvm lets users install and use different Node.js versions from the command line. | vfox is a cross-platform version manager for installing and switching between development runtimes and SDKs. |
| Security | The GitHub repository links to a security policy, but the README does not state a security certification or compliance standard. | The multi-user guide recommends group permissions for a shared SDK directory and warns that broad 777 permissions expose it to unauthorized users. |
| Shell support | It works on POSIX-compliant shells including sh, dash, ksh, zsh, and bash. | Supported shells include PowerShell, Git Bash, Bash, ZSH, Fish, CMD, Clink, Cmder, and Nushell; CMD supports only global scope and is not recommended. |
nvm plans
- nvmFree
vfox plans
- vfoxFree
Pick nvm if…
nvm suits developers who need to manage Node.js versions from the command line, including per-project version selection and CI/CD use. It is intended for per-user, per-shell installation.
Pick vfox if…
vfox suits developers who switch between projects that require different runtime environments or versions. Its shared `.vfox.toml` configuration can help teams keep project versions consistent.