Node.js 25 Released

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In mid-October 2025, the much-anticipated Node.js 25 was officially released. This versatile JavaScript platform is essential for everything from powering the backend of web applications to creating standalone client and server-side network programs. This release follows the major LTS version, Node.js 24, which arrived in May 2025.

Release Cadence and Support Schedule

  • Node.js 25 (Current): Classified as an interim release with support until June 2026.
  • Node.js 24.x (LTS): Long-term support is scheduled until April 30, 2028.
  • Node.js 22.x (LTS): Supported until April 2027.
  • Node.js 20.x (LTS): Supported until April 2026.
  • End of Life: Support for Node.js 23.x (June 2025) and 18.x (April 2025) has concluded.
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Key Updates in Node.js 25

This release introduces several significant enhancements and new features, from engine upgrades to improved security controls.

  • V8 Engine Upgrade: Updated to version 14.1 (from Chromium 141), bringing significant performance boosts to JSON.stringify, WebAssembly, and JIT optimizations. It also adds new methods for converting between Uint8Array and base64/hex strings.
  • Enhanced Permission Model: A new --allow-net flag has been added to the Permission Model, providing granular control over network access. Running in permission mode without this flag will now block all network operations.
  • Stable Web Storage API: The browser-compatible Web Storage API (localStorage and sessionStorage) is now enabled by default and has been promoted from experimental to stable status.
  • Global ErrorEvent Class: The ErrorEvent class is now globally available, eliminating the need for explicit imports and improving browser compatibility for error handling.
  • WebAssembly JSPI Support: The JavaScript Promise Integration (JSPI) API is now enabled, allowing synchronous WebAssembly code to interact with asynchronous Web APIs.
  • Portable Compile Cache: The new NODE_COMPILE_CACHE_RELATIVE_PATH option allows for creating portable compile caches that use relative file paths, making it easier to move or embed code directories.
  • CPU Profiling: Added the built-in capability to profile CPU load, helping developers identify performance bottlenecks.
  • NPM Updated: The bundled Node Package Manager has been updated to version 11.6.2.
  • Updated Dependencies: Added support for Python 3.14 and now requires a minimum of Clang 19 and Xcode 16.4 for building.
  • SlowBuffer Removed: The deprecated SlowBuffer object has been completely removed due to security vulnerabilities. Developers should now use Buffer.allocUnsafeSlow() instead.

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