PM2
Advanced process manager for Node.js applications.
Pricing
Free tier
Flat rate
Adoption
→StableLicense
Open Source
Data freshness
Aging · Jun 8, 2026Overview
What is PM2?
PM2 is a production process manager for Node.js applications with a built-in load balancer. It allows you to keep applications alive forever, reload them without downtime and facilitates common system admin tasks.
Key differentiator
“PM2 stands out by offering a comprehensive solution for managing Node.js applications in production, including automatic restarts, load balancing, and zero-downtime reloads, making it an essential tool for developers deploying Node.js services.”
Capability profile
Capability Radar
Honest assessment
Strengths & Weaknesses
↑ Strengths
↓ Weaknesses
Primarily designed for Node.js applications, with limited native support for other languages.
Advanced features like load balancing require detailed configuration that can be cumbersome to set up correctly.
Some users report performance issues when running multiple instances of PM2 with complex application setups.
Documentation is extensive but lacks depth on advanced configurations and third-party integrations.
Fit analysis
Who is it for?
✓ Best for
Node.js developers who need a robust process manager for their applications.
Teams looking to automate deployment processes without downtime.
Projects requiring load balancing across multiple CPU cores.
✕ Not a fit for
Developers working with languages other than Node.js, as PM2 is specifically tailored for Node.js environments.
Applications that require real-time monitoring and alerting beyond what PM2 offers out-of-the-box.
Cost structure
Pricing
Free Tier
Available
Open source — free to use
Starts at
$0
Model
Flat rate
Enterprise
None
Performance benchmarks
How Fast Is It?
Ecosystem
Relationships
Works well with
Next step
Get Started with PM2
Step-by-step setup guide with code examples and common gotchas.