Node.js LTS Explained: Which Version Should You Use? (2025 Guide)
Are you confused about which Node.js version to use? You're not alone! Many developers struggle to understand the difference between Node.js LTS (Long-Term Support) and regular versions.
In this beginner-friendly guide, I'll explain everything you need to know about Node.js versioning in simple terms, so you can make the right choice for your projects.
What You'll Learn in This Guide:
✅ What Node.js LTS actually means (and why it matters)
✅ The difference between even and odd Node.js versions
✅ Which Node.js version you should use for your projects
✅ How long each version is supported
✅ Why using outdated versions can be dangerous
Quick Answer: If you're building a production application, always use the latest even-numbered LTS version of Node.js (currently Node.js 22). If you're experimenting with new features, you can use the latest odd-numbered version.
Node.js Versions Explained: Even vs. Odd (The Simple Rule) 🔢
Ever wondered why some Node.js versions have weird element names like "Hydrogen" or "Iron"? There's actually a simple pattern that makes it easy to understand!
The Two Types of Node.js Versions
Node.js releases new versions on a predictable schedule - two major versions every year:
1️⃣ Even-Numbered Versions = STABLE & SAFE ✅
- Examples: Node.js 18, 20, 22
- Codenames: Named after elements from the periodic table
- Node.js 18 = "Hydrogen"
- Node.js 20 = "Iron"
- Node.js 22 = "Jod"
- Support: 30+ months of updates and security fixes
- Best for: Production applications, business websites, anything important
Pro Tip: If you're building something that needs to be reliable and secure, ALWAYS choose an even-numbered version. This is what companies like Netflix, Walmart, and LinkedIn use for their production systems.
2️⃣ Odd-Numbered Versions = EXPERIMENTAL 🧪
- Examples: Node.js 17, 19, 21
- Codenames: Simply named after their number ("Seventeen", "Nineteen", etc.)
- Support: Only 6 months of updates
- Best for: Testing new features, experimenting, learning about upcoming changes
Warning: Never use odd-numbered versions for real-world applications! They might have bugs or performance issues that haven't been fully resolved.
Current Node.js Versions (2025)
| Version | Type | Status | End of Life | Should You Use It? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Node.js 22 (Jod) | Even (LTS) | Active | April 2027 | ✅ Great choice for new projects |
| Node.js 21 | Odd | Maintenance | June 2025 | ❌ Not recommended |
| Node.js 20 (Iron) | Even (LTS) | Active | April 2026 | ✅ Stable and widely used |
| Node.js 19 | Odd | End-of-Life | ❌ | ❌ Unsupported - Don't use! |
| Node.js 18 (Hydrogen) | Even (LTS) | Maintenance | April 2025 | ⚠️ Still OK but update soon |
| Node.js 16 and older | - | End-of-Life | ❌ | ❌ Dangerous to use - security risks! |
Check the latest status: Visit the Node.js Previous Releases page for the most up-to-date information.
How Does Node.js LTS Actually Work? 🕐
Confused about what "Long-Term Support" actually means? Let me break it down in simple terms!
The Life Cycle of an LTS Version
When Node.js releases an even-numbered version (like Node.js 20), it goes through a predictable life cycle:
Phase 1: 🌟 Initial Release (6 months)
- The version is first released as "Current"
- New features are added and tested
- Not yet recommended for production use
Phase 2: 💡 Active LTS (18 months)
- The version becomes officially "LTS"
- Gets a cool element name (like "Iron" for Node.js 20)
- Perfect for production applications
- Receives regular updates including:
- Security fixes
- Bug fixes
- Performance improvements
- Compatible new features
Real-world example: If you're using Node.js 20.13, and version 20.14 is released, you should update! The second number (13 → 14) means it's a minor update that won't break your code but will fix bugs and security issues.
Phase 3: 🔧 Maintenance Mode (12 months)
- Only critical security fixes and severe bug fixes
- No new features
- Time to start planning your upgrade to the next LTS version
Phase 4: ⚠️ End-of-Life
- No more updates of any kind
- Security vulnerabilities won't be fixed
- Using this version becomes a security risk
Understanding Version Numbers
Node.js 20.14.2
| | |
| | └── Patch version: Small bug fixes (safe to update)
| └────── Minor version: New features, no breaking changes (safe to update)
└────────── Major version: The LTS version number (even = LTS, odd = Current)
Pro Tip: Always keep your Node.js updated to the latest patch version (the third number) for your chosen LTS release. For example, if you're using Node.js 20.x, make sure you're on the latest version like 20.15.0.
What Happens to Old Node.js Versions? ☠️
Are you still using Node.js 16 or older? You might be putting your applications at serious risk!
End-of-Life (EOL) Versions
When a Node.js version reaches End-of-Life status:
- ❌ No more security updates - Even if serious vulnerabilities are discovered
- ❌ No more bug fixes - Existing problems will never be resolved
- ❌ No more compatibility updates - New libraries may stop working
- ❌ No more performance improvements - Your app will get slower compared to newer versions
Currently Unsupported Versions (2025)
| Version | Status | Risks of Using |
|---|---|---|
| Node.js 16 (Gallium) | ☠️ END-OF-LIFE | High security risk, incompatible with many modern packages |
| Node.js 14 (Fermium) | ☠️ END-OF-LIFE | Critical security vulnerabilities, performance issues |
| Node.js 12 (Erbium) | ☠️ END-OF-LIFE | Severe security risks, extremely outdated |
⚠️ URGENT WARNING: If you're using any of these versions, you should update immediately! Many security vulnerabilities have been discovered since these versions were released.
Why You MUST Keep Node.js Updated 🔒
The Real-World Risks of Using Outdated Versions
1. 🔥 Security Vulnerabilities
Real Example: In 2021, a critical vulnerability in Node.js (CVE-2021-22883)
allowed attackers to crash applications and potentially execute malicious code.
This was fixed in newer versions, but older versions remained vulnerable.
2. 💥 Performance Issues
Each new Node.js version includes significant performance improvements:
- Node.js 18 → Up to 40% faster than Node.js 16 for many operations
- Node.js 20 → Memory usage reduced by ~20% compared to Node.js 18
- Node.js 22 → Startup time improved by 30% over Node.js 20
3. 🛠️ Compatibility Problems
- Many modern npm packages require Node.js 18+ or even 20+
- Popular frameworks like Next.js, NestJS, and Express are optimized for newer versions
- Cloud providers are dropping support for older Node.js versions
4. 💸 Higher Development Costs
- Developers spend more time fixing issues that only exist in older versions
- Workarounds for outdated features lead to more complex, harder-to-maintain code
- New team members struggle to work with outdated technology
Success Story: A client's e-commerce site was experiencing random crashes and slow response times on Node.js 14. After upgrading to Node.js 20, their site load time decreased by 45%, and they haven't experienced a single crash since!
Frequently Asked Questions About Node.js Versions 👤
What exactly does "LTS" mean in Node.js?
LTS stands for "Long-Term Support." It's a promise from the Node.js team that they will maintain and update this version for an extended period (usually 30 months). This makes LTS versions the safest choice for business applications, websites, and any production environment.
How often should I update my Node.js version?
You should:
- Always update to the latest patch version (e.g., 20.14.1 → 20.14.2) as soon as it's released
- Update to the latest minor version (e.g., 20.13.0 → 20.14.0) within 1-2 months
- Plan to upgrade to the next LTS version (e.g., 18 → 20) within 6 months of its release
How do I check which Node.js version I'm currently using?
Open your terminal or command prompt and type:
node -v
This will display your current Node.js version (like v20.14.0).
Can I use odd-numbered versions in production?
It’s not recommended. Odd-numbered versions are for experimenting and testing new features. Use an even-numbered LTS version for production work.
What happens if I don’t update?
If you don’t update:
- You might expose your application to security vulnerabilities.
- Your tools and libraries may stop working with older versions.
Conclusion
Now that you understand how Node.js versions work, you might also be interested in learning how to build Node.js from source, customize it, or make your own modifications. Check out this detailed guide on how to do it: How to Build Node.js from Source.
Understanding Node.js LTS and versioning helps you make informed decisions about updating your development environment. Always aim to use the latest LTS version for a secure and stable experience. Stay updated and keep coding!