Learning how to install Node.js on macOS is one of the most essential and frequently performed tasks for any JavaScript developer, full-stack engineer, web designer, or aspiring coder in 2025–2026 — Node.js powers modern web development (React, Next.js, Vue, Express, NestJS), serverless functions, desktop apps (Electron), mobile backends, automation scripts, CLI tools, and almost every serious JavaScript ecosystem project. Installing Node.js correctly on macOS gives you access to npm (the world’s largest package registry), Yarn, pnpm, and hundreds of thousands of libraries instantly.

In this up-to-date install Node.js on macOS guide, you’ll learn two proven methods:

  • Homebrew — fastest, simplest, system-wide install (recommended for most users)
  • nvm (Node Version Manager) — best for switching versions, multiple projects, testing LTS vs current

You’ll also create your first Node.js program, verify npm, update Node.js, and troubleshoot common macOS issues.

Prerequisites

  • macOS Ventura (13), Sonoma (14), Sequoia (15) or later
  • Terminal app (pre-installed)
  • Internet connection
  • Admin password (for Homebrew & nvm installs)

Method 1: Install Node.js on macOS Using Homebrew (Fastest & Recommended)

Homebrew is the de-facto package manager for macOS — it installs the latest stable Node.js in seconds.

Step 1 – Install Homebrew (skip if already installed)

				
					/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"

Follow prompts → enter password when asked.

Step 2 – Install Node.js

				
					brew install node

This installs the latest LTS (v20 or v22 in 2025–2026) + npm.

Step 3 – Verify installation

				
					node --version
npm --version

Example output (2025–2026):

				
					v22.9.0
10.8.3

Success! You’ve installed Node.js on macOS.

Update anytime:

				
					brew update
brew upgrade node

Method 2: Install Node.js on macOS Using nvm (Best for Multiple Versions)

nvm lets you switch Node versions instantly — perfect for legacy projects, testing new features, or LTS vs current.

Step 1 – Install nvm

				
					curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.40.1/install.sh | bash

Close & reopen Terminal (or run source ~/.zshrc / source ~/.bash_profile).

Step 2 – Install latest LTS Node.js

				
					nvm install --lts
nvm use --lts
nvm alias default lts/*

Step 3 – Verify

				
					node --version
npm --version

Switch versions anytime:

				
					nvm install 18          # Node 18 LTS
nvm use 18
nvm install node        # latest current version

Step 3 – Create & Run Your First Node.js Program

Create a project folder:

				
					mkdir hello-node
cd hello-node

Create index.js:

				
					nano index.js

Paste:

				
					console.log("Hello from Node.js on macOS!");
console.log("Node version:", process.version);
console.log("Current directory:", process.cwd());

Save & exit (Ctrl+O → Enter → Ctrl+X).

Run it:

				
					node index.js

Output:

				
					Hello from Node.js on macOS!
Node version: v22.9.0
Current directory: /Users/zain/hello-node

Success! You’ve written and executed your first Node.js program after installing Node.js on macOS.

Step 4 – Install & Use npm Packages

npm is included — install a package globally:

				
					console.log( 'Code is Poetry' );npm install -g cowsay
cowsay "Node.js is awesome!"

Or locally in your project:

				
					npm init -y
npm install chalk

Create color.js:

				
					const chalk = require('chalk');
console.log(chalk.green('Success! You installed a package.'));

Run:

				
					node color.js

Step 5 – Common macOS Issues & Fixes When Installing Node.js

  • Homebrew permission error → Run sudo chown -R $(whoami) /usr/local then retry

  • nvm command not found → Add to ~/.zshrc or ~/.bash_profile:

				
					export NVM_DIR="$HOME/.nvm"
[ -s "$NVM_DIR/nvm.sh" ] && \. "$NVM_DIR/nvm.sh"

  • Then source ~/.zshrc

  • Old Node version → nvm ls-remote → nvm install <version>

  • npm permission issues → Never use sudo npm — fix with:

				
					mkdir ~/.npm-global
npm config set prefix '~/.npm-global'
export PATH=~/.npm-global/bin:$PATH

How to Install Node.js on macOS – FAQ (2025–2026)

  1. How do I install Node.js on macOS?
    Best: brew install node (Homebrew) or nvm install –lts (nvm)
  2. Homebrew vs nvm – which to use to install Node.js on macOS?
    Homebrew for single version / simplicity; nvm for multiple versions / projects
  3. How do I update Node.js on macOS?
    Homebrew: brew upgrade node nvm: nvm install node –reinstall-packages-from=current
  4. How do I run my first Node.js program on macOS?
    node index.js after creating index.js
  5. What’s the best Node.js version in 2025–2026?
    LTS (v20 or v22) for production; current (v24+) for testing new features

Summary

You now know exactly how to install Node.js on macOS using Homebrew (fast & simple) or nvm (version control), verify installation, create your first program, use npm, and troubleshoot issues.

Mastering how to install Node.js on macOS unlocks modern JavaScript development — React, Next.js, Express, Electron, automation, and more.

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