discord.js vs discord.py vs JDA: Hosting Differences

Side by side

Reference · Article updated **Oct 25, 2026**
Option	discord.js	discord.py	JDA
Language	JavaScript / TypeScript	Python	Java (or Kotlin)
discordbothost runtime	Node.js 22/24	Python 3.12/3.13	Java 21
Dependencies	`package.json` + lockfile	`requirements.txt`	Built into a fat jar (Gradle Shadow / Maven Shade)
Start	`node index.js` (or `npm start`)	`python bot.py`	`java -jar bot.jar`
Typical small-bot RAM	256 MB often enough	256 MB often enough	512 MB–1 GB
Memory knobs	Cache limits, sweepers	`max_messages`, intents	`createLight`, `disableCache`, `-Xmx`
Good discordbothost plan to start	Free or Starter	Free or Starter	Starter or Pro

discord.js tips

TypeScript: compile to dist/ in a build step, or ship compiled JS. Don't run ts-node in production.
Use npm ci with a lockfile for repeatable installs.
Register slash commands with a separate script, not on every start.

discord.py tips

Pin versions in requirements.txt.
Use bot.run(os.environ["BOT_TOKEN"]), and don't hard-code the token.
Long CPU work blocks the event loop and causes heartbeat warnings. Move it to asyncio.to_thread or a worker.

JDA tips

Build one jar with dependencies included.
Cap the heap: -Xmx384m on a 512 MB plan, or -XX:MaxRAMPercentage=75. The JVM also uses memory outside the heap.
JDABuilder.createLight turns off most caches. Turn on only what you need.

Which library should you pick?

Pick the language you already know. All three are actively used and documented. The hosting difference is mostly memory: Java costs a plan size more, in exchange for the JVM's performance and typing. Need a language discordbothost doesn't run (C#, PHP)? Hosts such as bot-hosting.net or Sparked Host list more runtimes. See best Discord bot hosting.

On discordbothost

Choose the template, upload code (or deploy a public GitHub repo on any plan), set BOT_TOKEN, and start. Plans: Free 256 MB, Starter 512 MB ($0.99), Pro 1 GB ($1.99), Plus 2 GB ($3.49).

Questions

Which is better for a Discord bot, discord.js or discord.py?

Both are mature and well supported. Pick the language you know: discord.js for JavaScript/TypeScript, discord.py for Python. Hosting cost is similar; both run small bots in 256 MB.

Is JDA harder to host?

Not harder, but heavier: the JVM needs more memory, so plan for 512 MB to 1 GB and set a max heap below the container limit. Build a runnable jar with your dependencies included.

What versions does discordbothost run?

discordbothost templates run Node.js 22/24 for discord.js, Python 3.12/3.13 for discord.py and Java 21 for JDA.

Sources

1https://discordbothost.com/pricing/