Top TypeScript ORM 2025

Introduction#

Object-Relational Mapping (ORM) libraries have become essential tools in modern TypeScript development, bridging the gap between application code and database systems. A good ORM not only simplifies database interactions but also enhances type safety, improves developer productivity, and helps maintain clean, maintainable code.

In 2025, TypeScript developers have several mature ORM options to choose from, this article provides a comprehensive comparison of five leading TypeScript ORMs: Drizzle ORM, Prisma ORM, TypeORM, Sequelize, and MikroORM.

Drizzle ORM#

Drizzle is a lightweight, TypeScript-first ORM with a SQL-centric approach and zero dependencies — ideal for serverless environments. Described as "a headless TypeScript ORM with a head," it emphasizes familiarity: "If you know SQL, you know Drizzle."

Highlights:

• Dual query APIs (SQL-like and relational)
• Zero dependencies (~7.4kb min+gzip)
• Fully built in TypeScript
• Schema defined in TypeScript, closely mirroring SQL
• Dialect-optimized and supports automatic migrations via Drizzle Kit

Code Example:

import { pgTable, serial, varchar } from 'drizzle-orm/pg-core';

export const users = pgTable('users', {
  id: serial('id').primaryKey(),
  name: varchar('name', { length: 50 }),
  email: varchar('email', { length: 100 }),
});

Prisma ORM#

Prisma is a modern ORM for Node.js and TypeScript that prioritizes developer experience and type safety through a declarative, schema-first approach and powerful tooling.

Highlights:

• Define models in Prisma Schema Language (PSL)
• Auto-generated, type-safe client with strong IDE support
• Declarative migrations via Prisma Migrate
• Visual database management with Prisma Studio
• Introspect existing databases into schema
• Raw SQL support when needed
• Scaling tools like Prisma Accelerate and Pulse

Code Example:

// schema.prisma
model User {
  id    Int    @id @default(autoincrement())
  name  String
  email String @unique
}

// Usage
const user = await prisma.user.create({
  data: { name: 'Alice', email: 'alice@example.com' },
});

TypeORM#

TypeORM is a flexible and mature ORM for TypeScript and JavaScript that supports both Active Record and Data Mapper patterns, making it adaptable to different project architectures.

Highlights:

• Define entities using TypeScript classes and decorators
• Supports complex relationships and lazy/eager loading
• Powerful SQL-like query builder
• Migration tools for schema evolution
• Works with multiple databases and across platforms
• Dual architectural pattern support (Active Record & Data Mapper)
• Repository abstraction for structured data access

Code Example:

import { Entity, PrimaryGeneratedColumn, Column } from 'typeorm';

@Entity()
export class User {
  @PrimaryGeneratedColumn()
  id: number;

  @Column()
  name: string;

  @Column({ unique: true })
  email: string;
}

Sequelize ORM#

Sequelize is a mature, feature-rich ORM for Node.js with solid support for TypeScript. It balances abstraction and control with a comprehensive, Promise-based API.

Highlights:

• Async/await-friendly with Promise-based API
• Define models with validations, associations, and data types
• Supports PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, SQLite, and SQL Server
• Robust transaction and connection pooling support
• Comprehensive relationship handling (1:1, 1:N, N:M)
• Lifecycle hooks and raw SQL support

Code Example:

import { Sequelize, DataTypes } from 'sequelize';

const sequelize = new Sequelize('sqlite::memory:');

const User = sequelize.define('User', {
  id: { type: DataTypes.INTEGER, autoIncrement: true, primaryKey: true },
  name: DataTypes.STRING,
  email: { type: DataTypes.STRING, unique: true },
});

MikroORM#

MikroORM is a TypeScript-first ORM for Node.js, built on the Data Mapper, Unit of Work, and Identity Map patterns. It emphasizes type safety, clean architecture, and domain-driven design.

Highlights:

• Type-safe, decorator-based entity definitions
• Data Mapper for clean domain/data separation
• Unit of Work for change tracking and batching
• Identity Map to avoid duplicate instances
• Powerful query builder and migration system
• Supports PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, SQLite, MongoDB

Code Example:

import { Entity, PrimaryKey, Property } from '@mikro-orm/core';

@Entity()
export class User {
  @PrimaryKey()
  id!: number;

  @Property()
  name!: string;

  @Property({ unique: true })
  email!: string;
}

Comprehensive Comparison#

💡 Philosophy#

• Drizzle: Minimal, SQL-first. Great for those who know SQL.

• Prisma: Developer-friendly with type-safe auto-generated client.

• TypeORM: Traditional feel, supports both Active Record and Data Mapper.

• Sequelize: Full-featured ORM with wide adoption, less modern TS support.

• MikroORM: Clean separation of concerns, ideal for domain-driven design.

✅ Type Safety & Schema#

• Prisma and MikroORM lead in type safety.

• Drizzle is excellent if you're defining schema directly in TS.

• TypeORM is solid, but complex queries may lose some safety.

• Sequelize has improved TS support, but still trails behind.

⚙️ Migrations & Tooling#

• Prisma and MikroORM offer rich migration and tooling systems.

• Drizzle provides a clean CLI with SQL migration generation.

• TypeORM is flexible, but complex migrations need manual handling.

• Sequelize is powerful but can be verbose and harder to manage at scale.

⚡ Performance & Serverless#

• Drizzle is the most lightweight and serverless-friendly.

• Prisma performs well but needs Accelerate in serverless.

• Sequelize and MikroORM have more overhead in serverless environments.

🌐 Ecosystem & Community#

• Sequelize and TypeORM have the largest legacy user base.

• Prisma has a thriving modern community and frequent updates.

• Drizzle and MikroORM are rising fast with strong TypeScript focus.

Use Case Comparison#

Conclusion#

In 2025, the TypeScript ORM ecosystem offers strong choices for every need:

• Drizzle is lightweight and serverless-friendly with a SQL-first design.
• Prisma shines in type safety and developer experience.
• TypeORM brings flexibility and mature features.
• Sequelize is stable and well-suited for legacy projects.
• MikroORM is ideal for TypeScript-heavy, DDD-style architectures.