Node.js 26.9.0, released on September 16, 2026, has made its Foreign Function Interface (FFI) available by default, enabling JavaScript to call native libraries without needing C/C++ addons. Along with FFI, the release introduced a new node:bench module, which was later moved behind an experimental flag due to concerns regarding benchmark integrity. Additionally, it includes first-class support for Web Workers, an experimental DTLS API, and updates to crypto functionalities. While this version brings significant enhancements, it is still in the "Current" phase and not yet LTS, so users are advised to approach upgrades cautiously and consider waiting for the Active LTS release

Node.js 26.9.0 Releases FFI by Default with node:bench and Web Workers

Node.js 26.9.0 shipped September 16, 2026, most notably enabling its Foreign Function Interface by default so JavaScript can call into native libraries without a C/C++ addon. A new node:bench module landed, only for the team to quietly move it behind an --experimental-bench flag after review raised concerns about benchmark integrity. The release also brings first-class Web Workers in thread contexts, an experimental DTLS API, and crypto upgrades like a generic MAC API and OpenSSL provider discovery. Since Node 26 is still in "Current" and won't reach LTS until October 2026, treat this as a testing build rather than a production upgrade.

Node.js 26.9.0 Releases FFI by Default with node:bench and Web Workers @ Linux Compatible