Choosing the best Node.js Docker image is crucial as it affects your CI/CD pipeline and security posture. The ideal Node.js Docker image should have a small software footprint, minimal vulnerabilities, and support from the official Node.js team. Out of all options, the most recommended one is node:lts-bookworm-slim due to its stable Long Term Support version of Node.js, reduced size, and compatibility with modern Debian OS. Google's distroless image tag is also a good choice if your DevOps team can support custom base images.