Top 10 React Alternatives in 2024!

React is a sought-after frontend JavaScript library used to build advanced multi- and single-page user interfaces.

Virtual DOM, automated batching, JSX, and components are key features that make React the second most used web framework, with 39.5% votes.

However, with the ongoing evolution of web development, dev teams like to choose compact and high-performing React alternatives.

Indeed, the complexity of JSX, insufficient documentation, and time-consuming integration could be the reasons behind finding an alternate technology.

That’s why this article will thoroughly discuss the top choices you can use instead of React.

Why Look for React Alternatives?

Here are significant reasons why developers consider other options rather than React:

• Learning Curve: Mastering React can be challenging, especially if you are new to JS frameworks. UI programming with React is also considered complex compared to conventional frontend libraries. 

• Performance Considerations: React is troublesome for pervasive and complicated applications. It could be difficult to build apps with more components and intensive state handling with React. 

• Size of React: React bundle size is another factor that developers consider when choosing React alternatives. Large bundle sizes negatively affect the parse and page loading process. You need to analyze and optimize the bundle to fix this issue. 

• Component-based Architecture: React has a component-centric architecture. This feature forces developers to examine the components generally and separately, which can make programming with React slow and tiring. 

• Different Development Goals: React doesn’t work as a full-fledged framework like Angular. Thus, React is not considered the best-fit option for large-scale apps and distinct dev goals. You have to integrate with additional tools and libraries to handle different projects in this regard.

Poor documentation, frequent updates, lack of conventions, and inflexibility are also disadvantages of using React.  

Top 10 React Alternatives

Preact, Vue.js, Angular, Svelte, and SolidJS are leading alternatives to React. Let’s discuss these substitutes based on their features, use cases, pros, and limitations. 

1. Preact

Preact is an agile and advanced React alternative that comes with Virtual DOM offerings. This small framework ought to use minimal JS to parse and implement the code.

Moreover, this lightweight substitute is very familiar with React syntax, so React developers can employ this frontend technology with great ease.

Core Features

• Small Bundle Size – Preact’s crucial trait is its minimal footprint. In this regard, it keeps the bundle size around 3KB. This lightweight library lets developers focus more on the script than supervising the framework.

• Same API – Preact utilizes a similar to React API. This reason makes it a familiar replacement for React. It is also seamless for React developers to operate with the same modern API. 

• Fast Rendering – This framework is known for minimizing the initial load time of applications compared to React. Therefore, businesses choose Preact for apps that need fast rendering. 

• DOM Alignment – With closer DOM alignment, Preact sets up true event callbacks, creates stable properties, and is highly compatible with third-party libraries. In addition, Preact follows any source code conversion phases to run in a browser. 

• Use Cases: Preact is well-suited for performance-centric web applications. It is also considered an ideal choice for building mobile apps, dashboards, single-page apps, and static sites that need robust load time with compact bundle sizes. 

Pros of Preact

• Preact employs various approaches to overcome the rendering time and provide maximum performance.

• Compatibility with React is another Preact advantage. Yes, it is effortless to adopt this framework for any of your React projects. 

• Instant productivity, embeddable nature, portability, and speedy updates are also benefits of using Preact. 

Cons of Preact

• As a new framework, it has a constrained ecosystem. 

• It is not appropriate for enterprise-grade apps.

• Infrequent updates, complicated learning curve, and limited resources are also drawbacks.  

2. Vue.js

Vue.js is a progressive JS framework that can be used as a React replacement.

This full-featured framework offers seamless integrations and a simple learning curve and pursues a model-view-view-model (MVVM) pattern.

The MVVM approach enables you to operate HTML blocks efficiently and authorizes two-way communication.

Please read the article How to build a backend for Vue.js for further information on this subject.

Core Features

• Virtual DOM – Virtual DOM refers to the process of displaying a webpage’s authentic DOM alongside JS objects. It lets developers craft, organize, and examine the desired UI declaratively. 

• CSS Transitions – This JS technology comes with several transition and animation effects. You can also conveniently combine it with third-party CSS transitions. 

• Lightweight – Vue.js is an ultra-light framework with a package size of 21KBs. This feature accelerates the rendering speed and improves the synchronization. 

• Simple Integrations – It is effortless to integrate Vue.js with any of your existing JavaScript projects. In this regard, you don’t have to initialize npm and node. You just ought to process with the Vue.js CDN, which is backed by all Vue libraries. 

• Use Cases: Vue is the ultimate solution for building single-page apps, dynamic UIs, and server-side rendering. It allows businesses and dev teams to craft small – to large-scale mobile and web applications with great ease. 

Pros of Vue.js

• Vue has a simple learning curve. You don’t need to master the background of JS technologies to learn this framework.

• Vue follows a component-based architecture, so it is easy for developers to generate separate files for different elements.

• Small size, high performance, and detailed documentation are also benefits of Vue.

Cons of Vue.js

• Although the Vue community is growing over time but, it still needs to be expanded compared to React.

• Vue offers fewer plugins than React or Angular.

• Obstacles with two-way binding and outdated mobile versions are further drawbacks of Vue.

3. Svelte

Svelte is a component-centric JS framework that generates highly interactive applications.

Unlike other frameworks, Svelte relies on a compiler to develop streamlined JavaScript codes from the provided sources.

In this way, Svelte generates compact and productive codes that need minimal runtime overhead. 

Core Features

• No Virtual DOM – React utilizes Virtual DOM, but Svelte acts as a compiler. It doesn’t install the library in the browser to execute the script. Conversely, Svelte upgrades the object during compilation and loads the .js file to convert the code. 

• Small Bundle Size – Svelte bundle size is significantly less than React’s. This property leads to fast load time, minimal bandwidth, quick app rendering, and cost efficiency.

• SvelteKit – This authorized Svelte extension enables programmers to design high-performing web applications on the fly. It is also known for conferring a sophisticated experience to dev teams. 

• Component-based Architecture – With Svelte, it is effortless to break down the user interfaces into isolated and reusable components. This feature promotes easy code maintenance and adaptability. 

• Use Cases: Svelte is ideal for crafting engaging apps where lower runtime overhead and performance are paramount. PWAs, eCommerce, data visualization, and single-page apps are common use case examples.  

Pros of Svelte

• Svelte is an easy-to-learn programming technology based on HTML, JS, CSS, and TypeScript.

• This React substitute doesn’t depend on Virtual DOM. That is why it optimizes runtime performance and limits memory consumption. 

• Built-in reactive functionality is another prominent perk. 

Cons of Svelte

• As a fresh framework, Svelte doesn’t have a large ecosystem like React and Angular. 

• The lack of supporting tools and libraries is also a con of Svelte.

4. Angular

Endorsed by Google, Angular is another highly extensible React alternative.

It is an open-source TypeScript framework that follows a component-based architecture. In addition, with two-way data binding and real DOM, Angular offers developers a wide range of libraries.  

Please read the article A step-by-step guide to build an Angular application to learn more.

Core Features

• Full-fledged MVC Architecture – MVC architecture is very important if you are designing UI-centric applications. It delineates your app into three components: view, model, and controller. Thus, it becomes easy to test and maintain the apps.

• Routing – This readymade routing functionality lets you develop single-page apps that deliver multi-page facilities using a unified port. Thus, page loading and navigation become effortless.

• State Management – Angular uses state management attributes to design fast and scalable applications. This framework depends on two classes: global app state and local component state.

• Directives – Angular permits you to amplify HTML using tailored behavior. Indeed, you can leverage pre-installed offerings like ngStyle, ngFor, and ngIf to generate tailored directives that meet your project requirements.

• Use Cases: Angular is an optimal client-side framework for building dynamic web pages and enterprise-level and progressive web applications. In addition, you can employ Angular for CMSs, social networking, and eCommerce platforms.

Pros of Angular

• Google launched Angular, which is why it has a large ecosystem and community support.

• Angular is also part of the MEAN stack. Therefore, software engineers prefer it over other frontend frameworks.

• It provides numerous open-source packages. 

Cons of Angular

• It is challenging to learn Angular, especially when you compare it with Vue and React.

• Excessive boilerplate code and constrained SEO capabilities are also cons of using Angular.

5. Solid.js

Solid.js is a new but powerful and high-performing JS library that you can use instead of React. Its 7KB Gzipped size ensures robust rendering and seamless integrations.

It follows a detailed reactivity approach that only reevaluates the UI when dependencies alter. 

Core Features

• JSX Support – SolidJS supports JSX syntax. This JS extension lets you script similar-to-HTML code in a JS file. The JSX feature makes this framework a popular choice for React programmers. 

• Performance-Focused – SolidJS is known as the Tesla of JS UI technologies because of its out-of-the-box backend and client-side performance. It is also small in size and reduces memory usage.

• Fine-Grained Reactivity – This characteristic establishes automated replies for data modifications and abolishes the need for manual UI alterations. 

• Server-Side Rendering – Solid.js also has exclusive server-side rendering, which helps improve applications’ SEO and performance.

• Use Cases: Solid.js is an appropriate choice for apps that handle massive traffic, extensive data, and updates. Yes, you can employ this JS library for performance-critical live-streaming apps, online gaming platforms, etc.

Pros of Solid.js

• With 22.8KB of bundle size, SolidJS swiftly loads the apps.

• It has many similarities with React, which is why its learning curve seems easy.

• Reduced memory and CPU computation are also prominent advantages of using Solid.  

Cons of Solid.js

• It uses difficult templating methods. Thus, only seasoned developers can proceed with it.

• Limited community support and libraries are also cons of this framework.

6. Inferno.js

Inferno is a high-performing and robust UI library that works for both backend and client-side rendering.

With a Gzipped and minified size of 9KB, it is considered one of the most lightweight alternatives to React. One-way data communication and familiar syntax are its dominant aspects.

Core Features

• Virtual DOM – Virtual DOM is a significant aspect of React. Luckily, Inferno also offers Virtual DOM to enhance user experience, simplify cross-platform development, and reduce memory usage.

• Isomorphic Rendering – This feature enables rapid client-side and server-side rendering for applications, making application loading ultrafast using Inferno.

• Compatible – This JS technology is very compatible with React. You can utilize Inferno.js for any of your existing projects. It also provides an API similar to React’s. 

• Performance – Inferno.js is popular because of its blazing-fast performance. Compared to React and Angular, it takes only 25% more time to compile, parse, and examine the code.

• Use Cases: Inferno.js is typically used to develop UIs for ultra-efficient applications. It could be an ideal choice for building mobile apps that need frequent updates. 

Pros of Inferno.js

• Inferno is known as an ‘insanely swift’ framework because of its fast rendering. Hereof, it also streamlines the internal objects.

• It comes with pre-written CSS properties. Thus, you don’t have to script the properties.

Cons of Inferno.js

• Small ecosystem and constrained community support are the major drawbacks of Inferno.

• You should employ additional libraries to get the React package. This approach makes your projects lengthy. 

7. Ember.js

Are you looking for a battle-tested JavaScript framework for large-scale applications? If yes, you must choose Ember.js.

This cross-platform technology comes with modern capabilities like routing, a Glimmer rendering engine, and quick upgrades. 

Core Features

• Convention over Configuration – Ember pursues a CoC approach. This means that you can emphasize crafting functionalities rather than configuring the framework. This offering also makes the dev process straightforward.

• Routing – The full-fledged routing feature allows developers to handle the app state using URLs. It supports dynamic sections, nested routes, and search criteria. 

• Ember Inspector – This browser extension is usually utilized to identify and iron out application bugs. It provides several tools to inspect data, routes, components, etc. 

• Data Layer – This data administration library is responsible for smooth interaction between the server side and the application. Ember Data employs an API to communicate with data.  

• Use Cases: Ember.js is conventionally used for building UIs of mobile and desktop applications where architecture and conventions are paramount. It is a solid choice for single-page apps, PWAs, and broad-scale applications. 

Pros of Ember.js

• Ember has ample community support and an ecosystem. Therefore, you can get numerous supportive resources and features.

• Its conventions permit you to build apps quickly with minimal effort.

• Scalability and stability are also pros of using Ember.js.

Cons of Ember.js

• Ember is considered a less flexible React alternative because of its stiff CoC. 

• This framework is complex to learn compared to Vue and React.

• Decline in popularity and highly opinionated nature are also its significant drawbacks.

8. Backbone.js

Backbone.js is a powerful JS library that follows the model-view-presenter (MVP) pattern. This architecture isolates the data from its demonstration by structuring the script into rational JS files.

You can use this library with existing libraries. Moreover, you can integrate Backbone.js with React through the ReactBacKBone library. 

Core Features

• Server-Side Support – BackBone makes it smooth to interact with the server. It offers a robust RESTful API for handling server-side functionalities.

• Simple & Small – Backbone.js is a simple and easy-to-configure library. You can begin using this small framework within seconds. Later, you can also integrate with further libraries on the fly.

• Event-Driven Communication – It prevents communication problems that occur because of jQuery declarations. It conveys and receives messages among elements using an unlinked and time-agnostic strategy.

• Conventions – Developers can proceed with minimal scripts if they act in accordance with the coding conventions of Backbone.js.  

• Use Cases: Backbone.js is an appropriate choice for building single-page to small-level applications. Mainly when you need to reduce HTTP requests to servers.  

Pros of Backbone.js

• This is a lightweight library which has a size of 7.6KB.

• Another advantage of Backbone.js is its simple learning curve. You also get several online resources to back your project.

• The availability of several small libraries and conventional coding styles are also advantages. 

Cons of Backbone.js

• New developers usually witness the memory leakage problem with this technology.

• Ambiguous architecture is another drawback of Backbone.js. 

9. Mithril.js

Mithril.js is another appealing frontend framework on our list.

With a download size of 8.9KiB and a performance of 6.4ms, this React alternative is known for fast rendering, routing, and exclusive XHR features. In addition, Mithril supports all browsers, including Chrome, IE11, and Firefox.

Core Features

• Routing – Mithril allows you to switch from one page to another, devoid of refreshing the browser. So you can get seamless navigation.

• Auto-Redrawing System – This unique feature of Mithril.js authorizes the dev teams to rationalize the state of the user interface and then examine it. 

• Small Footprint – Mithril is considered an agile framework with the smallest footprint. Its small API also allows you to write minimal codes to enhance productivity.

• Simple Integrations – You can easily connect your project with third-party libraries using this framework. In this regard, you can proceed with ‘config’ functionality.

• Use Cases: You can employ Mithril.js to create and manage single-page applications that demand frequent updates. 

Pros of Mithril.js

• Mithril.js relies on an innate API, which is why programmers can quickly learn it.

• Its other advantages are its fast rendering, optimized performance, and small bundle size.

Cons of Mithril.js

• Unlike React, this framework has limited community support.

• As a new framework, finding supporting resources for Mithril.js is also challenging.

10. Lit

If you are looking for a brisk and uncomplicated library for web components, you must consider Lit. With 5KB of minified footprint, it renders your applications at a fast pace.

Tailored elements, leading styles, and declarative templates make it a prominent solution.

Core Features

• Custom Elements – These tailored elements work like the built-in features. You can also add them to any existing HTML code or static site.

• Shareable Components – This advanced functionality is helpful for sharing interactive web components across different browsers. 

• Templates – Lit uses declarative templates that are easy to understand and need less coding. With these UIs, you also don’t need to learn anything new. 

• Shadow DOM – This feature hooks up the DOM tree with components in an isolated manner. It also offers scoped styles.  

• Use Cases: Lit is ideal for building small – to medium-sized applications and designing systems that need shareable web components. 

Pros of Lit

• Lit is known for providing advanced JS features and a tiny footprint.

• It is a simple and interoperable framework.

• Lit improves productivity by avoiding the boilerplate code.

Cons of Lit

• Lit is a new library of web components with a small ecosystem.

• It doesn’t confer particular design system integrations. 

Conclusion 

This article describes one of the top React alternatives, but their selection should be based purely on your requirements.

Likewise, if you need a small bundle size and high performance, you can employ Preact, Vue, Solid.js, and Inferno. Correspondingly, if you are building enterprise-grade UIs, you must consider Angular and Ember.js. 

In short, this guide explains these JS libraries, frameworks, and web components with their features, cons, and benefits so you can make wise decisions.