React vs Svelte – Which is better for your next project?

Choosing between React and Svelte? This comparison breaks down their strengths, trade-offs, and ideal use cases so you can decide faster.

Quick verdict

For most teams, React is the safer default. However, Svelte can be a better fit if you lean into its specific strengths.

React

UI library maintained by Meta, huge ecosystem

Category: Frontend framework

Best for: Teams building long-term web apps with many contributors

Overall rating: 4.7/5

Power: 4.8/5 · Ease: 3.6/5

Price: Free

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Svelte

Compile-time framework that outputs minimal JavaScript

Category: Frontend framework

Best for: Dev-tool enthusiasts, side projects, performance-focused apps

Overall rating: 4.4/5

Power: 4.9/5 · Ease: 4.3/5

Price: Free

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Side-by-side comparison

Aspect React Svelte
Category Frontend framework Frontend framework
Typical use cases Teams building long-term web apps with many contributors Dev-tool enthusiasts, side projects, performance-focused apps
Power / flexibility 4.8/5 4.9/5
Ease of learning 3.6/5 4.3/5
Price Free Free

Pros & cons of React

Pros

  • Massive ecosystem
  • Backed by Meta
  • Rich job market

Cons

  • Can be boilerplate-heavy
  • Steep learning curve for beginners

Pros & cons of Svelte

Pros

  • Very fast runtime
  • Less boilerplate
  • Great DX

Cons

  • Smaller ecosystem
  • Fewer enterprise adopters

Which should you choose?

Pick React if you align with its ideal profile: Teams building long-term web apps with many contributors. Choose Svelte if you align more with: Dev-tool enthusiasts, side projects, performance-focused apps.