Software · head to head
ESLint vs Prettier
The short version
- Each has a real cost: ESLint slow performance on large codebases compared to newer tools like Oxlint and Biome; Prettier inflexible style rules that cannot be customized significantly, forcing teams to accept opinionated defaults
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which ESLint and Prettier actually diverge.
Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
ESLint
- Statically analysing JavaScript and JSX to find problems before runtimenot Prettier
- Automatically fixing issues with syntax-aware rewritesnot Prettier
- Enforcing a consistent code style across a teamnot Prettier
- Running as a CI step to block non-conforming codenot Prettier
- Writing custom rules for project-specific conventionsnot Prettier
Prettier
No use cases recorded yet. See the Prettier review.
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
ESLint
- Slow performance on large codebases compared to newer tools like Oxlint and Biome
- Complexity in configuration from scratch, particularly for TypeScript support
- Limited built-in TypeScript support, requiring separate parsers and coordination with new TypeScript features
Prettier
- Inflexible style rules that cannot be customized significantly, forcing teams to accept opinionated defaults
- Developers must format entire files rather than selective line ranges in some contexts
- Limited language support compared to some alternatives, though it covers major languages
Pricing, plan by plan
ESLint
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the ESLint review.
Prettier
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Prettier review.
Which should you pick?
Choose ESLint if
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Browser-based JavaScript, Node.js, Any JavaScript environment.
Choose Prettier if
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on CLI, Editor Plugins, Build Tools.
Questions people ask
- Is ESLint or Prettier better?
- Neither clearly leads. ESLint starts at Free and Prettier at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, ESLint or Prettier?
- ESLint starts at Free and Prettier at Free.
- Does ESLint or Prettier run on more platforms?
- ESLint runs on Browser-based JavaScript, Node.js, Any JavaScript environment. Prettier runs on CLI, Editor Plugins, Build Tools.
- Can I use ESLint for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is ESLint best used for?
- ESLint is most often used for statically analysing javascript and jsx to find problems before runtime, automatically fixing issues with syntax-aware rewrites, enforcing a consistent code style across a team, running as a ci step to block non-conforming code. Of those, statically analysing javascript and jsx to find problems before runtime and automatically fixing issues with syntax-aware rewrites are not what Prettier is typically brought in for.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
ESLint: Does ESLint automatically fix code issues?
Many problems ESLint finds can be automatically fixed via the --fix flag. ESLint fixes are syntax-aware so you won't experience errors introduced by traditional find-and-replace algorithms.
SourcePrettier: Is Prettier free and open source?
Yes, Prettier is completely free and open source, available as an npm package with no licensing costs or subscriptions.
SourceESLint: How much does ESLint cost?
ESLint is completely free and open-source software maintained by the OpenJS Foundation. The project accepts voluntary donations from sponsors.
SourcePrettier: Can Prettier be integrated with ESLint?
Yes, Prettier integrates with ESLint by disabling ESLint formatting rules via eslint-config-prettier, allowing both tools to work together with Prettier handling formatting and ESLint handling code quality.
SourceESLint: Can I write custom ESLint rules?
Yes. You can develop custom rules that work alongside built-in functionality through ESLint's plugin system, allowing complete customization for your project needs.
SourcePrettier: Does Prettier support configuration customization?
Prettier is intentionally opinionated with limited configuration options to enforce consistency. You can create a .prettierrc file for basic customization, but Prettier does not support extensive rule customization like ESLint.
SourceRelated pages
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