Web Development · head to head
HTMX vs SolidJS
HTMX
Web Development
Lightweight JavaScript library enabling AJAX, WebSockets, and server-sent events in HTML
- From
- Free
- Rated
- -
SolidJS
Web Development
Reactive JavaScript framework with no virtual DOM
- From
- Free
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: HTMX best suited for server-rendered architectures, not pure client-side SPAs; SolidJS much smaller ecosystem than React, so many problems have no off-the-shelf library
- They diverge on capability: HTMX covers AJAX requests, SolidJS covers No virtual DOM.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which HTMX and SolidJS actually diverge.
Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), platforms (Web), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Web Development).
What each one covers
Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.
Only in HTMX
- AJAX requests
- HTTP verb support
- DOM targeting
- Swap strategies
- WebSocket support
- Server-sent events
- Out-of-band updates
Only in SolidJS
- No virtual DOM
- Components run once
- JSX syntax
- Small bundles
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
HTMX
- Building interactive applications without JavaScript framework complexitynot SolidJS
- Server-rendered applications requiring dynamic updatesnot SolidJS
- Adding interactivity to existing server-side applicationsnot SolidJS
- Hypermedia-driven applications using HTML-first approachesnot SolidJS
SolidJS
- Interfaces where update performance is the binding constraintnot HTMX
- Teams comfortable with React syntax who want finer-grained reactivitynot HTMX
- Applications where bundle size directly affects the businessnot HTMX
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
HTMX
- Best suited for server-rendered architectures, not pure client-side SPAs
- Limited client-side state management capabilities compared to frameworks
- Smaller ecosystem with fewer third-party libraries and tools
- Learning curve for developers from JavaScript framework backgrounds
SolidJS
- Much smaller ecosystem than React, so many problems have no off-the-shelf library
- The React-like syntax is misleading: components run once, and React habits produce subtle bugs
- Smaller hiring pool and fewer learning resources than the mainstream frameworks
Pricing, plan by plan
HTMX
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the HTMX review.
SolidJS
Free- SolidJSFree
- Full library
- Commercial use permitted
- No usage limits
Which should you pick?
Choose HTMX if
- You need ajax requests.
- You want to start without paying.
- You also want http verb support.
Choose SolidJS if
- You need no virtual dom.
- You want to start without paying.
- You also want components run once.
Questions people ask
- Is HTMX or SolidJS better?
- Neither clearly leads. HTMX starts at Free and SolidJS at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, HTMX or SolidJS?
- HTMX starts at Free and SolidJS at Free.
- Does HTMX or SolidJS run on more platforms?
- Both run on Web, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
- Can I use HTMX for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is HTMX best used for?
- HTMX is most often used for building interactive applications without javascript framework complexity, server-rendered applications requiring dynamic updates, adding interactivity to existing server-side applications, hypermedia-driven applications using html-first approaches. Of those, building interactive applications without javascript framework complexity and server-rendered applications requiring dynamic updates are not what SolidJS is typically brought in for.
- What can HTMX do that SolidJS cannot?
- HTMX covers AJAX requests, HTTP verb support, DOM targeting, Swap strategies. SolidJS covers No virtual DOM, Components run once, JSX syntax, Small bundles.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
HTMX: How big is the HTMX JavaScript library?
HTMX is only 16 kilobytes minified and gzipped with zero external dependencies.
SourceSolidJS: Is SolidJS free?
Yes, open source under the MIT licence.
HTMX: Can HTMX work with JSON APIs?
While HTMX is optimized for HTML responses, it can work with JSON through additional configuration and response handling.
SourceSolidJS: Is SolidJS just React without the virtual DOM?
The syntax is similar but the model is not. Solid components run once and reactivity is fine-grained, so patterns that are correct in React can be wrong in Solid.
HTMX: Does HTMX support real-time features like WebSockets?
Yes, HTMX includes support for WebSockets and server-sent events for real-time bidirectional communication.
SourceSolidJS: Why is SolidJS fast?
It compiles away much of the framework and updates individual DOM nodes directly, rather than re-rendering components and diffing a virtual DOM.
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