Web Development · head to head
React vs Angular
React
Web Development
A JavaScript library for building user interfaces
- From
- Free
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: React jSX requires a build step using Webpack, Babel, or other transpilers to convert to browser-executable JavaScript; Angular written for TypeScript, so a plain JavaScript project takes on a compiler step to use it as intended
- They diverge on capability: React covers Virtual DOM, Angular covers TypeScript by default.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which React and Angular actually diverge.
Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated).
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 React
- Virtual DOM
- JSX syntax
- Unidirectional data flow
- React Hooks
- Server-side rendering
- Hot reloading
- Developer tools
- Next.js
Only in Angular
- TypeScript by default
- Dependency injection
- Two-way data binding
- Directives
- Services
- RxJS integration
- Angular CLI
- Angular CLI
Both cover
- Component-based architecture
- Webpack
- CSRF protection
- Client-side deployment
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
React
- Web application developmentnot Angular
- Single-page applicationsnot Angular
- Interactive user interfacesnot Angular
- Mobile app developmentnot Angular
- Component librariesnot Angular
Angular
- Building large web applications that scale with team sizenot React
- Applications needing first-party routing and forms rather than assembled librariesnot React
- Fine-grained reactive state using Signalsnot React
- Server-rendered apps using hydration and deferrable viewsnot React
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
React
- JSX requires a build step using Webpack, Babel, or other transpilers to convert to browser-executable JavaScript
- Routing and state management are separate dependencies, not included in core library
- Configuration complexity for advanced features like server-side rendering without a meta-framework
- Requires choosing and configuring build tools and development environment setup
Angular
- Written for TypeScript, so a plain JavaScript project takes on a compiler step to use it as intended
Pricing, plan by plan
React
Free- Open SourceFree
- Component-based architecture
- Virtual DOM
- JSX syntax
Angular
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Angular review.
Which should you pick?
Choose React if
- You need virtual dom.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Web, Mobile.
- You also want jsx syntax.
Choose Angular if
- You need typescript by default.
- You want to start without paying.
- You also want dependency injection.
Questions people ask
- Is React or Angular better?
- Neither clearly leads. React starts at Free and Angular at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, React or Angular?
- React starts at Free and Angular at Free.
- Does React or Angular run on more platforms?
- React runs on Web, Mobile. Angular runs on Web.
- Can I use React for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is React best used for?
- React is most often used for web application development, single-page applications, interactive user interfaces, mobile app development. Of those, web application development and single-page applications are not what Angular is typically brought in for.
- What can React do that Angular cannot?
- React covers Virtual DOM, JSX syntax, Unidirectional data flow, React Hooks. Angular covers TypeScript by default, Dependency injection, Two-way data binding, Directives. Both handle Component-based architecture, Webpack, CSRF protection, Client-side deployment.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
React: Is React free to use commercially?
Yes. React is distributed under the MIT open-source license, which permits free usage for both personal and commercial projects without licensing fees or restrictions.
SourceReact: Does React support TypeScript?
Yes. React works seamlessly with TypeScript for type-safe component development. TypeScript provides static type checking for React components, props, and state, improving code reliability and developer experience.
SourceReact: Do I need a build step to use React?
If you use JSX, yes. JSX requires transpilation by a build tool like Webpack and Babel before browsers can execute it. However, React can be used without JSX by calling React.createElement directly, which does not require a build step.
SourceReact: Can I build offline-capable applications with React?
Yes. React supports building Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) with service workers and IndexedDB for offline functionality. Create React App includes service worker setup, though it must be manually enabled for production use.
Source