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Remix vs SolidJS

Remix logo

Remix

Web Development

Full-stack JavaScript framework for building modern web applications

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
SolidJS logo

SolidJS

Web Development

Reactive JavaScript framework with no virtual DOM

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Remix different mental model than traditional React SPAs requires learning curve; SolidJS much smaller ecosystem than React, so many problems have no off-the-shelf library
  • They diverge on capability: Remix covers Server-side rendering, SolidJS covers No virtual DOM.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Remix and SolidJS actually diverge.

Attributes where Remix and SolidJS differ
AttributeRemixSolidJS
Pricing modelopen-sourceOpen source, no licence fee

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 Remix

  • Server-side rendering
  • File-based routing
  • Data loading patterns
  • Form handling
  • Error boundaries
  • Client-side navigation
  • Web standard APIs

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.

Remix

  • Building full-stack applications with progressive enhancementnot SolidJS
  • Server-rendered applications with rapid page transitionsnot SolidJS
  • Projects prioritizing web standards and accessibilitynot SolidJS
  • Applications requiring sophisticated data loading patternsnot SolidJS

SolidJS

  • Interfaces where update performance is the binding constraintnot Remix
  • Teams comfortable with React syntax who want finer-grained reactivitynot Remix
  • Applications where bundle size directly affects the businessnot Remix

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Remix

  • Different mental model than traditional React SPAs requires learning curve
  • Smaller ecosystem compared to Next.js despite Shopify backing
  • SSR adds server-side complexity for teams preferring client-first architecture
  • Form-first approach not optimal for highly interactive UI-heavy applications

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

Remix

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Remix review.

SolidJS

Free
  • SolidJSFree
    • Full library
    • Commercial use permitted
    • No usage limits

Which should you pick?

Choose Remix if

  • You need server-side rendering.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You also want file-based routing.
Remix review

Choose SolidJS if

  • You need no virtual dom.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You also want components run once.
SolidJS review

Questions people ask

Is Remix or SolidJS better?
Neither clearly leads. Remix 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, Remix or SolidJS?
Remix starts at Free and SolidJS at Free.
Does Remix or SolidJS run on more platforms?
Both run on Web, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
Can I use Remix for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Remix best used for?
Remix is most often used for building full-stack applications with progressive enhancement, server-rendered applications with rapid page transitions, projects prioritizing web standards and accessibility, applications requiring sophisticated data loading patterns. Of those, building full-stack applications with progressive enhancement and server-rendered applications with rapid page transitions are not what SolidJS is typically brought in for.
What can Remix do that SolidJS cannot?
Remix covers Server-side rendering, File-based routing, Data loading patterns, Form handling. SolidJS covers No virtual DOM, Components run once, JSX syntax, Small bundles.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Remix: Does Remix require React?

Yes, Remix is built on React and uses React components for the UI layer, though Remix simplifies server-side rendering and data loading patterns.

Source
SolidJS: Is SolidJS free?

Yes, open source under the MIT licence.

Remix: Can Remix be used for static site generation?

Remix is primarily a server-rendering framework; it supports static exports but is optimized for dynamic server-rendered applications.

Source
SolidJS: 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.

Remix: How does Remix compare to Next.js?

Both are full-stack frameworks, but Remix emphasizes web fundamentals and simpler mental models while Next.js focuses on both static generation and server rendering.

Source
SolidJS: 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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