Web Development · head to head
SolidJS vs HTMX
SolidJS
Web Development
Reactive JavaScript framework with no virtual DOM
- From
- Free
- Rated
- -
HTMX
Web Development
Lightweight JavaScript library enabling AJAX, WebSockets, and server-sent events in HTML
- From
- Free
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: SolidJS much smaller ecosystem than React, so many problems have no off-the-shelf library; HTMX best suited for server-rendered architectures, not pure client-side SPAs
- They diverge on capability: SolidJS covers No virtual DOM, HTMX covers AJAX requests.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which SolidJS and HTMX 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 SolidJS
- No virtual DOM
- Components run once
- JSX syntax
- Small bundles
Only in HTMX
- AJAX requests
- HTTP verb support
- DOM targeting
- Swap strategies
- WebSocket support
- Server-sent events
- Out-of-band updates
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
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
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
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
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
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
Pricing, plan by plan
SolidJS
Free- SolidJSFree
- Full library
- Commercial use permitted
- No usage limits
HTMX
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the HTMX review.
Which should you pick?
Choose SolidJS if
- You need no virtual dom.
- You want to start without paying.
- You also want components run once.
Choose HTMX if
- You need ajax requests.
- You want to start without paying.
- You also want http verb support.
Questions people ask
- Is SolidJS or HTMX better?
- Neither clearly leads. SolidJS starts at Free and HTMX at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, SolidJS or HTMX?
- SolidJS starts at Free and HTMX at Free.
- Does SolidJS or HTMX run on more platforms?
- Both run on Web, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
- Can I use SolidJS for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is SolidJS best used for?
- SolidJS is most often used for interfaces where update performance is the binding constraint, teams comfortable with react syntax who want finer-grained reactivity, applications where bundle size directly affects the business. Of those, interfaces where update performance is the binding constraint and teams comfortable with react syntax who want finer-grained reactivity are not what HTMX is typically brought in for.
- What can SolidJS do that HTMX cannot?
- SolidJS covers No virtual DOM, Components run once, JSX syntax, Small bundles. HTMX covers AJAX requests, HTTP verb support, DOM targeting, Swap strategies.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
SolidJS: Is SolidJS free?
Yes, open source under the MIT licence.
HTMX: How big is the HTMX JavaScript library?
HTMX is only 16 kilobytes minified and gzipped with zero external dependencies.
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: 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: 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.
HTMX: Does HTMX support real-time features like WebSockets?
Yes, HTMX includes support for WebSockets and server-sent events for real-time bidirectional communication.
SourceRelated pages
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