8 of the Best React UI Component Libraries and Frameworks for 2024

Without a User Interface (UI,) you wouldn’t be able to work with most of the apps on the web without effort. However, developers need fast ways to build these UIs that also adhere to typical development guidelines. React.js is a modern way to achieve this, and with our list of best React UI component libraries and frameworks, you’ll be able to choose the right one for your project.

Frameworks and libraries let you develop elements of your site without the need for manual coding of every aspect. This means you can often use a snippet or two in order to implement elements such as buttons and tables, then continue to create. Each library and framework has its own focus, so you’ll likely use different tools on a per project basis.

For this post, we’ll round up some of the best React UI component libraries and frameworks, and even show you how to install each one. First, let’s summarize what React is, and what it can do for you.

What React Is

In a nutshell, React is a library for the JavaScript programming language. It lets you build UIs using a front-end framework an code snippets, then deploy them with ease. Even so, there are some who want to make React even more straightforward to use.

As such, there are a number of frameworks and component libraries to leverage that will make your development time shorter, which lets you be more creative and innovative. For instance, you can add all sorts of elements without the need for code: buttons, selection boxes, toolbars, interactive elements, and much more:

All you’ll need to do is choose the right framework for your project. Next, we’ll look at some of the best available.

8 of the Best React UI Component Libraries and Frameworks

We’re going to showcase eight of the best React UI component libraries and frameworks. Here’s a quick list of what we’ll cover:

1. React Bootstrap. A non-nonsense React UI library that integrates with the Bootstrap framework.
2. Grommet. This React UI component library is great if you want to implement accessibility into your designs.
3. Blueprint. For desktop React apps, you’ll want to check out Blueprint’s offerings.
4. Ant Design. The design focus of this library is connection with the user: something every designer wants to achieve.
5. Onsen UI React. If you want to build a mobile React app, this library will cover you with regards to UI design.
6. Rebass. The unique features of this library is how you can use styled props within your code, without the need to open up a second stylesheet.
7. Semantic UI React. As the name suggests, this React library integrates with the Semantic UI development framework.
8. MUI. For a look reminicent of Google’s Material Design, MUI is a stellar choice – especially given it’s clean and straightforward implementation.

In fact, there are many more than eight libraries. However, we think these represent the highest quality on the market. What’s more, they aren’t in any order – so feel free to read each and everyone to see how they compare.

1. React Bootstrap

First off, we have React Bootstrap. This is one of the older React UI libraries, and it means you have a great foundation for your UI design.

The library uses TypeScript, which is a subset of JavaScript that complies to the language. Even so, this is a quick and compatible way to build a UI using React. Even better, because the library uses the Bootstrap style sheet, you’ll be able to use it with your own Bootstrap themes.

You can use Yarn to install React Bootstrap if you wish, but there’s also a package available for npm:

npm install react-bootstrap bootstrap

React Bootstrap uses ‘variants’ to create different elements:

function TypesExample() {
  return (
    <>
      <Button variant="primary">Primary</Button>{' '}
      <Button variant="secondary">Secondary</Button>{' '}
      <Button variant="success">Success</Button>{' '}
      <Button variant="warning">Warning</Button>{' '}
      <Button variant="danger">Danger</Button>{' '}
      <Button variant="info">Info</Button>{' '}
      <Button variant="light">Light</Button>{' '}
      <Button variant="dark">Dark</Button>
      <Button variant="link">Link</Button>
    </>
  );
}

export default TypesExample;

This example will create a string of styled buttons:

On the whole, React Bootstrap is intuitive to use, and will help you create UI elements that look fantastic.

2. Grommet

Next on our list of best React UI component libraries and frameworks is Grommet. This promotes a streamlined approach, and if you compare it to React Bootstrap, provides a lot more functionality.

This framework provides thoughtful ways to get to work without a lengthy design period. For example, you have the Grommet Themer to help you match your component library to your color schemes. What’s more, you have the dedicated Grommet Designer that uses a simple builder to create your component designs.

Installation is breeze using either npm or Yarn:

npm install grommet grommet-icons styled-components --save

From there, you’ll also have a streamlined way to create your elements:

export default () => (
  <SandboxComponent>
    <Button label='Submit' onClick={() => {}} />
  </SandboxComponent>
);

The result is a super-slick button:

All in all, we like Grommet for its cool default designs, its accessibility features, and the additional design tools.

3. Blueprint UI

If you want a no-nonsense React UI component library that also looks the business, Blueprint UI could be the toolkit for you.

You won’t want to use Blueprint for mobile-first apps. It’s a way to develop desktop apps that run in browsers: the greater the complexity, the better!

While you can use your favorite package manager to install Blueprint, the official documentation uses Yarn:

yarn add @blueprintjs/core react react-dom

While other elements might be different, you’ll only need one line to create a button:

<Button intent="success" text="button content" onClick={incrementCounter} />

The output looks functional and can slot into almost any project design:

We think that Blueprint UI is a straightforward tool, and will be perfect to whip up designs fast. Try it for yourself and see!

4. Ant Design

Ant Design bills itself as the world’s second most popular framework for React UI. Even so, it can be number one for your project.

The design ethos of Ant Design is all about clarity and connection. You can see this in its default design choices, but also in the tool inclusions. For instance, you have a front-end themer tool, but also rich and modern component that will look gorgeous.

As with other libraries, you can use either Yarn or npm for installation:

npm install antd

To create a button, you’ll only need a minimal number of lines:

import { Button } from 'antd';

const App = () => (
  <>
    <Button type="primary">PRESS ME</Button>
  </>
);

The result is an intuitive, simple, and no-frills button:

Overall, Ant Design can help you create modern designs, and in our opinion, it’s one of the best React UI component libraries and frameworks around.

5. Onsen UI React

Whereas Blueprint UI is suitable for desktop apps, Onsen UI React is the component library for mobile apps.

It supports both Android and iOS, which means you have dedicated components for both Material and Flat designs. Even better, Onsen UI React will auto-detect what platform your design is for and adapt accordingly.

Onsen UI React uses npm as its package manager of choice:

npm install onsenui react-onsenui --save

From there, you’ll use the VOns<element> component and modifiers to create elements:

<v-ons-button>Normal</v-ons-button>
<v-ons-button modifier="quiet">Quiet</v-ons-button>
<v-ons-button modifier="outline">Outline</v-ons-button>
<v-ons-button modifier="cta">Call to action</v-ons-button>
<v-ons-button modifier="large">Large</v-ons-button>

Coupled with some styling, you’ll have some good-looking buttons to add to your projects:

For mobile apps, you won’t find many libraries that are more straightforward to use: a highly recommended React UI component library.

6. Rebass

Styling is obviously important for any UI design. Rebass looks to use styled props in order for your to code it into your React UI.

The idea is that you’ll have less CSS to write. The knock-on effect is that you can also work closer to a finished design during development, rather than going through a second round of CSS. Its primitive components look great too, and the whole package is lightweight. As such, Rebass is flexible, scalable, and something you can integrate into your projects with ease.

Speaking of which, we like that Rebass’ website puts the installation code snippet on the home page:

npm i rebass

As for adding a component, this can often happen with one line:

<Button variant='primary' mr={2}>Primary</Button>

Of course, you’ll need to span the snippet over multiple lines based on the styling you include. However, you get a great-looking UI element regardless:

Rebass for React is akin to Bootstrap for CSS, but with better markup and top-notch design options. This library will help you work with component design, rather than HTML and CSS design.

7. Semantic UI React

Much like React Bootstrap, Semantic UI React is an extension for its parent development framework.

Of course, this will be one of the best React UI component libraries and frameworks if you choose to use Semantic UI. Even better, you’ll be able to integrate it fast, and it should be intuitive.

What’s more, you get some powerful features, such as augmentation, shorthand props, and auto controlled states. This means you can create components, and they will self manage their state without the need for your input.

As with the other libraries in this list, the installation is simple and straightforward:

npm install semantic-ui-react semantic-ui-css

You can use either npm or Yarn, and the main website includes snippets for both. When it comes to creating components, you can do this with one line. This is in addition to any import or export commands you will need to run for your project:

const ButtonExampleButton = () => <Button>Click Here</Button>

Compared to other libraries and frameworks on this list, the output component could seem bare:

However, this gives you a near-perfect fundamental foundation for your design. If you choose to use Semantic UI, this React UI component library will make the most sense for your project.

8. MUI

Google’s Material Design had some time in the public eye a few years ago. The idea is to standardize layouts and design choices to what Google believes is ‘correct.’ Without debating the pros and cons of this approach, MUI is one of the best React UI component libraries and frameworks to help you create in this style.

MUI is a toolbox rather than a simple library though. For instance, you have MUI Core, but also MUI X for advanced use cases. When you need a tree view, data picker, data grid, and more, this is the tool you’ll use. In addition, there are also UI layout templates and design kits to help your project along.

This is another library that includes the installation code snippet on the main home page, ready and waiting:

npm install @mui/material @emotion/react @emotion/styled

While there are different variations of elements – for example, buttons provide tens of types – you’ll often only need a single line to implement them:

<Button variant="contained">Contained</Button>

As you’d expect, the result looks like something Google’s design team would create:

Given the blend of usability, implementation, and results, you won’t go wrong with MUI. It’s ideal if you need to slot your app in alongside Google’s own.

Wrapping Up

Modern web applications almost have to include JavaScript. However, lots of times, you’ll want to speed up this additional coding process. React is one of the best libraries to help you build a UI with JavaScript. Even better, there are a number of React UI component libraries and frameworks available to assist you further.

For example, MUI is slick and lets you design based on Google’s own principles. Onsen UI React lets you develop mobile-first UI designs, whereas Blueprint UI is the go-to library for desktop apps. Regardless, there are so many libraries and frameworks around that you’ll no doubt find the right one for your project.

Does this list of best React UI component libraries and frameworks include your favorite? Give us your opinion in the comments section below!