date-fns vs moment vs luxon vs @internationalized/date
JavaScript Date Libraries Comparison
1 Year
date-fnsmomentluxon@internationalized/dateSimilar Packages:
What's JavaScript Date Libraries?

JavaScript date libraries are essential tools for managing and manipulating dates and times in web development. They provide functionalities such as parsing, formatting, comparing, and manipulating dates, which can be complex due to the intricacies of time zones, daylight saving time, and cultural differences in date formats. These libraries help developers avoid common pitfalls associated with native date handling in JavaScript, offering more robust and user-friendly APIs for date-related operations.

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date-fns26,107,70535,35922.6 MB7955 months agoMIT
moment23,042,04248,0754.35 MB276a year agoMIT
luxon12,190,84015,7114.48 MB1877 months agoMIT
@internationalized/date2,557,461-1 MB-a month agoApache-2.0
Feature Comparison: date-fns vs moment vs luxon vs @internationalized/date

Localization

  • date-fns:

    date-fns offers some localization features, but they are not as comprehensive as @internationalized/date. It provides basic support for formatting dates in different locales, but it may require additional setup for full localization capabilities.

  • moment:

    Moment.js has strong localization support, offering a wide range of locales out of the box. It allows developers to easily switch between different date formats based on user preferences, although it is less efficient compared to newer libraries.

  • luxon:

    Luxon excels in localization, leveraging the Intl API to provide robust support for different locales and time zones. It allows for easy formatting and parsing of dates based on user locale, making it suitable for global applications.

  • @internationalized/date:

    @internationalized/date is built with localization in mind, providing extensive support for various locales. It allows developers to format dates according to local customs, making it ideal for international applications that need to cater to diverse user bases.

Mutability

  • date-fns:

    date-fns also follows an immutable approach, where functions return new date objects rather than modifying the original. This characteristic is beneficial for functional programming styles and enhances code clarity.

  • moment:

    Moment.js uses mutable date objects, which can lead to unintended side effects if not handled carefully. While this can be convenient in some scenarios, it increases the risk of bugs due to changes in shared date instances.

  • luxon:

    Luxon supports immutable date objects, ensuring that any operations performed on a date return a new instance. This design choice aligns with modern JavaScript practices and helps avoid side effects in date manipulation.

  • @internationalized/date:

    @internationalized/date promotes immutability, meaning that date objects are not modified after creation. This approach helps prevent bugs related to unexpected changes in date values, making the code more predictable and easier to maintain.

Time Zone Handling

  • date-fns:

    date-fns has limited time zone support, mainly relying on the native Date object for time zone calculations. It is not the best choice for applications that require extensive time zone manipulation.

  • moment:

    Moment.js has robust time zone support through the Moment Timezone add-on. It allows for easy manipulation and conversion of dates across different time zones, making it a good choice for applications that need to handle complex time zone scenarios.

  • luxon:

    Luxon shines in time zone handling, providing a straightforward API for working with different time zones and daylight saving time. It allows developers to easily convert between time zones and perform calculations with confidence.

  • @internationalized/date:

    @internationalized/date does not focus on time zone management directly, as it is primarily aimed at localization. Developers may need to handle time zones separately or use additional libraries for comprehensive time zone support.

Performance

  • date-fns:

    date-fns is designed for performance, as it allows developers to import only the functions they need, resulting in smaller bundle sizes and faster execution times. Its functional approach also contributes to efficient date operations.

  • moment:

    Moment.js is known for its extensive features, but it is also larger and can be slower compared to newer libraries. For applications with heavy date manipulation needs, its performance may become a concern, especially in environments where bundle size is critical.

  • luxon:

    Luxon, while slightly heavier than some alternatives, is still performant due to its reliance on modern JavaScript features and the Intl API. It strikes a balance between functionality and performance, making it suitable for most applications.

  • @internationalized/date:

    @internationalized/date is lightweight and optimized for performance, particularly in applications that require frequent date formatting and parsing without the overhead of larger libraries.

Learning Curve

  • date-fns:

    date-fns is relatively easy to learn, especially for those familiar with functional programming. Its modular design allows developers to grasp individual functions without needing to understand the entire library at once.

  • moment:

    Moment.js is easy to learn and widely adopted, making it accessible for developers. However, its extensive API can be overwhelming for newcomers, and understanding best practices for performance may take time.

  • luxon:

    Luxon has a slightly steeper learning curve due to its comprehensive features and time zone handling capabilities. However, its modern API is intuitive for developers familiar with JavaScript's built-in date handling.

  • @internationalized/date:

    @internationalized/date has a moderate learning curve, particularly for developers familiar with internationalization concepts. Its API is straightforward, but understanding localization nuances may require additional effort.

How to Choose: date-fns vs moment vs luxon vs @internationalized/date
  • date-fns:

    Opt for date-fns if you prefer a lightweight, modular approach to date manipulation. It allows you to import only the functions you need, minimizing bundle size. It's great for projects that require simple date operations without the overhead of a larger library.

  • moment:

    Choose Moment.js if you are dealing with legacy code or require a comprehensive solution for date manipulation. Although it is larger and has been superseded by newer libraries, it still offers extensive features and is widely used in many existing projects.

  • luxon:

    Select Luxon if you need a powerful library that handles time zones and durations effectively. It is built on the Intl API and provides a modern API for working with dates and times, making it suitable for applications that require precise time zone handling and formatting.

  • @internationalized/date:

    Choose @internationalized/date if you need a library specifically designed for internationalization (i18n) and localization (l10n) of dates. It is ideal for applications that require support for multiple languages and regions, ensuring that date formats adhere to local customs.

README for date-fns

🔥️ NEW: date-fns v4.0 with first-class time zone support is out!

date-fns

date-fns provides the most comprehensive, yet simple and consistent toolset for manipulating JavaScript dates in a browser & Node.js

👉 Documentation

👉 Blog


It's like Lodash for dates

  • It has 200+ functions for all occasions.
  • Modular: Pick what you need. Works with webpack, Browserify, or Rollup and also supports tree-shaking.
  • Native dates: Uses existing native type. It doesn't extend core objects for safety's sake.
  • Immutable & Pure: Built using pure functions and always returns a new date instance.
  • TypeScript: The library is 100% TypeScript with brand-new handcrafted types.
  • I18n: Dozens of locales. Include only what you need.
  • and many more benefits
import { compareAsc, format } from "date-fns";

format(new Date(2014, 1, 11), "yyyy-MM-dd");
//=> '2014-02-11'

const dates = [
  new Date(1995, 6, 2),
  new Date(1987, 1, 11),
  new Date(1989, 6, 10),
];
dates.sort(compareAsc);
//=> [
//   Wed Feb 11 1987 00:00:00,
//   Mon Jul 10 1989 00:00:00,
//   Sun Jul 02 1995 00:00:00
// ]

The library is available as an npm package. To install the package run:

npm install date-fns --save

Docs

See date-fns.org for more details, API, and other docs.


License

MIT © Sasha Koss