react-router vs react-router-dom vs @xyflow/react vs @reach/router
React Routing Libraries Comparison
1 Year
react-routerreact-router-dom@xyflow/react@reach/routerSimilar Packages:
What's React Routing Libraries?

Routing libraries in React are essential for managing navigation and rendering components based on the URL. They allow developers to create single-page applications (SPAs) that can dynamically change views without reloading the entire page. These libraries provide tools for defining routes, handling navigation events, and managing the browser history, making it easier to create a seamless user experience. Each library has its own design philosophy and feature set, catering to different use cases and developer preferences.

Package Weekly Downloads Trend
Github Stars Ranking
Stat Detail
Package
Downloads
Stars
Size
Issues
Publish
License
react-router18,415,46955,1872.32 MB12515 days agoMIT
react-router-dom16,688,66855,1875.46 kB12515 days agoMIT
@xyflow/react859,06630,5231.16 MB96a day agoMIT
@reach/router829,1666,877-1735 years agoMIT
Feature Comparison: react-router vs react-router-dom vs @xyflow/react vs @reach/router

Accessibility

  • react-router:

    react-router does not have built-in accessibility features, but developers can implement accessibility best practices within their routes. It offers flexibility in how routes are defined, allowing for custom accessibility implementations.

  • react-router-dom:

    react-router-dom does not focus on accessibility by default, but it provides the necessary tools for developers to create accessible applications. Developers are encouraged to follow best practices for accessibility when implementing routes.

  • @xyflow/react:

    @xyflow/react does not specifically focus on accessibility features, but it allows developers to implement their own accessibility practices as needed. It provides a flexible API that can be adapted to various accessibility requirements.

  • @reach/router:

    @reach/router is built with accessibility in mind, providing features that ensure your application is usable by everyone, including those using screen readers. It follows WAI-ARIA practices to enhance the navigational experience for users with disabilities.

Complexity and Learning Curve

  • react-router:

    react-router has a steeper learning curve due to its extensive feature set and flexibility. While it offers powerful routing capabilities, new users may find it complex to fully grasp all its concepts and best practices.

  • react-router-dom:

    react-router-dom is built on top of react-router and shares its complexity. However, it provides additional components that simplify routing in web applications, making it somewhat easier to learn for web-specific use cases.

  • @xyflow/react:

    @xyflow/react has a moderate learning curve, especially for developers familiar with functional programming concepts. Its modern approach may require some adjustment for those used to traditional class-based components.

  • @reach/router:

    @reach/router has a gentle learning curve, making it easy for developers to get started with routing in React. Its API is straightforward, allowing for quick implementation of basic routing features without overwhelming complexity.

Routing Features

  • react-router:

    react-router is known for its comprehensive routing capabilities, including nested routes, route parameters, and lazy loading. It is ideal for large-scale applications that require intricate routing logic and a rich set of features.

  • react-router-dom:

    react-router-dom extends react-router with additional components tailored for web applications, such as BrowserRouter and Link. It supports all the features of react-router while providing a more user-friendly experience for web developers.

  • @xyflow/react:

    @xyflow/react provides advanced routing features, including dynamic route handling and integration with state management. It allows for more complex routing scenarios and is suitable for applications that require a high degree of flexibility.

  • @reach/router:

    @reach/router offers a minimalistic routing solution with essential features like route matching, nested routes, and dynamic routing. It is designed for simplicity and ease of use, making it suitable for smaller applications or those that prioritize accessibility.

Community and Ecosystem

  • react-router:

    react-router has a large and active community, making it one of the most popular routing libraries in the React ecosystem. It has extensive documentation, tutorials, and third-party plugins available, which can help developers find solutions to common problems.

  • react-router-dom:

    react-router-dom benefits from the popularity of react-router, sharing its community and ecosystem. It is widely used in web applications, ensuring that developers can find ample resources and community support.

  • @xyflow/react:

    @xyflow/react is relatively new and has a smaller community. However, it is designed to be flexible and integrates well with other libraries, which can help it gain traction in the future.

  • @reach/router:

    @reach/router has a smaller community compared to react-router but is growing steadily. It is well-documented and supported by the Reach UI team, ensuring that developers have access to resources and updates.

Performance

  • react-router:

    react-router is generally performant but can suffer from performance issues if not implemented correctly, especially in large applications with complex routing. Developers need to be mindful of how they structure their routes to maintain optimal performance.

  • react-router-dom:

    react-router-dom maintains similar performance characteristics to react-router, with additional optimizations for web applications. Proper implementation of routes and components can help ensure good performance in web environments.

  • @xyflow/react:

    @xyflow/react is designed to be performant, leveraging modern React features to optimize rendering and routing. Its functional approach can lead to better performance in applications that require dynamic routing.

  • @reach/router:

    @reach/router is lightweight and optimized for performance, making it suitable for applications where speed and efficiency are crucial. Its minimalistic approach helps reduce overhead and improve load times.

How to Choose: react-router vs react-router-dom vs @xyflow/react vs @reach/router
  • react-router:

    Choose react-router if you need a robust and widely adopted routing solution with extensive features. It is ideal for large applications that require complex routing scenarios, nested routes, and a rich ecosystem of plugins and extensions.

  • react-router-dom:

    Choose react-router-dom if you are building a web application that requires DOM-specific routing capabilities. It extends react-router with additional components and hooks specifically designed for web applications, making it easier to manage routing in a browser environment.

  • @xyflow/react:

    Choose @xyflow/react if you are looking for a modern, flexible routing solution that integrates well with state management and offers a more functional programming approach. It is suitable for applications that require advanced routing capabilities and dynamic route management.

  • @reach/router:

    Choose @reach/router if you prioritize accessibility and simplicity. It is designed with a focus on providing a straightforward API and ensuring that your application is accessible to all users, including those using assistive technologies.

README for react-router

react-router is the primary package in the React Router project.

Installation

npm i react-router