handsontable vs ag-grid vs react-data-grid
Data Grid Libraries
handsontableag-gridreact-data-gridSimilar Packages:

Data Grid Libraries

Data grid libraries are essential tools in web development that provide a structured way to display and manipulate tabular data. They come with a variety of features such as sorting, filtering, and editing capabilities, making it easier for developers to create interactive and user-friendly applications. These libraries are particularly useful in applications that require handling large datasets, allowing for efficient data management and visualization. Each library has its unique strengths and weaknesses, catering to different use cases and developer preferences.

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handsontable206,41821,79922.8 MB3833 months agoSEE LICENSE IN LICENSE.txt
ag-grid15,38115,067-1498 years agoMIT
react-data-grid07,570412 kB683 months agoMIT

Feature Comparison: handsontable vs ag-grid vs react-data-grid

Customization

  • handsontable:

    Handsontable provides a user-friendly API for customization, enabling developers to create custom cell types and editors. It also supports various themes and styles, making it easy to integrate into existing applications while maintaining a consistent look and feel.

  • ag-grid:

    ag-Grid offers extensive customization options, allowing developers to define custom cell renderers, editors, and filters. It supports themes and provides a rich API for fine-tuning the grid's behavior and appearance, making it suitable for complex applications that require tailored solutions.

  • react-data-grid:

    React Data Grid allows for moderate customization through its API, enabling developers to create custom cell renderers and editors. However, it is less flexible compared to ag-Grid, making it more suitable for simpler use cases where extensive customization is not required.

Performance

  • handsontable:

    Handsontable performs well with moderate datasets, but may experience performance issues with very large datasets due to its reliance on DOM manipulation for rendering. It is best suited for applications where data size is manageable and user interaction is prioritized.

  • ag-grid:

    ag-Grid is optimized for performance, capable of handling large datasets efficiently. It utilizes virtual scrolling and lazy loading techniques to ensure smooth rendering and interaction, making it ideal for applications with extensive data requirements.

  • react-data-grid:

    React Data Grid is designed for performance in React applications, utilizing techniques like virtualization to optimize rendering. It is a good choice for applications that require quick interactions with moderately sized datasets.

Integration

  • handsontable:

    Handsontable is primarily focused on providing a spreadsheet-like experience and integrates well with vanilla JavaScript and frameworks like React and Angular. Its API is straightforward, making it easy to implement in various projects.

  • ag-grid:

    ag-Grid can be integrated with various frameworks and libraries, including Angular, Vue, and React. Its flexibility allows it to fit into different tech stacks, making it a versatile choice for developers working across multiple platforms.

  • react-data-grid:

    React Data Grid is specifically built for React applications, ensuring seamless integration with the React ecosystem. It leverages React's component-based architecture, making it a natural fit for developers already using React.

Features

  • handsontable:

    Handsontable offers features like cell editing, data validation, and formula support, resembling a spreadsheet application. It is particularly useful for applications that require user-friendly data entry and manipulation capabilities.

  • ag-grid:

    ag-Grid is packed with features including grouping, aggregation, pivoting, filtering, and sorting. It also supports advanced functionalities like row grouping and master-detail views, making it suitable for complex data scenarios.

  • react-data-grid:

    React Data Grid provides essential features such as sorting, filtering, and inline editing. While it may not have as many advanced features as ag-Grid, it strikes a balance between functionality and ease of use for typical data grid needs.

Learning Curve

  • handsontable:

    Handsontable is relatively easy to learn, especially for developers familiar with spreadsheet concepts. Its straightforward API allows for quick implementation, making it accessible for those new to data grid libraries.

  • ag-grid:

    ag-Grid has a steeper learning curve due to its extensive feature set and customization options. Developers may need to invest time in understanding its API and configurations to fully leverage its capabilities.

  • react-data-grid:

    React Data Grid is designed to be user-friendly, with a gentle learning curve for React developers. Its simplicity and focus on core functionalities make it easy to get started without extensive setup.

How to Choose: handsontable vs ag-grid vs react-data-grid

  • handsontable:

    Select Handsontable if you are looking for a spreadsheet-like experience with a focus on data entry and manipulation. It is particularly useful for applications that require Excel-like functionalities such as cell editing, formulas, and data validation.

  • ag-grid:

    Choose ag-Grid if you need a highly customizable and feature-rich grid solution that supports complex data operations, including grouping, aggregation, and pivoting. It is ideal for enterprise-level applications where performance and flexibility are critical.

  • react-data-grid:

    Opt for React Data Grid if you want a lightweight and easy-to-use grid specifically designed for React applications. It offers a good balance of features and performance, making it suitable for projects that need quick implementation without extensive configuration.

README for handsontable



Logo of Handsontable data grid

Handsontable is a JavaScript Data Grid with a spreadsheet-like look and feel.

Use it with JavaScript, TypeScript, or frameworks such as React, Angular, and Vue. With its spreadsheet-like editing features, it’s perfect for building data-rich internal apps. It allows users to enter, edit, validate, and process data from various sources. Common use cases include resource planning software (ERP), inventory management systems, digital platforms, and data modeling applications.

Website   —   Documentation   —   Themes   —   API   —   Community


NPM version Total downloads Monthly downloads Contributors
CI status Quality gate status FOSSA status


JavaScript data grid preview

✨ Key Features

  ✅  Built-in themes
  ✅  Flexible API
  ✅  Virtualization
  ✅  IME support
  ✅  Internationalization
  ✅  RTL support
  ✅  Accessibility
  ✅  Keyboard shortcuts
  ✅  Sorting data
  ✅  Filtering data
  ✅  400 built-in formulas
  ✅  Configurable selection
  ✅  Data validation
  ✅  Conditional formatting
  ✅  Merged cells
  ✅  Frozen rows and columns
  ✅  Hiding rows and columns
  ✅  Right-click context menu

🪄 Installation

Below, you'll find the installation guide for the JavaScript component. If you're using a specific framework, refer to its dedicated wrapper for installation instructions:


Install with npm

You can also use Yarn, NuGet or load the package from CDN.

npm install handsontable

Provide an HTML container

<!-- Set the container's ID -->
<div id="handsontable-grid"></div>

Setup

import Handsontable from 'handsontable';
// Base CSS rules
import 'handsontable/styles/handsontable.min.css';
// Main theme variables
import 'handsontable/styles/ht-theme-main.min.css';

const element = document.getElementById('handsontable-grid');

new Handsontable(element, {
  // theme name with obligatory ht-theme-* prefix
  themeName: 'ht-theme-main-dark-auto',
  // other options
  data: [
    { company: 'Tagcat', country: 'United Kingdom', rating: 4.4 },
    { company: 'Zoomzone', country: 'Japan', rating: 4.5 },
    { company: 'Meeveo', country: 'United States', rating: 4.6 },
  ],
  columns: [
    { data: 'company', title: 'Company', width: 100 },
    { data: 'country', title: 'Country', width: 170, type: 'dropdown', source: ['United Kingdom', 'Japan', 'United States'] },
    { data: 'rating', title: 'Rating', width: 100, type: 'numeric' },
  ],
  rowHeaders: true,
  navigableHeaders: true,
  tabNavigation: true,
  multiColumnSorting: true,
  headerClassName: 'htLeft',
  licenseKey: 'non-commercial-and-evaluation',
});

Static Badge

CDN-based setup

  Show/Hide code
If your environment does not support imports, you can use the code below to quickly set up and run a data grid with basic configuration options.

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
  <head>
    <meta charset="UTF-8" />
    <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0" />
    <title>Handsontable - JavaScript Data Grid Example</title>
    <link
      rel="stylesheet"
      href="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/handsontable/styles/handsontable.min.css"
    />
    <link
      rel="stylesheet"
      href="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/handsontable/styles/ht-theme-main.min.css"
    />
  </head>
  <body>
    <div id="handsontable-grid"></div>
    <script src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/handsontable/dist/handsontable.full.min.js"></script>
    <script>
      const element = document.getElementById("handsontable-grid");

      new Handsontable(element, {
        // theme name with obligatory ht-theme-* prefix
        themeName: 'ht-theme-main-dark-auto',
        // other options
        data: [
          { company: "Tagcat", country: "United Kingdom", rating: 4.4 },
          { company: "Zoomzone", country: "Japan", rating: 4.5 },
          { company: "Meeveo", country: "United States", rating: 4.6 },
        ],
        columns: [
          { data: "company", title: "Company", width: 100 },
          { data: "country", title: "Country", width: 170, type: "dropdown", source: ["United Kingdom", "Japan", "United States"] },
          { data: "rating", title: "Rating", width: 100, type: "numeric" },
        ],
        rowHeaders: true,
        navigableHeaders: true,
        tabNavigation: true,
        multiColumnSorting: true,
        headerClassName: "htLeft",
        licenseKey: "non-commercial-and-evaluation",
      });
    </script>
  </body>
</html>

🚀 Resources


🤔 Is Handsontable a Data Grid or a Spreadsheet?

Handsontable is a data grid component written in JavaScript, not a spreadsheet. However, it brings in many features typically found in spreadsheet software. We designed it this way because spreadsheet-like patterns are often the most user-friendly when it comes to data entry and management.

Spreadsheet-like features in Handsontable:

  • Keyboard shortcuts compliant with either Google Sheets or Excel
  • 400 spreadsheet formulas via native integration with HyperFormula
  • Keyboard navigation across headers that can be disabled, making only cells navigable
  • TAB navigation across cells that can be disabled
  • Built-in undo-redo functionality
  • Powerful clipboard capabilities for copy-paste operations
  • Ability to scroll the grid within the container (div) or window
  • Data binding in the form of an array of objects or arrays of arrays
  • Built-in cell editors like a date picker or dropdown list

At first glance, it might seem that a data table, spreadsheet, and data grid are just different names for the same thing - an interactive table displaying data. In reality, these tools serve different purposes and offer distinct functionalities, designed to meet specific needs. Handsontable sits comfortably in the data grid category while incorporating many of the best aspects of spreadsheet software.


🛟 Support

We're here to help!

If you're using Handsontable with a free, non-commercial license, you can:

If you have a commercial license, feel free to contact us directly at support@handsontable.com or use our contact form.


📖 Licenses

Handsontable is available under two licensing options, allowing you to choose the one that best fits your needs. Each license comes with its own terms and conditions, as outlined below:

① Free license for non-commercial use, and evaluation purposes

This license is available for non-commercial purposes such as teaching, academic research, or evaluation. It allows you to use Handsontable free of charge under the terms specified in the non-commercial license agreement.
Learn more here.

② Commercial license

For commercial use, a paid license is required. This license includes support and maintenance to ensure you get the most out of Handsontable. The commercial license can be purchased directly from Handsoncode or through an authorized reseller. See the pricing page for details.


🔑 License Key

For projects covered by the free non-commercial license, simply use the phrase 'non-commercial-and-evaluation' as your license key.

If you're using Handsontable in a project that supports commercial activities, you'll need to purchase a license key at handsontable.com/pricing. You can find more details in our documentation.


🙌 Contributing

Contributions are welcome, but before you make them, please read the Contributing Guide and accept the Contributor License Agreement.



Created and maintained by the Handsontable Team 👋


© 2012 - 2025 Handsoncode