Data grid libraries are essential tools for displaying and manipulating tabular data in web applications. They provide functionalities such as sorting, filtering, and editing, allowing developers to create interactive and user-friendly interfaces for data management. Both ag-Grid and Handsontable offer robust features, but they cater to different use cases and developer preferences, making it crucial to understand their unique strengths when selecting a library for your project.
NPM Package Downloads Trend
Github Stars Ranking
Stat Detail
Package
Downloads
Stars
Size
Issues
Publish
License
handsontable
104,413
20,308
20.4 MB
420
a month ago
SEE LICENSE IN LICENSE.txt
ag-grid
12,760
13,252
-
59
6 years ago
MIT
Feature Comparison: handsontable vs ag-grid
Performance
handsontable:
Handsontable is also performant but is best suited for smaller to medium-sized datasets. It provides a spreadsheet-like experience and is optimized for quick interactions, but may not perform as well as ag-Grid with very large datasets.
ag-grid:
ag-Grid is optimized for performance, capable of handling millions of rows with features like virtual scrolling and efficient rendering. It employs techniques such as lazy loading and cell rendering optimization to maintain fast performance even with complex data sets.
Customization
handsontable:
Handsontable provides a user-friendly API for customization, focusing on spreadsheet-like functionalities. While it allows for some customization, it may not be as flexible as ag-Grid for complex data manipulation scenarios.
ag-grid:
ag-Grid offers extensive customization options, allowing developers to create tailored grid experiences. You can customize cell rendering, row grouping, and even implement custom filters and editors, making it highly adaptable to specific needs.
Data Editing
handsontable:
Handsontable excels in providing a spreadsheet-like editing experience, allowing users to edit data directly in cells. It supports features like undo/redo and data validation, making it intuitive for users familiar with spreadsheet applications.
ag-grid:
ag-Grid supports a wide range of editing options, including inline editing, popup editors, and custom editors. It allows for complex data validation and can handle various data types seamlessly, making it suitable for enterprise applications.
Community and Support
handsontable:
Handsontable also has a supportive community and good documentation, but its commercial support may not be as extensive as ag-Grid. It is well-suited for developers who appreciate a straightforward approach without extensive enterprise features.
ag-grid:
ag-Grid has a strong community and commercial support options, including comprehensive documentation, tutorials, and a dedicated support team for enterprise users. This makes it easier to find solutions and best practices for complex implementations.
Integration
handsontable:
Handsontable is also framework-agnostic and can be integrated with any JavaScript framework. It provides a simple API that makes it easy to embed in existing applications, especially those requiring spreadsheet functionalities.
ag-grid:
ag-Grid integrates well with various frameworks like Angular, React, and Vue, providing specific components for each. This makes it a versatile choice for developers working in different environments.
How to Choose: handsontable vs ag-grid
ag-grid:
Choose ag-Grid if you need a highly customizable and feature-rich grid solution that can handle large datasets efficiently. It is ideal for enterprise applications requiring advanced features like grouping, pivoting, and server-side operations.
Similar Npm Packages to handsontable
handsontable is a powerful JavaScript data grid component for web applications. It provides an Excel-like experience for managing and displaying tabular data, making it an excellent choice for applications that require rich data manipulation features. With handsontable, developers can easily create interactive tables with functionalities such as sorting, filtering, and editing, all while maintaining a smooth user experience. Its flexibility and extensive API allow for customization, making it suitable for a wide range of use cases, from simple data displays to complex data management applications.
One notable alternative to handsontable is ag-grid. Ag-grid is another feature-rich data grid library that offers a comprehensive set of functionalities for handling large datasets. It supports a variety of features such as virtual scrolling, row grouping, and custom cell rendering, making it a robust choice for enterprise-level applications. Ag-grid is designed for performance and scalability, allowing developers to efficiently manage and display large volumes of data without sacrificing speed or responsiveness. Its extensive documentation and support for various frameworks, including React, Angular, and Vue, make it a versatile option for developers.
ag-grid is a powerful and feature-rich data grid library for building interactive data tables in web applications. It is designed to handle large datasets efficiently and provides a wide range of functionalities, including sorting, filtering, pagination, and cell editing. With its extensive customization options and support for various frameworks, including React, Angular, and Vue, ag-grid is a popular choice for developers looking to create dynamic and responsive data grids.
While ag-grid offers a comprehensive solution for data grid needs, there are several alternatives available that cater to different requirements and preferences:
handsontable is a JavaScript data grid component that provides a spreadsheet-like experience for users. It is particularly well-suited for applications that require a familiar interface for data manipulation, such as Excel-like features. handsontable supports features like cell editing, data validation, and custom rendering, making it a great choice for applications that require an interactive and user-friendly data grid experience. Its flexibility and ease of use make it a popular option for developers who want to implement spreadsheet functionalities in their web applications.
react-data-grid is a lightweight and customizable data grid specifically built for React applications. It offers essential features like sorting, filtering, and editing, while maintaining a simple API that allows for easy integration into React projects. react-data-grid is ideal for developers looking for a straightforward solution to display and manipulate tabular data without the overhead of more complex libraries. Its performance and flexibility make it suitable for a variety of use cases, from simple data tables to more complex applications.
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.
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:
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.
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:
Join the conversation on GitHub Discussions to share ideas, suggest features, or discuss changes.
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.