date-fns vs dayjs vs luxon vs moment-timezone: Which is Better JavaScript Date Manipulation Libraries?

Package	Downloads	Stars	Size	Issues	Publish	License

date-fns	22,330,092	34,666	22.6 MB	748	a month ago	MIT
dayjs	21,057,421	46,821	670 kB	1,012	2 months ago	MIT
luxon	9,576,304	15,351	4.48 MB	183	2 months ago	MIT
moment-timezone	9,219,725	3,825	2.86 MB	75	9 days ago	MIT

Package

Downloads

Stars

Size

Issues

Publish

License

date-fns

22,330,092

34,666

22.6 MB

748

a month ago

MIT

dayjs

21,057,421

46,821

670 kB

1,012

2 months ago

MIT

luxon

9,576,304

15,351

4.48 MB

183

2 months ago

MIT

moment-timezone

9,219,725

3,825

2.86 MB

9 days ago

MIT

Modularity

date-fns: date-fns is highly modular, allowing you to import only the functions you need. This reduces the overall size of your application, as you can avoid including unnecessary code, making it a great choice for performance-sensitive applications.
dayjs: dayjs is designed to be minimalistic and modular, but it does not offer the same level of tree-shaking as date-fns. However, it still maintains a small footprint, making it suitable for projects where size is a concern.
luxon: Luxon is not modular in the same way as date-fns, as it is a single package. However, it provides a comprehensive API that covers a wide range of date and time functionalities, which can be beneficial for complex applications.
moment-timezone: moment-timezone is an extension of Moment.js and is not modular. It includes all of Moment.js's features, which can lead to larger bundle sizes. If you are using Moment.js, you will need to include moment-timezone to handle time zones.

Time Zone Support

date-fns: date-fns has limited time zone support, relying on the native Date object for time zone conversions. It is not ideal for applications that require extensive time zone manipulation.
dayjs: dayjs has a plugin for time zone support, but it is not as comprehensive as Luxon or moment-timezone. It is suitable for basic time zone needs but may fall short for complex scenarios.
luxon: Luxon excels in time zone support, built on the Intl API. It allows for easy manipulation and formatting of dates in different time zones, making it ideal for applications that require accurate time zone handling.
moment-timezone: moment-timezone provides robust time zone support as an extension of Moment.js. It allows for easy manipulation of dates across various time zones, making it suitable for applications with complex time zone requirements.

Localization

date-fns: date-fns offers localization support through its functions, allowing you to format dates according to different locales. However, it may require additional setup for complete localization.
dayjs: dayjs supports localization with its built-in locale features, making it easy to format dates in various languages. It is straightforward to use and integrates well with its API.
luxon: Luxon provides extensive localization support, leveraging the Intl API for formatting dates and times in different locales. It is particularly strong in handling internationalization, making it suitable for global applications.
moment-timezone: moment-timezone supports localization through Moment.js's features, allowing for easy formatting in different languages. However, it may not be as modern or efficient as Luxon.

Performance

date-fns: date-fns is designed for performance, as it allows for tree-shaking and includes only the necessary functions. This results in smaller bundle sizes and faster execution times compared to larger libraries.
dayjs: dayjs is lightweight and optimized for performance, making it one of the fastest libraries for date manipulation. Its small size and efficient API contribute to quick operations.
luxon: Luxon is more feature-rich, which can lead to slightly larger bundle sizes and potentially slower performance compared to lighter libraries. However, it is still efficient for most applications, especially those requiring complex date handling.
moment-timezone: moment-timezone is the heaviest of the options, as it includes all of Moment.js's features along with time zone support. This can result in slower performance and larger bundle sizes, making it less ideal for performance-sensitive applications.

Learning Curve

date-fns: date-fns has a relatively low learning curve due to its functional programming style and straightforward API. Developers familiar with JavaScript will find it easy to pick up and use effectively.
dayjs: dayjs is designed to be intuitive and easy to use, especially for those familiar with Moment.js. Its API is similar, making it easy to transition for existing users.
luxon: Luxon has a moderate learning curve due to its rich feature set and reliance on the Intl API. While it is powerful, developers may need to invest time in understanding its more complex functionalities.
moment-timezone: moment-timezone has a steeper learning curve, particularly for new users unfamiliar with Moment.js. Its extensive features can be overwhelming, but it is well-documented.

date-fns: Choose date-fns if you prefer a modular approach with a functional programming style. It allows you to import only the functions you need, reducing bundle size and improving performance. It's ideal for projects that require lightweight date manipulation without the overhead of a full library.

dayjs: Select dayjs for a lightweight, modern alternative to Moment.js that offers a similar API. It is particularly useful if you need a simple, fast library with a small footprint and are looking for a drop-in replacement for Moment.js without the bloat.

luxon: Opt for Luxon if you need robust support for time zones and internationalization. It is built on the modern Intl API and provides a rich set of features for working with dates and times in various locales, making it suitable for applications that require complex date handling and formatting.

moment-timezone: Use moment-timezone if your project already relies on Moment.js and you need to handle time zones. It extends Moment.js with time zone support, but be aware of its larger size and performance overhead compared to more modern alternatives.

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 // ]