react-infinite-scroll-component vs react-viewport-list vs react-virtualized vs react-window
React Virtualization and Infinite Scrolling Libraries
react-infinite-scroll-componentreact-viewport-listreact-virtualizedreact-windowSimilar Packages:

React Virtualization and Infinite Scrolling Libraries

These libraries are designed to enhance the performance of React applications by efficiently rendering large lists or grids of data. They help in optimizing rendering times and improving user experience by only rendering visible items in the viewport, thus reducing the amount of DOM nodes created and managed. Each library has its unique approach and features, catering to different use cases and developer preferences.

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react-infinite-scroll-component03,083217 kB134a month agoMIT
react-viewport-list023353.9 kB83 years agoMIT
react-virtualized027,0742.24 MB2a year agoMIT
react-window017,197209 kB25 months agoMIT

Feature Comparison: react-infinite-scroll-component vs react-viewport-list vs react-virtualized vs react-window

Rendering Efficiency

  • react-infinite-scroll-component:

    This package provides a simple way to implement infinite scrolling, loading new data as the user scrolls down. It optimizes rendering by only displaying items that are currently in view, which can significantly reduce the number of DOM nodes and improve performance.

  • react-viewport-list:

    This library efficiently renders only the items that are visible in the viewport, allowing for dynamic height calculations and smooth scrolling experiences. It is designed to handle complex lists and offers more control over rendering behavior compared to simpler solutions.

  • react-virtualized:

    This package excels in rendering large lists and tables by implementing windowing techniques. It only renders items that are visible in the viewport, and it can handle variable item sizes, making it highly efficient for large datasets.

  • react-window:

    A lightweight alternative to react-virtualized, react-window provides efficient rendering of large lists and grids by only rendering visible items. It is optimized for performance and is easy to integrate into existing applications.

Customization

  • react-infinite-scroll-component:

    While it offers basic customization options for loading indicators and thresholds, it is primarily focused on simplicity and ease of use, making it less flexible for complex scenarios.

  • react-viewport-list:

    This library allows for significant customization in terms of rendering logic and item heights, making it suitable for applications that require tailored solutions for unique list structures.

  • react-virtualized:

    Highly customizable with a wide range of features, including cell measurement, dynamic heights, and more. It allows developers to fine-tune the rendering process to fit specific application needs, making it ideal for complex data displays.

  • react-window:

    Offers basic customization options but is more focused on performance than extensive feature sets. It is suitable for applications that need a straightforward implementation without the complexity of additional features.

Learning Curve

  • react-infinite-scroll-component:

    This package has a low learning curve, making it easy for developers to implement infinite scrolling quickly without extensive configuration or setup.

  • react-viewport-list:

    The learning curve is moderate, as it requires understanding viewport management and dynamic item rendering, which may take some time for developers unfamiliar with these concepts.

  • react-virtualized:

    This library has a steeper learning curve due to its extensive features and configuration options. Developers may need to invest time in understanding its API and how to effectively implement its capabilities.

  • react-window:

    With a simple API and straightforward implementation, react-window has a low learning curve, making it accessible for developers looking to add virtualization to their applications.

Community and Support

  • react-infinite-scroll-component:

    This package has a growing community and is actively maintained, providing good support and documentation for developers.

  • react-viewport-list:

    While it has a smaller community compared to others, it is still actively maintained and offers decent documentation for users.

  • react-virtualized:

    This library has a large community and extensive documentation, making it easier for developers to find support and resources for implementation.

  • react-window:

    With a strong community and solid documentation, react-window is well-supported, making it a reliable choice for developers.

Performance

  • react-infinite-scroll-component:

    Performance is generally good for standard use cases, but it may not handle extremely large datasets as efficiently as more specialized libraries.

  • react-viewport-list:

    Offers excellent performance for complex lists, especially when dynamic heights are involved, as it optimizes rendering based on the viewport.

  • react-virtualized:

    Designed for high performance with large datasets, it minimizes rendering costs and is capable of handling thousands of items efficiently.

  • react-window:

    Focused on performance, react-window is lightweight and optimized for rendering large lists and grids without unnecessary overhead.

How to Choose: react-infinite-scroll-component vs react-viewport-list vs react-virtualized vs react-window

  • react-infinite-scroll-component:

    Choose this package if you need a straightforward solution for implementing infinite scrolling with minimal setup. It is ideal for applications where new data is loaded as the user scrolls down, such as social media feeds or image galleries.

  • react-viewport-list:

    Opt for this package if you require a highly customizable solution for rendering lists based on the viewport. It allows for more control over the rendering process and is suitable for applications that need to manage complex lists with dynamic heights.

  • react-virtualized:

    Select this package if you need a comprehensive solution for rendering large lists and tabular data with advanced features like cell measurement and windowing. It is best for applications that require high performance and flexibility in rendering large datasets.

  • react-window:

    Choose this package for a lightweight and simple approach to virtualization. It is suitable for applications that need efficient rendering of large lists or grids without the overhead of additional features, making it a great choice for performance-sensitive applications.

README for react-infinite-scroll-component

react-infinite-scroll-component npm npm bundlephobia

All Contributors

Infinite scroll for React. Zero runtime dependencies, IntersectionObserver-based, TypeScript-first. ~4 kB gzipped.

Works with window scroll, fixed-height containers, and custom scrollable parents. Pull-to-refresh and inverse (chat) scroll included. React 17, 18, and 19 compatible.

Install

npm install react-infinite-scroll-component
# or
yarn add react-infinite-scroll-component
# or
pnpm add react-infinite-scroll-component

Two APIs

APIWhen to use
InfiniteScroll componentMost cases, handles loader, endMessage, pull-to-refresh, inverse scroll UI
useInfiniteScroll hookCustom UI, you own the markup, the hook manages the observer

InfiniteScroll component

Basic usage (TypeScript)

import { useState } from 'react';
import InfiniteScroll from 'react-infinite-scroll-component';

type Item = { id: number; name: string };

function Feed() {
  const [items, setItems] = useState<Item[]>(initialItems);
  const [hasMore, setHasMore] = useState(true);

  const fetchMore = async () => {
    const next = await api.getItems({ offset: items.length });
    if (next.length === 0) {
      setHasMore(false);
      return;
    }
    setItems((prev) => [...prev, ...next]);
  };

  return (
    <InfiniteScroll
      dataLength={items.length}
      next={fetchMore}
      hasMore={hasMore}
      loader={<p>Loading...</p>}
      endMessage={<p style={{ textAlign: 'center' }}>All items loaded.</p>}
    >
      {items.map((item) => (
        <div key={item.id}>{item.name}</div>
      ))}
    </InfiniteScroll>
  );
}

Scroll inside a fixed-height container

<div id="scrollableDiv" style={{ height: 400, overflow: 'auto' }}>
  <InfiniteScroll
    dataLength={items.length}
    next={fetchMore}
    hasMore={hasMore}
    loader={<p>Loading...</p>}
    scrollableTarget="scrollableDiv"
  >
    {items.map((item) => (
      <div key={item.id}>{item.name}</div>
    ))}
  </InfiniteScroll>
</div>

Pass a ref value directly instead of a string id:

const containerRef = useRef<HTMLDivElement>(null);

<div ref={containerRef} style={{ height: 400, overflow: 'auto' }}>
  <InfiniteScroll
    dataLength={items.length}
    next={fetchMore}
    hasMore={hasMore}
    loader={<p>Loading...</p>}
    scrollableTarget={containerRef.current}
  >
    {items.map((item) => (
      <div key={item.id}>{item.name}</div>
    ))}
  </InfiniteScroll>
</div>;

Inverse scroll (chat / messaging UIs)

<div
  id="chatBox"
  style={{
    height: 500,
    overflow: 'auto',
    display: 'flex',
    flexDirection: 'column-reverse',
  }}
>
  <InfiniteScroll
    dataLength={messages.length}
    next={loadOlderMessages}
    hasMore={hasMore}
    loader={<p>Loading older messages...</p>}
    inverse={true}
    scrollableTarget="chatBox"
    style={{ display: 'flex', flexDirection: 'column-reverse' }}
  >
    {messages.map((msg) => (
      <div key={msg.id}>{msg.text}</div>
    ))}
  </InfiniteScroll>
</div>

Pull-to-refresh

<InfiniteScroll
  dataLength={items.length}
  next={fetchMore}
  hasMore={hasMore}
  loader={<p>Loading...</p>}
  pullDownToRefresh
  pullDownToRefreshThreshold={50}
  refreshFunction={refreshList}
  pullDownToRefreshContent={
    <h3 style={{ textAlign: 'center' }}>&#8595; Pull down to refresh</h3>
  }
  releaseToRefreshContent={
    <h3 style={{ textAlign: 'center' }}>&#8593; Release to refresh</h3>
  }
>
  {items.map((item) => (
    <div key={item.id}>{item.name}</div>
  ))}
</InfiniteScroll>

useInfiniteScroll hook

For when you need full control over your markup. Place the sentinelRef div at the end of your list, the hook fires next() when it enters the viewport.

import { useState } from 'react';
import { useInfiniteScroll } from 'react-infinite-scroll-component';

type Item = { id: number; name: string };

function CustomFeed() {
  const [items, setItems] = useState<Item[]>(initialItems);
  const [hasMore, setHasMore] = useState(true);

  const { sentinelRef, isLoading } = useInfiniteScroll({
    next: async () => {
      const more = await api.getItems({ offset: items.length });
      if (more.length === 0) {
        setHasMore(false);
        return;
      }
      setItems((prev) => [...prev, ...more]);
    },
    hasMore,
    dataLength: items.length,
  });

  return (
    <ul>
      {items.map((item) => (
        <li key={item.id}>{item.name}</li>
      ))}
      <li ref={sentinelRef} aria-hidden="true" />
      {isLoading && <li>Loading...</li>}
      {!hasMore && <li>All items loaded.</li>}
    </ul>
  );
}

Framework recipes

Next.js App Router

InfiniteScroll is a client component. Fetch initial data in a Server Component, pass it down.

// app/feed/page.tsx, Server Component
import { FeedClient } from './feed-client';
import { db } from '@/lib/db';

export default async function FeedPage() {
  const initialItems = await db.items.findMany({
    take: 20,
    orderBy: { id: 'desc' },
  });
  return <FeedClient initialItems={initialItems} />;
}
// app/feed/feed-client.tsx, Client Component
'use client';

import { useState } from 'react';
import InfiniteScroll from 'react-infinite-scroll-component';

type Item = { id: string; title: string };

export function FeedClient({ initialItems }: { initialItems: Item[] }) {
  const [items, setItems] = useState(initialItems);
  const [hasMore, setHasMore] = useState(true);

  const fetchMore = async () => {
    const res = await fetch(`/api/items?cursor=${items[items.length - 1].id}`);
    const next: Item[] = await res.json();
    if (next.length === 0) {
      setHasMore(false);
      return;
    }
    setItems((prev) => [...prev, ...next]);
  };

  return (
    <InfiniteScroll
      dataLength={items.length}
      next={fetchMore}
      hasMore={hasMore}
      loader={<p>Loading...</p>}
      endMessage={<p>You have seen everything.</p>}
    >
      {items.map((item) => (
        <article key={item.id}>{item.title}</article>
      ))}
    </InfiniteScroll>
  );
}

With TanStack Query

import { useInfiniteQuery } from '@tanstack/react-query';
import InfiniteScroll from 'react-infinite-scroll-component';

function PostFeed() {
  const { data, fetchNextPage, hasNextPage, isFetchingNextPage } =
    useInfiniteQuery({
      queryKey: ['posts'],
      queryFn: ({ pageParam = 0 }) => fetchPosts(pageParam),
      getNextPageParam: (lastPage, pages) =>
        lastPage.length === 20 ? pages.length : undefined,
    });

  const posts = data?.pages.flat() ?? [];

  return (
    <InfiniteScroll
      dataLength={posts.length}
      next={fetchNextPage}
      hasMore={!!hasNextPage}
      loader={isFetchingNextPage ? <p>Loading...</p> : null}
      endMessage={<p>All posts loaded.</p>}
    >
      {posts.map((post) => (
        <article key={post.id}>{post.title}</article>
      ))}
    </InfiniteScroll>
  );
}

With SWR

import useSWRInfinite from 'swr/infinite';
import InfiniteScroll from 'react-infinite-scroll-component';

const PAGE_SIZE = 20;

function PostList() {
  const { data, size, setSize } = useSWRInfinite(
    (index) => `/api/posts?page=${index}&limit=${PAGE_SIZE}`,
    fetcher
  );

  const posts = data ? data.flat() : [];
  const hasMore = data ? data[data.length - 1].length === PAGE_SIZE : true;

  return (
    <InfiniteScroll
      dataLength={posts.length}
      next={() => setSize(size + 1)}
      hasMore={hasMore}
      loader={<p>Loading...</p>}
    >
      {posts.map((post) => (
        <div key={post.id}>{post.title}</div>
      ))}
    </InfiniteScroll>
  );
}

Three scroll modes

ModeHow to useUse case
Window scrollOmit height and scrollableTargetSocial feeds, blogs, product listings
Fixed-height containerPass height propEmbedded lists, sidebars
Custom scrollable parentPass scrollableTarget (element or id)Existing overflow containers

Props, InfiniteScroll

PropTypeRequiredDefaultDescription
dataLengthnumberyes-Current count of rendered items. The component resets its load guard each time this value changes, which allows next() to fire again on the next scroll.
next() => voidyes-Called once when the sentinel enters the viewport. Append new items to your list state inside this callback; do not replace the existing items.
hasMorebooleanyes-When false, the observer is disconnected and next() will not be called again. Set it to false when your data source has no more pages.
loaderReactNodeyes-Rendered below the list while the next page is loading. Displayed between the last item and the bottom sentinel.
endMessageReactNodeno-Rendered below the list when hasMore is false. Use it for an "all caught up" or "no more items" message.
heightnumber | stringno-Creates a fixed-height scroll container wrapping the list. Accepts a pixel number or any CSS length string. Omit this prop to scroll the window instead.
scrollableTargetHTMLElement | string | nullno-The scrollable ancestor that already provides overflow scrollbars. Pass the element's id string or a direct HTMLElement reference. Required when the scroll container is neither the window nor the height wrapper.
scrollThresholdnumber | stringno0.8How close to the bottom the user must scroll before next() is called. A fraction like 0.8 means 80% scrolled; a string like "200px" means within 200 px of the bottom edge.
inversebooleannofalseReverse scroll direction for chat or messaging UIs. The sentinel moves to the top of the list. Use together with flexDirection: column-reverse on the scroll container.
pullDownToRefreshbooleannofalseEnable pull-to-refresh gesture on touch and mouse. Requires refreshFunction to also be set.
refreshFunction() => voidno-Called once when the user pulls down past pullDownToRefreshThreshold pixels and releases. Only active when pullDownToRefresh is true.
pullDownToRefreshThresholdnumberno100How many pixels the user must pull down before refreshFunction is triggered on release.
pullDownToRefreshContentReactNodeno-Content shown inside the pull-to-refresh area while the user is pulling but has not yet reached the threshold.
releaseToRefreshContentReactNodeno-Content shown inside the pull-to-refresh area once the threshold is passed and the user can release to refresh.
onScroll(e: UIEvent) => voidno-Callback fired on every scroll event on the container. Receives the native UIEvent. Useful for syncing UI state with scroll position.
classNamestringno''CSS class name applied to the inner scroll container div.
styleCSSPropertiesno-Inline style object applied to the inner scroll container div. Merged with the component's default layout styles.
roleAriaRoleno-Semantic role for the scroll container. Use "list" for item lists, "feed" for activity streams.
tabIndexnumberno-Makes the scroll container focusable. Pass 0 to include it in the natural tab sequence.
idstringno-DOM id for the container. Useful when other elements reference it via aria-labelledby.
aria-*AriaAttributesno-Any React aria-* prop (aria-label, aria-labelledby, aria-describedby, etc.) forwarded to the scroll container.
hasChildrenbooleanno-Set to true when children is a single element or a fragment rather than an array. Helps the component detect whether visible content exists to determine scroll state.
initialScrollYnumberno-Scrolls the window to this Y offset on mount. Useful for restoring a user's scroll position when navigating back to a page.

Accessibility

Pass role and a label so screen readers can announce the container and its item count correctly:

<InfiniteScroll
  role="list"
  aria-label="Search results"
  dataLength={items.length}
  next={fetchMore}
  hasMore={hasMore}
  loader={<p>Loading...</p>}
>
  {items.map((item) => (
    <div role="listitem" key={item.id}>
      {item.name}
    </div>
  ))}
</InfiniteScroll>

Or reference an existing heading via aria-labelledby:

<h2 id="results-heading">Search results</h2>
<InfiniteScroll
  role="list"
  aria-labelledby="results-heading"
  dataLength={items.length}
  next={fetchMore}
  hasMore={hasMore}
  loader={<p>Loading...</p>}
>

Props, useInfiniteScroll

PropTypeRequiredDefaultDescription
dataLengthnumberyes-Current count of rendered items. The hook resets its load guard whenever this value changes, allowing next() to fire again on the next intersection.
next() => voidyes-Called once when the sentinel enters the viewport. Append new items to your list state inside this callback; do not replace the existing items.
hasMorebooleanyes-When false, the IntersectionObserver is disconnected and next() will not be called again. Set it to false when your data source has no more pages.
scrollThresholdnumber | stringno0.8How close to the edge the sentinel must be before next() fires. A fraction like 0.8 means 80% scrolled; a string like "200px" means within 200 px of the edge.
scrollableTargetHTMLElement | string | nullno-The scrollable ancestor to use as the observer root. Pass a DOM id string or an HTMLElement reference. When omitted, the observer uses the browser viewport.
inversebooleannofalseWhen true, the rootMargin is applied to the top edge instead of the bottom. Place the sentinel at the top of your list and use flexDirection: column-reverse for chat UIs.

Returns { sentinelRef, isLoading }.


What's new in v7

  • IntersectionObserver-based triggering, next() fires once when the sentinel enters the viewport, not on every scroll tick. No missed triggers, better performance.
  • useInfiniteScroll hook, low-level hook for building fully custom UIs.
  • Zero runtime dependencies, throttle-debounce removed.
  • scrollableTarget accepts HTMLElement, pass a ref value directly, not just a string id.
  • Function component rewrite, same public API, no migration needed.
  • React 17, 18, 19 compatible.

live examples

  • infinite scroll (never ending), window scroll
    • Edit yk7637p62z
  • infinite scroll till 500 elements, window scroll
    • Edit 439v8rmqm0
  • infinite scroll in an element (height 400px)
    • Edit w3w89k7x8
  • infinite scroll with scrollableTarget
    • Edit r7rp40n0zm

Contributors ✨

Thanks goes to these wonderful people (emoji key):

Ankeet Maini
Ankeet Maini

💬 📖 💻 👀 🚧
Darsh Shah
Darsh Shah

🚇 💻 👀 🚧
Eliya Cohen
Eliya Cohen

💻
Nitin Kukreja
Nitin Kukreja

💻
Bruno Sabetta
Bruno Sabetta

💻 📖
Osmar Pérez Bautista
Osmar Pérez Bautista

💻
Shreya Dahal
Shreya Dahal

💻
Vlad Harahan
Vlad Harahan

💻 📖
Daniel Caldas
Daniel Caldas

💻
Alaeddine Douagi
Alaeddine Douagi

💻
Carlos
Carlos

💻
Championrunner
Championrunner

📖
Daniel Sogl
Daniel Sogl

💻
Darren Oster
Darren Oster

💻
Illia Panasenko
Illia Panasenko

💻
Kiko Beats
Kiko Beats

💻
Matt Trussler
Matt Trussler

💻
Nimit Suwannagate
Nimit Suwannagate

💻
Rajat
Rajat

💻
Rich
Rich

💻
Ritesh Goyal
Ritesh Goyal

💻
babycannotsay
babycannotsay

💻
cesco
cesco

💻
Harry
Harry

💻
ludwig404
ludwig404

💻
Karl Johansson
Karl Johansson

💻
Geoffrey Teng
Geoffrey Teng

💻
Sayed Risat
Sayed Risat

💻 📖

This project follows the all-contributors specification. Contributions of any kind are welcome!

LICENSE

MIT