What is the best React chart library?

No single 'best' library—choice depends on requirements. For most projects, Recharts offers best balance of ease-of-use, flexibility, and community support. For cross-platform (web plus mobile), Victory. For maximum customization, Visx. For large datasets, Apache ECharts. For rapid prototyping, react-chartjs-2.

Is Recharts better than Chart.js for React?

Recharts integrates more naturally with React through component-based API and JSX syntax. Chart.js (via react-chartjs-2) uses configuration objects feeling more imperative. Recharts better for React-centric projects. Chart.js better if needing Canvas performance or Chart.js plugin ecosystem.

How do I add charts to my React app?

Install library via npm (npm install recharts). Import components (import { LineChart, Line } from 'recharts'). Pass data as props and render in JSX. Most libraries provide responsive containers and follow similar patterns.

What's the difference between Recharts and Victory?

Recharts focuses on web-based React with declarative API and broad chart support. Victory supports both React (web) and React Native (mobile) with identical API, ideal for cross-platform projects. Victory provides stronger accessibility with built-in ARIA labels.

Can React chart libraries handle large datasets?

Yes, with appropriate selection and optimization. SVG libraries (Recharts, Victory) handle thousands of points. Canvas libraries (Chart.js, ECharts) scale to tens of thousands. For massive datasets (100,000+), use Canvas or WebGL rendering, implement data aggregation, and optimize re-renders with React.memo and useMemo.

Are React chart libraries free?

Most are open-source with permissive licenses (MIT, Apache 2.0). Recharts, Victory, Nivo, Visx, and react-chartjs-2 completely free for commercial use. Some specialized libraries (Highcharts, Syncfusion) require commercial licenses for business applications.

How do I make React charts responsive?

Use responsive container components provided by libraries. Recharts: wrap in ResponsiveContainer. Victory: set width/height percentages. Nivo: use responsive variants. Alternatively, implement custom resize logic with window listeners and state updates. Ensure charts re-render when container dimensions change.

Complete GuideFebruary 22, 2026

React Chart Libraries: Complete Guide for Data Visualization (2026)

Compare leading React chart libraries including Recharts, Victory, Nivo, and ApexCharts with performance benchmarks, decision frameworks, and embedded analytics requirements for building production-ready data visualizations in B2B SaaS applications.

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React Chart Libraries: Complete Guide for Data Visualization (2026)

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