Top 5 UI Libraries That You Don’t Use for No Reason

Last updated on June 23rd, 2022 at 04:29 am

UI libraries and frameworks are meant to alleviate software development. Luckily, there is a load of such solutions in the digital market these days. Some of them, like React or Angular, are familiar to many. There are also a lot of others hiding in the shadows of the mentioned giants. The comparison of the main parameters of the less mainstream UI libraries will allow you to understand whether it makes sense to turn your attention to them. The peculiarities in the spotlight are prototyping and testing tools, integrations with bigger players, the number of widgets, and prices. 

1. DevExtreme

It’s a UI library that allows developers to create responsive web apps for touch devices and traditional desktops. It includes more than 70 widgets. Some of them are complex and can act as off-the-shelf apps, e.g., DataGrid or PivotGrid. DevExtreme has integrations with the biggest frameworks and UI libraries, such as React, Angular, Vue, jQuery, ASP.NET, and VS. Users can also take advantage of ThemeBuilder. This tool allows customizing UIs by visual means. 

A complete version of this library costs 499,99 $. The price for the same version but with priority support is 699,99 $. DevExtreme also offers a free license for non-commercial use. 

2. DHTMLX 

DHTMLX Suite is a JavaScript UI Framework for creating data-rich apps for various purposes. The library consists of 20+ functional widgets. Besides Suite, there is a variety of complex tools such as Gantt Chart, Scheduler, Pivot Table, File Uploader, Spreadsheet, and Rich Text Editor. DHTMLX Suite is compatible with React, Angular, and Vue. The library provides licensed users with technical support. It is also possible to get help on the official forum or find the answers to most of the questions in the documentation. Unfortunately, the library doesn’t offer any tools for testing and prototyping. 

The price of DHTMLX Suite starts from 799$ for the Commercial license with standard support and ends with 3499$ for the premium Ultimate license. There are several support plans, and you can buy some widgets separately. 

3. Webix 

Webix is a JavaScript UI library with approximately 100 components and 8 complex widgets: File Manager, Kanban, DataTree, DataTable, Pivot Chart, Pivot, SpreadSheet, and Mobile Scheduler. This library has several integrations for the text editor, Charts, and Maps. The lowest license cost is $449 for an individual developer (with no complex widgets and basic support). The most expensive Unlim pack costs $9499 (5 complex widgets and premium support). The library offers several free development tools: a form builder for building forms, a code snippet with lots of coding samples, and a preview, a UI Designer for app interface prototyping.  

Webix doesn’t offer any integration suites for well-known frameworks like React or Angular. One more disadvantage is the absence of testing tools. On the other hand, this library provides tools for the optimization and fine-tuning of the UIs created on Salesforce. No library from the list does that. Moreover, Webix is the only framework from these 5 that has launched a support program for startups. 

4. Bryntum 

Bryntum is a company that creates off-the-shelf JavaScript components. They have Gannt, Scheduler, DataGrid, and several elements for Ext JS behind their belt. Bryntum also offers 2 tools for testing Siesta and RootCause.  

Being not a big library with only 10 components, the Swedish developers don’t offer many free goodies for customers. At the same time, the company offers special services like assistance in implementing and customizing their products, or emergency assistance when one of their experienced engineers provides help within 48 hours. These kinds of services are hourly paid.  

Bryntum complete costs 2650$. The prices for separate components vary from 395$ for the task board to 950$ for Gannt Chart.     

5. Ext JS  

Ext JS by Sencha includes 115+ fully supported components. The development company also has Ext React and Ext Angular. These versions support the corresponding frameworks. There is also a GXT pack that allows creating apps for devices using GWT. Sencha offers a bevy of advantages like tools for unit and end-to-end testing, or graphical editors for Ext JS, ExtAngular, and ExtReact apps. But note, these tools are not free of charge, e.g., as if compared to the similar ones by Webix. 

Nevertheless, Sencha offers a useful development tool called Stencils. It’s a UI asset kit for Adobe Illustrator, Adobe XD, Sketch, Balsamiq. Users regard this framework to be one of the best solutions for big web projects.  

Conclusion 

There are several UI libraries and frameworks that are worth relying on, and the mentioned ones are the case. You can go through their features and choose the most suitable solution depending on your budget and the peculiarities of your project.