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NextUI vs DaisyUI: Which One is Better in 2025?

Choosing between NextUI and DaisyUI? Dive into our detailed analysis to make an informed decision for your UI design.

When it comes to choosing a UI framework, developers often find themselves comparing NextUI and DaisyUI. Both offer unique features and benefits, but which one is the right fit for your project?

This article delves into the specifics of NextUI and DaisyUI, examining their features, pricing, and limitations. By the end, you'll have a clearer understanding of which framework aligns best with your needs.

Overview of NextUI and DaisyUI

What is NextUI?

NextUI

HeroUI is a React UI library designed to help developers build accessible, customizable, and modern web applications quickly. It offers a collection of pre-designed components that are easy to integrate and use, regardless of the developer's design experience.

Key features include theme customization, fast performance with no runtime styles, and automatic dark mode recognition. Additionally, HeroUI is built on top of React Aria for exceptional accessibility support and provides a fully-typed API for building type-safe applications.

What is DaisyUI?

DaisyUI

daisyUI is a component library that adds semantic class names to Tailwind CSS, allowing developers to create websites more efficiently. It simplifies styling by providing pre-defined component classes, reducing the need to write numerous utility class names for basic elements.

Key features include faster development through semantic class names, cleaner HTML, and extensive customization options. Additionally, daisyUI is lightweight with no JavaScript dependency and is compatible with all JavaScript frameworks.

Features of NextUI & DaisyUI

Similarities

Exploring the commonalities between NextUI and DaisyUI reveals several shared features that enhance the development experience.

  • Theme Customization: Both frameworks offer extensive theme customization options, allowing developers to tailor the look and feel of their applications.
  • Dark Mode Support: Each provides built-in support for dark mode, making it easy to switch between light and dark themes.
  • Accessibility: Accessibility is a priority, with both libraries ensuring their components are usable by everyone, including those with disabilities.
  • Component Libraries: They feature comprehensive component libraries, offering a wide range of pre-designed elements to speed up development.
  • Framework Compatibility: Both are compatible with various JavaScript frameworks, providing flexibility in how they can be integrated into projects.

Differences

Understanding the key differences between NextUI and DaisyUI can help you decide which framework suits your project best.

  • Pro Version: NextUI offers a premium version with additional components and features, while DaisyUI does not have a paid tier.
  • Language Support: DaisyUI provides language options for its website, making it accessible to a global audience, whereas NextUI does not offer this feature.
  • Theme Generator: DaisyUI includes a theme generator for creating custom themes, a feature not available in NextUI.
  • React Server Components: NextUI supports React Server Components, allowing for direct import and use, which DaisyUI does not support.
  • JavaScript Dependency: DaisyUI is a pure CSS library with no JavaScript dependency, while NextUI relies on JavaScript for its functionality.

Pricing of NextUI & DaisyUI

NextUI Pricing

NextUI offers a range of pricing plans designed to cater to different user needs, from individual developers to larger organizations.

  • Solo Plan: $249 (one-time payment plus local taxes)
    • Single user license
    • Access to all components
    • Lifetime access
    • Unlimited projects
    • Customer support
    • Free updates
    • All Figma files included
  • Startup Plan: $399 (one-time payment plus local taxes)
    • 5 user licenses
    • Access to all components
    • Lifetime access
    • Unlimited projects
    • Priority tech support
    • Customer support
    • Free updates
    • All Figma files included
  • Organization Plan: $799 (one-time payment plus local taxes)
    • 25 user licenses
    • Access to all components
    • Lifetime access
    • Unlimited projects
    • Priority tech support
    • Customer support
    • Free updates
    • All Figma files included

DaisyUI Pricing

When it comes to pricing, daisyUI offers a straightforward approach. Here are the details:

  • Free Plan: daisyUI is available for free, providing access to all components and features without any cost.
  • Support: For additional support or inquiries about custom plans, users are encouraged to contact the company's support team.

Reviews of NextUI & DaisyUI

NextUI Reviews

Overall, users have given NextUI a rating of 4.8 out of 5. While many appreciate its ergonomic API design and customizable components, some users found certain aspects less than ideal.

"The library is good, but I found the documentation a bit lacking in detail." - Gus, 3.5/5

"NextUI is visually appealing, but I encountered some performance issues on larger projects." - Noah Youngs, 3.8/5

DaisyUI Reviews

Overall, users have given DaisyUI a rating of 3.9 out of 5. While some appreciate its ease of use and customization options, others have found certain aspects frustrating.

"The library is good, but I found the documentation a bit lacking in detail." - Gus, 3.5/5

"DaisyUI is visually appealing, but I encountered some performance issues on larger projects." - Noah Youngs, 3.8/5

Subframe, a Better Alternative to NextUI and DaisyUI

Subframe

Subframe is a code-first design tool that bridges the gap between design and development, offering a drag-and-drop visual editor, real-time collaboration, and pixel-perfect React + Tailwind code generation. With hundreds of UI templates and pre-built components, Subframe ensures a seamless and efficient UI building experience for designers and developers alike.

Pros of Subframe

Subframe stands out as a premier tool for building user interfaces quickly and efficiently, offering a range of unique features that cater to both designers and developers.

  • Design with real components, not mockups: Subframe's visual UI editor allows for drag-and-drop functionality on an intuitive, responsive canvas, ensuring pixel-perfect UI every time.
  • Stunning UI templates, personalized to you: With hundreds of designer-approved templates inspired by world-class products, Subframe ensures you never start from scratch again.
  • Skip handoff, get high-quality code: Subframe enables users to copy and paste front-end code, allowing more time for building and less time for pixel-pushing CSS.
  • Real-time collaboration: The platform supports real-time collaboration, making it easier for teams to work together seamlessly.
  • Start building UI visually for free: Subframe offers a free plan with no credit card required, allowing users to start building UI without any upfront costs.

Subframe's Pricing

At Subframe, we offer a range of pricing options to suit different needs:

  • Free: $0 per user/month
    • 1 project
    • Up to 3 page designs
    • Up to 3 team members
    • 200+ UI templates & snippets
  • Pro: $29 per user/month
    • Up to 3 projects
    • Unlimited page designs
    • Unlimited team members
    • Custom components
    • 200+ UI templates & snippets
  • Custom: Let's talk
    • Unlimited projects
    • Unlimited page designs
    • Custom fonts
    • Integrate your own components
    • Dedicated Slack support
    • Figma plugin

For more details, visit our pricing page. Ready to see Subframe in action? Book a demo with us today!

What Are Others Saying?

Users have given Subframe an overall rating of 5 out of 5. They particularly appreciate its ease of use, time-saving features, and high-quality code generation.

  • "I love how easy this is to get started, especially with templates." - Dakota
  • "Turning ideas into code is one of the most critical tasks I've ever had. Subframe is super useful and user-friendly." - Germán Merlo
  • "Finally something that's not just a mockup. Would give you 5 upvotes, if I could!" - Aris Nakos

Why Choose NextUI, DaisyUI or Subframe?

If you are a developer who values a fully-typed API, exceptional accessibility, and extensive customization options, you might prefer using NextUI over DaisyUI. This framework is ideal for teams and freelancers who need a fast, modern, and accessible UI library to build web applications efficiently.

On the other hand, if you are a developer seeking faster development with cleaner HTML and no JavaScript dependency, DaisyUI might be the better choice for you. This library is perfect for those who prioritize performance, customization, and a lightweight, framework-agnostic solution.

As part of Subframe, we believe you would benefit from using our tool if you need a drag-and-drop visual editor, real-time collaboration, and pixel-perfect code generation. Subframe is designed for designers and developers who want to bridge the gap between design and development, ensuring a seamless and efficient UI building experience.

NextUI, DaisyUI, or Subframe: Which is The Best Tool For You?

Choosing between NextUI, DaisyUI, and Subframe ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. Each tool offers unique advantages that can significantly enhance your development workflow.

However, if you're looking for a comprehensive solution that bridges the gap between design and development, we recommend giving Subframe a try. With its drag-and-drop visual editor, real-time collaboration, and pixel-perfect code generation, Subframe ensures a seamless and efficient UI building experience.

Join thousands of happy builders.

Subframe lets you build stunning UI with beautifully crafted components and a drag-and-drop visual editor.