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Shadcn vs PrimeReact: Which One is Better in 2025?

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

When it comes to choosing a UI component library, developers often find themselves comparing various options to find the best fit for their projects. Two popular choices in the market are Shadcn and PrimeReact.

This article delves into the features, pricing, and limitations of both Shadcn and PrimeReact, providing a comprehensive comparison to help you make an informed decision.

Overview of Shadcn and PrimeReact

What is Shadcn?

Shadcn

Shadcn provides a collection of beautifully designed, open-source components that can be copied and pasted into applications. These components are built using Tailwind CSS and are aimed at helping developers build their component libraries efficiently.

Among its main features, Shadcn offers a variety of pre-designed components that can be easily integrated into applications. Additionally, it includes resources like blocks, charts, themes, and colors to enhance both the visual and functional aspects of projects.

What is PrimeReact?

PrimeReact

PrimeReact is a comprehensive suite of customizable, feature-rich UI components designed to elevate web applications built with React.js. It simplifies the process of turning development visions into reality by providing a wide range of pre-built components and themes.

Among its main features, PrimeReact offers over 80 UI components and more than 400 pre-designed UI blocks for rapid application development. It also supports both styled and unstyled modes, ensuring flexibility in design, and complies with WCAG 2.0 for accessibility.

Features of Shadcn & PrimeReact

Similarities

Both Shadcn and PrimeReact offer a range of features that make them popular choices for developers looking to enhance their web applications.

  • Both libraries provide a wide variety of pre-designed components that can be easily integrated into applications.
  • Customization is a key feature, with Shadcn using Tailwind CSS and PrimeReact offering multiple theming options including Tailwind.
  • Accessibility is prioritized, with PrimeReact complying with WCAG 2.0 standards and Shadcn offering components designed for ease of use.
  • Both libraries support extensive documentation and community resources to assist developers in implementation.
  • Integration capabilities are robust, allowing seamless incorporation into existing projects with minimal effort.

Differences

Here are the key differences in features between Shadcn and PrimeReact:

  • Shadcn offers open-source components, while PrimeReact provides enterprise support with quick response times and feature requests.
  • PrimeReact includes over 400 pre-designed UI blocks for rapid development, a feature not available in Shadcn.
  • Shadcn focuses on Tailwind CSS integration, whereas PrimeReact offers multiple theming options, including Material, Bootstrap, and custom themes.
  • PrimeReact supports responsive design with touch-optimized elements, a feature not highlighted in Shadcn.
  • Shadcn provides example applications like Mail and Dashboard, while PrimeReact offers professionally designed, customizable application templates.

Pricing of Shadcn & PrimeReact

Shadcn Pricing

Shadcn offers a variety of beautifully designed, open-source components, but specific pricing details are not readily available on their website. Here are some key points regarding their pricing:

  • Shadcn does not list specific pricing plans on their website.
  • For detailed pricing information, users are advised to contact the company's support team.

PrimeReact Pricing

PrimeReact offers a range of pricing plans tailored to meet the needs of different users. Here are the key points regarding their pricing:

  • Specific pricing details are not provided on the website.
  • For detailed pricing information, users are advised to contact the company's support team.

Reviews of Shadcn & PrimeReact

Shadcn Reviews

Overall, users have given Shadcn a rating of 4.8 out of 5. While many appreciate its high-quality, minimalist design, some users found certain aspects less than ideal.

"The AI offers precise, actionable insights, delivering detailed reports that inform critical business decisions with remarkable accuracy." - ABDUL QADEER, 3/5

"Tailored functionalities allow for a high degree of personalization, making it suitable for a variety of business needs across industries." - huzaifa kamboh, 3/5

PrimeReact Reviews

PrimeReact has received mixed reviews, with an overall rating of 5 out of 5. Users found the components helpful but noted some frustrations with customization and documentation.

"The components are useful, but the customization options are limited, making it hard to adapt to specific needs." - Onur Senture, 3/5

"While the library is comprehensive, the documentation could be more detailed to help new users." - Cristian M., 3/5

Subframe, a Better Alternative to Shadcn and PrimeReact

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. Loved by both designers and developers, it features hundreds of UI templates and pre-built components to help you build user interfaces quickly and efficiently.

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: Inspired by world-class products and hand-crafted by designers, Subframe offers hundreds of reusable components, so you never have to start from scratch.
  • Skip handoff, get high-quality code: With Subframe, you can copy and paste front-end code directly into your codebase, allowing you to focus more on building and less on pixel-pushing CSS.
  • Real-time collaboration: Subframe supports real-time collaboration, making it easier for teams to work together seamlessly on UI projects.
  • Start building UI visually for free: Subframe offers a free plan that requires no credit card, allowing you to start building UI visually without any upfront costs.

Subframe's Pricing

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

  • Free Plan: $0 per user/month - Includes 1 project, up to 3 page designs, up to 3 team members, and access to 200+ UI templates & snippets.
  • Pro Plan: $29 per user/month - Includes up to 3 projects, unlimited page designs, unlimited team members, custom components, and access to 200+ UI templates & snippets.
  • Custom Plan: "Let's talk" - Includes unlimited projects, unlimited page designs, custom fonts, integration of your own components, dedicated Slack support, and a Figma plugin.

For more information, visit our Subframe 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 output.

  • "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 Shadcn, PrimeReact or Subframe?

If you are a developer who values beautifully designed, open-source components that can be easily integrated into your projects, Shadcn might be the right choice for you. It's particularly suited for those who prefer working with Tailwind CSS and need a quick, efficient way to build their component libraries.

On the other hand, if you require a comprehensive suite of customizable, feature-rich UI components with enterprise support, PrimeReact could be your go-to option. This library is ideal for developers and organizations that need extensive theming options, accessibility compliance, and responsive design capabilities.

As part of Subframe, we believe our tool offers the best of both worlds by combining a drag-and-drop visual editor with pixel-perfect React + Tailwind code. If you are looking for a solution that bridges the gap between design and development, allowing for real-time collaboration and high-quality code output, Subframe is the perfect fit for you.

Shadcn, PrimeReact, or Subframe: Which is The Best Tool For You?

Choosing between Shadcn, PrimeReact, and Subframe ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. Each tool offers unique features that can significantly enhance your development workflow. Shadcn is perfect for those who appreciate open-source components and Tailwind CSS, while PrimeReact is ideal for developers seeking a comprehensive suite of customizable UI components with enterprise support.

However, if you're looking for a solution that seamlessly bridges the gap between design and development, Subframe stands out as the best option. With its drag-and-drop visual editor, real-time collaboration, and pixel-perfect React + Tailwind code, Subframe offers a streamlined, efficient way to build stunning user interfaces. We highly recommend giving Subframe a try to experience its full potential.

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