Top Headless UI libraries for React in 2024

Headless UI libraries are a modern trend in web development that focus on providing the underlying logic and functionality for UI components without prescribing a specific visual style. This approach allows developers to build fully accessible UI components according to their design systems without being tied to any predefined styles or aesthetics.

Radix UI

Radix UI, an open source component library, prioritizes fast development, easy maintenance, and accessibility. With 32 components available, it streamlines development by removing the need for configuration, allowing developers to quickly incorporate its components into their projects.

By the numbers (accurate as of 26th Feb 2024):

• GitHub stars: ~13.5k
• Npm weekly downloads: ~1,345,900
• No. of components: 32

Headless UI

Next, Headless UI provides completely unstyled and fully accessible UI components.The diverse array of elements in Headless UI is meticulously crafted to function effectively within the system, making it an excellent option for individuals who prioritize developing custom, inclusive interface designs with a distinct visual aesthetic.

By the numbers (accurate as of 26th Feb 2024):

• GitHub stars: ~23.6k
• Npm weekly downloads: ~1,300,810
• No. of components: 10

React Aria

React Aria is a library of React Hooks that provides accessible UI primitives for your design system. There are over 40 components with built-in behavior, adaptive interactions, accessibility, and internationalization, ready for your custom styles. It provides an excellent user experience, notably with functions such as screen reader assistance, keyboard controls, focus handling, language translations, and additional features.

By the numbers (accurate as of 26th Feb 2024):

• GitHub stars: ~11.1k
• Npm weekly downloads: ~116,538
• No. of components: 35

Aria Kit

In addition, Aria Kit is an open-source library that provides unstyled, primitive components for building accessible web apps, design systems, and component libraries with React. It contains a collection of components that handle accessibility, state management, and keyboard interactions, while leaving the styling and composition to the user.

By the numbers (accurate as of 26th Feb 2024):

• GitHub stars: ~7.5k
• Npm weekly downloads: ~53,787
• No. of components: 25

Ark UI

Ark UI is a headless library known for building reusable, scalable design systems that works for a wide range of JS frameworks. The components are unstyled, declarative, accessible, and reliable, allowing for a delightful development experience. It supports multiple platforms and applications, helps create a consistent design system across them and uses state machines to ensure predictable and bug-free behavior in every component.

By the numbers (accurate as of 26th Feb 2024):

• GitHub stars: ~2.8k
• Npm weekly downloads: ~29,155
• No. of components: 37

Reach UI

Furthermore, Reach UI is a collection of accessible, React-based UI components for building design systems. This prioritization of accessibility results in user-friendly components that enhance inclusivity in web applications. Reach UI's components adhere to accessibility best practices, simplifying the process for developers to build applications suitable for all users, including those who depend on assistive technologies.

By the numbers (accurate as of 26th Feb 2024):

• GitHub stars: ~5.9k
• Npm weekly downloads: ~42,685
• No. of components: 15

The headless UI library ecosystem for React showcases a vibrant collection of tools designed to meet a wide range of web development needs. From accessibility and ease of use to customization and scalability, each library offers distinct advantages, reflecting the industry's shift towards more adaptable and inclusive web design practices. As web development continues to advance, the flexibility and user-focused design of headless UI libraries will remain essential for shaping the future of digital interfaces.