Bootstrap Icons vs Font Awesome: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Bootstrap Icons and Font Awesome comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: Font Awesome wins this matchup. Our overall Icon Libraries pick is Flaticon. Our free Icon Libraries pick is Lucide. Pick Bootstrap Icons if you need a fully free option.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Bootstrap Icons
An open-source SVG icon library designed for seamless integration with Bootstrap projects.
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (Font Awesome requires payment)
- • You want seamlessly integrates with Bootstrap projects
- • You want high-quality, scalable SVG icons
Font Awesome
The internet's most popular icon toolkit and a powerful CSS framework.
Best for you if:
- • You want icons scale without loss of quality
- • You want easy to customize with CSS
| At a Glance | Bootstrap Icons | Font Awesome |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Icon Libraries | Icon Libraries |
Rating | 4.5/5 | 3.5/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Bootstrap Icons or Font Awesome?
Choose Bootstrap Icons if
An open-source SVG icon library designed for seamless integration with Bootstrap projects.
- You want a fully free tool (Font Awesome requires payment)
- You want seamlessly integrates with Bootstrap projects
- You want high-quality, scalable SVG icons
Choose Font Awesome if
The internet's most popular icon toolkit and a powerful CSS framework.
- You want icons scale without loss of quality
- You want easy to customize with CSS
| Feature | Bootstrap Icons | Font Awesome |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.5/5 153 reviews | ★3.5/5 54 reviews |
| Categories | Icon LibrariesUI/UX Design | Icon LibrariesDeveloper Tools |
In-Depth Analysis
Bootstrap Icons
An open-source SVG icon library designed for seamless integration with Bootstrap projects.
Strengths
- +Seamlessly integrates with Bootstrap projects
- +High-quality, scalable SVG icons
- +Completely free and open-source
- +Consistent design language with Bootstrap
- +Easy to implement and customize
Weaknesses
- -Primarily designed for Bootstrap, may not be ideal for other frameworks
- -Icon style is specific to Bootstrap's aesthetic
Key features
Font Awesome
The internet's most popular icon toolkit and a powerful CSS framework.
Strengths
- +Icons scale without loss of quality
- +Easy to customize with CSS
- +Reduces HTTP requests compared to image files
- +Wide range of icons available
- +Good community support and documentation
Weaknesses
- -Free tier has a limited icon set compared to Pro
- -Can add a slight overhead to page load if not optimized
- -Requires some basic CSS knowledge for advanced customization
Key features
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Bootstrap Icons is free. Font Awesome is freemium.
Go with: Bootstrap Icons
Want the highest-rated option?
Bootstrap Icons: 4.5/5 (153 reviews). Font Awesome: 3.5/5 (54 reviews).
Go with: Bootstrap Icons
Value user reviews?
Bootstrap Icons: 153 reviews (4.5/5). Font Awesome: 54 reviews (3.5/5).
Go with: Bootstrap Icons
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Bootstrap Icons is free. Font Awesome is freemium. Go with Bootstrap Icons if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are icon libraries tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Bootstrap Icons is rated higher: 4.5/5 vs 3.5/5.
Key Takeaways
Font Awesome
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Bootstrap Icons
- Completely free
- Higher user rating: 4.5/5 vs 3.5/5
- Larger review base (153 reviews)
The Bottom Line
Font Awesome wins this matchup. Our overall Icon Libraries pick is Flaticon. Our free Icon Libraries pick is Lucide. That said, Bootstrap Icons is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bootstrap Icons or Font Awesome better?
Font Awesome is rated in our evaluation. Bootstrap Icons is free and Font Awesome is freemium.
What are Bootstrap Icons and Font Awesome used for?
Bootstrap Icons: An open-source SVG icon library designed for seamless integration with Bootstrap projects.. Font Awesome: The internet's most popular icon toolkit and a powerful CSS framework..
What does Bootstrap Icons cost vs Font Awesome?
Bootstrap Icons is completely free. Font Awesome is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.