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 is our overall pick for icon libraries workflows. 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 need something completely free
- • Official SVG icon library for Bootstrap.
- • Provides a wide range of customizable vector icons.
Font Awesome
The internet's most popular icon toolkit and a powerful CSS framework.
Best for you if:
- • Provides a vast library of scalable vector icons.
- • Offers a CSS toolkit for easy icon customization.
| At a Glance |  Bootstrap Icons |  Font Awesome |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Icon Libraries | Icon Libraries |
Rating | 4.4/5 | 4.5/5 |
Choose Bootstrap Icons or Font Awesome?
Choose Bootstrap Icons if
An open-source SVG icon library designed for seamless integration with Bootstrap projects.
- Seamlessly integrates with Bootstrap projects
- High-quality, scalable SVG icons
- Completely free and open-source
- You want a fully free tool (Font Awesome requires payment)
Choose Font Awesome if
The internet's most popular icon toolkit and a powerful CSS framework.
- Icons scale without loss of quality
- Easy to customize with CSS
- Reduces HTTP requests compared to image files
| Feature | Bootstrap Icons | Font Awesome |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.4/5 160 reviews | ★4.5/5 34 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
Pricing: Bootstrap Icons vs Font Awesome
| Plan | Bootstrap Icons | Font Awesome |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | N/A | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $10/month Basic |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $25/month Pro |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Bootstrap Icons pricing and Font Awesome pricing.
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: 4.4/5 (160 reviews). Font Awesome: 4.5/5 (34 reviews).
Go with: Font Awesome
Value user reviews?
Bootstrap Icons: 160 reviews (4.4/5). Font Awesome: 34 reviews (4.5/5).
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?
Font Awesome is rated higher: 4.5/5 vs 4.4/5.
Key Takeaways
Font Awesome
- Higher user rating: 4.5/5 vs 4.4/5
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Bootstrap Icons
- Completely free
- Larger review base (160 reviews)
The Bottom Line
Font Awesome is our pick. 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.