Bootstrap Icons vs Heroicons: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Bootstrap Icons and Heroicons 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: Heroicons 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:
- • Official SVG icon library for Bootstrap.
- • Provides a wide range of customizable vector icons.
Heroicons
Hand-crafted SVG icons by Tailwind CSS creators
Best for you if:
- • Heroicons is a set of free, MIT-licensed SVG icons from the makers of Tailwind CSS
- • It provides 300+ hand-crafted icons in outline and solid styles
| At a Glance |  Bootstrap Icons |  Heroicons |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Icon Libraries | Icon Libraries |
Rating | 4.4/5 | - |
Choose Bootstrap Icons or Heroicons?
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
Choose Heroicons if
Hand-crafted SVG icons by Tailwind CSS creators
- Beautiful icon set
- Tailwind team made
- Free and MIT
| Feature | Bootstrap Icons | Heroicons |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| User Rating | ★4.4/5 160 reviews | No ratings yet |
| 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
Heroicons
Hand-crafted SVG icons by Tailwind CSS creators
Strengths
- +Beautiful icon set
- +Tailwind team made
- +Free and MIT
- +React/Vue components
- +Well designed
Weaknesses
- -Limited icon count
- -Tailwind style only
- -No variations
- -Updates infrequent
- -May need more icons
Key features
Pricing: Bootstrap Icons vs Heroicons
| Plan | Bootstrap Icons | Heroicons |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | N/A | Free Free |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Bootstrap Icons pricing and Heroicons pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Bootstrap Icons
Want the highest-rated option?
Bootstrap Icons is rated 4.4/5. Heroicons has no ratings yet.
Go with: Bootstrap Icons
Value user reviews?
Bootstrap Icons: 160 reviews (4.4/5). Heroicons: no ratings yet.
Go with: Bootstrap Icons
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are free. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are icon libraries tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Bootstrap Icons is rated 4.4/5; Heroicons has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
Heroicons
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Bootstrap Icons
- Choose if you want an open-source SVG icon library designed for seamless integration with Bootstrap projects
The Bottom Line
Heroicons is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bootstrap Icons or Heroicons better?
Heroicons is rated in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are Bootstrap Icons and Heroicons used for?
Bootstrap Icons: An open-source SVG icon library designed for seamless integration with Bootstrap projects.. Heroicons: Hand-crafted SVG icons by Tailwind CSS creators.
What does Bootstrap Icons cost vs Heroicons?
Bootstrap Icons is completely free. Heroicons is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.