Bootstrap Icons vs Material Icons: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Bootstrap Icons and Material Icons 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: Bootstrap Icons is our overall pick for icon libraries workflows. Pick Material 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.
Material Icons
Access a vast library of customizable icons for your digital products, powered by Google.
Best for you if:
- • Provides a large library of customizable icons.
- • Offers multiple styles and adjustable visual properties.
| At a Glance |  Bootstrap Icons |  Material Icons |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Icon Libraries | Icon Libraries |
Rating | 4.4/5 | - |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Bootstrap Icons or Material Icons?
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 Material Icons if
Access a vast library of customizable icons for your digital products, powered by Google.
- Completely free to use
- High-quality and visually consistent icons
- Wide range of customization options
| Feature | Bootstrap Icons | Material Icons |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| User Rating | ★4.4/5 160 reviews | No ratings yet |
| Categories | Icon LibrariesUI/UX Design | Icon LibrariesUI/UX Design |
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
Material Icons
Access a vast library of customizable icons for your digital products, powered by Google.
Strengths
- +Completely free to use
- +High-quality and visually consistent icons
- +Wide range of customization options
- +Easy to integrate into projects
- +Regularly updated with new icons
Weaknesses
- -Primarily follows Material Design guidelines, which might not suit all brand aesthetics
- -Requires some technical knowledge for advanced customization and integration
Key features
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. Material Icons has no ratings yet.
Go with: Bootstrap Icons
Value user reviews?
Bootstrap Icons: 160 reviews (4.4/5). Material Icons: 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; Material Icons has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
Bootstrap Icons
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Material Icons
- Choose if you want access a vast library of customizable icons for your digital products, powered by Google
The Bottom Line
Bootstrap Icons is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bootstrap Icons or Material Icons better?
Bootstrap Icons is rated in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are Bootstrap Icons and Material Icons used for?
Bootstrap Icons: An open-source SVG icon library designed for seamless integration with Bootstrap projects.. Material Icons: Access a vast library of customizable icons for your digital products, powered by Google..
What does Bootstrap Icons cost vs Material Icons?
Bootstrap Icons is completely free. Material Icons is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.