esbuild vs Vite: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between esbuild and Vite 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.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
esbuild
Extremely fast JavaScript bundler
Best for you if:
- • You need ide & code editors features specifically
- • esbuild is an extremely fast JavaScript bundler and minifier written in Go
- • It compiles TypeScript and JSX with 10-100x faster build times than alternatives
Vite
Next-generation frontend build tool
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.2/10 vs 9.0/10)
- • You need terminal tools features specifically
- • Lightning-fast frontend dev server with native ES module serving
- • Near-instant hot module replacement regardless of project size
| At a Glance |  esbuild |  Vite |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free |
Best For | IDE & Code Editors | Terminal Tools |
Rating | 90/100 | 92/100 |
| Feature | esbuild | Vite |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| Editorial Score | 90 | 92 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | IDE & Code EditorsTerminal Tools | Terminal ToolsHosting & Deployment |
How esbuild and Vite Compare
esbuild
Extremely fast JavaScript bundler
Free · 90/100 score
Vite
Next-generation frontend build tool
Free · 92/100 score
esbuild is a ide & code editors tool. Vite is in terminal tools.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: esbuild
Want the highest-rated option?
esbuild: 90/100. Vite: 92/100.
Go with: Vite
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Vite
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?
esbuild is a ide & code editors tool. Vite is in terminal tools. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Vite scores higher: 92/100 vs 90/100.
Key Takeaways
Vite
- Higher score: 92/100 vs 90
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
esbuild
- Better fit for ide & code editors
The Bottom Line
Vite (92/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is esbuild or Vite better?
Vite scores 92/100 in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are esbuild and Vite used for?
esbuild: Extremely fast JavaScript bundler. Vite: Next-generation frontend build tool.
What does esbuild cost vs Vite?
esbuild is completely free. Vite is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.