Iconify vs Chromatic: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Iconify and Chromatic 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.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Iconify
Universal icon framework for web development
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 8.5/10)
- • You need something completely free
- • You need ui/ux design features specifically
- • Iconify is a unified icon framework with 150,000+ icons from 100+ icon sets
- • It provides a single API to access icons from Font Awesome, Material Design, and more
Chromatic
Visual testing for Storybook
Best for you if:
- • You need testing & qa features specifically
- • Chromatic is a visual testing platform that catches UI bugs by comparing component screenshots
- • It integrates with Storybook to automate visual regression testing across browsers and viewports
| At a Glance |  Iconify |  Chromatic |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | UI/UX Design | Testing & QA |
Rating | 86/100 | 85/100 |
| Feature | Iconify | Chromatic |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 86 | 85 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | UI/UX DesignIcon Libraries | Testing & QAUI/UX Design |
Understanding the Differences
Both Iconify and Chromatic solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Iconify positions itself as "universal icon framework for web development" while Chromaticfocuses on "visual testing for storybook". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Iconify
Iconify makes sense if you're looking for a completely free solution. With a score of 86/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Chromatic
Chromatic is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Iconify lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Iconify
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Iconify handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Iconify
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: Iconify
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Nothing at all? Iconify is completely free.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Iconify higher (86/100). But the community has upvoted Chromatic more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Iconify Does Better
- Higher overall score (86/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Chromatic If
- You want to start free and scale later
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Iconify (86/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Iconify scores higher in our analysis, but Chromatic might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Iconify or Chromatic better?
Based on our analysis, Iconify scores higher with 86/100. Iconify isfree while Chromatic is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Iconify to Chromatic easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Iconify and Chromatic offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Iconify is completely free.Chromatic is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.