Material UI vs Chakra UI: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Material UI and Chakra UI 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:
Material UI
The React component library to build beautiful and powerful UIs faster.
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.8/10 vs 7.5/10)
- • Comprehensive React UI component library for faster development.
- • Offers both free foundational components (Material UI) and advanced paid components (MUI X).
Chakra UI
React component library
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • Free open-source React component library with Pro components starting at $149
- • Accessible, modular components with built-in dark mode and WAI-ARIA compliance
| At a Glance |  Material UI |  Chakra UI |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free |
Best For | UI/UX Design | UI/UX Design |
Rating | 88/100 | 75/100 |
| Feature | Material UI | Chakra UI |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| Editorial Score | 88 | 75 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | UI/UX DesignDesign Systems | UI/UX DesignDesign Systems |
How Material UI and Chakra UI Compare
Material UI
The React component library to build beautiful and powerful UIs faster.
Free tier available · 88/100 score
Chakra UI
React component library
Free · 75/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Chakra UI is free. Material UI is freemium.
Go with: Chakra UI
Want the highest-rated option?
Material UI: 88/100. Chakra UI: 75/100.
Go with: Material UI
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Material UI
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Material UI is freemium. Chakra UI is free. Go with Chakra UI if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are ui/ux design tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Material UI scores higher: 88/100 vs 75/100.
Key Takeaways
Material UI
- Higher score: 88/100 vs 75
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Chakra UI
- Completely free
The Bottom Line
Material UI (88/100) is our pick. That said, Chakra UI is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Material UI or Chakra UI better?
Material UI scores 88/100 in our evaluation. Material UI is freemium and Chakra UI is free.
What are Material UI and Chakra UI used for?
Material UI: The React component library to build beautiful and powerful UIs faster.. Chakra UI: React component library.
What does Material UI cost vs Chakra UI?
Material UI is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Chakra UI is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.