Material UI vs Chromatic: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Material UI 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:
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 8.5/10)
- • You need ui/ux design features specifically
- • Comprehensive React UI component library for faster development.
- • Offers both free foundational components (Material UI) and advanced paid components (MUI X).
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 |  Material UI |  Chromatic |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | UI/UX Design | Testing & QA |
Rating | 88/100 | 85/100 |
| Feature | Material UI | Chromatic |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 88 | 85 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | UI/UX DesignDesign Systems | Testing & QAUI/UX Design |
Understanding the Differences
Both Material UI and Chromatic solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Material UI positions itself as "the react component library to build beautiful and powerful uis faster." while Chromaticfocuses on "visual testing for storybook". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Material UI
Material UI makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution. With a score of 88/100, 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, Material UI lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Material UI
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Material UI handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Material UI
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: Material UI
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Material UI, upgrade when you're ready.
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 Material UI higher (88/100). But the community has upvoted Chromatic more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Material UI Does Better
- Higher overall score (88/100)
- 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 Material UI (88/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Material UI 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 Material UI or Chromatic better?
Based on our analysis, Material UI scores higher with 88/100. Material UI isfreemium 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 Material UI 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 Material UI and Chromatic offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Material UI is freemium with a free tier.Chromatic is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.