Oxc vs SWC: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Oxc and SWC 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:
Oxc
High-performance JavaScript tools written in Rust for faster development workflows.
Best for you if:
- • A collection of high-performance JavaScript tools written in Rust.
- • Includes a linter, formatter, parser, transformer, resolver, and minifier.
SWC
Super-fast TypeScript/JavaScript compiler
Best for you if:
- • SWC is an extremely fast JavaScript/TypeScript compiler written in Rust
- • It replaces Babel with 20x faster compilation for modern JavaScript
| At a Glance |  Oxc |  SWC |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Developer Tools | Developer Tools |
Rating | - | - |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Oxc or SWC?
Choose Oxc if
High-performance JavaScript tools written in Rust for faster development workflows.
- Significantly faster than comparable JavaScript tools (e.g., 50-100x faster linter than ESLint, 3x faster formatter than Biome, 3x faster parser than SWC).
- Provides a comprehensive suite of essential JavaScript development tools.
- Open-source and free to use.
Choose SWC if
Super-fast TypeScript/JavaScript compiler
- Very fast compilation
- Rust-based
- Babel compatible
| Feature | Oxc | SWC |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Categories | Developer ToolsTesting & QA | Developer ToolsCI/CD |
In-Depth Analysis
Oxc
High-performance JavaScript tools written in Rust for faster development workflows.
Strengths
- +Significantly faster than comparable JavaScript tools (e.g., 50-100x faster linter than ESLint, 3x faster formatter than Biome, 3x faster parser than SWC).
- +Provides a comprehensive suite of essential JavaScript development tools.
- +Open-source and free to use.
- +Built with Rust for performance and reliability.
- +Offers type-aware linting for improved code quality.
Weaknesses
- -Formatter and Minifier are currently in Alpha, indicating potential instability or incomplete features.
- -Newer project compared to established tools, might have a smaller community or fewer integrations initially.
Key features
SWC
Super-fast TypeScript/JavaScript compiler
Strengths
- +Very fast compilation
- +Rust-based
- +Babel compatible
- +Next.js default
- +Active development
Weaknesses
- -Plugin ecosystem smaller
- -Some Babel features missing
- -Debugging harder
- -Learning curve
- -Config different
Key features
Pricing: Oxc vs SWC
| Plan | Oxc | SWC |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Open Source | Free Free |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Oxc pricing and SWC pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Oxc
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has ratings yet.
Too early to call on ratings — compare on features and pricing.
Value user reviews?
Neither has ratings yet.
Too early to call — neither has ratings yet.
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 developer tools tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Neither has ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
SWC
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Oxc
- Choose if you want high-performance JavaScript tools written in Rust for faster development workflows
The Bottom Line
SWC is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oxc or SWC better?
SWC is rated in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are Oxc and SWC used for?
Oxc: High-performance JavaScript tools written in Rust for faster development workflows.. SWC: Super-fast TypeScript/JavaScript compiler.
What does Oxc cost vs SWC?
Oxc is completely free. SWC is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.