SWC vs Babel: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between SWC and Babel 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:
SWC
Super-fast TypeScript/JavaScript compiler
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.8/10 vs 7.5/10)
- • SWC is an extremely fast JavaScript/TypeScript compiler written in Rust
- • It replaces Babel with 20x faster compilation for modern JavaScript
Babel
JavaScript compiler
Best for you if:
- • JavaScript compiler
- • Next-gen JS support
| At a Glance |  SWC |  Babel |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free |
Best For | IDE & Code Editors | IDE & Code Editors |
Rating | 88/100 | 75/100 |
| Feature | SWC | Babel |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| Editorial Score | 88 | 75 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | IDE & Code EditorsTerminal Tools | IDE & Code EditorsAPI Tools |
How SWC and Babel Compare
SWC
Super-fast TypeScript/JavaScript compiler
Free · 88/100 score
Babel
JavaScript compiler
Free · 75/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: SWC
Want the highest-rated option?
SWC: 88/100. Babel: 75/100.
Go with: SWC
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: SWC
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 ide & code editors tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
SWC scores higher: 88/100 vs 75/100.
Key Takeaways
SWC
- Higher score: 88/100 vs 75
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Babel
The Bottom Line
SWC (88/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SWC or Babel better?
SWC scores 88/100 in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are SWC and Babel used for?
SWC: Super-fast TypeScript/JavaScript compiler. Babel: JavaScript compiler.
What does SWC cost vs Babel?
SWC is completely free. Babel is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.