Vitest vs Jest: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Vitest and Jest 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:
Vitest
Blazing fast unit testing
Best for you if:
- • You need ide & code editors features specifically
- • Fast testing framework built on Vite
- • Jest-compatible API for easy migration
Jest
Delightful JavaScript testing
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.9/10 vs 8.7/10)
- • You need testing & qa features specifically
- • Comprehensive JavaScript testing framework
- • Built-in test runner, assertions, mocking, and coverage
| At a Glance |  Vitest |  Jest |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free |
Best For | IDE & Code Editors | Testing & QA |
Rating | 87/100 | 89/100 |
| Feature | Vitest | Jest |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| Editorial Score | 87 | 89 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | IDE & Code EditorsTesting & QA | Testing & QABrowser DevTools |
How Vitest and Jest Compare
Vitest
Blazing fast unit testing
Free · 87/100 score
Jest
Delightful JavaScript testing
Free · 89/100 score
Vitest is a ide & code editors tool. Jest is in testing & qa.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Vitest
Want the highest-rated option?
Vitest: 87/100. Jest: 89/100.
Go with: Jest
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Jest
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?
Vitest is a ide & code editors tool. Jest is in testing & qa. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Jest scores higher: 89/100 vs 87/100.
Key Takeaways
Jest
- Higher score: 89/100 vs 87
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Vitest
- Better fit for ide & code editors
The Bottom Line
Jest (89/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vitest or Jest better?
Jest scores 89/100 in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are Vitest and Jest used for?
Vitest: Blazing fast unit testing. Jest: Delightful JavaScript testing.
What does Vitest cost vs Jest?
Vitest is completely free. Jest is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.