React vs Vue vs Angular: Which Should You Choose?

Three major players dominate the frontend world: React, Vue, and Angular. Each has strengths and weaknesses. Which is right for your project?

Overview Comparison

| Criteria | React | Vue | Angular | |----------|-------|-----|---------| | Developer | Meta (Facebook) | Evan You (independent) | Google | | First release | 2013 | 2014 | 2016 | | Type | Library | Framework | Framework | | Language | JavaScript/TSX | JavaScript/SFC | TypeScript | | Size | ~42KB | ~33KB | ~143KB | | Learning curve | Medium | Low | High | | GitHub stars | 220K+ | 207K+ | 94K+ | | npm downloads | #1 | #3 | #2 |

React

What?

A UI library by Meta. Component-based, virtual DOM, one-way data flow.

Advantages:

• Largest ecosystem — Thousands of libraries
• Job market — Most in-demand framework
• React Native — Build mobile apps too
• Next.js — Full-stack framework
• Flexibility — Choose your own tools

Disadvantages:

• Not a full framework (router, state management are extra)
• JSX has a learning curve
• Fast-changing ecosystem
• Decision fatigue (too many options)

Best for:

• Large-scale applications
• Startups (wide talent pool)
• Mobile + web combined development

Vue

What?

A progressive framework by Evan You. HTML templates, reactive data binding.

Advantages:

• Easiest to learn — Start if you know HTML
• Great documentation — Best official docs
• Composition API — React hooks-like power
• Nuxt.js — Full-stack solution
• Lightweight — Smallest bundle size

Disadvantages:

• Smaller ecosystem than React
• Fewer job listings
• Less preferred by large companies
• Weaker mobile solution

Best for:

• Small-medium projects
• Rapid prototyping
• Beginners
• Gradual integration into existing projects

Angular

What?

A comprehensive framework by Google. TypeScript required, MVVM architecture, dependency injection.

Advantages:

• All-in-one — Everything included (router, forms, HTTP, testing)
• TypeScript required — Type safety
• Enterprise ready — Ideal for large teams
• CLI — Powerful command-line tools
• Google backing — Long-term reliability

Disadvantages:

• Steepest learning curve — RxJS, DI, decorators
• Large bundle size
• Complex boilerplate
• Slower development speed

Best for:

• Enterprise applications
• Large teams (20+ developers)
• Long-lived projects
• Complex business logic

Performance Comparison

| Metric | React | Vue | Angular | |--------|-------|-----|---------| | Initial load | Fast | Fastest | Slower | | Runtime | Fast | Fast | Medium | | Memory | Low | Lowest | Higher | | Bundle size | Medium | Small | Large |

Which Should You Learn?

If it's your first framework: → Vue — Easiest entry, builds strong fundamentals

If you want to get hired: → React — Most job listings, widest market

For enterprise projects: → Angular — Structured, scalable

2026 recommendation: Learning React + Next.js offers the widest career opportunities.

Conclusion

There is no "best framework" — there's the framework that's best suited for your project, team, and goals. All three are powerful, all three are actively maintained. What matters is choosing one and learning it deeply.

If you'd like to build professional web applications with React, Vue, or Angular, get in touch: info@cagribilgehan.com. Check out my projects: cagribilgehan.com