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ReExt vs. AG Grid vs. MUI Data Grid: The Ultimate React Grid Comparison

February 27, 2025 2465 Views

Data grids play a key role in today’s web application development. A well-built grid can really shape how flexible and responsive your app feels. It’s one of those features that makes a big difference behind the scenes.

It might be a finance dashboard, an inventory system, or an admin panel. Additionally, choosing a good grid can significantly affect the building of modern web applications.

ReExt vs. AG Grid vs. MUI Data Grid: The Ultimate React Grid Comparison

If you’re in the React space, you’ve probably come across a bunch of options. But three names pop up again and again – ReExt, AG Grid, and MUI Data Grid. Each has its own strengths. Whether you care about huge datasets, seamless design, or device-friendly scaling, there’s something here for you.

This post breaks down how these grids perform when it comes to speed, customization, data handling, ease of use, and licensing. If you’re building a React grid layout for a feature-rich dashboard or just need a solid React grid table, this guide can help. Maybe you’re even into building a React grid library yourself.

We’ll go over the benefits and drawbacks of each so you may more easily choose which one best suits your requirements. From simple setups to more advanced React data grid examples, you’ll get a clear idea of what works best for your next project.

ReExt: Enterprise-Grade Grids for Advanced Applications

ReExt is a convenient tool that allows React to connect to Sencha Ext JS’s powerful UI components. It lets you build rich, scalable apps using React while taking full advantage of Ext JS components.

If you’re working on custom web application development, especially with a focus on grids, ReExt can really speed things up. It’s perfect for building a React grid layout or a full React data grid table for advanced needs.

How ReExt Works with Ext JS

ReExt lets you use Ext JS tools like grids, charts, and forms directly in your React components. It runs well with Ext JS 7.x and also works fine with the latest React versions without trouble. Whether you’re building a dashboard or a data-heavy app, ReExt helps speed things up.

  • Pre-built UI components – ReExt provides ready-to-use components like forms, graphics, and pivot tables. These help you build full-featured apps faster. They save time during the process. They make it easier to build feature-packed apps.
    You get things done quicker, especially with custom web application development.
  • Fully customizable – You can easily adjust the look and layout to match your brand or style. It works well with layout arrays and breakpoints. The React grid layout keeps everything neat and responsive.
  • Performance-optimized –Working with loads of data? No worries. ReExt is built to manage it well. It arranges grid items as needed and keeps things running smoothly. Your React data grid keeps working smoothly the whole time.
  • Responsive by design – Whatever device you are using, whether a phone or a desktop. ReExt adjusts with layout settings that follow the best React grid layout practices.
  • Cross-platform compatible –ReExt apps run smoothly on all browsers and devices. You can count on it to work well every time without any hassle.

ReExt works best when you’re building something big, like an ERP, a dashboard, or any tool that needs to be fast and easy to shape the way you want. It supports web and application development, where using the best React data grid or building a React grid library makes all the difference in creating scalable, user-friendly tools.

AG Grid: Best-in-Class for Performance and Flexibility

AG Grid really stands out when you’re dealing with big projects in React. It’s fast and simple to use. You get all the tools you’ll likely need. Whether you’re building a custom web app or managing a bigger project, it really helps make things easier.

Why Use AG Grid?

AG Grid helps to manage large data sets and heavy user activity without slowing down. It provides customization according to your expectations while keeping things smooth.

  • Effortless scalability – AG Grid handles millions of rows with ease, thanks to virtual DOM and lazy loading. It stays fast, even on large data sets. That makes it a solid choice for big web application projects.
  • Advanced features – You have built-in features like grouping, tree data views, master-detail layouts, and real-time updates. Ideal for building a React grid library with all the essentials.
  • Custom cell renderers – Need custom UI inside your grid? AG Grid lets you control layouts with precision so you can build exactly what you need.
  • Data visualization – Data visualization is really important. It gives analytics very clearly. There are Built-in charting tools that help in visualizing data.
  • Responsive design – It uses layout props and mapping breakpoints to fit in any screen size. It just works across devices.
  • Drag-and-drop support – Rearranging columns or rows is simple. You have full control over alignment and spacing.

Whether you’re looking for the best React data grid or working on the development of a web based application, AG Grid is a top-tier choice that delivers speed and flexibility.

How AG Grid Simplifies Data Management

AG Grid isn’t just about showing plain tables. It’s a full-featured tool that helps you manage complex data with ease. You get handy stuff like Excel export, inline editing, and pivot features out of the box. These are a big help in custom web application development, where users expect more than just basic tables.
AG Grid is great for building a React grid library that can handle serious data tasks in any web and application development project. No matter if you’re just adding a tiny feature or building a whole web app, it keeps everything moving without hassle.

AG Grid comes in two versions:

  • Community Edition – Free to use and comes with plenty of helpful features for most projects.
  • Enterprise Edition – Paid version that gives you more tools, faster bug fixes, and priority support.

If you’re after the best React data grid or exploring options like a React grid table, AG Grid sets a solid standard. It fits well with any React grid layout or grid component in React.

MUI Data Grid: Sleek, Fast, and Developer-Friendly

If you’re working with Material UI, the MUI Data Grid just fits right in. It’s a solid pick if you want your web app to look simple, be easy to use, and run well right from the beginning. Whether you’re just getting into custom web application development or scaling up, this tool checks a lot of boxes.

What Makes MUI Data Grid Special?

  • Material UI foundation – It blends seamlessly into MUI-based designs. The React grid layout it offers feels natural, responsive, and easy to style without extra effort.
  • Optimized performance – It helps in keeping effectiveness and responsiveness, whether it’s a mid-sized dataset or complex large data. Even low-end devices won’t struggle.
  • Rich out-of-the-box features – It has a lot of built-in tools like filtering, sorting, pagination, and column controls. It’s a strong React data grid example if you’re looking for a reliable React grid table setup.
  • Accessibility-ready – You can use the keyboard to move around easily. It also works well with screen readers. That means your interface is accessible right from the start. It’s a simple way to include everyone.
  • Flexible theming – You can tweak themes, spacing, or styles using MUI’s familiar setup. It’s especially helpful when building a React grid library or refining the development of custom web applications.

If you’re deep into the development of web-based applications or just starting to develop web application tools, MUI’s grid component for React is one of the best React data grid options out there.

Developer Experience & Real-World Use

If you’re building a React grid layout and want something that just works out of the box, MUI Data Grid is a solid pick. It’s really simple to get started. Just write a few lines of code, and the grid is up and running.

It looks great and works nicely on all screen sizes. It has built-in functions and flexibility in data passing, making it easier to handle things like column width, auto-sizing, and full-row layout.

This is why so many teams use it for web application development, especially when they’re on a deadline. It scales well if your app grows. It also fits nicely into custom web application development projects. Whether you’re building a React grid table for a dashboard or managing large data sets, MUI makes it straightforward.

You also get two versions to choose from:

  • Free – Covers all the basics you’d expect in a good grid component for React.
  • Pro – Unlocks features like Excel export, row grouping, more custom options, and support that actually responds.

If you’re looking for the best React data grid with a clean UI and solid performance, MUI often comes up first. It’s perfect for developers working on the development of web based applications who want reliable, real-world tools.

React Grid Layout: What Most Libraries Share

If you’ve played around with different React grid tools, you’ll notice they usually offer a similar set of basics. No matter which one you go with, these features tend to show up and really help when you’re building or customizing layouts in a React app.

Here’s what most of them include:

  • You can drag and resize grid items
  • Columns adjust depending on screen size
  • They support breakpoints for desktop and mobile
  • You get control over the starting sizes of items
  • Layouts are set using simple objects or arrays

These come in handy for web and application development. Working with a React data grid? Setting up the layout can actually be pretty simple. Whether you’re using a ready-made grid component in React or building your own from scratch, these features really help. They save you time and keep everything running smoothly.

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

Feature ReExt AG Grid MUI Data Grid
Performance Helps your app run faster by using the EXT JS framework. Fast performance because of virtual DOM behind the scenes. Works really well for most needs.
Customization Extensive, but takes some time to learn. Very flexible with a custom API for editors and themes. Modern look that’s easy to style and customize.
Features Full of flexible grids, dashboards, and smart layouts. Packed with features like filter, sort, and edit right in place. Focuses on key features like sorting, filtering, and paging.
Ease of Integration Takes little setup with the latest React tools. Easy-to-follow docs and helpful community. Built to fit smoothly with React and Material UI.
Data Handling Great for business apps with complex data. Manages big data smoothly with fast scrolling and live updates. Handles most data sizes well, but may need tweaks for very large sets.
Licensing Comes with paid support and extra features for businesses. Comes in a free version and a paid one for enterprise use. Both free and pro versions are offered, following Material UI’s license.

Use Cases: Which Grid Is Right for You?

ReExt

If you’re working on a big app with loads of data and need a solid UI, ReExt does the job. It’s a good fit for teams already using Sencha or anyone building custom web apps with lots of setup options. Also works well if you’re building a React grid library that needs deep control.

AG Grid

If your project needs a powerful React data grid, like trading dashboards or admin panels, AG Grid is a solid choice. It handles complex React grid layout needs with ease. It’s one of the best React data grid tools out there.

MUI Data Grid

Perfect for design-first apps. If you already use Material UI, it slides right in. Ideal for fast builds, simple grid tables, and clean web application development.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right grid really matters when you’re building a web app. It affects how smooth everything feels, how fast it loads, and how easily your app can grow later on. Luckily, React has some solid options that fit all kinds of needs.

If you’re going for powerful enterprise tools, ReExt has you covered. Need top-tier speed and custom options? AG Grid is a solid pick. Want something that works great with Material UI? Go with MUI Data Grid.

All three support responsive design and come packed with must-have features for any grid component React setup. Whether you’re building dashboards, trying a react data grid example, or just starting custom web application development, one of these will match your project perfectly.

FAQs

What is the grid?

A grid breaks a page into rows and columns. It helps you line things up and keep them tidy. That way, everything looks clean and fits well on screen. This setup is really useful for responsive designs and data tables. It makes content easier to manage and view on any screen.

How do you develop a web application?

To build a web application, first pick a tech stack like React. Then, choose tools that fit your project, such as grid libraries. Start by setting up the front end and back end. Then, move on to designing the app. Build it step by step. Test how it works and get it ready to go live.

What is application development?

Application development is the process of creating software that people can use. It starts with an idea, then moves through design, coding, testing, and finally making it available to use.

What is rapid application development?

The primary focus of Rapid development is on speed. Initially, we build something and try it. Then make changes and improve it according to our requirements. It’s more hands-on and flexible. The goal is faster results. Tools like AG Grid or MUI Data Grid support RAD by speeding up UI and data integration.

How to choose a framework for a web application?

Start by assessing your project goals. If performance is critical, choose AG Grid. For enterprise UI needs, go with ReExt. If you’re using Material UI and want ease of use, MUI Data Grid is ideal. Consider community support, customization, and licensing, too.

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