The Best JavaScript Chart Libraries You Could Use

Data collection has seen tremendous growth throughout various industries. This is due in part to the need for various companies to interpret data as pie charts or tables, for example.

Developers combine various database records to create charts and dashboards for others to make sense of information. The introduction of JavaScript chart libraries has enhanced data visualization.

A charting library efficiently facilitates the depiction of complex data in a straightforward format for end-users to better grasp. It comprises interactive features and pre-designed and customizable charts.

Interested ones can then use the data in a lively and captivating format.

The digital landscape is jam-packed with charting libraries. It would be time-consuming and counter-productive to test each one.

JavaScript Chart Libraries – A Vital and Effective Tool

Users benefit from engaging with data visualizations that untangle complicated data sets. This sort of user engagement is an integral goal and component of web development.

Designers and developers generate lively data visualizations, from bar charts to bubble charts, and other visualizations that merge a variety of data-driven interfaces (like web apps and dashboards).

JavaScript Chart Libraries contain an assortment of codes which generate a diverse number of interactive charts for web apps. Simply enter a data set, following the chart data features and accurately showcase your information in an appealing context.

Want a more rapid development process and fewer errors? Then make use of a JavaScript Charting Library with the added advantage of:

• a straightforward set up process
• a simple learning curve
• robust interfaces
• a stable UX
• access to a variety of pre-designed visualization layouts

With so many JavaScript Chart Libraries to choose from, finding the right one can be overwhelming. Check out the following noteworthy options that will help determine the best fit for a diverse range of chart data.

17 Superior JavaScript Chart Libraries for Web Development

D3.js

Perhaps one of the more well-known JavaScript charting libraries on the list, D3.js is for data visualization, analysis, and utilities, as well as geo and animation. It boasts a vast API and uses HTML, SVG, and CSS.

D3.js can likely help with a range of functionality needs, but there are a few drawbacks. The learning curve is challenging and takes time, and the comprehensive documentation is dated and difficult to follow.

Attributes:

• support for several chart types
• a data-driven method in relation to DOM manipulation merged with elegant visualization components
• a straightforward in-browser element inspector for debugging
• loads of accessible samples
• curve-generating functions

FusionCharts

This is the most comprehensive JavaScript charting library out there featuring over 90 chart options and 900 maps ready for use. FushionCharts boasts the most eye-catching charts. Their powerful reporting experience via dashboards—offering a panoramic view of every business task.

This chart library works well with PCs, Macs, iPhones, and Android tablets. And it exceeds expectations by ensuring cross-browser compatibility (including IE6).

Attributes:

• various 2D and 3D chart options
• full interactive animated charts and maps
• NET, PHP, and Ruby on Rails server-side APIs
• support for jQuery, Angular, PHP, ASP.NET, React Native, Django, React, Ruby on Rails, Java, and more
• detailed user’s handbook and API reference
• various samples and dashboards to check out
• support for older browsers

Plotly

The web’s first scientific and open source JavaScript library is available for free. Plotly provides support for 20 chart types (SVG maps, 3D charts, statistical graphs). It’s stacked on D3.js and stack.gl.

Plotly has an extensive library with exceptional documentation and tutorials for all chart types.

The charts and graphs are professional, and the simple setup involves entering the dynamic data and customizing the layout, notes, axes, and legend.

Attributes:

• 3D charts
• SVG maps
• statistical graphs
• built onto D3.js and stack.gl
• 20 chart options

Google Charts

Google Charts is perfect for basic projects involving no complicated customization. Choose from a variety of pre-designed charts: area charts, bar charts, calendar charts, pie charts, geo charts, etc. Instantly upload these interactive charts onto a site.

Change chart appearances with customization options, and render charts using HTML5/SVG. Google Charts is compatible across platforms and browsers, including iPhones, iPads, and Android. Google Charts supports older IE versions via VML.

Attributes:

• a considerable amount of chart types
• customization options
• interactive components
• real-time data
• ease of use
• straightforward integration
• open-source JavaScript library

 

CanvasJS

Here is a multipurpose, quick and straightforward JS chart solution with up to 30 chart options to pick from. CanvasJS allows you to customize charts and offers support for animation and mixed charts. Create a vibrant chart theme in the UI.

CanvasJS provides support for JavaScript front-end frameworks and chart rendering in server-side technologies (PHP, ASP.NET, MVC stacks). It helps bypass problems in documents for a variety of situations.

The library incorporates a dashboard tool, offering a variety of perspectives from which to visualize data. Use CanvasJS to plot stock-related charts, and use different CDNs for stock and general charts.

Attributes:

• assortment of chart types
• customization options
• interactive components
• real-time data
• responsiveness
• cross-platform compatibility
• multi-lingual support
• free and commercial licenses

C3.js

C3.js is an effective D3-based data visualization library. It renders quickly, features strong compatibility with various browsers, and basic integration, making it a hassle-free option.

Its straightforward library comes with coherent documentation, which is a bonus.

The functionality lacks a little and does not boast as many features as other top-notch libraries. The visualizations are simplistic, so if you are looking to win awards for your chart designs, this isn’t the best JS chart solution. But it is practical and clear to use.

A get-started guide directs you as you set up your project using the basic library.

Attributes:

• wide range of tutorials and documentation
• responsive and mobile-friendly
• able to filter data series

Recharts

Created with React users in mind, Recharts is an open source chart library using D3 in its internal workings and exposing declarative components. You can design appealing and interactive charts by rendering SVG elements with this lightweight chart library.

Recharts is user-friendly, and the documentation is a breeze.

Customize a variety of charts and check out the examples provided in the library for inspiration. Recharts performs well for static charts, and comes with built-in chart tools such as legend tooltips and labels.

If you’re working with several animated charts and big datasets on one page, it might start to lag but not for most projects.

Of concern is the volume of unresolved issues on GitHub. While not so serious, it looks like developers are not as available to resolve those issues. Get ready to search for and wide in the library for solutions.

Attributes:

• reuse React elements to effortlessly create charts
• built on top of SVG elements and depends on D3 sub-modules
• adjust component properties and insert custom features to modify your chart
• various practical examples

Dygraphs

This is one of the fastest chart-rendering libraries out there. It operates smoothly with a substantial volume of data, and data analysts can work with extensive datasets (tens of thousands).

Attributes:

• ability to synchronize multiple charts
• customizable annotations with the Range/Viewfinder
• straightforward from the start
• perfect for showing data in real-time
• rapid data point feedback which is displayed off-chart
• zoom in and out function
• various samples featuring links to JSFiddles
• easy data manipulation using basic arrays or load data from text or CSV files

ApexCharts.Js

Here is a contemporary and practical open source chart library for creators to build eye-catching interactive visualizations. ApexCharts.Js is an MIT-licensed and open source library.

You can change and load datasets using sleek interactive animation and choose from over 10 color palettes to create a pre-set theme. Clear documentation helps you to get going as soon as possible.

It’s no wonder ApexCharts is popular among web developers boasting over 1 million downloads a month—no registration needed to download.

Attributes:

• various chart options
• fully responsive
• extremely interactive
• over 100 samples to inspire

ZingChart

Apple, Microsoft, Adobe, Boeing and Cisco all use ZingChart—an adaptable, interactive, and up-to-date JavaScript charting library. It uses HTML5, Ajax, and JSON to design captivating charts.

ZingChart provides over 35 chart types and modules with real-time display. Use CSS to develop the design and theme of the chart and render big data quickly.

Check out all chart types for free or purchase a watermark-free license according to your business needs.

Attributes:

• assorted chart types
• customization options
• mobile-responsive
• integrates with various web frameworks and libraries (Angular, React, jQuery, and Vue)

NVD3

Another popular chart library, NVD3 is built on top of D3.js and features a robust technical foundation.

Performance is pretty solid, and simple animations give some life into the visual aspect of the basic interface. NVD3 easily integrates with existing data API solutions so you can add data straight from .json files.

In comparison with other JavaScript chart libraries, this one is more limited, but the most common graph options are accessible.

The Apache 2.0 License makes this a totally open source JavaScript chart library.

Attributes:

• interactive charts
• various chart types
• responsive
• customization of themes
• tooltips

Chart.js

Chart.is has a well-known and much-loved chart library with over 55 thousand stars to its name on GitHub. Create responsive charts with HTML5 Canvas elements with this light charting library.

You have access to six unique default chart types which are responsive and easy to work with (especially for tech newbies). Chart.js is a fascinating open source library to explore.

Attributes:

• modify and animate each chart type
• responsive charts online
• use plugins to enhance system functionality
• excellent documentation
• majority of browsers support IE9+

Chartist.js

An SVG-based chart library, featuring SVG animations within the charts), Chartist.js is a free-use JavaScript chart library with a robust technological foundation. And creating your project is quick and easy.

Instantly create a striking chart that engages simply with any backend data source. Make use of Sass for easy configuration and change this chart library.

Attributes:

• incredible animation
• API documentation contains vital information but is difficult to navigate (a lot of scrolling)
• increase functionality via plugins
• design charts with SVG
• offers support for older browsers

Billboard.Js

Billboard is founded on D3 v4+ and is a free, straightforward charting library. It features 22 chart types and its demo section has over 220 examples to draw from. Each detailed feature and sample have an API document to assist you to get going with your project.

Entering data is simple, enabling you to add small or large datasets for your visualizations.

Attributes:

• create charts with ease
• ESM (ES Module) with ES6+ syntax
• a variety of practical and comprehensive options
• compatible with D3 v4+

Frappe Charts

Frappe Charts is one of those basic JavaScript chart libraries with minimal constraints. There are only 17 contributors assisting on this open-source visualization library, setting it apart as one of the smallest chart libraries featured in this article. It’s built on top of Chart.js and delivers a variety of bonus features.

Inspired by GitHub’s visualizations, Frappe Charts supports an array of charts, from line graphs and bar charts to pie charts. Use this charting library to design heat maps reminiscent of those found on GitHub Activity. Frappe Chart is the JS library for you if you’re looking for minimalistic and light use.

Attributes:

• uncomplicated and user-friendly
• an assortment of available chart types
• customization options
• interactive
• mobile-responsive
• light functionality

Highcharts

Highcharts is jam-packed with an assortment of standout animation formats that are effective enough to draw a great deal of visitors to your official website—and keep them engaged.

As with the other libraries mentioned here, Highcharts includes a range of pre-designed graphs, for example area charts, area spline graphs, column, bar and pie charts, as well as scatter and spline visualizations. All the charts created are responsive and mobile-friendly. It also boasts some advanced features, like the addition of annotations (commentary) to various charts.

A huge draw for Highcharts is its ability to remain compatible with browsers, going so far back as Internet Explorer 6. A conventional browser would render graphics using an SVG format, but the legacy Internet Explorer browser uses VML to construct graphics.

Wrappers are available for the more widely used languages (.NET, PHP, Python, R, and Java), for frameworks like Angular, React and Vue, and for Android and iOS systems.

Highcharts is free for personal use but commercial purposes require a paid user license.

Attributes:

• optimized to cater for responsive design elements and touch-screen devices
• efficient enough to handle big data
• speedy on-hover tooltips rendering
• capable of annotating graphs and charts
• load data straight on to charts via a CSV file

Sigma Charts

Sigma Charts is a JavaScript library built on WebGL and Canvas with a public API. It encompasses a considerable amount of plugins from the GitHub community. This chart library also boasts complete responsiveness and touch interactivity. Developers can add their unique functions straight to the scripts and render nodes and edges according to precise specs.

Sigma Charts facilitates a great deal of various settings for easily customizable design and interplay with networks. This JavaScript charting library is a rendering engine powerhouse, so you can add as much interactivity as you need. You can also adjust data, shift the camera, refresh the rendering or listen to events via the public API.

If you are a developer on the lookout for a robust drawing tool that delivers in performance, then Sigma Charts is just for you.

Some standout attributes include:

• high-performance rendering
• great interactivity and customization possibilities
• an assortment of layouts to pick from
• extensible and modular
• vivid data visualization

FAQs on JavaScript Chart Libraries

What is a JavaScript chart library?

Data visualizations on websites can be made more engaging and adaptable with the help of a JavaScript chart library, which is a collection of pre-built chart components.

Developers can benefit from these libraries because of the variety of chart kinds and configuration choices they give.

What are the benefits of using a JavaScript chart library?

When designing sophisticated data visualizations, developers can save time and effort by employing a JavaScript chart library, which also offers a variety of chart formats and room for personalization.

JavaScript chart libraries are compatible with most web technologies and may be readily integrated into preexisting web applications.

What are some popular JavaScript chart libraries?

D3.js, Chart.js, Highcharts, and Google Charts are just a few examples of well-liked JavaScript chart libraries.

Depending on the specifics of your project, you may need to experiment with a few different libraries before settling on the one that works best for you.

How do I choose the right JavaScript chart library for my project?

You should think about your data’s quantity and complexity, the types of charts you need, the level of customization you need, and the performance needs of your application before settling on a JavaScript chart library.

To find the ideal library for your needs, you should investigate the options and possibly test a few out.

Do JavaScript chart libraries work with other web technologies?

Most JavaScript chart libraries are compatible with HTML, CSS, and other JavaScript frameworks.

This ensures that data visualizations work with a wide variety of web technologies and facilitates their incorporation into preexisting web applications.

Are JavaScript chart libraries open source?

There are numerous open-source JavaScript chart libraries that can be used and adapted at no cost.

Some, though, may call for a business license before they may be used in public. Before deciding on a library to use for your project, you should research its licensing terms.

What level of programming experience is needed to use a JavaScript chart library?

To use most JavaScript chart libraries, you’ll need to be familiar with markup languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

Some libraries may have more complex interfaces or demand more experience with programming. The good news is that most libraries come with extensive documentation, tutorials, and user communities to help developers learn how to use them.

Create Eye-catching Visualizations to Remember with JavaScript Chart Libraries

Nowadays, there are a variety of open-source programs and platforms out there to take web development from a headache to an exciting and productive challenge. If you have a deadline looming over you and are looking to save some time on your project, then you should explore the JavaScript chart libraries for all your graph design needs.

These chart libraries help you put together an app that is not only modular but lightweight without needing to get your brain all tangled up in writing an extra set of scripts.

The majority of JS chart libraries are built to handle straightforward curated datasets and fixed visualizations. So when your project requires a bold chart, check out any one of these libraries to find the right one to inject your visualizations with the vibrancy you’re looking for.

If you enjoyed reading this article about JavaScript Chart Libraries, you should read these as well:

• The Best Data Visualization JavaScript Libraries You Can Use
• The Most Useful JavaScript Data Table Libraries to Work With
• The Best JavaScript Table Library Options to Pick From