You're building a React app and need a data table. If you're already using Ant Design, the Table component seems like the obvious choice—it's right there, styled consistently, integrated with the design system. But if you're not using Ant Design, or if bundle size matters, pulling in the entire Ant Design library just for tables might be overkill.
Ant Design Table is a full-featured table component that's part of the broader Ant Design ecosystem. It's opinionated about styling, works seamlessly with other Ant components, and handles most common table needs out of the box. But it comes with a significant bundle size cost.
Simple Table is a standalone, lightweight React data grid with no dependencies on design systems. It's built specifically for React, highly performant, and gives you complete control over styling while keeping your bundle small.
This isn't about "which is better"—they serve different needs. This comparison helps you understand the tradeoffs and choose the right tool for your specific situation.
Quick Comparison at a Glance
| Criteria | Ant Design Table | Simple Table |
|---|---|---|
| License | MIT (Free) | MIT (Free) |
| Bundle Size | 126.3 kB* | 35 kB |
| Dependencies | Requires Ant Design | Zero dependencies |
| Styling | Ant Design theme | CSS variables/custom |
| Setup Time | Fast (if using Ant) | 15 minutes |
| Customization | Within Ant Design system | Completely flexible |
| Best For | Ant Design apps | React apps (any style) |
The Bundle Size Story: 126.3 kB vs 35 kB
This is where the decision becomes critical for many teams. Bundle size directly impacts load time, especially on mobile networks.
Ant Design Table: The Component Library Tax
Important: If you're already using Ant Design for buttons, forms, modals, etc., this cost is amortized across all components. But if you only need a table, you're paying for the entire design system.
Simple Table: Lightweight by Design
Real-World Impact
On a slow 3G connection, 126.3 kB takes ~3-4 seconds to download. 35 kB takes ~0.4 seconds. For customer-facing apps, mobile-first products, or emerging markets, this difference matters.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Ant Design Table | Simple Table |
|---|---|---|
| Sorting | ✓ | ✓ |
| Filtering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pagination | ✓ | ✓ |
| Column Resizing | ✓ | ✓ |
| Column Pinning | ✓ (fixed) | ✓ |
| Row Selection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Column Reordering | ✗ | ✓ |
| Column Visibility Toggle | ✗ | ✓ |
| Row Grouping | ✗ | ✓ |
| Aggregation Functions | ✓ Summary | ✓ Built-in |
| Virtualization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cell Editing | ✓ | ✓ |
| Nested Headers | ✓ | ✓ |
| TypeScript | ✓ Good | ✓ Excellent |
Key insight: Ant Design Table covers basics well but lacks advanced features like column reordering, visibility toggles, and row grouping. Simple Table is a standalone React library with more comprehensive features built-in, at 1/4 the bundle size. See the full feature comparison.
Styling & Customization: Opinionated vs Flexible
Ant Design Table
Opinionated Styling: Follows Ant Design principles and theme system.
- Matches other Ant Design components automatically
- Theme customization via Less/CSS variables
- Hard to break out of Ant Design aesthetic
- Requires understanding Ant Design's class structure
Simple Table
Flexible Styling: CSS variables, themes, or bring your own styles.
- Works with any CSS framework for React (Tailwind, CSS Modules, etc.)
- Simple CSS variable customization
- Custom renderers for complete control
- No design system lock-in
The Key Question: Are You Using Ant Design?
If yes → Ant Design Table makes sense for consistency. If no → pulling in the entire Ant Design system just for tables is likely overkill. Simple Table gives you table functionality without the component library overhead.
When to Choose Each: Decision Framework
Choose Ant Design Table When:
- You're already using Ant Design for other components
- You want visual consistency with Ant Design ecosystem
- You're building an internal admin tool where bundle size doesn't matter
- Your team is already familiar with Ant Design patterns
Choose Simple Table When:
- You're not using Ant Design and don't want the overhead
- Bundle size matters (customer-facing, mobile-first apps)
- You want complete styling freedom without design system constraints
- You need native features like aggregation and row grouping
- You prefer a simple, focused API over ecosystem integration
Real-World Scenarios
🏢 Enterprise Admin Dashboard (Already Using Ant Design)
You're building an internal CRM using Ant Design forms, buttons, modals. Need user and deal tables.
✅ Recommendation: Ant Design Table — Already committed to Ant Design, maintain consistency
🚀 SaaS Product (Customer-Facing)
Building a project management tool. Not using any component library. Performance and bundle size critical.
✅ Recommendation: Simple Table — Lightweight, no design system lock-in, full features
📱 Mobile-First Analytics App
Need responsive data tables on mobile devices. Every KB counts for initial load time.
✅ Recommendation: Simple Table — Smallest bundle wins on mobile networks
🎨 Custom-Designed Dashboard
Designer created a unique visual style that doesn't match Ant Design aesthetic. Need complete styling control.
✅ Recommendation: Simple Table — Easier to customize outside component library constraints
The Verdict: Context Matters
The decision between Ant Design Table and Simple Table isn't about quality—both are excellent. It's about context:
The Simple Question
Are you already using Ant Design?
- YES:Use Ant Design Table for consistency and integration
- NO:Simple Table gives you all features without the ~60KB component library overhead
For most standalone React apps (especially customer-facing or mobile-first), Simple Table's lightweight approach and zero dependencies make it the practical choice. For Ant Design apps, stick with the ecosystem for consistency. Both libraries will serve you well within their intended contexts.