Handsontable is a mature, feature-rich library that provides Excel-like spreadsheet functionality for web applications. It has a strong track record and handles complex data editing scenarios well. However, its licensing model requires payment for commercial use, with licenses starting at over $1,000 annually per developer.
For projects with budget constraints or those that prefer permissive open-source licenses, you might be looking for alternatives. Additionally, Handsontable's bundle size (247.1 kB) can impact performance, especially for mobile users.
The good news? The React ecosystem has excellent alternatives that offer similar spreadsheet functionality, better performance, smaller bundle sizes, and truly free licenses. In this guide, we'll explore the best Handsontable alternatives for React in 2025.
Why Developers Are Leaving Handsontable
Confusing License
Non-commercial license with vague terms. Most real-world projects require a paid commercial license, even for internal tools or startups.
Expensive Pricing
Commercial licenses start at $1,090+ per developer annually. For a team of 5, that's $5,000+ every year—forever.
Large Bundle Size
At 247.1 kB, Handsontable is one of the heaviest data grid libraries. This significantly impacts page load times and mobile performance.
Vendor Lock-in
Once you build around Handsontable's API, switching becomes difficult. The longer you wait, the more expensive migration becomes.
The License Minefield
Handsontable's non-commercial license requires you to "not make any money" from your project. This rules out:
- • Any commercial website or app
- • Internal business tools
- • Freelance or agency projects
- • Open source projects with sponsors/donations
- • Anything that could "indirectly" generate revenue
In practice, almost all real projects need a paid license.
What to Look For in a Handsontable Alternative
When evaluating Handsontable alternatives, prioritize these features:
Top Handsontable Alternatives for React
Simple Table
Simple Table is a solid Handsontable alternative for teams who want spreadsheet-like functionality with a permissive license. At 31 kB, it's about 4x lighter than Handsontable while providing the core editing features most applications need—all under an MIT license.
Why Choose Simple Table
- Truly free: MIT licensed with no commercial restrictions or hidden costs
- 4x lighter: 31 kB vs 247.1 kB — significantly smaller bundle
- Excel-like editing: Click to edit cells, keyboard navigation, copy/paste support
- Complete feature set: Sorting, filtering, virtualization, row selection, custom renderers
- Quick setup: Get started in 15 minutes with intuitive API
- TypeScript-first: Excellent type definitions and developer experience
- Modern React: Built for React 18+ with hooks and best practices
Perfect For
- Teams migrating away from Handsontable
- Commercial projects needing free licensing
- Apps prioritizing bundle size and performance
- Data-heavy dashboards and admin tools
Simple Table vs Handsontable
2. React Data Grid (by Adazzle)
A lightweight Excel-like grid with built-in editing, keyboard navigation, and copy/paste. Good performance and MIT licensed.
Strengths
- MIT licensed and completely free
- Excel-like editing with keyboard support
- Good performance with virtualization
- Copy/paste functionality
Considerations
- More focused on editing than general data display
- Less flexible for custom layouts
- Smaller community than alternatives
3. TanStack Table + Custom UI
If you need complete control over the spreadsheet UI, TanStack Table provides the logic while you build the editing interface. Free and flexible but requires significant development time.
Strengths
- MIT licensed and free
- Complete UI control
- Excellent TypeScript support
- Lightweight core: 15.2 kB
Considerations
- Must build all UI from scratch
- No built-in editing or spreadsheet features
- Steep learning curve
- High development time (days to weeks)
4. AG Grid (Community Edition)
AG Grid Community offers basic spreadsheet functionality for free, but advanced editing features require a paid Enterprise license ($999+/year per developer).
Strengths
- Mature and well-documented
- Basic editing in Community edition
- Enterprise features available (if you pay)
Considerations
- Large bundle: 298.2 kB
- Advanced features require $999+/year per dev
- Replacing one paid solution with another
Handsontable vs Alternatives: Quick Comparison
| Library | Bundle Size | License | Cost (5 devs) | Editing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simple Table | 31 kB | MIT | $0 | ✓ Built-in |
| React Data Grid | ~25KB | MIT | $0 | ✓ Excel-like |
| TanStack Table | 15.2 kB | MIT | $0 | DIY |
| AG Grid Community | 298.2 kB | MIT | $0 | ✓ Basic |
| AG Grid Enterprise | ~200KB+ | Commercial | $5,000+/yr | ✓ Advanced |
| Handsontable | 247.1 kB | Commercial | $5,000+/yr | ✓ Full |
Migrating from Handsontable to Simple Table
Switching from Handsontable to Simple Table is straightforward and can be completed in an afternoon:
1Install Simple Table
npm install simple-table-core2Replace Handsontable component
Simple Table's API is more intuitive than Handsontable's. Most features map directly with clearer prop names.
3Update styling (optional)
Simple Table's default styles are modern and clean. Customization is easier with CSS variables.
Benefits You'll See Immediately
- • Page load time reduced by ~500ms (bundle size difference)
- • No more license compliance worries
- • Cleaner, more maintainable code
- • Better TypeScript support and autocomplete
Conclusion: Break Free from Handsontable
Handsontable is a capable library that continues to serve many organizations well. However, if its licensing costs don't fit your budget or you prefer truly open-source solutions, the alternatives we've covered are worth considering.
Simple Table is a practical alternative for many projects, offering:
- Freedom: MIT license with no commercial restrictions
- Performance: About 4x smaller bundle (31 kB vs 247.1 kB)
- Features: Everything you need for spreadsheet-like editing
- Developer Experience: Intuitive API, excellent TypeScript, 15-minute setup
- Cost: $0 forever—save $5,000+ per year
Whether you're starting a new project or migrating from Handsontable, evaluate your specific needs. If Handsontable's advanced features justify the cost for your use case, it remains a solid choice. If not, Simple Table and other alternatives offer good functionality with permissive licenses.