Maintenance Status Alert
MUI-Datatables last published: 3 years ago (2021). It only supports Material-UI v4, which is no longer actively developed. Material-UI v5+ (now @mui/material) is the current standard. Consider this when choosing for new projects or planning migrations.
You're evaluating data table options for a React app. MUI-Datatables appears in search results—it has 2,700+ GitHub stars, 40k weekly downloads, and comprehensive features. But there's a critical issue: it hasn't been updated since 2021 and only works with Material-UI v4.
MUI-Datatables was once a popular choice for Material-UI applications. It offers filtering, resizable/draggable columns, search, CSV export, printing, selectable rows, expandable rows, pagination, and sorting. The codebase is mature and well-tested. However, it's effectively unmaintained and incompatible with modern Material-UI (v5+).
Simple Table is a standalone React data grid with zero dependencies on any UI framework. It's actively maintained, works with any React version, and has all modern features. If you're evaluating alternatives, check out our comparison of free React data grids.
This comparison helps you understand why MUI-Datatables is risky for new projects, and why Simple Table or Material React Table (for MUI v5+) are better choices.
Quick Comparison at a Glance
| Criteria | MUI-Datatables | Simple Table |
|---|---|---|
| License | MIT (Free) | MIT (Free) |
| Last Updated | 3 years ago (2021) | Active (2026) |
| Bundle Size (min+gzip) | 88 kB* | 42 kB |
| Dependencies | Requires Material-UI v4 only | Zero dependencies |
| MUI v5 Support | ✗ Not compatible | ✓ Works anywhere |
| Security Updates | None (unmaintained) | Active |
| Best For | Legacy MUI v4 apps (not recommended) | Any modern React app |
The Critical Maintenance Problem
MUI-Datatables' biggest issue isn't features or performance—it's that the project is effectively abandoned. Here's why this matters:
MUI-Datatables: Stuck in 2021
- Last publish: 3 years ago (v4.3.0, 2021)
- Material-UI v4 only: No support for modern @mui/material (v5+)
- No security updates: Vulnerable dependencies won't be patched
- No bug fixes: Issues accumulate with no resolution
- React 18+ issues: May have compatibility problems with modern React
- Migration path unclear: No official successor or upgrade guide
Important: Material-UI v4 entered maintenance mode in 2021. The current version is @mui/material v6 (2024+). Using MUI-Datatables locks you into an obsolete ecosystem.
Simple Table: Active Development
- Actively maintained: Regular updates and bug fixes
- React 18+ compatible: Works with latest React versions
- Framework-agnostic: No Material-UI dependency
- Security updates: Dependencies kept current
- Community support: Active GitHub, Discord community
- Future-proof: Not tied to any framework version
Real-World Impact
Starting a new project with MUI-Datatables means: You're building on a 3-year-old, unmaintained foundation that requires Material-UI v4 (also obsolete). Security vulnerabilities won't be patched. Bugs won't be fixed. You'll eventually need to migrate anyway—why not start with an active, modern solution?
Feature Comparison
Despite maintenance issues, MUI-Datatables has comprehensive features. Here's how they compare:
| Feature | MUI-Datatables | Simple Table |
|---|---|---|
| Sorting | ✓ | ✓ |
| Filtering | ✓ 5 types | ✓ |
| Pagination | ✓ | ✓ |
| Column Resizing | ✓ | ✓ |
| Column Reordering | ✓ Draggable | ✓ |
| Column Visibility | ✓ | ✓ |
| Column Pinning | ✗ | ✓ |
| Row Selection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Row Grouping | ✗ | ✓ |
| Expandable Rows | ✓ | ✓ Nested |
| Virtualization | ✗ | ✓ Built-in |
| Search | ✓ | ✓ Coming soon |
| CSV Export | ✓ Built-in | ✓ Via callback |
| ✓ Built-in | ✓ Via callback | |
| Responsive Modes | ✓ 3 modes | ✓ |
| Server-Side | ✓ | ✓ |
| TypeScript | ✓ Basic | ✓ Excellent |
Feature parity with caveats: MUI-Datatables has solid features, but they won't evolve. Simple Table adds column pinning, row grouping, and built-in virtualization, plus ongoing improvements.
Migration Paths: Moving Away from MUI-Datatables
If you're using MUI-Datatables or considering it, here are your options:
Option 1: Switch to Simple Table (Recommended)
Best for: Maximum flexibility, smallest bundle, no framework lock-in
- ✓ Pros:No Material-UI dependency, 2× smaller bundle, actively maintained, works with any CSS framework
- △ Migration:Moderate effort—API is different but concepts are similar. You'll need to restyle to match your design system
Option 2: Upgrade to Material React Table
Best for: Staying in Material-UI ecosystem with modern MUI v5+
- ✓ Pros:Modern @mui/material support, actively maintained, similar feature set
- △ Migration:Requires upgrading Material-UI v4 → v5+ first (breaking changes), then switching table library
See our Material React Table comparison for details.
Option 3: Stay on MUI-Datatables (Not Recommended)
Only for: Legacy apps with no migration budget
- ✗ Cons:No security updates, no bug fixes, stuck on Material-UI v4, eventual forced migration
- ⚠ Risk:Security vulnerabilities, incompatibility with future React versions, dependency conflicts
Decision Framework: Should You Use MUI-Datatables?
The Simple Answer
Don't use MUI-Datatables for new projects.
It's unmaintained, stuck on obsolete Material-UI v4, and has no security updates. Choose Simple Table (standalone, modern, actively maintained) or Material React Table (for MUI v5+ apps). The only exception: legacy maintenance where migration isn't budgeted.
Choose Simple Table When:
- Starting a new project (any React version, any CSS framework)
- Want actively maintained code with regular updates
- Need smallest bundle size (42KB vs 88KB)
- Want zero dependencies and framework flexibility
- Need features MUI-Datatables lacks (virtualization, pinning, grouping)
The Verdict: Choose Maintained, Modern Solutions
MUI-Datatables was once a solid choice, but three years without updates makes it unsuitable for production use in 2026. The risks outweigh any perceived benefits:
Why MUI-Datatables is Risky
- Security: Vulnerabilities won't be patched
- Compatibility: Stuck on Material-UI v4 (obsolete since 2021)
- Future-proofing: No React 18+ guarantees, no modern features
- Migration inevitability: You'll need to migrate eventually anyway
Simple Table offers everything MUI-Datatables has, plus:
- ✓ Active maintenance and security updates
- ✓ 2× smaller bundle (42 kB vs 88KB)
- ✓ Works with any React version and CSS framework
- ✓ Built-in virtualization, pinning, grouping
- ✓ Modern TypeScript, React 18+ compatible
- ✓ No framework lock-in
If you're using Material-UI v5+ and want design system integration, Material React Table is the modern successor to MUI-Datatables. For standalone flexibility, Simple Table is your best choice. Both are actively maintained, MIT licensed, and production-ready. For more context, see our guide to the best free React data grids in 2026.