Simple Table vs. AG Grid

A comprehensive comparison of two popular React data grid solutions
In the enterprise data grid landscape, AG Grid has established itself as the go-to solution for companies willing to invest heavily in advanced table functionality. With its two-tier pricing model—free Community edition and $999/developer Enterprise license—AG Grid represents a significant financial commitment. However, many development teams find themselves questioning whether they truly need the Enterprise features that justify this cost, especially when much of their functionality is locked behind the paywall. This is where Simple Table presents a compelling alternative for teams seeking enterprise-grade performance without enterprise-grade pricing. At 35 kB compared to AG Grid Community's 298.2 kB (or 529.1 kB total with Enterprise, minified + gzipped), Simple Table delivers blazing-fast performance with core data grid features that rival AG Grid's Community edition—and surpass many of its Enterprise capabilities—all while remaining completely free. This comparison examines whether you can achieve your data grid goals without the complexity, licensing costs, and bundle overhead that AG Grid Enterprise demands. We'll break down the true cost of ownership and help you determine if Simple Table can deliver the enterprise-level functionality your application needs. For a detailed pricing breakdown, see our AG Grid pricing guide. Looking for more options? Check out our 7 best free AG Grid alternatives.

Feature Comparison

Free
Paid
In Development
Not Available
FeatureSimple TableAG Grid
Virtualization
Infinite Scroll
Column Resizing
Column Reordering
Column Visibility
Column Pinning
Column Alignment
Column Sorting
Column Filtering
Advanced Filtering
Nested Headers
Aggregation Functions
Column Selection
Collapsible Columns
Column Editing
Row Selection
Row Grouping
Adjustable Row Height
Row Expansion
Cell Editing
Cell Highlighting
Cell Clicking
Custom Renderers
Live Updates
Cell Formatting
Cell Validation
Formulas
Data Binding
Context Menu
Comments
Global Search
Faceted Filters
Client-side Pagination
Server-side Pagination
Cursor-based Pagination
Value Getters/Setters
Cell Range Selection
Pivot Tables
Tree Data
Row Spanning
Master/Detail Views
Context Menu
Status Bar
Column Menu
Full Width Rows
Advanced Tooltips
Excel Export
Excel Import
CSV Export
CSV Import
Clipboard Operations
Advanced Keyboard Navigation
Accessibility Features
Multiple Themes
Custom Icons
TypeScript Support
Undo/Redo

Performance Comparison

MetricSimple TableAG Grid
Bundle Size35 kB (minified + gzipped)298.2 kB Community + 230.9 kB Enterprise = 529.1 kB total (minified + gzipped)

Summary

Simple Table is a lightweight, free alternative to AG Grid, offering essential features like virtualization, infinite scroll, and column filters, with a smaller bundle size (35 kB minified + gzipped). It's ideal for projects needing a simple, performant data grid without the overhead of enterprise features.AG Grid is a feature-rich data grid with advanced capabilities. The Community edition is 298.2 kB (minified + gzipped), but many advanced features like pivot tables and tree data require the Enterprise edition (additional 230.9 kB, totaling 529.1 kB) at $999/developer/year. The combined bundle size and steeper learning curve make it better suited for complex, enterprise-level applications.If you're looking for a free, lightweight solution with solid features, try Simple Table. For enterprise needs, AG Grid might be worth the investment.Related reading: AG Grid pricing breakdownBest React table libraries 2025Bundle size comparison

Missing a Feature?

We're constantly working to improve Simple Table. If you need a feature that's not yet available, let us know! We prioritize features based on community demand.