Hey Dev.to community! π
As a React developer, I've spent countless hours exploring different icon libraries for various projects. Finding the right icon library can be overwhelming - there are so many options, and they often look similar at first glance. After extensive research and hands-on experience, I've put together a curated list of the best React icon libraries for 2025.
Why Your Choice of Icon Library Matters
Before diving into the options, let's talk about what makes a great icon library. In my experience, you should look for:
- π¨ Consistent design across all icons
- β‘ Optimal bundle size for performance
- π― Easy customisation options
- π Regular updates and maintenance
- π Comprehensive documentation
- π TypeScript support
- βΏ Accessibility features
Let's explore the top 10 libraries that check these boxes!
1. Lucide React
*GitHub Stars: 5k+ | Weekly Downloads: 200k+
*
Lucide React has become my go-to choice for modern React projects. It's a well-maintained fork of Feather Icons that brings fresh updates and community-driven development.
Why It Stands Out:
- Over 1,000 beautifully crafted icons
- Excellent TypeScript support
- Tiny bundle size (average 1KB per icon)
- Customisable stroke width and colours
- Regular monthly updates
import { Camera, Heart, Coffee } from 'lucide-react';
function MyComponent() {
return (
<div>
<Camera size={24} color="red" />
<Heart />
<Coffee strokeWidth={1.5} />
</div>
);
}
2. React Icons
*GitHub Stars: 9k+ | Weekly Downloads: 500k+
*
Need variety? React Icons is your Swiss Army knife, combining multiple icon packs into one powerful library.
Key Features:
- Includes icons from 20+ popular icon sets
- Unified API for all icon packs
- Tree-shaking support
- Easy integration with build tools
import { FaReact } from 'react-icons/fa';
import { AiOutlineCloud } from 'react-icons/ai';
function MyComponent() {
return (
<div>
<FaReact size="2em" />
<AiOutlineCloud color="skyblue" />
</div>
);
}
3. Phosphor Icons
**GitHub Stars: 4k+ | Weekly Downloads: 150k+
**Phosphor Icons is a hidden gem that's gaining traction fast. Its flexible weight system makes it a designer's dream.
What You'll Love:
- 6 weight variants for each icon
- 900+ icons in the collection
- Consistent 16px grid
- Built-in React hooks
import { Horse, HorseThin, HorseBold } from '@phosphor-icons/react';
function MyComponent() {
return (
<div>
<Horse size={32} />
<HorseThin weight="thin" />
<HorseBold color="#1a1a1a" />
</div>
);
}
4. Iconoir
*GitHub Stars: 3k+ | Weekly Downloads: 100k+
*
If you're after clean, minimal design, Iconoir should be on your radar.
Standout Features:
- 1200+ open-source icons
- SVG-first approach
- Consistent stroke width
- Regular updates
import { Calendar, BreadSlice } from 'iconoir-react';
function MyComponent() {
return (
<div>
<Calendar strokeWidth={1.5} />
<BreadSlice color="brown" />
</div>
);
}
5. Heroicons
*GitHub Stars: 17k+ | Weekly Downloads: 300k+
*
Created by the Tailwind CSS team, Heroicons is perfect if you're using Tailwind or just love clean, consistent design.
Why Developers Love It:
- Official React components
- Solid and outline variants
- Seamless Tailwind CSS integration
- Accessibility-first approach
import { BeakerIcon, ChatBubbleIcon } from '@heroicons/react/24/solid';
function MyComponent() {
return (
<div>
<BeakerIcon className="h-6 w-6 text-blue-500" />
<ChatBubbleIcon className="h-6 w-6 text-gray-500" />
</div>
);
}
6. Radix Icons
*GitHub Stars: 2k+ | Weekly Downloads: 75k+
*
Radix Icons shines when you need pixel-perfect, accessible icons for modern interfaces.
Notable Features:
- 15x15 pixel-perfect icons
- Consistent visual style
- Built-in accessibility labels
- Perfect for minimalist designs
import { ArrowRightIcon, CheckIcon } from '@radix-ui/react-icons';
function MyComponent() {
return (
<div>
<ArrowRightIcon className="text-black" />
<CheckIcon width={20} height={20} />
</div>
);
}
7. Remix Icons
*GitHub Stars: 7k+ | Weekly Downloads: 250k+
*
Need options? Remix Icons has you covered with one of the largest collections available.
Why Consider It:
- 2500+ icons
- Line and fill variants
- Consistent 24px grid
- Category-based organisation
import { RiHomeSmileLine, RiHomeSmileFill } from 'remix-icons-react';
function MyComponent() {
return (
<div>
<RiHomeSmileLine size={24} />
<RiHomeSmileFill color="#000" />
</div>
);
}
8. Bootstrap Icons React
*GitHub Stars: 8k+ | Weekly Downloads: 400k+
*
The official React components for Bootstrap icons - perfect if you're already using Bootstrap or love its design language.
Key Benefits:
- 1800+ icons
- Consistent with Bootstrap design
- Fill and outline variants
- Built-in TypeScript support
import { Alarm, Archive } from 'react-bootstrap-icons';
function MyComponent() {
return (
<div>
<Alarm size={24} />
<Archive color="primary" />
</div>
);
}
9. Material Icons React
*GitHub Stars: 10k+ | Weekly Downloads: 450k+
*
The go-to choice for Material Design projects, backed by Google's design system.
Highlights:
- 2000+ icons
- Multiple themes (outlined, rounded, sharp)
- Official Google support
- Regular updates
import { AccountCircle, AddCircle } from '@mui/icons-material';
function MyComponent() {
return (
<div>
<AccountCircle fontSize="large" />
<AddCircle color="primary" />
</div>
);
}
10. Tabler Icons
*GitHub Stars: 3k+ | Weekly Downloads: 120k+
*
A fresh take on icon design with an impressive collection size.
What Sets It Apart:
- 4,200+ icons
- Consistent 24px grid
- Customisable stroke width
- SVG-first approach
import { IconUser, IconSettings } from '@tabler/icons-react';
function MyComponent() {
return (
<div>
<IconUser size={24} />
<IconSettings stroke={1.5} />
</div>
);
}
How to Choose the Right Library
Consider these factors when making your decision:
*1. Project Requirements
*
- Design consistency with your application
- Number of icons needed
- Specific icon styles required
*2. Technical Considerations
*
- Bundle size impact
- Browser support
- Integration complexity
*3. Maintenance and Support
*
- Update frequency
- Community size
- Documentation quality
The Bottom Line
The React icon library ecosystem is more vibrant than ever in 2025. Here's my TL;DR recommendation:
- π¨ Need design flexibility? β Phosphor Icons
- π Want maximum variety? β React Icons
- β‘ Prioritize performance? β Lucide React
- π― Using Tailwind? β Heroicons
- πͺ Building with Material Design? β Material Icons React
Let's Discuss!
I'd love to hear your experiences:
- 1. Which icon library is your favourite?
- 2. Have you tried any of these in your projects?
- 3. Are there any great libraries I missed?
Share your thoughts in the comments below! π
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