Are you also torn between React and SolidJS for developing web applications in 2026? We have been hearing this problem from senior executives a lot these days. 

So one thing is pretty clear that you are not alone in this solidjs vs react dilemma. Let us walk you through the performance differences so you can make an informed decision.

The quick answer to this question is SolidJS wins on performance because of its faster and lighter nature. However, React has a mature ecosystem, better tooling, and what not, a massive talent pool. 

In short, you can pick SolidJS if performance is your top priority and can go with ReactJS if you need battle-tested stability. Now let’s go into detail in a bit.

Understanding React vs SolidJS

React is Meta's framework that completely changed how we build user interfaces. It uses a Virtual DOM. To understand it better, you can consider this as a blueprint that React checks before making actual changes to your webpage. Currently at version 18+, it powers millions of websites worldwide.

SolidJS is the new kid on the block. It is designed from scratch with performance in mind. Instead of a Virtual DOM, it tracks exactly what updates and only those specific parts. 

The following table breaks down this React and SolidJS difference in a simpler and more understandable form, have a look:

Performance showdown between Solidjs and Reactjs

1. Rendering speed

Here is where things get interesting. SolidJS renders components 2-3x faster than React in most benchmarks. Why? React checks the entire component tree when something changes, even if 99% stays the same. SolidJS tracks dependencies at a granular level and updates only what actually changed.

For example, you update a single user's name in a list of 1,000 users. Reactjs rechecks the entire list. Solidjs updates just that one entry. The difference is massive in complex applications.

2. Bundle size matters

Your framework's size directly impacts load time. A basic React app starts around 40KB minified and gzipped. SolidJS? Just 7KB. 

That is nearly 6x smaller. For users on slow networks or mobile devices, this leads to noticeably faster page loads.

3. Memory efficiency

React's Virtual DOM consumes memory to maintain that virtual representation of your UI. At the same time Solidjs eliminates this overhead entirely. In memory-intensive applications SolidJS uses roughly 30-40% less memory than React. Impressive no?

Let’s understand the technical depth of SolidJS and ReactJS

1. Virtual DOM vs fine-grained reactivity

React's approach is pretty straightforward: when state changes, it creates a new Virtual DOM, compares it with the old one which is called "diffing", then updates the real DOM. It is reliable but computationally expensive.

SolidJS uses fine-grained reactivity. Each piece of data knows exactly which parts of the UI depend on it. When data changes, those specific UI pieces update instantly no diffing, no Virtual DOM overhead.

2. Component re-rendering

React components re-render whenever their props or state change or when their parent re-renders. You need tools like React.memo, useMemo, and useCallback to optimize this behavior.

SolidJS components run once. The reactive primitives inside them handle all future updates automatically. No manual optimization needed.

The Verdict

For most projects, Reactjs remains the pragmatic and preferred choice. Its ecosystem maturity and "good enough" performance make it a safe bet. For performance-critical applications, SolidJS is genuinely superior and its community is also growing fast.

The good news? Both frameworks are excellent. Choose based on your project's actual needs. While making a final decision, ask yourself these questions:

Is performance your priority? → SolidJS

Do you need extensive third-party integrations? → Reactjs

Are you building a team? → React (easier hiring)

Is your app handling real-time data at scale? → SolidJS

Do you want the safest, most proven option? → React