SolidJS vs. Remix

ImageBy SW Habitation
SolidJS

SolidJS

vs
Remix

Remix

So, you know when you want to build a website or app, but doing everything from scratch feels kinda overwhelming? That’s where web frameworks come in. They’re like a ready-made set of tools and building blocks that help you get things up and running way faster. Instead of figuring out every little piece yourself, a framework gives you a solid base to build on, and lets you focus on making something cool.

What is SolidJS?

SolidJS is a modern reactive JavaScript library for building fast, declarative user interfaces. Inspired by React, it focuses on fine-grained reactivity and compiles templates to efficient JavaScript code, making applications both lightweight and performant.

Unlike React, SolidJS doesn’t use a virtual DOM. Instead, it updates only the parts of the DOM that change, resulting in better performance and smaller bundle sizes.

Key Features of SolidJS

Key Features of SolidJS

  • Fine-grained reactivity: Updates DOM precisely where needed, without re-rendering entire components.
  • JSX support: Uses JSX syntax, making it easy for React developers to learn.
  • No Virtual DOM: Direct DOM updates for better performance and lower memory usage.
  • Small bundle size: Lightweight, leading to faster load times.
  • Component-based: Similar to React, it uses reusable, composable components.
  • TypeScript support: First-class TypeScript support for type safety.
  • Simple learning curve: Easy for developers familiar with React or modern frontend frameworks.

Advantages of SolidJS

  • Performance: Outperforms most frameworks thanks to fine-grained reactivity and DOM compilation.
  • React-Like Syntax: Easy for React developers to adopt.
  • Small & Lightweight: Tiny runtime with minimal overhead.
  • Flexible State Management: Built-in signals and stores reduce the need for external libraries.
  • SSR Ready: Great for SEO-driven apps like blogs or e-commerce.

Disadvantages of SolidJS

  • Smaller Ecosystem: Fewer libraries, tools, and community packages compared to React or Vue.
  • Learning Curve: React developers may need to unlearn Virtual DOM patterns.
  • Evolving Framework: Still relatively young, so some integrations (like CMS or UI libraries) may require custom solutions.
  • Smaller Community: Less support and fewer tutorials compared to React.

What is Remix ?

Remix is a React-based full-stack framework that focuses on server-side rendering (SSR) and progressive enhancement. Unlike static site generators, Remix loads data on the server and sends only what’s needed to the browser, making apps feel lightning-fast. It’s built to optimize UX, performance, and accessibility while giving developers a structured and scalable way to build web applications.

Key Features of Remix

remix.run
  • Server-Side Data Loading: Fetch data on the server before sending it to the client, reducing unnecessary API calls.
  • Seamless API Integration: Easily connect with any backend or database.
  • Built-in Form Handling: No need for external libraries like React Query – Remix handles form submissions naturally.
  • Edge-Ready: Works seamlessly on edge computing platforms like Vercel and Cloudflare Workers.
  • Progressive Enhancement: Apps work even if JavaScript is disabled, ensuring a smooth user experience.
  • Nested Routes: Create modular components that load only the data they need, improving performance.
  • Great DX (Developer Experience): Simple routing, fast refresh, and minimal boilerplate.

Advantages of Remix.run

  • Works with Any Backend: Remix doesn’t lock you into a specific database or API.
  • Improved UX: Fine-tuned loading strategies create a smoother browsing experience.
  • Scalable: Works for both small projects and enterprise-grade applications.
  • Great SEO: Unlike SPAs, Remix ensures search engines can index content properly.
  • Fast and Efficient: Server-side rendering optimizes performance and reduces unnecessary re-renders.

Disadvantages of Remix.run

  • Hosting Considerations: Requires a backend environment (like Node.js), so it’s not ideal for purely static sites.
  • Newer Ecosystem: Compared to Next.js, Remix has fewer third-party integrations.
  • Learning Curve: If you’re used to client-side React apps, SSR might take some time to grasp.

Comparison Between SolidJS vs Remix

FeaturesSolidJSRemix
Ease of UseEasy if you know React/JSXGreat for React devs; steeper for beginners.
Page ManagementComponent-based architectureFile-based with nested routes; no CMS included.
Multi-Language SupportSupported (via i18n libraries)Manual setup with i18n libraries.
PerformanceExtremely fast – fine-grained reactivityVery fast; minimal JS and smart data loading.
IntegrationsWorks with npm ecosystemWorks with any backend or CMS.
PricingFree (open-source)Free; hosting may cost.
Best ForHigh-performance web appsFull-stack, high-performance React apps

Use Cases of SolidJS

  • E-commerce Apps: High-performance, dynamic UIs with fast updates.
  • Blogs & Portfolios: SEO-friendly with SSR support.
  • Dashboards: Real-time data updates with fine-grained reactivity.
  • Interactive SPAs: Complex applications with minimal overhead.
  • Cross-Platform Apps: With Solid Start (meta-framework), you can build full-stack apps.

Use Cases of Remix

  • Interactive Dashboards: Efficient data fetching makes Remix ideal for real-time applications.
  • E-commerce Sites: Fast data fetching and seamless UI interactions.
  • Content-Rich Websites: Great SEO and progressive enhancement ensure content is always accessible.
  • SaaS Applications: Server-rendered pages reduce loading times.

Conclusion

Web frameworks make building websites and apps a whole lot easier. Whether you’re working on a personal project or something big for work, they help with the heavy lifting—like routing, design structure, and how everything connects.

With support for things like server-side rendering, optimized performance, and developer-friendly features, these tools let you create faster, smarter, and cleaner websites. Just pick the one that fits your style, and start building something awesome 🚀

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Frequently asked questions

Is SolidJS better than React?

Does SolidJS use JSX?

Can I use SolidJS with TypeScript?

Can I use npm packages with SolidJS?

Does SolidJS support SSR?

Can I use Remix with my existing app?

Where can I host a Remix app?

How does Remix improve performance?

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ImageBy SW Habitation