ably vs socket.io

Ably is ideal for applications that require real-time messaging capabilities with a focus on straightforward integration and a client library approach, catering well to developers working with JavaScript and TypeScript in environments like React Native. Meanwhile, Socket.io serves as a comprehensive framework for real-time communication within Node.js applications, making it suitable for larger applications that necessitate robust server-client interactions.

For projects that need rapid prototyping or focus on frontend experiences, Ably offers a simpler integration with potentially less overhead. In contrast, if your team is more experienced with Node.js and you are building a larger application that could benefit from features like automatic reconnection and multiplexing, Socket.io may be the preferable choice.

Consider that Ably's recent version suggests ongoing support but comes with a higher unpacked size compared to Socket.io. If bundle size and simplicity are critical, Socket.io may present a lighter alternative despite the similar open issues count across both packages.