date-fns vs dayjs
Side-by-side comparison of date-fns and dayjs
- Weekly Downloads
- 45.8M
- Stars
- 36.5K
- Gzip Size
- 18.6 kB
- License
- MIT
- Last Updated
- 5mo ago
- Open Issues
- 906
- Forks
- 1.9K
- Unpacked Size
- 22.6 MB
- Dependencies
- 1
- Weekly Downloads
- 36.0M
- Stars
- 48.5K
- Gzip Size
- 3.5 kB
- License
- MIT
- Last Updated
- 27d ago
- Open Issues
- 1.2K
- Forks
- 2.4K
- Unpacked Size
- 679.0 kB
- Dependencies
- 1
Download Trends
Verdict
date-fns serves as a comprehensive, modern JavaScript date utility library aimed at developers needing extensive date manipulation capabilities. It is ideal for larger projects that require a wide array of functions to handle date and time operations. Conversely, dayjs positions itself as a lightweight alternative to Moment.js, focusing on simplicity and immutability, which appeals to developers who prioritize performance and a concise API.
When deciding between the two, consider your project's requirements. If your application necessitates extensive date-time functionalities and you have a team experienced with larger libraries, date-fns is a reliable choice. However, if you are working on smaller projects or prefer simplicity with minimal overhead, dayjs could be more advantageous due to its small footprint and ease of use.
Additionally, switching to dayjs from another library like Moment.js can be straightforward due to its similar API, which enhances its appeal for existing projects. In contrast, date-fns may involve a steeper learning curve due to its functional programming style, which might require more familiarization for teams new to this paradigm.
Detailed Comparison
| Criteria | date-fns | dayjs |
|---|---|---|
| License | MIT license, allowing freedom for modification and distribution. | Also under MIT, offering similar freedoms for developers. |
| Use Cases | ✓Best for large-scale projects needing robust date handling. | Ideal for lightweight applications where performance is critical. |
| Bundle Size | Larger at 18.6 kB gzip, reflecting extensive features. | ✓Minimal at 3.5 kB gzip, beneficial for performance. |
| Open Issues | ✓906 open issues suggest some ongoing challenges. | 1.2K open issues may indicate greater complexity or a need for improvements. |
| GitHub Forks | 1.9K forks suggest moderate engagement for contributions. | ✓2.4K forks indicate higher developer modifications and interest. |
| GitHub Stars | Has 36.4K stars, showcasing a strong developer community. | ✓More popular with 48.5K stars, indicative of community interest. |
| Immutability | Date objects are mutable, which may lead to unintended side effects. | ✓Designed with immutability in mind, enhancing reliability in date manipulation. |
| Last Updated | Last updated in September 2025, showing recent activity. | ✓More recently updated in January 2026, reflecting ongoing maintenance. |
| Learning Curve | Larger learning curve due to extensive functionality and functional programming style. | ✓Easier for newcomers, with a simple, intuitive API. |
| Weekly Downloads | ✓Generates higher download numbers at 46.0M, indicating popularity. | At 35.8M downloads, still widely adopted but less than date-fns. |
| Overall Functionality | ✓Offers a comprehensive suite of date manipulation functions for diverse use cases. | Provides a concise set of date operations, focusing on essentials. |