The Best Handsontable Alternative
Jspreadsheet vs Handsontable: Four Key Comparisons
For developers exploring spreadsheet component solutions, both Jspreadsheet and Handsontable provide robust feature sets for embedding Excel-like functionality into web applications. While each tool has strengths in areas such as performance, customization, and collaboration, their specific approaches and pricing models differ significantly.
The following comparison outlines four key themes: standard spreadsheet features, pricing, technical capabilities, and usage limitations, to help you determine which solution best meets your project's needs.
- ✓ MIT-licensed free version
- ✓ 500+ Excel formulas
- ✓ 85 KB bundle size
- ✓ Built-in collaboration
- ✓ Pivot tables
- ✓ MCP server integration
- ✓ From $1,999/year for teams of 5 developers
- ○ Non-commercial only free
- ○ ~400 formulas (HyperFormula)
- ✗ 1.07 MB bundle size
- ✗ No built-in collaboration
- ○ From $899/year per developer
Standard Spreadsheet Features
Core functionality comparison
When choosing a web-based spreadsheet component, the primary consideration is whether it can replicate the core functionality users expect from Excel, including an intuitive grid interface, reliable formula handling, and flexible column types.
| Feature | Jspreadsheet | Handsontable |
|---|---|---|
| Spreadsheet Interface | Full Excel-like UI, web-embedded | Excel-like UI with context menu |
| Standard Features | 500+ Excel formulas, sorting, filtering, undo/redo | ~400 formulas via HyperFormula, sorting, filtering, editing |
| Unique Field Types | Text, number, checkbox, dropdown, date/time picker, image, rating, progress bar | Text, numeric, date, checkbox, dropdown, autocomplete |
| Cross-Sheet Data | ✓ Custom lookups and cross-sheet formulas | ✗ No built-in relational linking |
| Real-Time Collaboration | ✓ Built-in via Jspreadsheet Server | ✗ Requires external implementation |
Pricing
Licensing and cost comparison
Budget considerations can dictate a project's direction—especially if you plan to scale or use the component in commercial applications. Understanding licensing terms, including the distinction between free and paid versions, as well as any available discounts, is crucial for finding the most cost-effective solution.
| Aspect | Jspreadsheet | Handsontable |
|---|---|---|
| Free Version | MIT License, Open-source CE, free for commercial use | Restricted, Free for non-commercial use only |
| Paid Plans | $1,999/year (Enterprise license for teams of 5 or fewer developers) | ~$899/year (per-developer commercial license) |
| Free Trial | ✓ 30-day free trial for any plan | ○ Indefinite trial for non-commercial only |
| Money-Back Guarantee | ✓ 30-day money-back guarantee | ✗ No guarantee |
| Discounts | 50% off for nonprofits and startups | Volume discounts for 5+ developers |
For teams of 5+ developers, Jspreadsheet typically costs 50-70% less than Handsontable. Jspreadsheet's site-wide licenses cover unlimited developers, while Handsontable charges per developer.
Technical Features
Performance, API, and data handling
Performance, API flexibility, and data handling can significantly impact a developer's experience. Whether you're embedding a spreadsheet in a React app, loading millions of rows, or integrating with external systems for import/export, a solid technical foundation ensures your solution remains robust and scalable.
| Feature | Jspreadsheet | Handsontable |
|---|---|---|
| Infrastructure | Browser-based; self-hosted or embedded | Web-based; self-hosted (no SaaS) |
| Framework Support | ✓ React, Vue, Angular wrappers | ✓ React, Vue, Angular wrappers |
| File Import/Export | Built-in JSON, CSV, XLSX + Google Sheets importer | CSV only; XLSX requires enterprise plugin |
| Bundle Size | 85 KB | 1.07 MB |
| Large Data Performance | ✓ Virtual rendering for 100k+ rows | △ Slows with 100k+ rows without tuning |
Limitations and Usage
Constraints and ideal use cases
It's essential to understand the limitations of each tool (especially in free vs. paid versions) and their ideal use cases. Neither solution is one-size-fits-all. Certain features, such as advanced formulas or real-time collaboration, may only be available under specific plans. Likewise, licensing constraints can limit commercial use in the free editions.
| Aspect | Jspreadsheet | Handsontable |
|---|---|---|
| Row/Column Limits | No hard limits; handles 100k+ rows with virtualization | No fixed limits; performance tuning needed for large grids |
| Feature Limitations | Advanced features (500+ functions, collaboration) require Pro | Free version: no commercial use, no collaboration |
| Best For | Complex formulas Real-time collaboration Large datasets | Simple grids Corporate environments |
Performance: Side-by-Side Testing
Understanding real-world performance differences helps you make informed decisions. Here's how Jspreadsheet compares to Handsontable in key performance metrics.
Benchmarks performed on Chrome 120, MacBook Pro M2, 16GB RAM
Virtual Rendering Advantage
Jspreadsheet's approach:
- Handles 1M+ rows smoothly with constant memory usage
- Renders only visible cells (20-50 DOM elements regardless of data size)
- Maintains 60fps scrolling even with complex formulas
Handsontable's characteristics:
- Good performance up to 100k rows with optimization
- Memory usage increases with data size
- Requires performance tuning for large datasets
What Jspreadsheet Customers Are Saying
Jspreadsheet reduces customers' development time. Here are some of their experiences.
"At SplitC we struggled sometimes when users wanted to bulk insert/edit things (sometimes over 100k rows) and we needed performance. Jspreadsheet is probably the fastest spreadsheet component you'll find out there, and with a small bundle size. By the way, support is awesome."
"We vetted 10 JavaScript components and we must say that Jspreadsheet comes out as the best."
"The latest version of Jspreadsheet is a powerful data grid tool, providing an excellent front end for our spreadsheet interface. The Jspreadsheet team is helpful and quick to respond."
Conclusion
Jspreadsheet provides a comprehensive spreadsheet solution with significant advantages in affordability, customization, and performance. Its MIT-licensed community version and reasonably priced extensions make it accessible, while offering flexibility (numerous column types and plugin options) and the ability to handle large datasets smoothly.
Handsontable is also a powerful grid component, but its higher cost and lack of out-of-the-box collaboration features can be limiting for some use cases.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Handsontable vs Jspreadsheet
Licensing & Pricing
Why is Jspreadsheet more affordable than Handsontable?
Jspreadsheet offers an MIT-licensed community edition that's entirely free for commercial use, plus an Enterprise license at $1,999/year for teams of 5 or fewer developers. Handsontable requires commercial licenses starting at $899 per developer, with no free commercial option.
What happens if I need to scale my team?
Jspreadsheet's site-wide licenses cover unlimited developers, while Handsontable charges per developer. For teams of 5 or more developers, Jspreadsheet typically costs 50-70% less than Handsontable.
Are there hidden costs or additional fees?
No hidden fees with Jspreadsheet. All pricing is transparent, and support is included as part of the package. Handsontable may require additional plugin licenses and support contracts.
Technical Capabilities
How do formula engines compare?
Jspreadsheet includes 500+ Excel-compatible functions built in, while Handsontable relies on the separate HyperFormula library. Jspreadsheet's integrated approach provides better performance and easier development.
Which handles larger datasets better?
Jspreadsheet's virtual rendering engine is specifically optimized for large datasets (1M+ rows), while Handsontable may require additional optimization work for similar performance.
Can I migrate my existing Handsontable implementation?
Yes, most Handsontable features have direct equivalents in Jspreadsheet. Our migration guides and support team ensure a smooth and cost-effective transition.
Feature Comparison
Does Jspreadsheet support real-time collaboration?
Yes, Jspreadsheet offers real-time collaboration through the Server edition, while Handsontable requires custom implementation for collaboration features.
How do mobile experiences compare?
Both support mobile devices, but Jspreadsheet's touch-optimized interface and responsive design typically provide better mobile user experiences.
Which has better Excel compatibility?
Jspreadsheet offers superior Excel compatibility with comprehensive XLSX import/export, while Handsontable has more limited Excel integration capabilities.
The content in this article is provided for informational purposes only and, to the best of Jspreadsheet's knowledge, the information provided in this article is accurate and up-to-date at the time of publication. That said, Jspreadsheet encourages readers to verify all information directly.