The Best Open-Source Options for Stunning Data Visualizations
Data visualization is a must-have in modern web apps, from dashboards to reports. Luckily, there are tons of excellent free and open-source JavaScript chart libraries that make it easy to create beautiful, interactive charts without spending a dime.
In 2025, these libraries are battle-tested, actively maintained, and used by millions of developers. I've ranked them based on popularity (GitHub stars, npm downloads), ease of use, features, performance, and community support.
1. Chart.js – The Undisputed King of Simplicity
Chart.js remains the most popular free JS chart library by far. It's lightweight, uses HTML5 Canvas for smooth rendering, and comes with 8 core chart types (line, bar, radar, pie, etc.) that look great out of the box.
Perfect for beginners and quick prototypes. Huge plugin ecosystem for extra features like annotations and zoom.
2. ApexCharts – Modern, Interactive, and Beautiful
ApexCharts is a modern favorite with stunning defaults, smooth animations, and built-in interactivity (zoom, pan, tooltips). Supports sparklines, heatmaps, candlesticks, and more.
Great for dashboards and real-time data. Works flawlessly with Vue, React, and Angular.
3. ECharts – Feature-Rich Powerhouse from Apache
Backed by Apache, ECharts offers an insane number of chart types (over 50), including 3D, maps, and advanced visuals like sankey and graph.
Excellent for big data and complex visualizations. Highly customizable and performant on mobile.
4. Plotly.js – Scientific and Interactive Excellence
Open-source core of Plotly, perfect for scientific charts, 3D plots, statistical graphs, and maps. Built on D3 and WebGL for high performance.
Seamless integration with Python/R if you're doing data science.
5. D3.js – Ultimate Flexibility for Custom Visuals
Not a traditional chart library—it's a low-level data visualization toolkit. If you need completely custom, unique charts, D3 is unmatched.
Steep learning curve, but the results can be breathtaking.
6. Recharts – Best for React Developers
Composable React components built on D3. Clean API, responsive by default, and great TypeScript support.
If your app is in React, this feels native and effortless.
7. Toast UI Chart – Clean and Polyfill-Free
Modern library with no external dependencies. Supports many chart types and themes, with excellent documentation.
Great for projects needing a lightweight yet feature-rich option.
8. Chartist.js – Super Lightweight and Responsive
Tiny bundle size, SVG-based, and fully responsive. CSS-driven animations make customization easy.
Ideal for simple, elegant charts where size matters.
9. Billboard.js – D3-Based with Simpler API
Built on D3 but with a much easier API. Great transitions and many chart options.
Good middle ground between power and simplicity.
10. uPlot – Blazing Fast for Time Series
Minimalist, ultra-performant library focused on time series and large datasets (millions of points).
If speed is critical, this is your go-to.
All these libraries are 100% free and open-source (MIT/Apache licenses), actively maintained in 2025, and work with modern frameworks like React, Vue, and Angular.
Pick based on your needs: Chart.js or ApexCharts for quick beautiful charts, ECharts for advanced types, D3 for total custom control.
