Immer vs Redux Toolkit
Which should you use? A side-by-side look at what each one does, who it suits, what it costs, how hard it is to set up, and where each falls short.
Open source · MIT
A JavaScript library that lets you update immutable state by writing ordinary mutating code.
Open source · MIT
Official toolset that makes writing Redux state logic simpler and less error-prone.
The short answer
Choose Immer if you need…
- JavaScript developers who find hand-written immutable updates verbose or error-prone
- Teams managing nested state in Redux-style reducers
- Developers who want immutable data without learning a new state model
Choose Redux Toolkit if you need…
- Developers already using or learning Redux for app state
- Teams that want the officially recommended Redux setup
- TypeScript projects that need typed state logic
Side-by-side
| Immer | Redux Toolkit | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Library | Library |
| Price | Free and open source | Free and open source |
| Licence | MIT | MIT |
| GitHub stars | 29k | 11.2k |
| Setup difficulty | Beginner | Intermediate |
| How you get it | Install with a package manager | Install with a package manager |
| Main language | JavaScript | TypeScript |
| Last code update | 5 days ago | 4 days ago |
What each one is
Immer
Immer is a JavaScript library for managing state without changing it directly. You write code that looks like it modifies a draft of your data, and Immer produces a new immutable copy with only the changed parts updated. The README describes it as a way to create the next immutable state tree by simply modifying the current tree. The README excerpt provided does not describe its APIs in detail, so this summary is limited to its stated purpose and topics such as Redux and reducers.
Redux Toolkit
Redux Toolkit is the official, opinionated set of tools for building Redux state management in JavaScript and TypeScript apps. Its description calls it batteries-included, meaning it bundles common Redux needs into one package. Developers use it to write less boilerplate code when managing shared application state.
Best for
Immer
- JavaScript developers who find hand-written immutable updates verbose or error-prone
- Teams managing nested state in Redux-style reducers
- Developers who want immutable data without learning a new state model
Redux Toolkit
- Developers already using or learning Redux for app state
- Teams that want the officially recommended Redux setup
- TypeScript projects that need typed state logic
Strengths
Immer
- Lets you write update code in a mutating style while keeping state immutable
- Has a documentation site linked from the README
- Open source under the MIT license with an active project history
Redux Toolkit
- Official project maintained alongside Redux itself
- Reduces repetitive Redux boilerplate
- Open-source under the MIT license with 11,235 stars and recent activity
Not ideal for
Immer
- Projects that do not use JavaScript or TypeScript, since this is a JavaScript library
- Developers looking for a full state management framework, since the README presents Immer as a focused library for producing new state
Redux Toolkit
- Projects with very simple state needs, where Redux itself may be more machinery than required
- Non-developers, since it is a code library rather than an end-user tool
- Anyone needing details the README does not cover, since the provided README text was truncated and empty
Trade-offs
Immer
- The README excerpt gives little detail on API usage or limits, so evaluation requires the full documentation
- Immutable-update libraries add a dependency and a new pattern for teams to learn
Redux Toolkit
- The README text provided was truncated, so detailed features could not be verified here
- Adds a dependency on Redux concepts that new developers must learn first
- Best value depends on whether an app actually needs global state management
Getting started
Redux Toolkit
Install with npm
npm install @reduxjs/toolkitFrequently asked questions
What is the difference between Immer and Redux Toolkit?
Immer: A JavaScript library that lets you update immutable state by writing ordinary mutating code. Redux Toolkit: Official toolset that makes writing Redux state logic simpler and less error-prone. Immer suits javascript developers who find hand-written immutable updates verbose or error-prone, while Redux Toolkit suits developers already using or learning redux for app state.
Are Immer and Redux Toolkit free?
Immer: Free and open source. Redux Toolkit: Free and open source.
Which is easier to set up, Immer or Redux Toolkit?
Immer is easier to get started with (rated beginner); Redux Toolkit is rated intermediate and usually needs more setup.
Is Immer or Redux Toolkit more popular?
Immer has more GitHub stars (29k) than Redux Toolkit (11.2k). Popularity isn't the same as fit — check which one matches your use case above.
What are other alternatives to Immer and Redux Toolkit?
Other options people compare them with include Immutable.js, UI-Router, Zustand, Jotai, MobX.
Keep comparing
Built from our catalogue entries for both products: open-source details come from each project's README (AI-assisted, refreshed weekly) and GitHub data; AI-tool details are editorial. Spotted something wrong? Let us know from either product's page.