Jotai 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 small React state library where you manage state as independent 'atoms'.
Open source · MIT
Official toolset that makes writing Redux state logic simpler and less error-prone.
The short answer
Choose Jotai if you need…
- React developers who want simple shared state without heavy setup
- Teams that find a single large store too rigid and want state split into small pieces
- TypeScript projects that want typed state
- Apps that need derived values or async data fetched from state
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
| Jotai | Redux Toolkit | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Library | Library |
| Price | Free and open source | Free and open source |
| Licence | MIT | MIT |
| GitHub stars | 21.3k | 11.2k |
| Setup difficulty | Beginner | Intermediate |
| How you get it | Install with a package manager | Install with a package manager |
| Main language | TypeScript | TypeScript |
| Last code update | 14 days ago | 4 days ago |
What each one is
Jotai
Jotai is a state management library for React apps. You store pieces of state as small units called atoms, and components read and update them much like React's useState. Atoms can also be derived from other atoms, so values stay in sync automatically. The README says the core API is about 2kb and that it scales from simple use to larger TypeScript applications.
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
Jotai
- React developers who want simple shared state without heavy setup
- Teams that find a single large store too rigid and want state split into small pieces
- TypeScript projects that want typed state
- Apps that need derived values or async data fetched from state
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
Jotai
- Minimal core API, which the README describes as about 2kb
- Works like React's useState, so the learning curve is small for basic use
- Derived and async atoms let state logic live alongside the data
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
Jotai
- Non-React projects, since the README only shows React usage
- People who are new to programming, since concepts like derived and async atoms take some learning
- Teams that prefer a single central store with strict conventions, since Jotai favors small independent atoms
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
Jotai
- The README's async examples note that they need React Suspense, which adds setup considerations
- Atom-based design differs from single-store libraries, so existing patterns may need rethinking
- The README is truncated here, so advanced features and their limits are not covered in this entry
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 Jotai and Redux Toolkit?
Jotai: A small React state library where you manage state as independent 'atoms'. Redux Toolkit: Official toolset that makes writing Redux state logic simpler and less error-prone. Jotai suits react developers who want simple shared state without heavy setup, while Redux Toolkit suits developers already using or learning redux for app state.
Are Jotai and Redux Toolkit free?
Jotai: Free and open source. Redux Toolkit: Free and open source.
Which is easier to set up, Jotai or Redux Toolkit?
Jotai is easier to get started with (rated beginner); Redux Toolkit is rated intermediate and usually needs more setup.
Is Jotai or Redux Toolkit more popular?
Jotai has more GitHub stars (21.3k) 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 Jotai and Redux Toolkit?
Other options people compare them with include Zustand, Valtio, XState, 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.