kepler.gl vs Plotly.js
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
Open-source web tool and React component for visualizing large geolocation datasets on maps.
Open source · MIT
A JavaScript library for drawing interactive charts in web pages, also the engine behind Plotly in Python and
The short answer
Choose kepler.gl if you need…
- Developers who want to add map-based data exploration to a React and Redux app
- Analysts who need to explore large location datasets visually in the browser
- Teams that already use MapLibre or Mapbox basemaps
Choose Plotly.js if you need…
- Web developers who want interactive charts in their own site or app
- Data analysts who already use Python or R Plotly and want to understand the JavaScript side
- Teams building dashboards that need 3D or scientific chart types
- People comfortable with basic HTML and JSON who want charts without much code
Side-by-side
| kepler.gl | Plotly.js | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Library | Library |
| Price | Free and open source | Free and open source |
| Licence | MIT | MIT |
| GitHub stars | 12.1k | 18.4k |
| Setup difficulty | Intermediate | Beginner |
| How you get it | Install with a package manager | Install with a package manager |
| Main language | TypeScript | JavaScript |
| Last code update | 4 days ago | 7 days ago |
What each one is
kepler.gl
Kepler.gl is a browser-based application for exploring large geographic datasets on interactive maps. It is also a React component that developers can embed into their own apps, with state managed by Redux. According to the README, it can render millions of points and perform spatial aggregations on the fly.
Plotly.js
Plotly.js is a JavaScript library that draws interactive data visualizations such as statistical charts, 3D graphs, scientific charts, map charts and financial charts. You describe your data and layout as a JSON-like object, and the library renders the chart in a web page. The same library also powers the Python and R packages named plotly.
Best for
kepler.gl
- Developers who want to add map-based data exploration to a React and Redux app
- Analysts who need to explore large location datasets visually in the browser
- Teams that already use MapLibre or Mapbox basemaps
Plotly.js
- Web developers who want interactive charts in their own site or app
- Data analysts who already use Python or R Plotly and want to understand the JavaScript side
- Teams building dashboards that need 3D or scientific chart types
- People comfortable with basic HTML and JSON who want charts without much code
Strengths
kepler.gl
- Built on MapLibre GL and deck.gl, which the README says support high-performance rendering
- Can be embedded as a React component and is described as highly customizable
- Released under the MIT license
Plotly.js
- Supports dozens of chart types, including 3D, scientific, map and financial charts
- Can be used with no build step by loading it from a CDN, or installed through npm
- Actively maintained by Plotly, with an MIT license
Not ideal for
kepler.gl
- People who need a no-code tool with no setup: the README focuses on npm installs and embedding, and the hosted demo is the easiest path for non-developers
- Projects that cannot use Node 20 or newer, since the README says older versions are not supported or tested
- Projects needing a stable release: the latest release listed is an alpha (v3.3.0-alpha.19)
Plotly.js
- Users who only need a simple static chart image; a lighter charting library may be enough
- Projects with strict bundle size limits unless they choose a custom or partial bundle, since the full build is large
- Anyone needing WebGL 2 features, since the README only mentions a WebGL 1 workaround for multiple graphs
Trade-offs
kepler.gl
- The latest release is an alpha version, so APIs may change
- Setup requires familiarity with npm, React, and Redux for embedding
- Default basemaps depend on MapLibre or Mapbox configuration, which the README explains only briefly
Plotly.js
- The full bundle is large, so you may need to build a custom bundle to keep pages light
- Advanced setup such as custom builds or bundling requires reading additional guides
- Some features like MathJax rendering need separate loading and extra configuration
Getting started
kepler.gl
Install kepler.gl modules
npm install --save @kepler.gl/components maplibre-glPlotly.js
Install the ready-to-use distributed bundle
npm i --save plotly.js-dist-minFrequently asked questions
What is the difference between kepler.gl and Plotly.js?
kepler.gl: Open-source web tool and React component for visualizing large geolocation datasets on maps. Plotly.js: A JavaScript library for drawing interactive charts in web pages, also the engine behind Plotly in Python and . kepler.gl suits developers who want to add map-based data exploration to a react and redux app, while Plotly.js suits web developers who want interactive charts in their own site or app.
Are kepler.gl and Plotly.js free?
kepler.gl: Free and open source. Plotly.js: Free and open source.
Which is easier to set up, kepler.gl or Plotly.js?
Plotly.js is easier to get started with (rated beginner); kepler.gl is rated intermediate and usually needs more setup.
Is kepler.gl or Plotly.js more popular?
Plotly.js has more GitHub stars (18.4k) than kepler.gl (12.1k). Popularity isn't the same as fit — check which one matches your use case above.
What are other alternatives to kepler.gl and Plotly.js?
Other options people compare them with include visx, deck.gl, G6, Turf, Chart.js.
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.