Blazor vs React: Building Modern Web UIs with .NET

In today’s digital world, modern websites aren’t just static page; they’re dynamic, responsive, and packed with features. Two popular tools that help developers build such interactive websites are Blazor and React. But which one is better for your needs? Let’s break it down in simple words.

 What is Blazor?

Blazor is a free and open-source framework developed by Microsoft. It enables developers to create web applications using C# and .NET, rather than relying on JavaScript.

There are two main types of Blazor:

1. Blazor WebAssembly – Runs completely in the browser using WebAssembly.
   
2. Blazor Server – Runs on the server and communicates with the browser in real-time using SignalR.
   

 Key Features of Blazor

• Built on .NET, so C# developers feel right at home.
  
• Supports two-way data binding and reusable components.
  
• Works well with Visual Studio and other Microsoft tools.
  
• No need to write JavaScript (unless you want to).
  

 What is React?

React is a JavaScript library created by Facebook. It’s used to build user interfaces, especially single-page applications (SPAs). React is extremely popular and has a massive community.

 Key Features of React

• Component-based structure.
  
• Uses JavaScript (and JSX – JavaScript + HTML).
  
• Lightning-fast rendering with the Virtual DOM.
  
• Easily integrates with other libraries and tools.
  

Comparing Blazor vs React: A Head-to-Head Breakdown

Let’s look at both frameworks across several key categories.

1. Programming Language

Category	Blazor	React
Language	C# and .NET	JavaScript (or TypeScript)
Developer Fit	Ideal for .NET developers	Ideal for JS devs or web-first teams

Takeaway: If you already know C#, Blazor is a smooth transition. React is better if you’re coming from a JavaScript background.

2. Performance

Category	Blazor WebAssembly	React
Initial Load	Slower due to .NET runtime	Fast
Runtime Speed	Decent, improving	Excellent
Server Interaction	Fast (Blazor Server)	Depends on setup

Takeaway: React generally wins on raw speed, but Blazor is catching up—especially with WebAssembly improvements.

3. Tooling and IDE Support

Feature	Blazor	React
IDE Support	Best with Visual Studio	Works well with VS Code and many others
Debugging Tools	Strong with .NET debugger	Powerful dev tools for Chrome, Firefox
Ecosystem	Tightly integrated with .NET	Huge JS ecosystem

Takeaway: React gives you more freedom; Blazor provides a cohesive, Microsoft-backed environment.

4. Learning Curve

• Blazor: Easier for those who already know C# or .NET.
  
• React: Requires learning JavaScript and JSX (can be weird at first).
  

Takeaway: Choose options that align with your existing skills. For C# devs, Blazor is a no-brainer. If you’re starting fresh in web dev, React might be easier to find tutorials and support.

5. Community & Support

Framework	Community Size	StackOverflow Help	Learning Resources
Blazor	Growing	Moderate	Good, but mostly MS-based
React	Massive	Tons of Q&A	Endless tutorials, courses, and forums

Takeaway: React leads here, thanks to its maturity and popularity.

6. Third-Party Libraries

• Blazor: Has support for popular .NET libraries, but fewer UI libraries and components compared to the JS world.
  
• React: Endless options. Material UI, Tailwind, Bootstrap, and more are available out of the box.
  

 Takeaway: React’s ecosystem is richer and more battle-tested.

7. Deployment & Hosting

• Blazor WebAssembly apps are static files, you can host them anywhere (like GitHub Pages or Azure).
  
• React is also very flexible and works excellent with platforms like Vercel, Netlify, and Firebase.
  

 Takeaway: Both are simple to deploy, but Blazor requires a bit more initial setup.

 Use Cases: When to Use What?

 Choose Blazor if:

• You’re building internal tools or enterprise apps and already use .NET.
  
• You prefer C# over JavaScript.
  
• You want strong integration with Microsoft technologies, such as Azure and SQL Server.
  
• You want to share code between the back end and front end.
  

 Choose React if:

• You’re targeting a global audience and need top-notch performance.
  
• You’re working with a team that knows JavaScript.
  
• You want a huge set of libraries and UI components.
  
• You want to build a progressive web app (PWA) or a mobile app (with React Native).
  

 Developer Experience: What’s it Like to Work With Each?

 Blazor

• Write everything in C#
  
• Familiar tools for .NET devs
  
• Easy to share code between front and backend
  
• Less JavaScript, but sometimes JS interop is needed
  

 React

• Flexible and powerful
  
• Tons of tutorials and code snippets
  
• Encourages clean, reusable code
  
• Might feel messy without strong coding practices
  

Sample Code Snippets

Blazor Component (HelloWorld.razor)

csharp

CopyEdit

<h3>Hello, @name!</h3>

@code {

    string name = “Blazor”;

}

React Component (HelloWorld.js)

jsx

CopyEdit

import React from ‘react’;

function HelloWorld() {

  const name = “React”;

  return <h3>Hello, {name}!</h3>;

}

export default HelloWorld;

Both are simple, but notice how React uses JSX and Blazor uses Razor syntax in C#.

Real-World Examples

Companies using Blazor:

• Microsoft
  
• Radzen
  
• DevExpress (for UI libraries)
  

Companies using React:

• Facebook (of course)
  
• Airbnb
  
• Netflix
  
• Instagram
  
• Uber

FAQs 

Wrapping It Up: Which Way to Go?

Both Blazor and React are solid choices for building modern, high-performing web applications, but the right pick truly depends on your background, your team’s strengths, and your project needs.

• Choose Blazor if you’re invested in the Microsoft stack and want to keep everything in the .NET ecosystem using C#.
• Choose React if you’re aiming for flexibility, massive community support, and top-tier performance using JavaScript.

No matter which one you pick, you’ll be well-equipped to build sleek, interactive, and powerful web UIs. Just remember, the best framework is the one that helps you build better, faster, and smarter.