13 Best React Development Tools in 2025

New tools for front-end development appear almost every day, making it virtually impossible for software engineers to keep track of all of them, let alone master their use in the workplace. Nevertheless, it’s crucial for software engineers to continually upgrade their skills by familiarizing themselves with the best tools available for the front end, given the rapid pace of change in this field.

This article targets React developers eager to learn how to save time and write cleaner code with the help of the most popular React development tools.

First, a brief overview of React. This JavaScript library is currently among the leading open-source tools for front-end projects. It has components that can be used multiple times within a project, which positively impacts productivity. It’s important to distinguish between React.js and React Native: the former is a library for web applications, the latter is a framework for mobile applications.

Now, let’s discuss the most popular libraries, testing tools, and extensions that can simplify programmers’ lives, offering ready-made solutions for a variety of challenges. We’ve compiled a list of 13 indispensable tools for React development.

1. Bit

Bit is an online collaboration platform you can use to share React components. This command line utility facilitates seamless teamwork on individual components and enables developer teams to check component dependencies. Due to this, independent testing is possible apart from the main project. The tool is a great helper for those who create modular applications and prefer not to start from scratch. 

Thousands of developers have contributed their React-based apps and components to Bit, so it’s easy to find and download components that align with your project’s requirements. Take this opportunity to save time and integrate high-quality, pre-tested elements into your work.   

2. Jest

Jest is a widely adopted testing framework developed by Facebook. It is specifically tailored for React applications but supports Node, Angular, Vue, and TypeScript as well. The framework’s integration with React components makes it possible to write unit tests, snapshot tests, and perform end-to-end testing effortlessly.

Jest comes bundled with powerful features (automatic mocking, parallel test execution, a watch mode) that offer quick feedback on code changes and speed up the development workflow. The snapshot testing feature is very important, as developers can capture and compare snapshots of rendered components to detect unintended changes. Being an integral part of the React ecosystem, Jest empowers front-end engineers to build reliable and maintainable React applications through effective testing practices.

3. Storybook

Another popular React tool that demands your attention is Storybook. This is an interactive development environment for creating and testing UI components. Storybook offers a comprehensive view of the component library and various component states.

A key feature of Storybook is its independence from your main app, which means you can create new components and not impact the core project. Developers can use the UI editor and sandbox functionalities to create and fine-tune components in isolation, simulate diverse use cases, and automate testing. In this way, components are testable and reusable, and the development becomes faster. 

Storybook is compatible not only with React but also with other front-end frameworks such as Angular, Vue.js, and Svelte. Additionally, it integrates with popular testing tools (e.g., Jest and Enzyme). Hence, Storybook is a valuable asset for different projects.

4. Create React App

Create React App is a convenient environment for starting new single-page apps in React. Software engineers leverage the latest JavaScript features, optimize the application for production, and enjoy a comfortable experience during development.

Create React App doesn’t handle any back-end logic or databases. It only provides commands to build the front end, so you can use it with any back end. Tools like Babel and webpack are preconfigured and do their job, so you don’t need to know anything about them and can focus on coding.

To get started with Create React App, you will need Node.js 14.0.0 or later and npm 5.6 or later on your machine. It works on macOS, Windows and Linux.

5. Evergreen

Renowned for its focus on creating appealing user interfaces, Evergreen is also on the list of the best React developer tools. This UI framework created by Segment provides a comprehensive set of customizable and responsive React components. If developers want to build visually appealing and user-friendly applications, they choose Evergreen. Its design philosophy revolves around simplicity and flexibility. Developers easily integrate components into their projects and support consistency in style and behavior.

Evergreen is a fully featured solution for various application needs because it covers a wide range of UI elements, from buttons and forms to complex data displays. With a commitment to accessibility and an active open-source community, Evergreen continues to be a popular choice for React developers seeking an elegant and efficient UI component library.

6. React Sight

React Sight is a popular, lightweight visualization tool released under the MIT license and widely used for debugging large and complex projects. Using this tool, you can represent your application as a hierarchical tree of components, e.g., as a flowchart. Thanks to filters in the interface, you focus on those components you need to interact with most.

Install React Sight as a Chrome extension and access its source code in the GitHub repository.

7. Framer Motion

Framer Motion is a simple animation library for React. Developers use it to create high-performance animations and dynamic user interfaces with minimal code. The library offers a variety of animation techniques (keyframes, transitions, and gestures like drag, hover, and tap). With an intuitive API, developers can define animations using the motion components. They don’t need complex CSS or manual JavaScript logic.

Framer Motion also supports layout animations and shared element transitions, so it is ideal for modern, responsive applications. The code with Framer Motion is maintainable and scalable due to its declarative approach.

8. Redux

Redux is an open-source JavaScript library for managing application state. More often, it is used in conjunction with React or Angular to develop the client side. At its core, Redux provides a centralized store that holds the application’s entire state, facilitating predictable data flow and simplifying debugging.

Through the use of actions and reducers, developers manage state changes efficiently. This way updates are handled in a consistent and predictable manner. Its unidirectional data flow architecture promotes clarity and separation of concerns, making it easier to reason about application behavior.

9. TanStack Query

TanStack Query (formerly React Query) is a data-fetching and state management library for React applications. You can use it to handle server-side data with features like caching, background updates, and automatic re-fetching. Developers can manage asynchronous data with useQuery and useMutation hooks. As a result, the need for complex state logic is reduced.

TanStack Query minimizes redundant network requests and keeps data fresh through smart cache invalidation. Pagination, infinite scrolling, optimistic updates, and other features enhance user experience and improve performance. You can integrate various data sources, including REST and GraphQL APIs. 

10. Reactide

Reactide is a cross-platform tool with simple navigation, visual editing, and a range of GUI controls of component styles and properties. This dedicated IDE for web development in React provides great features that help you optimize the development process.

• Real-time component visualization displays your app’s architecture directly in the environment.
• A built-in Node.js server, integrated with a custom browser simulator, eliminates the hardships of any configuration.
• Developers use hot reloading to make quick changes and view the immediate result in the browser.

11. Zustand

Zustand is a lightweight and flexible state management library for React. You can manage both global and local states. It features a minimal API with no boilerplate, making developers create and update state quickly. Zustand uses a powerful but simple store-based approach, where state logic is centralized yet easily accessible through hooks. It helps avoid unnecessary re-renders and updates, that is why only components using specific state values re-render when changes occur. 

Zustand supports both synchronous and asynchronous state management, so it is suitable for various application needs. You can build a scalable solution without the complexity of larger state management libraries because Zustand integrates well with other tools and libraries.

12. React Cosmos

With a focus on creating and testing reusable UI components in isolation, React Cosmos provides a powerful design environment. This sandbox allows developers to fine-tune individual elements independently, without the need for extensive integration. Emphasizing component-driven development, React Cosmos facilitates the creation of a cohesive design system. It promotes consistency and collaboration across teams.

The tool’s compatibility with various styling solutions and integration support for popular state management libraries like Redux adds to its versatility. The inclusion of hot reloading ensures rapid iteration. With React Cosmos programmers craft well-structured, maintainable, and visually cohesive applications.

13. React Bootstrap

Many developers use Bootstrap, a popular CSS framework, to create mobile-friendly websites with professional designs. The problem is that Bootstrap components are not integrated with React.

React Bootstrap is an open-source package that offers components specifically modified for React developers. They can make use of all the Bootstrap features in their React projects.

Why Choose SaM Solutions for React Development?

SaM Solutions is a reputable software development provider with over 30 years of experience and a proven track record in delivering successful projects across diverse industries, including automotive, healthcare, telecommunications, ecommerce, and more. Serving clients ranging from startups to SMEs and large corporations in the EU and the US, we are committed to delivering high-quality solutions tailored to our clients’ unique needs.

With a team of skilled React developers, SaM Solutions creates scalable web apps. Our experts offer comprehensive services, including React.js consulting, development, front-end retrofitting, and application maintenance. The company’s proficiency in React development is complemented by a deep understanding of other modern web technologies.

Conclusion

The above-listed tools are designed to address various challenges encountered during React project development, aiding in coding, visualizing, testing, and debugging. While the list is not exhaustive, these tools can complement each other and contribute to a React stack that perfectly matches your requirements.

One thing is certain: the right tools can accelerate development and improve the code quality. What are your favorite React tools? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.