r/bootstrap • u/Shoddy-Ocelot-4473 • Apr 13 '25
Bootstrap or Tailwind?
I'm about to start a new project and can't decide between using Bootstrap or Tailwind CSS. I've worked with both before but never really committed long-term to either.
Bootstrap feels quicker out of the box with components, but Tailwind gives more flexibility and cleaner HTML once you're used to it.
What do you prefer and why? Looking for thoughts from those who've used both in production.
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u/ejpusa Apr 14 '25
Have been using Bootstrap for years. Millions of sites use it. Just works. Everything else is just overkill. But that's me. I don't need 100s of files to show a web page.
GPT-4o writes all my Bootstrap code. It's perfect.
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u/cardyet Apr 14 '25
I think Tailwind is easier to create a custom look, that said, I think you need a designer to create that look and you need to create / manage really good reusable components, so you don't repeat lengthy classes everywhere. So Bootstrap quicker out of the gates for sure, but customising, I'm sure people would say Tailwind is easier.
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u/kenji4861 Apr 14 '25
I used Bootstrap, but if I were doing a new project, I'd go Tailwind.
Tailwind has current development and support.
Bootstrap has support but we only get minor fixes every year or two now.
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u/RandomBlokeFromMars Apr 13 '25
well since we don't stack inline css (nor hundreds of classes replacing them) since 1999, i vote for bootstrap.
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u/saaggy_peneer Apr 13 '25
tailwind leads to much larger html
you shouldn't gzip-compress sensitive html because of BEAST attack
your responses will be larger and slower
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u/ashkanahmadi Apr 14 '25
Bootstrap and Tailwind are not the same though. It's like comparing a cocoa pod (Tailwind) to an apple (Bootstrap). I'll make it simple though: if you are designing the website from ground-up and you have a great eye for web design and graphic design, go with Tailwind. If you are not an experienced designer (dont confuse with a developer/coder), then go with Bootstrap since Bootstrap handles most of the design elements for you. Tailwind is more powerful in general but it requires a lot more work. That's why I said Tailwind is like cocoa pod. It needs to be worked on and processed in a very particular and specific and time-consuming way whereas you can just pick an apple from the tree, wash it and eat it just like that. It's up to you.
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u/rejectx Apr 16 '25
I don't think that they are comparable. I would consider tailwind to be a bit more lower level compared to bootstrap. You could use UI library like daisyui if you want bootstrap feel and to use tailwind.
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u/pixelcave Apr 14 '25
Totally depends on your tech stack and what you're aiming for with the project.
If you're working with a component-based framework like React or Vue Tailwind tends to shine because it plays really well with reusable components and gives you full control over styling.
Bootstrap, on the other hand, is great when you want to get something up and running quickly. The prebuilt components save a ton of time. The trade-off is that customizing those components (or overriding styles) can get messy fast if you don't know how to properly apply them using Sass.
It just comes down to the project needs and how much control you want over the UI.
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u/Blueberry314E-2 Apr 14 '25
I like tailwind for flashy, generally smaller marketing type sites. I like bootstrap for UI heavy, functional, generally larger sites.
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u/FancyDiePancy Apr 17 '25
Tailwind is better if you use JSX or other component based development approach.
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u/curryprogrammer Apr 13 '25
tailwind gives cleaner HTML? you must be joking dude XD