Coding without CSS frameworks is unthinkable today. But which is the best CSS framework for frontend development? There are no easy answers.
If you are having confusion choosing the proper CSS framework for your next project, then this article is a must-read for you. Here we introduce you to the best 10 CSS frameworks and their features so that you can save a lot of time and spend it where it is actually needed.
Best 10 CSS Frameworks for Frontend Development in 2023
1. Bootstrap
Bootstrap easily tops the list with its powerful front-end toolkit that has everything you need for a modern web project. This CSS framework follows a ‘mobile-first’ philosophy and gives the best user experience on mobile devices.
Websites developed with Bootstrap are known for their responsiveness, functionality, and fast loading. Bootstrapdash has some of the best admin templates built with Bootstrap framework which can attest to this fact.
Key Features:
- All-browser compatibility
- Mobile-first Approach
- Tons of In-house Components
2. Bulma
Bulma is a free, open-source CSS framework with advanced features and components. This modern framework comes with tiles that can make pages beautiful. Bulma is lightweight, responsive, and easy to use. Despite being launched not long ago, it is gaining fast popularity among developers across the globe.
Key Features:
- Lightweight and Responsive
- Flexbox Layout
- Easy Designing of Interface
3. Tailwind CSS
Are you looking for a framework to build the front end fast? Then the Tailwind CSS is a good option for you. This flexible framework offers you a lot of pre-built widgets and utility classes. Tailwind allows you to customize your website the way you need and provides you with a unique and elegant design.
Key Features:
- Fast Development
- Pre-built Widget Menus
- High Customizability
4. Foundation
Foundation is a CSS framework suitable for projects requiring powerful components and features. The foundation is more of a front-end development library than a framework. This fully-responsive framework follows a ‘mobile-first’ approach and gives a lot of room for developers’ creativity.
Key Features:
- Easy to Use
- Mobile-first Approach
- Tons of Components
5. UIkit
As the name suggests, UIkit provides you with a set of tools and components essential for the fast development of the front end. It is packed with CSS, HTML, and SASS UI elements and themes. This lightweight and modular framework helps you build powerful and modern websites with less effort.
Key Features:
- Minimalist and Elegant Design
- CSS, HTML, and SASS Components
- Fast Frontend Development
6. Materialize CSS
Materialize is a framework created by Google that comes with a range of starter templates, components, and classes. Starting a project is easy with Materialize as it has lots of ready-to-use elements. Following the Material design, Materialize always gives the best user experience.
Key Features:
- Ready-to-use Components
- Material Design
- Tons of Themes and Colours
7. Pure CSS
Pure is a compact and responsive CSS framework created by Yahoo. This mobile-friendly framework lets you build responsive layouts without much effort. It offers high customizability in creating grid systems. You can easily add the CSS modules to any project as well.
Key Features:
- Highly Customizable
- Compact and Responsive
- Easy to Add Modules
8. Skeleton
Skeleton is the ideal framework if you are preferring simplicity over everything else. This lightweight framework only has 400 lines of code! But the range of features it provides is huge: lists, typography, buttons, media queries, tables, and whatnot. Skeleton is best for small projects and beginner developers.
Key Features:
- Easy to Use
- Minimalist and Responsive
- Best for Beginners
9. Milligram
Milligram is another lightweight CSS framework that is loaded with essential features required for modern front-end development. Despite having a size as small as 2kb, it provides plenty of useful tools and components. It comes with a layout based on a Flexbox grid.
Key Features:
- Lightweight and Responsive
- Flexbox Grid
- Excellent Design
10. Semantic UI
Semantic UI is a highly flexible framework that can build beautiful websites. Flexible and customizable, this framework gives enough freedom for developers. It comes with tons of theming variables and components that can make your website stand out in terms of design and functionality.
Key Features:
- Tons of Themes and Components
- Flexible and Responsive
- Beautiful Layouts
Final Verdict
It is not possible to recommend a CSS framework that fits all kinds of projects. The suitability of a framework depends on the set of features a project needs. The above-listed frameworks are the best CSS frameworks available in the game today.
If you are a beginner working on a small-scale project, then frameworks like Skeleton, Pure, Bulma, and Semantic UI would be the best. If you are an experienced developer working on a complex project, then it is better to go for Bootstrap, Tailwind, Foundation, etc. Again, the suitability may vary according to the other factors involved in your project.