Head-to-Head Comparison
Jest vs Vitest: JavaScript Testing Frameworks
Jest is the established testing framework with full ecosystem. Vitest is Vite-native with faster execution. Jest for stability, Vitest for speed.
jest
vitest
Last updated: 2025-01
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | jest | vitest |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Established projects | Vite projects |
| Learning Curve | Easy | Easy |
| Speed | Good | Excellent |
| Config | Some setup | Minimal |
| Ecosystem | Huge | Growing |
| Vite Integration | Plugin needed | Native |
| TypeScript | Needs config | Native |
jest
- Best For
- Established projects
- Learning Curve
- Easy
- Speed
- Good
- Config
- Some setup
- Ecosystem
- Huge
- Vite Integration
- Plugin needed
- TypeScript
- Needs config
vitest
- Best For
- Vite projects
- Learning Curve
- Easy
- Speed
- Excellent
- Config
- Minimal
- Ecosystem
- Growing
- Vite Integration
- Native
- TypeScript
- Native
Winner by Category
Best for Beginners
jestMore tutorials and examples
Best for Customisation
jestMore plugins available
Best for Speed
vitestSignificantly faster execution
Best for Learning
jestIndustry standard knowledge
Best Value
TieBoth are open source
Our Recommendation
Use Vitest for new Vite-based projects. Stick with Jest for existing projects or when you need specific Jest plugins.
When to Choose Each Tool
1
Choose Vitest
New Vite projects or speed-focused
2
Choose Jest
Existing projects or need specific plugins
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