Whether you are a CSS expert or a beginner beginner, using the right CSS framework is crucial for your daily tasks. There are numerous frameworks whose ultimate goal is the same: to help developers focus on multiple screens, in the simplest way possible.
That is why Bootstrap is the most popular fabric on the market. All developers have heard of Bootstrap, and more than 80% say they are happy to use it.
But that does not mean that there are no great alternatives if you are willing to go shopping. Bootstrap will never be a great dog, and there are many new lightweight and powerful CSS frameworks.
If you are tired of coding with Bootstrap and Foundation and tired of using complicated CSS rules, this list is for you.
From frameworks that take a pure CSS approach to minimalist frameworks with fully customizable themes, nothing is left out. Forward with us…
1. Bulma
Bulma is one of the most popular options on Bootstrap and Foundation. It is a completely open source CSS framework that does not have a steep learning curve. No prior CSS knowledge is required to use Bulma.
When you add a variety of colors, responsiveness, and a clean flexbox-based grid it offers with it, it’s no surprise that Bulma is becoming more popular every day. Bulma is a well-documented framework that you should try.
2. UIkit
If you are looking for a lightweight but powerful CSS framework that can be wired with HTML and JS, Ulkit is for you. It fully supports right – to – left languages and has one of the best icon libraries.
Keep in mind that Ulkit is also easy to use. Overall, Ulkit Bootstrap is another great option that is perfect for designing web layouts for desktop and mobile screens.
3. HTML5 Boilerplate
While Bootstrap is relatively easy to learn, it does much more than a beginner’s template. So what if you need a fully compatible JavaScript, CSS3, and HTML5 template? In this case, HTML5 Boilerplate is a good choice.
Of course, since it is a template, this framework does not include component layouts and modules. However, if you need a reliable CSS template that offers extensive documentation, HTML5 Boilerplate is a great solution.
4. Metro UI
Metro UI is one of the most flexible CSS frameworks on the market. This initial framework can be easily combined with JavaScript-based frameworks such as Angular, React, etc.
We found that Metro UI is an excellent open source CSS framework and is a great choice for the Foundation during our testing.
5. skeleton
As a two-in-one solution, Skeleton quickly made it to our list. This is a crime framework and a comprehensive SEC framework. We enjoyed customizing its 12 – column grid during our test, and found that it does not have much of a learning curve.
The automatic resizing works like a charm, and the syntax is fully responsive. That’s why we think the Bootstrap framework is a great alternative.
6. Bootflat
If you are looking for a quick way to create a web app, Bootflat is the framework you need. Bootflat components are built with CSS3 and HTML5, and the framework provides you with a comprehensive panel of color schemes to choose from.
Bootflat looks and works like a simplified version of Bootstrap. However, that does not mean that this CSS framework is not scalable and robust. On the contrary, you can completely manipulate the size and performance of the web designs you create.
7. Semantic Interface
If you do not rule out that the utility classes offered by Bootstrap do not have the Semantic Interface, it is a comprehensive CSS framework that you should try. Your favorite Semantic feature allows you to write HTML code without using BEM methodologies.
So, if you need a framework that can help you write readable codes in minutes, Semantic is the one for you.
8. Sit down
We know that most developers today use flexbox grids and native CSS. Still, there’s nothing better than Susy if you need a grid system that supports legacy browsers. While Susy is no longer maintained, it is one of the most flexible old-school grid systems.
9. Materialize
Like most CSS frameworks on this list, Materialize is built with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
It is specifically designed to help you develop faster using a standard template and customizable components. As the name implies, Materialize is based on the basic principles of Material Design.
10. Start
If you need a lightweight alternative to Bootstrap, Kickstart is the CSS library for you. The great thing about Kickstart is that it does not require jQuery, which makes it very small.
Of course, like a pruned version of Bootstrap, this CSS framework is not as robust. Still, this is a great option for those who need a UI framework and a comprehensive boiler plate library.
11. CSS Tailwind
With a fast styling process and the ultimate freedom it provides, Tailwind is very popular among several developers. This is a utility framework that is first and foremost fully responsive and stable.
Unfortunately, Tailwind CSS requires some time to learn, and is not the most flexible option for revising SEC rules.
12. Pure CSS
Yahoo Pure CSS has been specially developed to help developers create web pages that are fully responsive.
We consider Pure to be a minimal alternative to Bootstrap which offers all the required modules for beginners (navigation menu, grid, tables, etc.).
13. PowertoCSS
PowertoCSS is on this list for a good reason. This is finally a responsive CSS framework that you can use to create grids and scale web applications on any platform.
PowertoCSS is based on Modular and Scalable Architecture for design.
Unlike other CSS frameworks, PowertoCSS is very lightweight, beginner-friendly, and comes with detailed documentation.
The coding process is simple, and we found that the learning curve was shallow.
14. Ghost
Specter is one of the most flexible and lightweight CSS frameworks we have tested for this article.
It has a modern layout system (flexbox); It is fully customizable and allows you to get fast, attractive results.
15. primer
Our final recommendation is Primer, a great open source CSS framework.
To be precise, Primer is a larger design system that allows you to use the BEM CSS framework and create your projects quickly and efficiently.
So while Primer is not a CSS framework in the strict sense, it will help you use React and Figma components, icons, and advanced documentation to unify all of that.
Wrap Up
Choosing the right CSS framework is not easy. It all depends on your personal needs and preferences as a leading developer.
While Bootstrap and Foundation are still the most popular frameworks, many of the alternatives presented above will continue to become popular for good reasons.
