React vs Angular: Which Should Your Business Choose in 2025?

Choosing between React and Angular is one of the most common decisions businesses face when building web applications. Both are excellent choices backed by major tech companies, but they have different strengths.

Quick Comparison

| Factor | React | Angular |

|--------|-------|---------|

| Developed by | Meta (Facebook) | Google |

| Type | Library | Full Framework |

| Learning curve | Moderate | Steep |

| Flexibility | High | Lower (more opinionated) |

| Bundle size | Smaller | Larger |

| Ecosystem | Huge | Large |

| Best for | SPAs, startups, flexibility | Enterprise, large teams |

What is React?

React is a JavaScript library for building user interfaces. It focuses on doing one thing exceptionally well: rendering UI components efficiently.

Key characteristics:

• Component-based architecture
• Virtual DOM for performance
• One-way data binding
• JSX syntax
• Huge ecosystem of third-party packages

React Pros

• Flexibility: Choose your own routing, state management, and other libraries
• Performance: Virtual DOM and React 19's compiler optimisations
• Large talent pool: Easiest to hire developers for
• Gentle learning curve: Easier to get started
• Rich ecosystem: Solutions for almost any problem

React Cons

• Decision fatigue: Many choices to make for architecture
• Less opinionated: Teams might build inconsistently
• Boilerplate: Need to set up more yourself

What is Angular?

Angular is a full-featured framework for building web applications. It provides everything you need out of the box.

Key characteristics:

• Full MVC framework
• Two-way data binding
• TypeScript by default
• Dependency injection
• Built-in routing, forms, HTTP client

Angular Pros

• Complete solution: Everything included, less decisions to make
• Consistency: Enforced patterns make large codebases maintainable
• Enterprise-ready: Built for large-scale applications
• Strong typing: TypeScript is mandatory, catching errors early
• Google backing: Long-term support guaranteed

Angular Cons

• Steep learning curve: More concepts to learn upfront
• Larger bundle size: Can affect initial load time
• Verbosity: More boilerplate code than React
• Slower iteration: Major versions can require migration work

When to Choose React

React is the better choice when:

• You want **flexibility** to choose your architecture
• You're building a **startup MVP** and need to move fast
• Your team is **smaller** or has varied experience levels
• You need the **largest possible talent pool** for hiring
• You're building **mobile apps** too (React Native)
• Performance is critical (smaller bundle, faster renders)

When to Choose Angular

Angular is the better choice when:

• You're building **large-scale enterprise** applications
• You have **large teams** and need enforced consistency
• Your team already knows **TypeScript** well
• You want an **opinionated framework** with clear patterns
• You need **long-term stability** and predictable roadmap
• You're building **complex forms** with validation

Our Recommendation

At LKM Software Ltd, we primarily use React (specifically with Next.js) for new projects. Here's why:

1. Flexibility suits most SME and startup needs
2. Easier hiring in the West Midlands job market
3. Faster development for typical business applications
4. Next.js provides the structure that React alone lacks
5. React Native option for mobile apps

However, we're happy to work with Angular for enterprise clients who have existing Angular codebases or specific requirements that favour the framework.

Making the Decision

The best framework is the one that:

1. Your team (or your development partner) knows well
2. Fits your specific project requirements
3. Has the ecosystem you need
4. Will be maintainable long-term

Don't choose based on what's "trendy"—choose based on what's right for your business.

Need Help Deciding?

Contact us for a free consultation. We'll discuss your project requirements and recommend the best technology stack for your specific needs.