shadcn/ui vs HeroUI
Both use Tailwind CSS, but they are delivered differently. shadcn/ui copies component source into your project. HeroUI, formerly NextUI, is an npm package built on React Aria that you install and configure. Pick shadcn/ui for control, and HeroUI for a maintained package with a polished default look.
Side by side
| shadcn/ui | HeroUI | |
|---|---|---|
| Model | Copy-paste source | npm package (@heroui/react) |
| Primitives | Base UI by default, Radix or React Aria optional | React Aria |
| Requirements | Tailwind CSS v4 | Tailwind CSS v4, React 19 |
| Paid tier | None | HeroUI Pro |
| Mobile | Web only | HeroUI Native for React Native |
Which to pick
- You want to change markup freely: shadcn/ui.
- You want upstream updates and a consistent API: HeroUI.
- You want free page sections and dashboards on the shadcn side: Watermelon UI.