Use Cases

Highcharts vs FusionCharts

by

Mustapha Mekhatria

4 minutes read

In light of recent developments, we have become aware of information comparing Highcharts with other libraries regarding licensing costs. Given concerns regarding the veracity of this information, we opted to conduct further analysis. Below is an objective comparison between Highcharts and FusionCharts in terms of licensing.

Let’s explore Highcharts most important features, ease of use, popularity, and practicality, supported by insights from tech analytics and community forums such as Google trends, Stackoverlow, npmtrends, Similartech, Stackshare, G2.com, Sourceforge, Softwareadvice, Slashdot, Socialcompare, and Libhunt.

Allow the data to speak for itself

Platforms	Highcharts	Fusioncharts
Google trends popularity	Yes	No
Stackoverflow support	Yes	No
NPM trends popularity	Yes	No
Cost efficiency	Yes	No
Code transparency	Yes	No
Feature-rich functionality	Yes	No
Accessibility (a11y)	Yes	No
Use-friendly	Yes	No
Developer community support	Yes	No

NPM trends

The download statistics from npmtrends reveal a noteworthy distinction between Highcharts and FusionCharts. Highcharts proudly records downloads in the millions, underscoring its broad acceptance and popularity. In sharp contrast, FusionCharts falls significantly behind with a relatively modest download count of around 20,000. This substantial contrast in download figures cements Highcharts’ standing as the indisputable leader, reaffirming its unmatched popularity compared to FusionCharts. The sheer volume of Highcharts’ downloads underscores its dominance and extensive adoption within the developer community.

Google trends insights

The global dominance of Highcharts, as revealed by Google Trends, paints a compelling picture of its widespread adoption and preference over FusionCharts in the international development landscape. This indisputable popularity, evident across every country worldwide, signifies more than just numerical superiority; it reflects the trust and confidence developers and organizations place in Highcharts as their go-to charting library.

Stackoverflow insights

Regarding community support and engagement, Stack Overflow is an invaluable resource. A quick search reveals that Highcharts discussions and problem-solving threads significantly outnumber those related to FusionCharts. This vibrant community can be a game-changer for developers seeking assistance and insights during their projects.

<br /> See the Pen <a href="https://codepen.io/mushigh/pen/poGMMMd"><br /> Highcharts vs Fusioncharts</a> by mustapha mekhatria (<a href="https://codepen.io/mushigh">@mushigh</a>)<br /> on <a href="https://codepen.io">CodePen</a>.<br />

Cost efficiency

One notable advantage that Highcharts holds over FusionCharts is cost efficiency. The internal license of Highcharts is notably more budget-friendly than FusionCharts’ basic license. For teams and developers mindful of their expenses, this can be a pivotal factor in decision-making.

Transparency and access to source code

Transparency is crucial to any software tool, and Highcharts takes the lead in this area. Highcharts provides all license holders access to its source code, fostering transparency and allowing developers to delve into the intricacies of the library. In contrast, FusionCharts limits access to the source code for basic license holders.

Feature-rich functionality

According to Component Source, Highcharts emerges as the more feature-rich option. It supports a broader range of data sources, including Google Sheets and HTML tables. This expanded versatility ensures developers have more tools to create dynamic and interactive visualizations.

Accessibility matters

Accessibility is critical in modern web development, and Highcharts surpasses FusionCharts in this domain. FusionCharts employs canvas to render complex charts, rendering certain chart elements inaccessible. Highcharts, conversely, ensure better accessibility features, making it a more inclusive choice for diverse user needs.

User-friendly

For beginners or those new to Highcharts, the learning curve is made more manageable by providing a free full year of support, not just software updates. This commitment to assisting new users through premium support features sets Highcharts apart, offering a helping hand to those aiming to grasp and harness the library’s capabilities quickly.

Developer community love

A flourishing developer community is a testament to the library’s popularity and reliability. Highcharts boasts a larger and more active community, providing shared knowledge, tutorials, and troubleshooting discussions. In contrast, FusionCharts relies heavily on its community as the lowest support tier, potentially causing users frustration when seeking solutions.

Conclusion

Highcharts emerges as the charting library of choice, surpassing FusionCharts in terms of worldwide popularity, cost-effectiveness, transparency, features, accessibility, and community support. The numbers and testimonials speak for themselves, making Highcharts the preferred companion for developers venturing into the dynamic realm of data visualization.