Tailwind CSS vs Bootstrap: Complete Comparison Guide
Compare Tailwind CSS and Bootstrap on approach, customizability, bundle size, and component libraries. Discover which CSS framework best fits your project.
Tailwind CSS
A utility-first CSS framework that provides atomic CSS classes for styling elements directly in HTML. Tailwind generates only the CSS actually used, resulting in extremely small bundles. It offers complete design freedom without opinionated components.
Bootstrap
The most popular component-based CSS framework with ready-made UI components, a responsive grid system, and JavaScript plugins. Bootstrap provides a consistent design language and rapid prototyping through pre-built elements like buttons, modals, and navigation.
Comparison table
| Feature | Tailwind CSS | Bootstrap |
|---|---|---|
| Approach | Utility-first — combine atomic classes in HTML | Component-based — pre-built components with semantic classes |
| Customizability | Unlimited — full control via configuration and arbitrary values | Limited — theming via Sass variables but constrained by component styles |
| Bundle size | Minimal — only used utilities in production (<10 KB gzipped) | Larger — full CSS ~25 KB gzipped, plus JavaScript for interactive components |
| Learning curve | Moderate — utility classes require a different mindset | Low — quickly productive with pre-built components |
| Design system | Build your own — tokens and constraints via tailwind.config | Included — consistent but recognizable Bootstrap look |
Verdict
Tailwind CSS and Bootstrap represent two fundamentally different philosophies. Tailwind offers maximum flexibility and control through utility classes, resulting in smaller bundles and fully custom designs. Bootstrap offers speed and convenience through pre-built components, ideal for projects where unique design is less important. Tailwind is the better choice for professional web applications with custom designs, while Bootstrap excels for rapid prototypes and internal tools. The industry trend is moving toward utility-first, but Bootstrap remains relevant for specific use cases.
Our recommendation
MG Software uses Tailwind CSS in all our projects. The utility-first approach aligns perfectly with our component-based React development and enables us to implement pixel-perfect unique designs without CSS conflicts. Our Tailwind configuration serves as a central design system with design tokens taken directly from Figma. We combine Tailwind with component libraries like shadcn/ui for reusable, accessible UI components. We only recommend Bootstrap for internal tools or legacy projects where speed outweighs design freedom.
Frequently asked questions
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