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Chart.ts vs Google Charts
Google Charts is a free charting API that loads from Google's CDN. It requires an internet connection, sends data to Google servers, and provides limited customization with a dated visual style.
| Feature | Chart.ts | Google Charts |
|---|---|---|
| Bundle size | <15kb min+gzip (entire library) | ~150kb (loaded from CDN at runtime) |
| Tree-shaking | Full (import only what you use) | Not possible (CDN-loaded bundle) |
| TypeScript | Built-in, strict mode, full inference | Community types |
| SSR | Native SSR, works with any framework | Not supported (requires Google CDN + DOM) |
| Accessibility | WCAG AA, keyboard nav, screen readers, pattern fills | Limited |
| Tailwind CSS | Native className on every element, dark: variants | Not supported (Google's styling system) |
| Chart types | 65+ built-in (52 core + 13 WebGL/3D) | ~30 built-in |
| Frameworks | React, Vue, Svelte, Solid, Angular, Vanilla JS | Vanilla JS, React wrapper available |
| License | MIT | Free (but proprietary, not open source) |
| Rendering | Triple engine: SVG + Canvas + WebGL (auto-switching at 10k/100k points) | SVG |
| Real-Time | Built-in streaming, WebSocket, SSE, HTTP polling via @chartts/websocket | No streaming |
| GPU / 3D | WebGL renderer + @chartts/gl with 13 3D chart types (Scatter3D, Surface3D, Globe3D, etc.) | No |
| Financial | @chartts/finance: SMA, EMA, RSI, MACD, Bollinger Bands, ATR, VWAP, Sharpe ratio | Candlestick |
| Plugins | defineChartType() with render context, hit testing, custom scales | No |
| Interactions | Zoom, pan, brush selection, crosshair, linked charts | Select, zoom |
| Advanced Charts | Sankey, treemap, sunburst, chord, geo maps, network graphs, 3D globe | 25+ types (geo, sankey, treemap) |
| Theme Presets | 34 presets (Nord, Dracula, Catppuccin, Tokyo Night, Material, etc.) | Material theme |
Why switch from Google Charts?
Chart.ts advantages
- Self-hosted, no CDN dependency
- Data stays private (no Google servers)
- Open source MIT vs proprietary
- Native Tailwind CSS integration
- Built-in WebGL/3D and financial indicators
Google Charts limitations
- Requires internet connection (CDN dependency)
- Data sent to Google servers (privacy concern)
- Not self-hostable, proprietary code
- Dated visual design, limited customization
- Cannot use Tailwind CSS or custom styling
Ready to switch?
Get started with Chart.ts in 30 seconds.
$
npm install @chartts/core