Developer tooling
Highcharts vs ApexCharts
Both can render interactive charts. Test your most demanding chart first, especially if it combines unusual series, custom tooltips, accessibility requirements, or export workflows.
Documentation reviewed
At a glance
| What to compare | Highcharts | ApexCharts |
|---|---|---|
| Configuration | Define series, axes, chart types, and per-type options in the Highcharts configuration. | Set the chart type and behavior in chart options and adapt the series data to the format for that chart. |
| Dashboard interaction | Identify existing formatter callbacks and any interaction provided by extra modules. | Prototype toolbar, zoom, tooltips, and events using the option callbacks for the target chart. |
| Evaluation | Check the particular product, modules, and applicable license for your distribution. | Check which current license terms apply to your use and whether you embed charts in a product you distribute. |
Which should you use?
Choose Highcharts if…
Your dashboards already use its chart types or modules and a replacement would need to reproduce those behaviors.
Choose ApexCharts if…
Your dashboard chart types fit ApexCharts and you can verify the styling and interactions on representative data.
Before you switch
Migrate a chart with dates, missing points, and at least two series. Verify axis formatting, zoom, exports, and accessibility with the same sample data before migrating simpler charts.
Common questions
- Can I paste a Highcharts configuration into ApexCharts?
- Plan to translate the series, axis, tooltip, and event options. Start with the data shape and verify each interaction in the new configuration.
- Should I choose a chart library based on its default chart demo?
- Use a real dataset and include your hardest chart type, keyboard behavior, and export format in the evaluation.