G6 vs Sigma.js
Which should you use? A side-by-side look at what each one does, who it suits, what it costs, how hard it is to set up, and where each falls short.
Open source · MIT
A JavaScript/TypeScript library for drawing and analyzing interactive graphs and network data in the browser.
Open source · MIT
A JavaScript library for drawing graphs with thousands of nodes and edges in the browser.
The short answer
Choose G6 if you need…
- Frontend developers building interactive network or relationship diagrams in a web app
- Teams that need graph layouts such as force-directed arrangements in TypeScript or JavaScript projects
- Developers who want Canvas, SVG, or WebGL rendering options from one library
- Projects that need server-side rendering of graphs with Node.js
Choose Sigma.js if you need…
- Web developers who need to display large network graphs in a browser
- Data analysts building interactive graph visualizations on a website
- Teams already using graphology for graph data
- Developers who want optional add-ons for images, maps, or image export
Side-by-side
| G6 | Sigma.js | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Library | Library |
| Price | Free and open source | Free and open source |
| Licence | MIT | MIT |
| GitHub stars | 12.4k | 12.2k |
| Setup difficulty | Intermediate | Intermediate |
| How you get it | Install with a package manager | Install with a package manager |
| Main language | TypeScript | TypeScript |
| Last code update | 10 days ago | 10 days ago |
What each one is
G6
G6 is a graph visualization engine that helps developers draw networks of connected things, such as relationships between people, accounts, or devices. It provides building blocks for drawing nodes and edges, running layouts that arrange them, handling user interactions like dragging, and animating or theming the result. Developers use it to build their own graph-based analysis or visualization applications.
Sigma.js
Sigma.js is an open-source JavaScript library for displaying network graphs (nodes connected by edges) in a web page. It uses WebGL, a browser technology for fast graphics, so it can show graphs with thousands of nodes and edges. It is built on top of graphology, a companion library for storing graph data.
Best for
G6
- Frontend developers building interactive network or relationship diagrams in a web app
- Teams that need graph layouts such as force-directed arrangements in TypeScript or JavaScript projects
- Developers who want Canvas, SVG, or WebGL rendering options from one library
- Projects that need server-side rendering of graphs with Node.js
Sigma.js
- Web developers who need to display large network graphs in a browser
- Data analysts building interactive graph visualizations on a website
- Teams already using graphology for graph data
- Developers who want optional add-ons for images, maps, or image export
Strengths
G6
- Broad built-in set of node, edge, layout, and interaction options according to the README
- Supports Canvas, SVG, and WebGL rendering, plus server-side rendering with Node.js
- Written in TypeScript and published under the permissive MIT license
Sigma.js
- Designed to handle graphs with thousands of nodes and edges using WebGL
- Modular: companion packages let you install only the features you need
- Has official documentation and interactive examples on its website
Not ideal for
G6
- People who want a finished graph tool without writing code, since G6 is a library for developers
- Users who need only a simple static chart, where a lighter charting library would be less work
- Teams without JavaScript experience, because setup and customization require writing code
Sigma.js
- People who only need a simple chart or bar graph, since this library is specialized for graphs and networks
- Users who want a finished tool with no coding, because sigma is a library that must be built into a project
- Projects that require a long track record of stable APIs, since the README notes v4 development included LLM-drafted code and the API is evolving
Trade-offs
G6
- The README is brief on detailed API usage, so you will rely on the external documentation site for depth
- Advanced features such as 3D rendering come through separate plugin packages
- Requires JavaScript or TypeScript knowledge to build anything
Sigma.js
- Requires JavaScript and a build setup; it is not a ready-made application
- The README does not detail browser support or performance limits, so those should be checked in the docs
- Some features rely on companion packages that must be installed separately
Getting started
Sigma.js
Install sigma and graphology
npm install sigma graphologyFrequently asked questions
What is the difference between G6 and Sigma.js?
G6: A JavaScript/TypeScript library for drawing and analyzing interactive graphs and network data in the browser. Sigma.js: A JavaScript library for drawing graphs with thousands of nodes and edges in the browser. G6 suits frontend developers building interactive network or relationship diagrams in a web app, while Sigma.js suits web developers who need to display large network graphs in a browser.
Are G6 and Sigma.js free?
G6: Free and open source. Sigma.js: Free and open source.
Is G6 or Sigma.js more popular?
G6 has more GitHub stars (12.4k) than Sigma.js (12.2k). Popularity isn't the same as fit — check which one matches your use case above.
What are other alternatives to G6 and Sigma.js?
Other options people compare them with include Cytoscape.js, visx, Plotly.js, deck.gl, kepler.gl.
Keep comparing
Built from our catalogue entries for both products: open-source details come from each project's README (AI-assisted, refreshed weekly) and GitHub data; AI-tool details are editorial. Spotted something wrong? Let us know from either product's page.