Best Icon Libraries for React Projects

9 curated react icons

Last updated: June 2026

If you are shipping a React or Next.js app, you do not want to manually paste SVG paths into every component. These libraries give you importable icon components, consistent sizing props, and tree-shaking so your bundle stays reasonable. I picked sets that are actively maintained and commonly paired with Tailwind or shadcn-style setups — not every icon font repackaged as a React wrapper.

How to pick one

  • Match the visual style to your UI — outline icons for dashboards, filled sets for marketing pages.
  • Check whether icons are individual imports (better for bundle size) or a single heavy package.
  • If you use shadcn/ui, Lucide is the path of least resistance; Heroicons pairs well with Tailwind UI patterns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which React icon library works best with Next.js?

Lucide React and Heroicons work cleanly with Next.js App Router. Import icons individually to keep bundle size small — avoid importing entire sets.

Can I use the same icons in Figma and React?

Yes. Lucide, Heroicons, and Phosphor publish matching Figma community files and npm packages, so design and code can share the same icon names.

What is the best icon library for shadcn/ui?

Lucide is the default icon set for shadcn/ui and Radix-based components. It pairs with Tailwind sizing utilities and tree-shakes well in Next.js projects.

How do I reduce icon bundle size in React?

Import only the icons you use — e.g. `import { ArrowRight } from 'lucide-react'`. Never import full icon packs or wildcard modules in production apps.

Heroicons vs Lucide — which should React developers pick?

Lucide offers more icons and shadcn/ui integration. Heroicons fits Tailwind UI patterns with outline and solid variants. Both are free and MIT-licensed.

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Reviewed by Sergei Chyrkov · Last updated June 2026 · How we curate

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