Side by side
MUI vs U.S. Web Design System
Both stand on ui kit libraries. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Web
Choose MUI if you need React interface components, with a free Community tier or commercial access to advanced MUI X features. Look elsewhere if your project does not use React or you need advanced MUI X capabilities without a paid license.
Visit MUI
Free plan Self-hostedWeb
USWDS combines reusable design guidance, code, and downloadable assets for government websites. Check its browser support and Node/npm setup against your project requirements.
Visit U.S. Web Design SystemThe facts
| MUI | U.S. Web Design System | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Web | Self-hosted, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Pro: $299 a year | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 4 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | mui.com | designsystem.digital.gov |
| On ui kit libraries | #13 of 26 | #17 of 26 |
MUI: what it does well
- Material UI is an open-source React component library.
- Community includes 40+ free components.
- MUI X includes grids, pickers, charts, tree view, and scheduler.
- MUI X can work standalone or with third-party React libraries.
- Pro and Premium include technical support.
What to know first
- Advanced MUI X features require a commercial license.
- Pro and Premium are priced per developer per year.
- Enterprise is available only from 15 seats.
U.S. Web Design System: what it does well
- Free and open source, with code and design assets to download.
- Includes components, patterns, tokens, utilities, and page templates.
- Design kits are available for Figma and Sketch.
- Guidance addresses Section 508 and 21st Century IDEA requirements.
What to know first
- Version 3.0 does not support Internet Explorer 11.
- The listed platforms are self-hosted and web.
Alternatives to MUI Alternatives to U.S. Web Design System The whole list