Need to code React in the browser? I tested every major React playground and online editor to find the best ones for different needs - quick prototyping, learning, full projects, and AI-assisted development. Here's what works in 2026.
Quick Comparison
| Editor | Best For | AI Features | npm Support | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PlayCode | AI-assisted React | 15+ models | Full | Free / $9.99 |
| CodeSandbox | Full projects | Basic | Full | Free / $9 |
| StackBlitz | Node.js compat | Codeflow | Full | Free / $8 |
| CodePen | Snippets/demos | No | Limited | Free / $8 |
| Replit | Full apps | Built-in | Full | Free / $25 |
| JSFiddle | Quick tests | No | CDN only | Free / $8 |
| Glitch | Full-stack | No | Full | Free / $8 |
| React.new | Instant start | No | Full | Free |
1. PlayCode: Best AI-Assisted React Editor
PlayCode React combines a full React development environment with AI assistance. Describe components in plain English and watch AI build them. Or code traditionally with excellent tooling.
What makes PlayCode different:
- AI writes React: Describe a component, AI creates it. "Create a todo list with Tailwind styling and animations" - done.
- 15+ AI models: Switch between Claude, GPT, Gemini for different tasks.
- Full npm: Install any package. Tailwind, Framer Motion, React Query - all work.
- TypeScript: Full TypeScript support with type checking.
- One-click publish: Deploy your React app to a custom domain instantly.
- Download code: Export as ZIP. You own everything.
Pros:
- Best AI features for React development
- Full npm and TypeScript support
- Real-time preview
- Export and own your code
- Multiple AI models
Cons:
- AI features require Pro ($9.99/month)
- Less suitable for very large projects
Best for: React development with AI assistance, prototyping, learning React.
Price: Free basic. $9.99/month for AI.
2. CodeSandbox: Best for Full Projects
CodeSandbox is a full-featured React development environment. Great for complete projects with proper file structure.
Pros:
- VS Code integration
- Full project structure
- Great templates
- GitHub integration
- Team collaboration
Cons:
- Can be slow to start
- AI features basic
- Free tier has limits
Best for: Complete React projects with proper structure.
Price: Free tier. Pro from $9/month.
3. StackBlitz: Best for Node.js Compatibility
StackBlitz uses WebContainers to run actual Node.js in the browser. Great when you need true Node compatibility.
Pros:
- True Node.js in browser
- Fast boot times
- Works offline
- Codeflow for full repos
Cons:
- AI features limited
- Some packages don't work
- Steeper learning curve
Best for: When you need real Node.js compatibility.
Price: Free tier. Pro from $8/month.
4. CodePen: Best for Snippets and Demos
CodePen is perfect for React snippets, demos, and sharing code examples. Not for full projects.
Pros:
- Great for sharing
- Huge community
- Beautiful embeds
- Simple interface
Cons:
- Not for full projects
- Limited npm (CDN only)
- No AI features
- No TypeScript support (native)
Best for: Quick React demos and sharing snippets.
Price: Free. Pro from $8/month.
5. Replit: Best for Full Apps with Deployment
Replit is a complete development environment with instant deployment. Good for React apps that need a backend.
Pros:
- Built-in AI assistant
- Instant deployment
- Full-stack capable
- Collaboration features
Cons:
- Expensive ($25/month)
- Can be slow
- Less React-specific
Best for: Full React apps with backend and deployment.
Price: Free tier. Core at $25/month.
6. React.new: Quickest Start
Type react.new in your browser and get a React project instantly. It's actually StackBlitz under the hood.
Pros:
- Instant - just type the URL
- No signup needed
- Full npm support
Cons:
- Basic features only
- No AI
- Work doesn't persist
Best for: Instantly starting a React experiment.
Price: Free.
Choosing the Right React Editor
- Want AI help?PlayCode - 15+ AI models write React for you.
- Full project structure? CodeSandbox - VS Code-like experience.
- Node.js compatibility? StackBlitz - WebContainers.
- Quick demo? CodePen or JSFiddle - instant sharing.
- Full-stack with deployment? Replit - complete platform.
The Verdict
Best overall:PlayCode for AI-assisted React development with full npm, TypeScript, and Tailwind support.
Best for full projects: CodeSandbox - complete IDE experience.
Best for quick demos: CodePen - simple, shareable.
Best for Node.js: StackBlitz - true Node in browser.
FAQ
What is the best online React editor in 2026?
PlayCode is the best React online editor for AI-assisted development with 15+ models, npm packages, TypeScript, and Tailwind. CodeSandbox is best for full project structure. StackBlitz is best for true Node.js compatibility.
Can I run React online for free?
Yes. PlayCode, CodeSandbox, StackBlitz, and CodePen all offer free React playgrounds. For advanced features like AI assistance or team collaboration, premium tiers are available.
Which React playground has the best AI?
PlayCode has the best AI for React development with 15+ models (Claude, GPT, Gemini). You can describe components in plain English and watch AI create them. Replit also has built-in AI but fewer model options.
Can I use TypeScript in React playgrounds?
Yes. PlayCode, CodeSandbox, and StackBlitz all support TypeScript with full type checking. CodePen has limited TypeScript support.
Try PlayCode React
Want to build React with AI assistance? Try PlayCode React with 15+ AI models, npm packages, TypeScript, and Tailwind. Describe what you want and watch AI build it.