Redux vs MobX: Which is Better?

state management is a crucial part of building modern React applications. While Redux has been the standard for years, MobX offers a different approach with less boilerplate and more flexibility. In this comparison, we’ll explore their differences, advantages, and which one you should choose for your project.

1. What is Redux?

Redux is a predictable state management library for JavaScript applications. It follows a strict unidirectional data flow, meaning the state can only be updated through actions and reducers. This makes debugging and managing state in large applications easier.

How Redux Works

Store: The single source of truth where all the state is kept.
Actions: JavaScript objects that describe state changes ({ type: "INCREMENT" }).
Reducers: Pure functions that modify the state based on actions.
Dispatch: The function used to send actions to the store.
Selectors: Functions that extract specific pieces of state.

Why Redux is Popular

✔ Predictability: Since state updates follow strict rules, debugging is easier.
✔ Strict immutability: Enforces a functional programming approach.
✔ Great DevTools: Time-travel debugging and state inspection.
✔ Scalability: Works well for large applications.

Downsides of Redux

✖ Boilerplate-heavy: Requires defining actions, reducers, and dispatching them.
✖ Complex setup: Middleware like Redux Thunk or Saga is needed for async operations.
✖ Immutability handling: Requires spread operators (...state) to update the state.

2. What is MobX?

MobX is a reactive state management library that makes it easier to manage state without boilerplate. Instead of enforcing a strict unidirectional flow like Redux, MobX allows direct state mutation using observable properties.

How MobX Works

Observables: Reactive state variables (makeObservable(this, { count: observable })).
Actions: Functions that modify state (@action increment() { this.count++ }).
Computed values: Derived values from state (@computed get doubleCount() { return this.count * 2 }).
Observers: React components that automatically update when state changes.

Why Developers Love MobX

✔ Minimal boilerplate: No need for actions or reducers.
✔ Direct state mutation: No need for immutability patterns.
✔ Automatic tracking: Components update only when needed.
✔ Easy async operations: Works naturally with async/await.

Downsides of MobX

✖ Less predictable: Since MobX allows direct mutations, debugging can be harder.
✖ Weaker DevTools: MobX debugging tools are not as advanced as Redux.
✖ Scalability concerns: Can become difficult to maintain in large projects if not structured properly.

3. Key Differences Between Redux and MobX

Feature	Redux	MobX
Boilerplate	High (actions, reducers, store setup)	Minimal (direct state mutation)
Learning Curve	Steep (requires understanding reducers, actions, dispatch)	Easy (just observables and actions)
State Mutation	Requires reducers and immutability	Directly mutates state
Asynchronous Logic	Needs middleware (Thunk/Saga)	Works with async/await natively
Performance	Can re-render unnecessary components	Only updates the affected components
Scalability	Good for large apps	Better for small/medium apps
DevTools	Excellent debugging tools	Basic debugging support
Strict State Control	Strictly enforces unidirectional data flow	More flexible and dynamic

4. Code Comparison: Redux vs MobX

Redux Example (Counter Feature)

Step 1: Install Redux and Redux Toolkit

npm install @reduxjs/toolkit react-redux

Step 2: Create a Slice

import { createSlice, configureStore } from "@reduxjs/toolkit";

const counterSlice = createSlice({
  name: "counter",
  initialState: { count: 0 },
  reducers: {
    increment: (state) => { state.count += 1; },
    decrement: (state) => { state.count -= 1; },
  }
});

export const { increment, decrement } = counterSlice.actions;

const store = configureStore({ reducer: counterSlice.reducer });

export default store;

Step 3: Use in a React Component

import { useSelector, useDispatch } from "react-redux";
import { increment, decrement } from "./store";

const Counter = () => {
  const count = useSelector((state) => state.count);
  const dispatch = useDispatch();

  return (
    <div>
      <p>Count: {count}</p>
      <button onClick={() => dispatch(increment())}>+</button>
      <button onClick={() => dispatch(decrement())}>-</button>
    </div>
  );
};

MobX Example (Counter Feature)

Step 1: Install MobX

npm install mobx mobx-react

Step 2: Create Store Using MobX

import { makeObservable, observable, action } from "mobx";

class CounterStore {
  count = 0;

  constructor() {
    makeObservable(this, {
      count: observable,
      increment: action,
      decrement: action
    });
  }

  increment = () => { this.count += 1; };
  decrement = () => { this.count -= 1; };
}

const counterStore = new CounterStore();
export default counterStore;

Step 3: Use in a React Component

import { observer } from "mobx-react";
import counterStore from "./store";

const Counter = observer(() => {
  return (
    <div>
      <p>Count: {counterStore.count}</p>
      <button onClick={counterStore.increment}>+</button>
      <button onClick={counterStore.decrement}>-</button>
    </div>
  );
});

export default Counter;

✅ Why is MobX Better Here?

No need for reducers, actions, or store configuration.
Direct state mutation without extra syntax.
Automatic tracking of changes without manually subscribing to the store.

5. When to Use Redux vs MobX?

Use Redux If:

✔ You are building a large-scale application.
✔ You need predictability and strict structure.
✔ Your team is experienced with functional programming.
✔ You need advanced debugging tools.

Use MobX If:

✔ You want minimal boilerplate and a simpler learning curve.
✔ Your app has dynamic and flexible state changes.
✔ You prefer direct state mutation without worrying about immutability.
✔ You need better performance with automatic tracking.

6. Performance Considerations

Redux Performance Issues

Re-renders more frequently due to strict immutability.
Needs memoization (useMemo, useCallback) to optimize performance.
Can be slower in real-time applications.

MobX Performance Benefits

Only updates components that actually use the state.
No need for manual memoization.
Works well with highly dynamic applications.

7. Conclusion: Which One is Better?

🔹 Redux is better for enterprise-level applications where strict state control is required.
🔹 MobX is better for smaller and medium-sized projects where flexibility and performance matter.

Final Recommendation

If you’re working on a complex, large-scale React project ➝ Use Redux.
If you need a simple, reactive, and fast state management solution ➝ Use MobX.

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