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Aceternity UI vs Magic UI

Last updated · By Harjot Singh Rana

Aceternity UI and Magic UI both make React components that move, and both are built on Tailwind CSS and Motion. The difference is what else you get. Aceternity UI sells paid plans with blocks, templates and full landing pages. Magic UI sells a free library of 150+ components and a Pro tier with blocks and templates.

Both lean toward landing pages. For a wider list of options, see the shadcn/ui alternatives guide.

How do they compare?

Aceternity UIMagic UIBrio UI
FocusAnimated components, blocks, templates and full landing pagesAnimated components and effectsEveryday product components with motion and edge cases handled
Size118+ free components. The home page also lists 182+ blocks, 17 templates and 4 landing pages150+ free components; Pro adds 50+ blocks and templates50 components: 10 free, 40 Pro
Built withReact, Tailwind CSS and Motion. Works with Next.js, Vite, React Router and other React frameworksReact, TypeScript, Tailwind CSS and MotionReact and Motion; styles inside the file, no Tailwind
InstallCopy and paste. The free plan also includes MCP access for Claude Code, Codex, Cursor and moreThe shadcn CLI, into your components foldernpx brio-ui add, or the shadcn CLI; one file per component
LicenceNot stated on the pages checkedMIT for the free libraryMIT for the 10 free components
Paid tierFree plan at $0. One-time payments: 1-year license $169, lifetime $199, Teams (10 members) $1,590Magic UI Pro, $199, one-time paymentPro, one-time: $9 single, $39 pack, $149 All-Access, $349 Team (5 seats)

Which one fits?

Best for Aceternity UI: a landing page project that wants components, blocks and templates from one source, and is willing to pay once for a plan.

Best for Magic UI: a project already on Tailwind and the shadcn CLI that wants a large library of effects, with the free library under MIT.

What do they cost?

Aceternity UI’s free plan is $0. Its paid plans are one-time payments: a 1-year license at $169, lifetime access at $199, and a Teams plan at $1,590 for 10 members. The pricing page lists regular prices of $249 and $299 next to the first two. Magic UI’s 150+ component library is free under MIT, and Magic UI Pro is $199, one-time.

Neither? A third option: Brio UI

Brio UI is for a narrower job. It has 50 React components for everyday product UI, such as a pricing toggle, FAQ, code input and contact form. Ten are free under MIT and 40 are Pro. Each file imports only React and Motion, and reduced motion is respected. Pro is paid once, with no subscription: $9 for a single component, $39 for a pack, $149 for All-Access, or $349 for a team of 5. Pro is in presale now and launches in November 2026. Details are on Brio UI Pro pricing.

Brio UI has no effects, templates or landing pages. Use it when the product screens need working parts that handle edge cases. For the Magic UI comparison alone, see Brio UI vs Magic UI. The component docs list what is free today.

Where does Brio UI lose?

  • Size. 10 free components, against 118+ free in Aceternity UI and 150+ in Magic UI.
  • No effects and no templates. Brio UI sells components only, and has no animated backgrounds or full landing pages.
  • Timing. Pro is in presale and launches in November 2026.
  • One maker. One person builds Brio UI, so the pace of new components depends on that.

Common questions

Is Aceternity UI free?

Its free plan is $0 and includes the free components. The home page counts 118+ of them. Paid plans are one-time payments, starting at $169 for a 1-year license.

Does Aceternity UI need a subscription?

No. The pricing page describes its paid plans as one-time payments with no subscription.

Which one works with shadcn/ui?

Magic UI calls itself a companion for shadcn/ui and installs through the shadcn CLI. The Aceternity UI pages checked describe copy and paste installs.

Sources