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Several familiar jQuery-era tools remain usable, but “still works” is not the same as actively maintained, compatible with every browser, or the best choice for a new site. For an existing jQuery project, match the tool to the task and verify its exact version and dependencies. For a new project—or one removing jQuery—consider whether CSS, browser APIs, or a non-jQuery library can do the job with fewer dependencies.
This list includes true jQuery plugins as well as CSS-only and vanilla-JavaScript libraries. The distinction matters: for example, Select2 requires jQuery, while current DataTables no longer does.
How to choose a tool that still works
Start with the feature you need, not a “best” ranking. Then check the project’s current documentation, the version of jQuery it supports, browser requirements, accessibility needs, styling integration, and any extension or add-on compatibility. A tool that continues to execute may still be a poor fit if it is hard to maintain or adds a dependency for a feature the browser already provides.
Maintenance descriptions for several tools below reflect the roundup’s assessments, not independently verified project-by-project status. No compatibility or accessibility testing of all 15 tools is implied here.
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Core jQuery tools
1. jQuery UI: interactions, widgets, and effects
Choose jQuery UI when an existing jQuery site needs a coordinated set of interface components rather than a single effect. Its documentation describes “a combination of interaction, effects, widgets, utilities, and themes designed to work well together or on their own.”
The project’s 1.14.2 compatibility notes say its test suite was run with jQuery 4.0.0 and jQuery Migrate 4.0.2, and with jQuery 3.7.1 and jQuery Migrate 3.6.0. The project page also says, “Compatibility with recent jQuery versions (up to 4.0): Usage of deprecated jQuery APIs have been removed.” These are specific project statements about jQuery UI, not evidence that every plugin listed here works with those versions. jQuery UI officially supports current Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge.
2. Select2: enhanced select controls
Select2 adds search and other features to native select elements. Its documented use cases include tagging, remote data loading, pagination, and templating, as well as single- and multi-select controls. It depends on jQuery, so it is a fit for a site already using jQuery—not an obvious choice when the goal is to remove that dependency. See the Select2 project documentation.
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3. DataTables: interactive data tables
DataTables provides interactive table features and an ecosystem of extensions. Its current documentation says DataTables 3 no longer requires jQuery, although it can still be used with jQuery. That makes it different from a conventional jQuery-dependent plugin: it may suit a site retaining jQuery, but it does not force a new jQuery dependency.
Before adopting extensions, verify the specific DataTables version, browser requirements, and extension combination. DataTables warns that its feature-compatibility matrix is not exhaustive, and combinations can have compatibility limits. Consult its compatibility documentation and plugin repository.
4. jQuery Validation: form rules
For a jQuery site with established client-side validation, jQuery Validation offers built-in and custom rules. For common required-field, type, or range checks, also consider native HTML constraint validation before adding a library. The roundup describes this project as maintained, but that broad status assessment was not independently confirmed here. Client-side validation should not replace server-side validation.
Animation, scrolling, and layout effects
5. Animate.css: CSS animations
Animate.css is CSS-only, not a jQuery plugin. It can add preset animation effects without introducing a jQuery dependency. Use it when the effect is primarily presentational; account for reduced-motion preferences and avoid animations that interfere with reading or interaction.
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6. AOS: scroll-triggered animation
AOS is presented as an option for revealing elements as users scroll. It is not one of the core jQuery-dependent tools. For a simple reveal, compare its behavior and dependency cost with CSS or browser-native approaches, and ensure content remains available when animation is disabled or scripts do not run.
7. Waypoints: actions at scroll positions
Waypoints is a scroll-trigger option for running behavior when an element reaches a position in the viewport. For straightforward cases, consider whether an appropriate browser API or CSS can achieve the same result with less code. The roundup’s maintenance characterization is an assessment, not an independent status check.
8. Isotope: filtering and arranging items
Isotope is suited to layouts that arrange and filter collections of items. It is more specialized than a basic grid: decide whether the filtering and layout behavior justify the added library, especially if the page can use a simpler CSS layout or server-side filtering.
9. Masonry: staggered grids
Masonry creates staggered, masonry-style arrangements. It addresses a layout need rather than being a general-purpose jQuery effect. Compare it with modern CSS layout options and account for how the chosen approach handles changing content and responsive widths.
10. Parallax.js: parallax scrolling
Parallax.js is presented for layered parallax effects. Use this effect selectively: it can add motion and complexity without improving navigation or comprehension. A CSS-based treatment may be sufficient for simpler designs; respect reduced-motion preferences either way.
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Text and number effects
11. Typed.js: simulated typing
Typed.js animates text as if it were being typed. It is described as vanilla JavaScript, not a jQuery plugin. Use it only when the animation adds meaning; make sure the full message is still understandable to people who do not experience the animation.
12. CountUp.js: animated numbers
CountUp.js animates a number toward a target value and is also described as vanilla JavaScript rather than a jQuery plugin. For important figures, keep the final value clear and avoid making the animation the only way to access the information.
Carousels and lightboxes
13. Slick: legacy carousel option
Slick is included as a legacy carousel choice. If an existing site relies on it, assess the exact implementation before replacing it; if building something new, compare its feature needs with alternatives such as Swiper or Splide. The roundup names those alternatives but does not provide independent compatibility tests for them.
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14. Owl Carousel 2: legacy carousel option
Owl Carousel 2 is another legacy carousel option in the roundup. The same decision applies: keeping a working implementation can be less costly than migration, while a new project should evaluate current requirements, browser support, accessibility, and maintenance evidence before choosing a carousel library.
15. Magnific Popup: legacy lightbox
Magnific Popup is presented as a legacy lightbox. For a new lightbox, the roundup names GLightbox and Fancybox as alternatives, but does not establish their compatibility through independent tests. Whichever approach you choose, check keyboard operation, focus handling, close behavior, and accessible names rather than assuming a lightbox is accessible by default.
Keep, replace, or avoid adding a dependency?
- Keep an existing tool when it meets the site’s needs and its exact version works in the project’s supported environment. Document the dependency and check it when upgrading jQuery or browsers.
- Replace selectively when an old carousel, lightbox, or layout script creates maintenance or accessibility problems. Test the replacement against the site’s actual markup, extensions, and interaction patterns.
- Prefer a native option when CSS, HTML, or browser APIs cover the requirement without sacrificing needed behavior.
- Separate feature fit from maintenance status. A library can still run without being a sensible new dependency; a maintained project may still be unsuitable for a particular interface.
For jQuery UI, use the project’s version-specific compatibility notes rather than generalizing from its 1.14.2 tests. For DataTables, check the relevant extension combination. For Select2, account for its jQuery requirement. These distinctions are more useful than treating all 15 entries as equivalent “jQuery plugins.”
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