Best Smooth Scroll Libraries in 2026 (JavaScript & 60fps)
Smooth scrolling transforms standard web pages into luxury, editorial experiences. But poorly implemented smooth scrolling ruins accessibility and introduces severe lag. We evaluated the top lightweight libraries that preserve native scroll performance.
We make ExodeUI, which is on this list. We place it where it fits and state plainly when another tool is the better choice.
For modern web development, Lenis by Studio Freight is the undisputed standard: it normalizes scrolling without hijacking browser accessibility and weighs under 4 KB. For heavy GSAP workflows, ScrollSmoother provides native timeline sync. For scroll-driven vector UI, ExodeUI integrates seamlessly alongside smooth scroll containers.
Quick picks by job
How we compared them
- Accessibility compliance: keyboard navigation, spacebar scrolling, and focus states
- Mobile compatibility: preserving native touch momentum without lag
- Integration with GSAP ScrollTrigger, Lenis hooks, and modern frameworks
- Core bundle footprint and impact on Google Core Web Vitals
The 5 Best Smooth Scroll Libraries for Web in 2026
1. Lenis (Studio Freight / Darkroom)
Best for: Modern websites seeking buttery smooth scrolling without breaking accessibility
- Platforms
- Web / JavaScript, React, Vue, Svelte
- Price
- Free & Open Source (MIT)
- Output
- Normalized scroll events and CSS transforms
A modern, lightweight smooth scroll library that smooths wheel and trackpad inputs while preserving native scroll physics on touch devices.
Pros and cons
- Tiny footprint (around 3.5 KB minified)
- Does not break native browser accessibility or keyboard navigation
- First-class integration with GSAP ScrollTrigger
- Focuses on scroll normalization rather than built-in visual effects
- Requires manual setup for complex horizontal scroll sections
2. GSAP ScrollSmoother
Best for: Complex GSAP-heavy editorial pages, parallax effects, and pin transitions
- Platforms
- Web / JavaScript
- Price
- Requires Club GreenSock membership
- Output
- Native wrapper scroll container with GPU acceleration
GreenSock's official smooth scrolling plugin engineered to synchronize with ScrollTrigger without frame jitter.
Pros and cons
- Native synchronization with all GSAP animations and pins
- Built-in easy parallax effect syntax (data-speed)
- Handles anchor links and scroll jumping effortlessly
- Requires paid Club GreenSock license
- Can require careful wrapper setup in complex React layouts
3. ExodeUI (Scroll Interactive Components)
Best for: Vector graphics and interactive UI that transform based on scroll progress and velocity
- Platforms
- Web, React, Vue, Svelte, iOS, Android
- Price
- Free Community plan; Professional $29/mo
- Output
- Open .exode JSON files reacting to scroll inputs
ExodeUI components allow input variables to bind directly to scroll offsets, creating vector transitions without heavy code.
Pros and cons
- Inputs directly accept normalized scroll position from Lenis or native scroll
- Vector illustrations remain tack-sharp at any zoom level
- Open JSON specification readable by AI and Git
- ExodeUI animates components; pair with Lenis for full-page scroll smoothing
- Template catalog growing
4. Locomotive Scroll
Best for: Creative agency websites using data-scroll attributes for entrance reveals
- Platforms
- Web / JavaScript
- Price
- Free & Open Source (MIT)
- Output
- Virtual or native smooth scrolling container
A popular smooth scrolling library from Locomotive agency that pioneered editorial data-scroll attributes.
Pros and cons
- Rich data-scroll attribute system for declarative animations
- Version 5 rebuilt with native scroll modern architecture
- Proven track record on award-winning Awwwards sites
- Heavier footprint than Lenis
- Historical v4 virtual scroll issues on mobile
5. ASScroll
Best for: Synchronizing smooth scrolling with Three.js WebGL canvas backgrounds
- Platforms
- Web / JavaScript / WebGL
- Price
- Free & Open Source (MIT)
- Output
- Scroll controller for DOM and WebGL
An accessible smooth scroll library created specifically to keep DOM content in sync with WebGL canvas viewports.
Pros and cons
- Rock-solid synchronization with Three.js camera positions
- Preserves accessible DOM structure
- Lightweight and unopinionated
- Smaller community than Lenis and Locomotive
- Infrequent update cycle
You have read the list. The one we make is one click away.
Free Community plan. One open .exode file that runs in React, Vue, Svelte, Angular, Solid, React Native, SwiftUI and Flutter.