Finding the perfect JavaScript data grid with built-in data export can make or break your web application. Users expect one-click downloads to Excel, PDF, CSV, and other formats — without extra plugins or complicated code.

In this 2026 comparison, we review the top data grids known for seamless data grid Excel export, PDF export, and CSV export capabilities. As the team behind jQWidgets (jqwidgets.com) and Smart UI (htmlelements.com), we highlight real-world performance, ease of use, and export flexibility so you can choose the best fit for your project.

1. Smart UI – Smart.Grid — Modern Web Component Data Grid with Advanced Multi-Format Export

The Smart UI Grid from htmlelements.com is a high-performance, standards-based JavaScript data grid built as a native Web Component. It delivers enterprise-level data export while respecting your current view: sorting, filtering, grouping, and hidden columns are all preserved.

Smart.Grid supports export to Excel (XLSX), CSV, TSV, XML, PDF, JSON, PNG, and JPEG. You get full customization options including styles, custom headers, selected rows only, multiple sheets, and page orientation — perfect for professional reporting.

Best for

• Modern Angular, React, Vue, or Web Component applications
• Projects needing data grid Excel export of filtered, grouped, or hierarchical data
• Teams wanting maximum flexibility without third-party libraries
• High-performance dashboards and business intelligence tools

Considerations

• Web Component architecture (excellent for future-proof apps)
• Commercial licensing unlocks the full Smart UI toolkit
• Custom cell renderers can be styled via dataExport.style

Example (Export to Excel)

<smart-grid id="grid"></smart-grid>


<script>
const grid = new Smart.Grid("#grid", {
    dataSource: new Smart.DataAdapter({ /* your data */ }),
    columns: [ /* your columns */ ]
});

// One-line export of current view
grid.exportData('xlsx');
</script>

Learn more: Smart.Grid – Data Grid with Excel, PDF & CSV Export

2. jQWidgets jqxGrid — Feature-Rich Data Grid with Extensive Export Options

The jQWidgets jqxGrid remains a trusted enterprise JavaScript data grid used in thousands of production applications. It offers simple yet powerful data export methods that work across all major browsers.

jqxGrid exports to Excel (.xls / XLSX), PDF, CSV, TSV, XML, JSON, and HTML. The exportdata API lets you export the full dataset, visible rows, or selected records while preserving formatting and column order.

Best for

• Applications requiring many export formats including XML and HTML
• Teams prioritizing simplicity and broad browser compatibility
• Business tools with frequent data grid Excel export and reporting needs

Considerations

• jQuery-based (easy drop-in for older codebases)
• Excel export uses modern XLSX in current versions
• Commercial license required for full feature set

Example (Export to Excel)

$("#jqxgrid").jqxGrid({ /* grid config */ });

$("#btnExport").click(function () {
    $("#jqxgrid").jqxGrid('exportdata', 'xls', 'MyReport');
});

Learn more: jQWidgets jqxGrid – Data Export Demo

3. Webix DataTable — High-Performance Data Grid with Built-in Multi-Format Export

Webix DataTable is a fast JavaScript data grid designed for data-intensive applications. It includes native export functionality covering the most common business formats without extra dependencies.

It supports Excel (XLSX), CSV, PDF, and PNG export while preserving column order, headers, and basic styling.

Best for

• Applications that require multi-format data export out of the box
• Data-heavy tools where users frequently download reports
• Teams looking for a balanced mix of performance and built-in features
• Use cases where export customization (columns, headers, selection) is needed

Considerations

• Advanced customization may need extra config
• Webix-specific API
• Commercial licensing

webix.ready(function () {
 const grid = webix.ui({
   view: "datatable",
   autoConfig: true,
   url: "/api/data"
  });

webix.toExcel(grid);
});

Learn more: Webix DataTable

4. Kendo UI Grid — Enterprise Data Grid with Professional Styled Export

The Kendo UI Grid from Telerik excels at polished, professional-looking Excel and PDF exports, including grouping, aggregates, and footers.

Best for

• Enterprise apps inside the Kendo ecosystem
• Styled reports with complex data

Learn more: Kendo UI Grid

5. DevExpress DataGrid — Advanced Grid with Pixel-Perfect Export Control

DevExpress DataGrid (DevExtreme) offers outstanding client-side Excel (XLSX) and PDF export with full formatting preservation.

Best for

• Complex enterprise applications needing export of selected rows and heavy formatting

Learn more: DevExpress DataGrid

Quick Comparison Table: Data Export Capabilities

Which JavaScript Data Grid with Data Export Should You Choose?

• Need modern web components and maximum export flexibility? → Smart UI’s Smart.Grid
• Need a lightweight Grid with broad format support? → jQWidgets jqxGrid

Both products come from the same team and are built for real-world performance and developer happiness.

Frequently Asked Questions about Data Grid Export in 2026

Can these grids export filtered or grouped data?

Yes — Smart.Grid, jqxGrid, Kendo, and DevExpress all respect the current grid state (filters, sorting, grouping) during export.

Which grid has the best hierarchical/expandable export?

Smart.Grid and DevExpress DataGrid currently lead with excellent support for tree/hierarchical data and expandable groups in Excel.

Do I need extra libraries for Excel export?

No. All five grids in this list include built-in export. Smart.Grid and jqxGrid require zero additional dependencies.

Which is better for modern frameworks (React, Angular, Vue)?

HTMLElements Smart.Grid — native Web Components with official wrappers for all major frameworks.

Is there a free version?

Yes — Smart UI offers a generous Community edition. jQWidgets also provides a free trial.

Published April 2026 • Updated with latest export features from Smart.Grid, jqxGrid, Webix 11.4, Kendo UI, and DevExpress.

What’s your biggest requirement for a data grid export? Drop a comment below and we’ll help you decide.