When it comes to making HTTP requests in JavaScript, two popular options dominate the ecosystem: Fetch API and Axios.
Both serve the same purpose, but they differ in syntax, features, handling, and developer experience.
This article explains their differences, strengths, weaknesses, and which one you should use in 2025.
1. Introduction
Before the Fetch API became the default browser standard, web developers relied heavily on libraries like Axios for simplified AJAX calls.
Today, Fetch is built into all modern browsers and Node.js, while Axios remains a widely adopted 3rd-party library with powerful features that go beyond Fetch.
2. What is Fetch API?
Fetch API is a native browser/Node API for making HTTP requests.
Native, no installation
Promise-based
Lightweight
Requires manual handling
Example
fetch("https://api.example.com/users")
.then(r => r.json())
.then(data => console.log(data));
3. What is Axios?
Axios is a third-party HTTP library with more built-in features.
Automatic JSON parsing
Interceptors
Better errors
Supports cancellation
Upload/download progress
Example
axios.get("https://api.example.com/users")
.then(res => console.log(res.data));
4. Axios vs Fetch (Feature Comparison)
| Feature | Fetch | Axios |
|---|
| JSON parse | Manual | Auto |
| Error handling | Manual | Automatic |
| Interceptors | No | Yes |
| Cancel request | Complex | Simple |
| Progress events | No | Yes |
| Node support | Yes | Yes |
| Browser support | Modern only | All (incl. old) |
5. Error Handling
Fetch does not throw error on HTTP errors (like 404).
fetch(url).then(res => {
if (!res.ok) throw Error("Failed");
});
Axios automatically throws an error.
axios.get(url).catch(err => console.log(err));
6. Request Cancellation
Fetch uses AbortController (extra code).
Axios has built-in cancellation tokens.
7. Interceptors (Axios Advantage)
Axios supports interceptors for tokens, logging etc.
axios.interceptors.request.use(c => {
c.headers.Authorization = "Bearer xyz";
return c;
});
8. Upload/Download Progress
Axios supports progress tracking.
Fetch does not.
9. Browser Support
Fetch works in modern browsers.
Axios works in all browsers including older ones.
10. Which to Use in 2025?
Choose Fetch if: you want native, lightweight, minimal code.
Choose Axios if: you need interceptors, cancellation, progress, or cleaner error handling.
Conclusion
Fetch is simple and native. Axios is more powerful and convenient. The right choice depends on your project scale and features required.