# Matplotlib vs Seaborn

## Key differences

- Matplotlib has 1.7× as many GitHub stars as Seaborn (23.4K vs 14.1K).
- Matplotlib had more development activity over the last 12 months: 2,119 commits vs 19.
- Matplotlib is downloaded 6.2× as often on PyPI (44.6M vs 7.2M per week).
- Matplotlib is licensed under PSF-2.0; Seaborn under BSD-3-Clause.
- Matplotlib is the older project: its repository was created in 2011, Seaborn's in 2012.

| | Matplotlib | Seaborn |
|---|---|---|
| Description | 2D plotting library. | A library for making attractive and informative statistical graphics. |
| GitHub stars | 23,407 | 14,094 |
| Commits (12 months) | 2,119 | 19 |
| Contributors | 438 | 190 |
| License | PSF-2.0 | BSD-3-Clause |
| Language | Python | Python |
| Status | Active | Active |
| Install | `pip install matplotlib` | `pip install seaborn` |

Source: https://awesomedataviz.com/compare/matplotlib-vs-seaborn/ · Data updated 2026-11-01 · Content: CC BY 4.0, Awesome Dataviz (https://awesomedataviz.com).