jQuery Script Blog

10 Best Dropdown Plugins To Replace The Native Select Box (2022 Update)

by jQueryScript,
SelectDrop Down

The native <select> element let's developers create a basic dropdown component for a list of preset options such as lists, menu items, etc.

With the development of web technology and the improvement of users' aesthetic level.

The original styling of the <select> element is might NOT suitable for modern web development and design.

Applying your own styles to the ugly select element is not a simple task for beginners.

This is why I listed here the 10 best JavaScript and/or jQuery plugins that help you create advanced, customizable dropdown lists and dropdown menus to replace the native select box without any CSS/HTML/JS skills. Have fun.

Originally Published Oct 13 2019, updated Feb 25 2022

See Also:

Table of contents:

jQuery Dropdown Plugins:

Select Boxes Replacement Plugin For jQuery - select2

A JavaScript based select box replacement to create dynamic, AJAX-enabled, customizable dropdown select on the web app.

Select Boxes Replacement Plugin For jQuery - select2

[Demo] [Download]

jQuery Plugin For Custom Tags Input and Select Box - selectize.js

selectize.js is a useful and lightweight plugin for creating solid and user-friendly tags input field and select list with clean and powerful APIs & Codes.

jQuery Plugin For Custom Tags Input and Select Box - selectize.js

[Demo] [Download]

Create Searchable Dropdown Select With jQuery - selectstyle

selectstyle is a lightweight jQuery plugin that transforms the regular select box into a searchable dropdown list with custom styles.

Create Searchable Dropdown Select With jQuery - selectstyle

[Demo] [Download]

jQuery Plugin For Filterable Bootstrap Dropdown Select - Bootstrap Select

A jQuery plugin to enhance the default Bootstrap dropdown select with multiple options like: optgoup support, auto-completion, clear selection and live filtering.

jQuery Plugin For Filterable Bootstrap Dropdown Select - Bootstrap Select

[Demo] [Download]

Custom Select Dropdown With Search Box - Amsifyselect.js

An improved, progressive enhancement custom select dropdown jQuery plugin for stylizing and manipulating the native HTML select element with searchable options.

Custom Select Dropdown With Search Box - Amsifyselect.js

[Demo] [Download]

Vanilla JavaScript Dropdown Plugins:

Customizable Select Box & Input Field Enhancement Library

A vanilla JavaScript plugin which converts the normal select and input into customizable select inputs with multi select and autocomplete support. Great for creating multi-select tagging systems.

Custom Single/Multi Select In Pure JavaScript

[Demo] [Download]

Multiselect Dropdown List With Checkboxes

An unobtrusive JavaScript plugin that converts the native select box into a multi-select control with checkboxes and check all button.

Multiselect Dropdown List With Checkboxes

[Demo] [Download]

Custom Single/Multi Select In Pure JavaScript

A Vanilla JavaScript library that transforms the regular select element into a customizable, searchable, checkable dropdown list.

Custom Single/Multi Select In Pure JavaScript

[Demo] [Download]

High Performance Select Box JavaScript Library – Virtual Select

A high-performance, Material Design style select box replacement that supports single/multiple select, virtual scrolling (for larger data lists), live search, and dynamic data rendering.

High Performance Select Box JavaScript Library – Virtual Select

[Demo] [Download]

Advanced Select Box Enhancement Library – pureScriptSelect

A robust yet easy-to-use JavaScript library used to beautify and enhance the default single or multiple select boxes.

Advanced Select Box Enhancement Library – pureScriptSelect

[Demo] [Download]

Conclusion:

Want more jQuery plugins or JavaScript libraries to create awesome Dropdowns on the web & mobile? Check out the jQuery Drop Down and JavaScript Dropdown sections.

More Resources: