The best linear algebra libraries, according to hackers
3 linear algebra libraries were recommended on Hacker News between November 2025 and November 2026. We rank them by how many separate people recommend each one, and 1 earns the Hacker Approved badge.
Top pick
The most recommended linear algebra library with the badge. Each figure is one person. RecommendsCriticizes One comment
Performance with high-level readability
Fast C++ linear algebra library praised for performance and zero-cost abstractions; critics point to slow compiles and large binaries.
All 3 linear algebra libraries, ranked
Select a column heading to sort. Approval share is recommenders out of everyone who gave an opinion; the tick on each bar marks the 2 to 1 line the badge needs. Months counts the months, out of 13, in which someone recommended it.
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eigen C++ library | 10 | 4 | 71% | 7 | — | Approved |
| Tied 2 | Intel MKL | 5 | 2 | 71% | 4 | — | — |
| Tied 2 | LAPACK | 5 | 0 | 100% | 4 | — | — |
How we rank
Rank is the number of separate people who recommend a product in a Hacker News comment over the past year. Someone who praises the same linear algebra library in five threads counts once.
The badge goes to linear algebra libraries that at least 10 people recommend, with recommenders outnumbering critics at least 2 to 1, recommended in at least 4 of the 13 months.
Rankings are never for sale. We may earn a commission when you buy through our links. It never changes the order.