The document compares SignalR and Socket.IO, highlighting their key differences in web application development. While SignalR functions as a framework requiring server hosting and offers a higher-level API, Socket.IO serves as a comprehensive real-time application framework with event-based communication capabilities. SignalR is more compatible with ASP.NET, whereas Socket.IO faces installation challenges on Windows platforms.

1. SignalR Vs. Socket.IO – The
Differences You Need To Know
Introduction
When it comes to find the right framework for your company’s web application
development, it can be quite difficult to know which one to choose. In this case, the first
and the most popular names that come to your mind are the SignalR and the Socket IO.
While SignalR is more similar to SocketIO in terms of facilitating transport negotiation,
there are key distinctions that make these two competitors.
This blog will cover all you need to know about SignalR and Socket.IO. Continue reading
to learn more about their key differences.
SignalR
Though there are similarities that SignalR shares with Socket.IO, it appears as a
framework rather than a server. As a result, the SignalR must be hosted on a server. The
SignalR works with the host of ASP.NET, OWIN, and with the self-host. Hence you can
consider using it with the windows service.
SignalR supports clients for the frameworks like .NET, Silverlight, Windows Phone 7, etc.
Also, it helps to work with MonoTouch, iOS, etc.

2. When it comes to offering the API, you can use SignalR to get a much higher level of API
compared to the raw sockets. It effectively allows you to do the things like the RPC from
the server to the clients in a broadcast or a targeted style.
Socket IO
Unlike SignalR, Socket.IO does not work so smoothly with windows. It creates various
issues regarding the installations. While SignalR is described as a new library for
ASP.NET developers, which adds ease to real-time web development, Socket.IO, on the
other hand, is a detailed real-time application framework.
The Socket.IO is extremely efficient in enabling real-time bidirectional communication,
which is event-based. It is highly capable of working on most of the platforms, devices,
and on the browser.
To Know More : SignalR Vs. Socket.IO – The Differences You Need To Know