Easiest Angular Upgrade Path From 14 | Generated by AI
Question: Between Angular 14 and 21, what version can we easily upgrade to from an Angular 14 project that still uses Webpack etc.?
Answer:
Your current project is on Angular 14 (which uses Webpack by default for both development and production builds).
The Angular team introduced experimental esbuild-based builds in Angular 16 and made the Vite + esbuild application builder available (initially opt-in, then default for new projects) starting in Angular 17.
Even in Angular 21 (current latest version in February 2026), the Webpack-based builder remains fully stable and officially supported. You can continue using the classic browser builder (Webpack) even after upgrading to Angular 21 — there is no forced migration to Vite/esbuild.
However, for the easiest and safest upgrade path from Angular 14 while staying on Webpack (minimal changes to build config, no need to deal with new builder migration issues), the best intermediate versions are:
- Angular 15 or Angular 16 — very straightforward upgrades from 14 (mostly automatic via
ng update), still 100% Webpack by default, introduces useful features like standalone components (optional) without breaking changes to the build system. - Angular 17 — still very easy, but this is the first version where the new Vite/esbuild builder exists (new projects use it by default). Existing projects upgraded from older versions stay on Webpack unless you explicitly migrate.
- Angular 18+ (up to 21) — upgrades remain smooth with official schematics, but starting in Angular 18 the
ng updateprocess sometimes prompts/encourages migrating to the new builder. You can decline and keep Webpack.
Recommended upgrade strategy (easiest while staying on Webpack)
- Angular 14 → Angular 16 (or even directly to 17)
- Small steps, very few breaking changes
- Webpack remains untouched and default
- You get modern features (standalone components become stable, improved hydration, better typing, etc.)
- Command:
ng update @angular/cli @angular/core(one major at a time is safest)
- Then Angular 16/17 → Angular 21 (or stop at 18/19/20 if you prefer)
- Use
ng updaterepeatedly - When it asks about migrating to the new application builder (Vite/esbuild) → say no to keep Webpack
- The old builder is still fully supported in 2026 — no rush to change
- Use
Quick summary table
| Target Version | Upgrade Difficulty from 14 | Still Uses Webpack by Default? | Notes / Why Easy or Not |
|---|---|---|---|
| Angular 15 | Very easy | Yes | Minimal changes, good step |
| Angular 16 | Very easy | Yes | Introduces esbuild preview (opt-in only) |
| Angular 17 | Easy | Yes (for upgraded projects) | Vite/esbuild default for new projects only |
| Angular 18–19 | Easy–medium | Yes (if you decline migration) | Prompts for new builder appear |
| Angular 20–21 | Medium | Yes (if you decline migration) | More modern defaults, but Webpack still supported |
Bottom line in February 2026:
You can safely upgrade all the way to Angular 21 and keep using Webpack — just decline any migration prompts to the new Vite/esbuild builder during ng update.
If you want the smoothest path with almost zero build-related surprises, upgrade first to Angular 16 or 17 (still pure Webpack era), stabilize, then jump to the latest (21) while opting out of the new builder.
This way you get security fixes, performance improvements, and modern Angular features without touching your build system.
References:
- Angular Roadmap
- Migrating to new build system (Webpack still supported)
- Angular versioning and releases
- Angular Is Moving from Webpack to Vite (via esbuild)