Flutter vs React Native 2025: What’s Better for a Cross-platform App?

Should You Choose Flutter or React Native?

The demand for mobile app cross-platform development has grown more than ever in recent years. As a React Native development engineer, I’ve seen a surge in comparing solutions like React Native vs. Flutter. These frameworks enable developers to create apps for both iOS and Android using the same codebase. This saves you from doubling the time, effort, and resources for an app intended for two different operating systems.

React Native’s longer presence in the market speaks to its maturity and the strong community it has nurtured. On the other hand, Flutter brings many advantages for cross-platform mobile application development as well, so choosing between those two can be tough.

Today, we’ll check which one is better for you – Flutter or React Native. If you prefer to watch than read, check out the discussion between our CEO, Chris Lojniewski & CTO, Jakub Dakowicz, where they discuss the pros and cons of React Native and Flutter, their popularity, and best use cases:

Continuing Demand for Cross-Platform Mobile Development

The demand for cross-platform app development is growing. Companies are increasingly seeking efficient ways to deploy mobile apps across multiple platforms. Why? Tapping into Android and iOS user bases simultaneously is essential for growth, bringing all of the benefits of cross-platform development.

• Cost Efficiency
  A consolidated development approach reduces the need for platform-specific mobile teams, and more importantly, results in reduced development cost.
• Faster development
  Thanks to component-based architecture, components can be reused across different sections of the application. Such modular code makes it more structured too.
• Swift scaling
  Thanks to its flexibility and faster development, it’s pretty easy to test features and iterate what influences the overall time of the development process and is crucial in the mobile app development industry.

React Native by Meta

React Native originally developed by Facebook (now Meta) is a lot more mature as compared to other choices such as Ionic, Xamarin, PhoneGap, etc. It has a strong community that provides solutions to all sorts of problems. Built using the React library which is dedicated to the web and native user interface, React Native started as a hackathon project in 2013.  The journey from a hackathon to a widely used framework shows its adaptability and commitment to evolving with the times.

For any developer or CTO looking at cross-platform app development, React Native is a strong contender, with its combination of maturity, innovation, and community support. It uses JavaScript to enable web developers to transition seamlessly into mobile development. React Native is praised for its strong performance and seamless integration with React JS, especially in projects requiring cross-platform functionality. By leveraging native mobile components, React Native provides a near-native experience across Android and iOS platforms.

React Native in 2025: Stepping Up in the Cross-Platform Game

Known for its mature ecosystem and innovation, React Native is widely adopted by businesses globally for its cross-platform capabilities. It has consistently proven its value in cross-platform app development, and 2024 marks another step forward. With updates like the default activation of the New Architecture in version 0.76 and the launch of React Native DevTools, the framework is making development smoother and more efficient.  Add to this improved styling capabilities and updated layout options, and it’s clear React Native is keeping pace with the demands of modern mobile development. 

Community

With a thriving community of over 2,700 contributors on GitHub and many more in other parts of the Internet, React Native has a healthy ecosystem that keeps on expanding. Its community encourages knowledge exchange, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement, making it an invaluable resource for developers worldwide. All of this is encouraged by Meta, who provides React Native with support and frequent updates.

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Flutter by Google

Flutter is a cross-platform framework for developing mobile apps using the Dart programming language. Since its alpha release in 2017, Flutter has evolved into one of the most popular tools for creating high-performance apps.  As a framework designed for modern development, Flutter is an open-source UI toolkit that enables cross-platform app creation with a single codebase. Since version 3.24.0, released on August 7, 2024, Flutter continues to enhance its capabilities to meet the demands of modern app development.

Community

Flutter community remains active, with a significant number of developers contributing to its ecosystem. However, recent developments have sparked discussions about the framework’s future trajectory.

In October 2024, the Flutter Foundation, a community-driven group of developers, introduced “Flock,” a community-led fork of the Flutter framework. Flock emphasizes more responsive code reviews, enhanced contributor empowerment, and improved multi-platform support, particularly for desktop applications, while maintaining compatibility with the main Flutter framework. 

React Native and Flutter Popularity

In the 2024 Stack Overflow Survey Flutter placed in the 11th place in the Other Frameworks and Libraries category, slightly above React Native at 13. Still, while Flutter is a little more popular among developers, React Native is more present in job postings and at large companies due to broader business adoption and developer availability.

React Native vs Flutter: Head-to-head Comparison

Choosing the Right Framework for Your Needs

Picking between React Native and Flutter often depends on your project’s specific requirements and long-term goals.

React Native is a strong choice for SMBs and scale-ups aiming for scalable, long-term solutions. Its compatibility with web platforms and the broader React ecosystem is a great fit for organizations planning multi-platform development or looking to maximize efficiency across teams.

Flutter, on the other hand, is well-suited for startups seeking rapid development of Proof of Concepts (POCs) or Minimum Viable Products (MVPs). Its widget-based architecture and no-code/low-code tools like Flutter Flow allow for quick iteration and cost-effective solutions.

Hiring and Finding Talent with React Native and Flutter

One critical factor in choosing between React Native and Flutter is the availability of talent and the ease of team management.

React Native has a broad talent pool, driven by the widespread use of JavaScript and React in web development. It’s easier to upskill existing developers for mobile projects, and the ecosystem’s maturity means hiring senior-level developers with deep expertise is relatively straightforward.

While Flutter is growing in popularity, it has a smaller pool of developers due to its reliance on Dart, a language less commonly known than JavaScript. Finding experienced Flutter developers, particularly at senior levels, can be challenging.

For organizations planning long-term projects or scaling development teams, React Native offers an edge with its extensive community and availability of talent. Flutter, however, can still be a compelling choice for teams willing to invest in training or focusing on projects where its strengths, like widget-based design, are a priority.

Pros and Cons of Flutter and React Native

Flutter and React Native each offer different benefits for native app development, depending on the complexity and requirements of the project.

React Native or Flutter: Performance

In mobile app development, high performance is an important factor.  Ensuring smooth, responsive user experiences that keep users engaged is what sets apart good apps from great ones. 

React Native and Flutter’s ability to deliver close-to-native performance while providing the benefits of cross-platform development makes them the top choices for developers and businesses alike.

Let’s look into how these two frameworks compare in performance, given their latest updates and industry trends.

React Native Performance

React Native has made noteworthy refinements in performance, especially with its 2024 updates. Focusing on optimizing app responsiveness and speed, React Native has improved its capability to handle complex applications on iOS and Android platforms more efficiently, making it a stronger competitor in the cross-platform domain. 

• Default Activation of the New Architecture: With React Native version 0.76, the New Architecture became the default. This update replaces the asynchronous bridge with a direct communication system between JavaScript and native threads. The result is significantly enhanced app responsiveness, concurrent rendering capabilities, and improved scalability.
• Enhanced Hermes JavaScript Engine: The Hermes engine received further updates in 2024, focusing on reduced memory usage, faster runtime, and quicker app startups, particularly for Android applications.
• Metro Build Speed Optimizations: React Native achieved up to 15x faster module resolution in Metro, reducing build times significantly and enabling quicker testing and iteration during development.
• Improved Layout and Styling Performance: Updates to layout tools and advanced styling options, such as boxShadow and filter, allow for more efficient rendering, optimizing the runtime performance of visually complex applications.
• Expo: A framework and platform for building cross-platform mobile applications using React Native and Java script, Expo stands out for its ability to streamline rapid prototyping and simplify cross-platform development. It includes pre-configured tools that reduce setup time and provide functionalities like deep linking, splash screens, and access to native device features.

Flutter Performance

Flutter remains a frontrunner in performance, owing to its direct compilation of native machine code and continuous optimization efforts. It’s especially useful for graphics-intensive applications, setting a high bar for cross-platform app performance.

• Performance Focus: Flutter’s focus on performance has been evident in its roadmap, with a strong emphasis on generating high-quality machine code and designing high-performance features.
• Native Machine Code Compilation: One of Flutter’s key strengths is its ability to compile directly to native machine code. This capability is particularly beneficial for graphics-intensive applications, where it ensures superior performance and a fluid user experience.
• Continuous Performance Optimization: Flutter consistently introduces performance optimizations, as seen in its latest updates, maintaining its edge in this area.
• Flutter Flow: Exclusive to Flutter, Flutter Flow offers a no-code platform for quickly building MVPs and simple applications. This visual builder allows developers to create apps without extensive coding. However, while it speeds up development, the generated code may not always meet the standards required for long-term scalability and maintenance.

Winner

While Flutter generally leads in performance, particularly for graphics-intensive applications, due to its native machine code compilation and efficient rendering, React Native has made significant strides with its recent updates. In projects requiring a blend of native performance and cross-platform flexibility, React Native is better for teams with expertise in React JS. A key strength of the framework is that React Native uses native components, ensuring a high level of performance and user experience.

The progress in threading and JavaScript execution in React Native, complemented by the Hermes engine, has notably boosted its performance, making it highly competitive. The ability to use native modules in React Native allows developers to access platform-specific APIs directly, enhancing flexibility and capability. React Native is a great choice in scenarios where a blend of native capabilities and the flexibility of a JavaScript-based framework is desired.

Flutter vs React Native: UI and UX

The UI and UX of an app are critical to user satisfaction and engagement. In this comparison, we’ll see how React Native and Flutter have evolved in their approach to UI/UX.

React Native UI/UX

React Native continues to offer a near-native UI experience, thanks to its use of native components. Thanks to recent updates like TypeScript integration and the Flexbox Gap feature, it has strengthened its position in the UI/UX domain, offering flexible UI development capabilities.

• TypeScript Integration: Now turned on by default, TypeScript offers stronger type-checking, improving code reliability and maintainability, which positively impacts UI development.
• Flexbox Gap Feature: Flexbox refines UI design by simplifying the element layout, contributing to a better user experience.
• Native Component Use: Provides a near-native UI experience, though design flexibility is somewhat dependent on the native components available on each platform.

Flutter UI/UX

Flutter stands out with its highly customizable and versatile UI toolkit. Recent updates, including enhancements to web embedding and Material 3 integration, have further solidified its position as a leader in UI/UX design capabilities and enabled developers to create native UI components.

• Performance Focus: Flutter’s focus on performance has been evident in its roadmap, with a strong emphasis on generating high-quality machine code and designing high-performance features.
• Native Machine Code Compilation: One of Flutter’s key strengths is its ability to compile directly to native machine code. This capability is particularly beneficial for graphics-intensive applications, where it ensures superior performance and a fluid user experience.
• Continuous Performance Optimization: Flutter consistently introduces performance optimizations, as seen in its latest updates, maintaining its edge in this area.

Winner

Flutter is generally recognized for its superior range of customizable widgets and consistent cross-platform interface capabilities, however, React Native remains a strong competitor. Its ability to provide a near-native experience and recent amendments in TypeScript integration and layout features ensure that it continues to be a viable and effective choice for UI/UX design in app development.

Flutter And React Native’s Learning Curve

The ease with which developers can adopt and become proficient in technology is crucial, especially since developing mobile apps lets businesses become more competitive. React Native and Flutter, each with their unique characteristics, offer different learning experiences. Let’s explore them.

React Native Learning Curve

React Native, with its JavaScript foundation, presents a familiar environment for developers. Its growing community and rich ecosystem of resources have further smoothed the learning curve, making it more accessible for new developers. Those looking to streamline app creation often find development with React Native to be intuitive and highly productive.

• Familiarity for JavaScript Developers: The use of JavaScript makes React Native an easy transition for those with web development experience.
• Strong Community and Ecosystem: A large and active community, along with a wealth of libraries and tools, provides ample support and resources, streamlining the development process. The recent increase in community engagement and availability of learning resources has made React Native more approachable.

Flutter Learning Curve

Flutter uses Dart language which is a little less popular, and offsets this with comprehensive documentation and a supportive community. The introduction of Material 3, though introducing a new learning aspect, brings with it modern UI components and design principles.

• Dart Language: Dart may present a steeper learning curve for those not already familiar with it. However, it offers a structured and scalable language environment.
• Comprehensive Documentation and Support: Flutter’s well-documented platform and active community aid in easing the learning process for new developers.

Winner

React Native has a slightly gentler learning curve, particularly for developers with a JavaScript background. However, this can vary based on individual experience and familiarity with JavaScript or Dart. Flutter developers have access to the comprehensive resources and intuitive widget-based framework, which becomes more approachable as developers familiarize themselves with Dart.

Code Reusability Between Web and Mobile: Flutter and React Native Apps

Code reusability stands out as a pivotal factor for efficiency and consistency across platforms. And this is very important for many companies that reach customers using various channels. Both React Native and Flutter address this need, with varying degrees of effectiveness. We’ll explore how these frameworks fare in enabling code reuse between web and mobile applications.

React Native Code Reusability

One of the biggest advantages of React Native is that React Native allows developers to reuse code across platforms, significantly reducing development time. This framework allows developers to leverage a portion of their web-based React code for mobile app development, ensuring consistency and reducing development time.

• Seamless Integration with React: React Native’s architecture and compatibility with React make it a great choice for projects aiming to maintain high code reusability. Businesses that already have a React-based web application and are looking to expand into mobile will appreciate this.
• Efficient Development Process: The shared codebase between React for web and React Native for mobile streamlines the development process, reducing the need for duplicate code and ensuring uniformity across platforms.

Flutter Code Reusability:

Flutter also offers code reusability, particularly with the introduction of Flutter Web. However, the extent of reusability is contingent on whether the web component of a project is developed using Flutter.

• Flutter Web and Mobile Synergy: Flutter provides a high degree of code reusability between web and mobile applications, comparable to that of React Native.
• Project-Specific Considerations: For projects starting afresh with both web and mobile components, Flutter can provide a unified development experience. However, for existing web projects not built with Flutter, achieving high code reuse might involve additional complexities.

Winner

React Native’s seamless integration with React for the web provides a great solution for businesses looking to maintain a consistent codebase across platforms. With a strong focus on reusability and efficiency, React Native mobile development has become a preferred choice for scalable applications. Flutter, while capable in its own right, may require a more Flutter-centric approach to achieve similar levels of code reuse.

Integration with Existing Native Apps

The ability to integrate new technologies into existing native apps is a critical factor for many development projects. Flutter and React Native both offer pathways for this integration but with varying degrees of ease and flexibility.

React Native Integration with Existing Native Apps

React Native stands out as the more efficient option for integrating with existing native apps. Its compatibility with native codebase and ease of adding features make it the preferred choice for many developers looking to expand or update their native applications.

• Ease of Integration: React Native design allows for smoother integration with existing native apps, offering a straightforward path for adding new features or transitioning to a hybrid model.
• Reduced Development Effort: Given its compatibility with native components, React Native reduces the effort and complexity typically associated with integrating new technologies into established apps.

Flutter Integration Integration with Existing Native Apps

While Flutter supports integration with native applications, it generally requires more effort and a deeper understanding of Dart, making it less straightforward compared to React Native.

• Integration Capabilities: Flutter offers integration into existing native applications, but the process is typically more complex than with React Native.
• Dart Proficiency Needed: Teams not already versed in Dart may face additional challenges, increasing the effort required for successful integration.

Winner

If this is about the code reusability between web and mobile, React Native takes the lead as the preferred choice. Its integration with React for the web offers a powerful solution for businesses aiming to keep a unified codebase across platforms. On the other hand, Flutter, although capable, may necessitate a more Flutter-focused approach to attain comparable levels of code reuse.

Immediate Updates with Over-The-Air (OTA) Updates

The ability to push immediate updates is crucial in today’s competitive app market. React Native has long excelled in this area, offering well-established tools for OTA updates. However, Flutter is beginning to bridge the gap with new solutions.

React Native OTA Update Details:

RN support for OTA updates allows for immediate, hassle-free deployment of app changes, setting it apart from Flutter.

• Streamlined Update Process: The framework’s OTA update feature enables developers to bypass traditional app store update cycles, quickly addressing bugs or making improvements.
• Better User Experience: This capability ensures that users always have the most current version of the app, influencing satisfaction and engagement.

Flutter OTA Update Details

Historically, Flutter lacked native OTA update capabilities, requiring developers to rely on more complex workarounds. Recent advancements, like introduction of Shorebird, are changing this landscape.

• Emerging Support for OTA Updates: Shorebird, a third-party solution, now offers code push functionality for Flutter apps, enabling instant updates to both iOS and Android devices.
• Implementation Considerations: While promising, tools like Shorebird require additional integration efforts and may not yet match the maturity of React Native’s OTA ecosystem.

Winner

React Native remains the leader in OTA update capabilities, thanks to its mature tools and established ecosystem. However, Flutter is catching up with emerging solutions like Shorebird, making it increasingly competitive in this space. Developers should consider their project requirements and the integration complexity of these tools when deciding on a framework.

Making the Choice Between Flutter and React Native

Both React Native and Flutter stand out as leading contenders, each with distinct strengths and capabilities. Choosing between these two frameworks requires an understanding of their features and how they align with your organization’s specific needs.

React Native vs Flutter: The Winner

For our specific needs and goals, React Native is the winner. Its synergy with React JS, efficient OTA updates, the utility of Expo, and rich community support, combined with our long-standing use and expertise in React Native, make it the most efficient and strategic choice for us. 

React Native’s proven track record, strong backing from Meta, Shopify, and Microsoft, and its well-established community make it a dependable choice. Flutter, while innovative and increasingly popular, is still maturing. Recent developments, such as Flock, a community-driven fork, signal growing interest but also potential fragmentation within the ecosystem.

With strong community support and continuous updates, React Native supports development for native Android and iOS platforms, offering flexibility and scalability. However, this does not diminish Flutter’s capabilities, which continue to make it a strong contender in the cross-platform app development arena.

React Native’s Strengths over Using Flutter:

• React Native 0.76 introduced its New Architecture as the default setting, improving performance and integration with modern React features.
• Version 0.71 made TypeScript the default for new projects, enhancing code reliability and maintainability.
• Flexbox Gap feature in React Native simplifies layout design by allowing consistent spacing between elements, improving UI flexibility.
• React Native DevTools provide an integrated suite for debugging and optimizing applications.
• React Native’s environment is highly accessible for developers with experience in JavaScript frameworks like React or Next.js, significantly lowering the entry barrier.
• A strong ecosystem of libraries, resources, and third-party tools ensures developers have everything they need to streamline development.

Flutter’s Capabilities

Flutter is a strong competitor with its highly customizable UI toolkit and performance-oriented architecture. Its recent updates highlight the growing appeal. Flutter excels in projects requiring highly complex designs with numerous custom elements. Its advanced UI toolkit and consistent performance across platforms make it particularly well-suited for apps with heavy graphical demands.

For projects requiring highly customizable designs and robust performance, many businesses choose Flutter to achieve their goals.

Our friends also wrote an interesting blog article on how Flutter Mobile Development Will Completely Transform the Market that you may find useful.

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