Mobile apps are no longer the future. It has turned out to be a necessity for any business. When comparing cross-platform app development frameworks, it can be a tough choice between React Native and Flutter.
React Native has already gained popularity whereas Flutter is on its way to hype compared to React Native. Both frameworks enable developers to build mobile apps that run on multiple platforms such as Android and iOS.
When it comes to comparisons of these two, it is generally a choice among EXCELLENT and WONDERFUL. Seems complicated right?
That is why we will shed some light on the nuances of differences between both platforms. It will help you decide on your next project. So let’s get going.
What are React Native and Flutter?
React Native Vs. Flutter
Let’s figure out the key differences with some development criteria.
#1. Architecture
React Native requires Javascript Bridge to communicate among Javascript and native language by sending asynchronous JSON messages.
Flutter does not need any communication bridge with native components as it has everything packed within itself such as Cupertino and Material Design frameworks. Flutter apps are more stable and Predictable on multiple platforms compared to React Native.
[Here the winner is Flutter]
#2. Installation and Configuration
The configuration process of React Native is quite simple. You need to install React-Native CLI via the command line. Do not forget that you require NodeJS and Yarn configured as a package manager.
You need to download the binary to install Flutter for a particular mobile platform. Next, you need to add it to the PATH variable through the command line. Installation of Flutter is quite complex compared to React Native.
[Here the winner is React Native]
#3. Documentation
React Native comprehends a good document with the focus on web developers who are well familiar with Javascript and only need to fill the gaps. It is pretty complicated to discover details of developing native libraries. Features such as navigation are also not appropriately documented.
Flutter comprises a rich document that guides with graphics as well as video tutorials. Flutter also has various tools to aid in mobile app development such as a debugger and Flutter inspector.
[Here the winner is Flutter]
#4. UI (User Interface)
React Native offers native components for multiple platforms to build a look and feel of native apps. You can also leverage many ready-to-use components as building blocks. But sometimes, it is complicated to simulate complex UI in React Native apps. Moreover, components of React Native do not perform consistently across multiple platforms.
With Flutter, building native-like apps is easy as it has packaged UI widgets. There is no need to look for third-party libraries as a large framework widgets library is enough. Flutter apps perform consistently across all platforms.
[Here the winner is Flutter]
#5. Productivity of the Developers
React native offers more code reusability on all the platforms. You can also boost the development process by using libraries as building blocks. Additionally, the hot reload feature lets you notice changes without recompiling your mobile app.
Flutter also comprises a hot reload feature. It helps with quick iteration and immediate feedback. Flutter also offers a speedy compilation of the app.
[Here both are equal]
#6. Community
React Native has had a large community of contributors since its launch by Facebook in 2015. It has rapidly gained the support of lots of developers.
Flutter has a smaller community compared to React Native. However, it is growing rapidly. Flutter was introduced in 2017 and is a relatively new framework for developers.
[Here the winner is React Native]
#7. CI/CD Support
React Native does not contain a CI/CD solution for App Store/Google Play app deployment. Only manual deployment is available for Android’s Google Play. There is no other guidance for iOS’s App Store. If you want to automate the delivery and deployment of your app, you need to rely on third-party solutions.
Flutter contains a precise document to develop and deliver iOS as well as Android apps. You can deliver your iOS/Android app by using Command Line Interface (CLI). For advanced automatization, you can leverage third-party solutions.
[Here the winner is Flutter]
What is Common in React Native & Flutter?
React Native and Flutter are the widely accepted hybrid app development frameworks. Both have something common such as,
- Use of one codebase
- Hot reloading
- Superb User Interface
- Amazing tooling
- Native features
Uses of React Native & Flutter
| React Native | Flutter |
| Applications with unique and responsive UX using Flexbox | Application with material design and runs on OS-level features |
| Applications with simplified and easy User Interface | High-performance apps with Skia-rendering engine |
| Quick prototype applications | MVP mobile applications |
| Synchronous APIs | Modern OS plugins with simple logic |
| Applications that use reusable components | Flexible UIs with improved widgets |
| Reactive apps with huge data integration |
Well-known apps developed using React Native & Flutter
Here is a list of some popular apps developed using React Native and Flutter frameworks.
React Native apps
- Facebook Ads
- Walmart
- Bloomberg
- SoundCloud Pulse
- Townske
- Gyroscope
- Wix
- Delivery.com
Flutter apps
- Google Ads
- Xianyu by Alibaba
- KlasterMe
- Postmuse – Instagram photo editing app
- Reflectly
- Hamilton
- Pairing
- Lunching
- Cryptograph
- Watermaniac
Comparison Table
| React Native | Flutter | |
| Introduced By | ||
| Released on | June 2015 | May 2017 |
| Programming language | Javascript | Dart |
| Community Support | Huge community support with plenty of contributors from different countries. | There are 923 contributors in the Flutter Community. They are active with 19k projects. |
| Hot reloading | Good | Effective |
| UI | Native UI controllers to build native UI effortlessly | Widget libraries for quick coding |
| Architecture | Redux and Flux | BLoC |
| Documentation | Decent | Highly organized |
| Performance | The performance is less impactful. It is slower compared to Android and iOS applications. | C and C++ resemble machine language and offer better native performance compared to other languages. |
| Testing | Use third-party libraries to get testing tools. | Has its own testing framework with integration, unit, and widget tests. |
| Third-party packages | Extensive range of components and resources like third-party packages. | Choose from various packages according to development needs. |
| Code reusability | With some exceptions, code reusability is enabled. | No restrictions with code reusability. |
| Development time | Take more time compared to Flutter | Faster app development |
| Cross-platform capacity | Almost any EDI | VSC, Android Studio, IntelliJ |
Summing Up
Both React Native and Flutter are extraordinary frameworks for faster and easier app development with plenty of native tools. If you consider the above comparison, you can assume that Flutter has joined the hybrid mobile app development race very powerfully.
Obviously, each app has a different use case and the right picking framework is something that should be analyzed according to business needs and user demands. If you find the choice between React Native and Flutter is too hard for you, this post will help you.
