01How they differ
Language
- Flutter
- Dart
- React Native
- JavaScript or TypeScript
Interface
- Flutter
- Draws its own interface, so it looks the same everywhere
- React Native
- Uses the platform's own components
Good fit
- Flutter
- Heavily designed apps with custom visuals and animation
- React Native
- Teams already working in React, or sharing code with a web app
Hiring
- Flutter
- A smaller but growing pool of Dart developers
- React Native
- A very large pool of JavaScript and React developers
Backed by
- Flutter
- React Native
- Meta, with a large open-source community
02Questions that decide it
- Does your team already know React? That favours React Native.
- Is the design custom and animation-heavy? That favours Flutter.
- Will you share code with a web product built in React? That favours React Native.
- Do you need exactly the same look on iOS and Android? That favours Flutter.
- Do you need deep access to platform features? Check whether a plugin exists, or consider native for that part.
03When to go native
Native apps in Swift (iOS) and Kotlin (Android) give the most direct access to each platform. They mean two codebases, so they cost more to build and keep up to date.
- The app relies on platform-specific features such as advanced camera, Bluetooth or background work
- You need the very highest performance, as in some games and media tools
- You are building for one platform only
04What matters more than the tool
- A clear first release and a small set of features
- A back end and admin panel built to fit the app
- Testing on real phones and tablets
- A plan for updates after launch
We explain the trade-off for your app before you commit, and you own the code and the store accounts.
?Frequently asked questions
Is Flutter or React Native faster?
Both are fast enough for most business apps. Differences show up in very demanding cases, which a short prototype can test.
Can we switch later?
It means a rewrite of the app layer, so it is better to choose carefully up front.
Which costs less?
Either costs less than two native apps. The difference between them depends on your team and design.
Do you build in both?
Yes. We build in Flutter, React Native, Swift and Kotlin, and recommend what fits your app.