Flutter vs. React Native: Which One to Choose in 2024

Both frameworks are used for creating mobile apps. Flutter is better for creating apps quickly, while React Native is better for an established platform with a large support network.

React Native and Flutter are mobile app development technologies that are being used to develop applications across platforms. Both have positive and not so positive aspects. React Native is slightly more popular technology as compared to Flutter as it has been around for quite some time. Both are open-source and feature important properties as hot-reload (live reload). According to Stack Overflow both technologies face a staunch competition. React Native brings an enormous documentation, while developers still need to search and turn pages to learn Flutter.

What is React Native?

React Native framework for mobile app development makes use of JavaScript; such apps are downloadable on Google Play Store and App Store; Many startups are making use of React native as this framework does not rely on native APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) and native functionality such as IoT (Internet of Things) and AR (Augmented Reality).

Why is it popular?

React Native is the leading choice for creating hybrid mobile apps by any React Native App Development Company as it appeals both developers and businesses.  It provides native experience to developers even though the application is built using JavaScript.

What is Flutter?

Another mobile app development framework that is also backed by Google, is Flutter.  Same code can be used across platforms to reduce effort, be cost effective, and reduce the development time. It does not rely on web browser or widgets that are tagged to any device. It makes use of its own rendering engine to draw widgets.

Why is it popular?

Flutter codebase once written can be used across various platforms like web, desktop, and mobile. This helps any Flutter App Development Company in launching the app fast, reducing the over cost of app development, deployment, and maintenance. Also, development time comes can be controlled.

Why this differentiation did came up, when both React and Flutter are meant to perform similar things?

Both Flutter and React Native became instantly popular in a shorter time period. Both frameworks have bundled packages for animations, networking, and state management. Both languages serve the same purpose and it is pertinent to understand the points that sets them apart. Which one is right for you?  

React Native vs. Flutter

Differences	Flutter	React Native
Compatibility	Flutter uses its own widgets	React Native uses third-party customization components
Language	Flutter compiles its Dart language into native code	JavaScript is at the core of React Native.
Performance	Flutter backs up hardware acceleration features	React Native makes use of native components to create the app's user interface.
Rendering Strategies	Flutter compiles Dart language into native code	React Native compiles and executes JavaScript code as is.
Architecture	Flutter makes use of 2D graphic rendering library, Skia	React Native uses the Flux architecture
Compilation	Flutter compiles its Dart language into native code, which often reduces speed.	React Native does not do that. It is comparatively fast.
User Interface	It features pre-built widgets with minimal UI customizations	External UI kits, more UI options
Components	Flutter renders all components on its own canvas	React Native transforms JavaScript components into native ones
UI Kits	Flutter makes use of platform, visual, structural, and interactive widgets.	React Native offers a large collection of external UI kits
Component Updates	Component updates don't impact Flutter apps	Component updates impact React Native apps
Performance	Fast	Comparatively slower
Documentation	Simple	Disorganized
Community Support	It has a smaller community.	It has a vast community with over 310,507 tagged questions.
Industry Trends	Job opportunities are still less, but this may not be the case a few year from now.	It is trending and increasingly popular amongst job seekers.
Programming Language	DART	JavaScript
Application Performance	60 fps, robust	Close to native
Platform Support	Android, iOS	Android, iOS, Web Apps
Backed By	Google	Facebook

What are the benefits of using React Native vs. Flutter

Flutter can be used as it is cost efficient, leads to faster app development, reduces time to market, renders fast, and has the ability to create complex 3D animations.

React Native should be used because it is an economic option to create native apps. It is an open-source platform and does not have any licensing fees. It offers faster mobile development due to hot reloading feature; changes can be seen in real time. It should be used for creating 

Smooth and responsive user interface. Further it offers efficient code sharing across iOS, Android, and Web. Althemore React Native eliminates the need for developers to learn complex languages like Objective - C and Java to build an app. It allows developers to write once and use the code on many different platforms.

How to calculate the cost for app development?

App development cost can be calculated by multiplying the total hours required for each task with the hourly rate. Start with defining the scope of the project, identifying the features and complexity of the app, determine the developer rates, multiplying the development time by the developer rates, and consider additional expenses. The cost of developing a React App or a Flutter App lies close to $15,000 - $3, 00,000 based on app’s features, functionality and complexity.

Key Learnings: How to choose - Flutter vs. React Native?

Gen-Z has grown up in mobile age, where they are always reachable, at any point in time. Mobile app development companies in India are ascending to incorporate such trends.

When React started out, it was completely different world. But Flutter was born when people were pretty much aware of what cross platform app development was. It improved the functionality, but is still in competition with React, as documentation is not so extensive, and community is still small. But it is backed by Google, and when Google does it; it is sure to become famous.

Choose Flutter because it is a good solution for developing Android and iOS without having to write in different codebase for each platform. Flutter apps give a native feel.

Choose React Native as it makes use of JavaScript that is compatible with both platforms. The code can be reused across many platforms to improve efficiency, making the development process faster and easier. This also reduces costs.