Hey there, Alex checking in again! If you’re thinking about building a mobile app, you’ve probably come across two major cross-platform players: React Native and Flutter. Both promise fast development and native-like performance, but which one is right for you?
React Native
- Backed by Facebook
Massive community, tons of libraries. - JavaScript/TypeScript
If you already know React for the web, you’ll pick this up quickly. - Native Components
Uses real native components under the hood for that “true” native feel.
Flutter
- Made by Google
Growing rapidly, with strong community support. - Dart Language
Less common than JavaScript, but easy enough to learn. - Custom Rendering
Flutter controls every pixel; you get consistent UI across all devices.
Key Differences
- Performance
Both are fast, but Flutter can often feel smoother because it doesn’t rely on a JavaScript bridge. - Ecosystem
React Native has a head start with libraries. Flutter is catching up quickly. - UI Style
If you love Material Design, Flutter has it baked in. React Native feels closer to each platform’s native look.
My Recommendation
- If your team already uses React and JavaScript, start with React Native.
- If you want a sleek, uniform design across iOS and Android (and you don’t mind learning Dart), Flutter is a strong contender.
At the end of the day, both frameworks let you ship quality apps to iOS and Android with one codebase. It’s more about your current skill set and the type of UI/UX you’re aiming for.