Flutter vs React Native – Which is Better for App Development?

Cross-platform development is on the rise, and in 2025, Flutter and React Native are leading the way.

Among mobile app developers, Flutter has gained more traction, with over 170,000 stars on GitHub. It’s ahead of React Native, which sits at around 121,000.

Each framework has its own strengths. Flutter delivers smooth performance, consistent UI across multiple devices, and impressive animation features.

A solid option for apps that need a sleek but high-end look.

However, React Native is a good fit if your team is already comfortable with JavaScript, or if your app requires different behavior on iOS and Android.

If you are planning to develop a mobile app, you must be asking yourself: which one will help me launch faster? What if I care most about design and user experience? And overall, which framework is the right fit for my specific project?

The competition is really close, and figuring out the difference between Flutter vs React Native can be tricky. That’s why this guide will help you figure out which one is the better choice for your needs.

So, let’s begin!

What is Flutter?

Flutter is a cross-platform mobile app development framework developed by Google. It helps developers to build an app for mobile phones, computers, and websites with one set of code. It uses a programming language called Dart.

Flutter was first shown to developers in 2015, and its first full version was released on December 5, 2018. Since then, it has become very popular, partly because Google continues to support and improve it.

With Flutter, you can make an application for Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac. Linux and the web with a single code. It saves a lot of time and effort.

Flutter applications are turned into code that runs very close to the device’s operating system. It means the app can run fast and smoothly, almost like native apps.

What is React Native?

React Native is also a cross-platform app development framework created by Facebook that helps developers to create Android and iOS apps with JavaScript.

It was first launched at Facebook’s React.js conference in 2015.

One big reason why React Native app developers choose this framework is that it is very easy if you already know JavaScript.

This makes mobile app development faster and easier. Additionally, it uses the good parts of JavaScript while still giving you pretty good app performance.

With React Native, you can add things like smooth animations and gestures, which can be difficult to do with some other frameworks or even with regular native code.

Due to all these benefits, many development companies have chosen it to make their applications.

Flutter vs React Native: What Are the Similarities?

Now that we understand Flutter and React Native better, one thing is clear: both are really good frameworks for building mobile apps for business.

Next, we will discuss the major similarities between these two in the section below.

1. Performance

Performance is one of the most important things when it comes to developing mobile apps. No one wants a slow or laggy app. Users expect things to run fast and smoothly.

When it comes to React Native, it uses something called the JavaScript bridge to talk between your app’s code and the device.

This extra step can sometimes slow things down, especially in apps that need high performance.

Flutter works differently. It does not use that extra bridge. Instead, it turns the code directly into native machine code. The kind that runs right on the device.

Due to this, Flutter apps often run faster and more seamlessly.

That’s one big reason why many developers say Flutter has better performance than React Native and other cross-platform app development frameworks.

2. Easy to Learn

One of the first questions developers often ask is, “Should I learn Flutter or React Native?” Well, if you are already familiar with JavaScript, then React Native will probably feel easier to choose.

JavaScript has been around for a long time, and many app developers already know how to use it.

On the other hand, Flutter uses a language called Dart. It is not widely popular. So, it might take a little more time to learn at first.

But that does not mean Flutter is complex. Once you get used to Dart, you will see how clear and powerful it is.

3. Community Support

When you develop a mobile app, it is really important to have a big community you can turn to for help. React Native has been around longer, so it has a larger community.

That means you can usually find answers, tutorials, and help pretty easily online to build React Native apps.

Although Flutter is newer, it is growing really fast. More and more developers are using it, and the community is getting stronger every day.

So, even if it is a bit smaller now, it is catching up quickly and has great support, too.

4. Documentation Support

Since Flutter is backed by Google, its documentation is more detailed and helpful. It gives developers clear and useful information. This makes it a great resource for creating cross-platform apps.

React Native also has good documentation, which is usually more general and not always very clear.

Sometimes, the React Native app development guides can feel a bit unorganized, which might make it harder for developers to find what they need.

Flutter vs React Native: Comparison

If you are thinking about developing a mobile app and wondering whether to use Flutter or React Native, you are not alone.

Both are popular mobile app tech stacks that allow you to build apps for Android and iPhone with a single codebase. But they are not the same.

In the table below, we will discuss the differences between Flutter vs React Native. So, let’s have a look.

Real-World Scenarios for Flutter and React Native Apps

Choosing the right app development framework can make a big difference in how successful an app becomes.

One of the best ways to figure out what works is to see what popular companies are using.

Some of the world’s top brands have built seamless, high-performing apps with both of these frameworks.

So, let’s take a look at them:

• Meta

Meta actually created React Native and still uses it in parts of the Facebook app. Features like the marketplace are developed with it to work well across both Android and iOS platforms.

• Instagram

Instagram uses React Native for parts of its app. This helps us update features faster and ensures the app works seamlessly for users on both major mobile platforms.

• Bloomberg

Bloomberg developed its application with React Native to deliver real-time financial news. It runs well on different devices and provides a consistent experience to all its users.

• Google Pay

Google used Flutter to rebuild the Google Pay app. It helped improve speed, reliability, and mobile app security. This also made it easier to manage the app in different countries and languages.

• BMW

BMW’s app called My BMW was created with Flutter. It is used by customers globally and shows how Flutter can support complex, high-quality apps for large international brands.

• Alibaba

Alibaba uses Flutter in parts of its mobile apps to create smooth, responsive designs. It allows them to deliver a great experience to millions of users around the world.

• eBay Motors

The eBay Motors app was developed using Flutter. It provides fast loading times, smooth navigation, and a consistent look and feel across Android and iOS devices.

Big brands do not just choose React Native or Flutter for no reason. They use them because these frameworks develop cutting-edge apps that work well on all types of devices.

Still Can’t Decide? Let Nimble AppGenie Guide You to the Right Choice!

Are you confused about whether to choose Flutter vs React Native for your app? No worries! Nimble AppGenie can help you choose the best framework for your app.

Both platforms are great, but the right choice depends on what your app needs. Flutter is known for high-performance and beautiful design, while React Native is great for quick development and wide support.

At Nimble AppGenie, we are not just any tech team; we are a leading Flutter app development company with years of experience in crafting robust mobile apps. We also provide React Native app development services.

We will guide you step by step so you can make the right decision without any confusion.

Let’s turn your dream app idea into something real.

The Verdict: Which is Better, Flutter or React Native?

Now the question arises, which one is best that matches your project requirements?

Well, choosing between Flutter vs React Native really comes down to what you need and what your team is good at.

Here is an easy way to think about it.

Go with Flutter if:

• You want your app to look visually appealing and work smoothly on every device.
• If you want one codebase that works on multiple platforms.
• If you have a tight budget and a short deadline to finish the project.
• You are okay with learning a new programming language like Dart.
• Flutter for enterprise app development requires custom UI and high performance.

Go with React Native if:

• If you want to expand your existing project by adding cross-platform modules.
• Your app needs to work a bit differently on iPhones and Android phones.
• You want to build the app quickly, like for a simple first version.
• If time and budget are not a problem.
• For startups and small teams, React Native’s popularity and JavaScript can speed up the development process.

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Niketan Sharma

Niketan Sharma, CTO, Nimble AppGenie, is a tech enthusiast with more than a decade of experience in delivering high-value solutions that allow a brand to penetrate the market easily. With a strong hold on mobile app development, he is actively working to help businesses identify the potential of digital transformation by sharing insightful statistics, guides & blogs.