Flutter vs React Native: What Should You Choose and Why?

According to a study , there would be a 25% increase in global mobile app downloads between 2018 and 2022. So, if you are also thinking of building an application for your business, you are making the right move.

But wait, how do you know which framework will fit the best when it comes to cost-effectiveness, fast coding, faster development, a larger community, and more.

No idea? Relax! In this blog, I have briefly discussed the two market-leading tools -- Flutter and React Native.

I have compared Flutter vs React Native for you to decide which framework best fits your app idea. So, without any further ado, let's read the basics of both technologies and then move ahead with their pros and cons.

Ready? Let's go.

What Is Flutter?

Flutter is an open-source software development kit (SDK) developed by Google. It develops iOS and Android applications using a single codebase only.

In other words, Flutter app development is worth considering because it builds intuitive, fast, and responsive applications that function on multiple platforms effortlessly. It has pre-written codes with customizable and easy-to-use widgets.

Flutter also has documentation, libraries, and tools that function altogether to develop cross-platform applications.

Pros of Flutter

• Hot Reload = Fast Coding

The first comparison between Flutter vs React Native is faster coding that results in faster app development.

Flutter has a “hot reloading” feature that allows developers to make immediate changes to the codebase, and it takes only seconds to reveal the modifications. Hot reload inserts the source code files into the dart virtual machine (DVM).

That said, hot reloading enables developers to experiment with the latest approaches, fix the errors, and build user interfaces (UIs) without rebooting the entire application.

• One Codebase, Deploy Anywhere

The plus point of Flutter is that it has a single codebase for two applications.

Therefore, business owners can now develop iOS or Android apps on a single codebase only. Flutter carries its designs and widgets that let business owners have a ditto app on two different platforms. Also, it creates much easier prototypes with customization options.

Moreover, Flutter gives the privilege to business owners to access the Flutter framework anytime they want.

• 50% less testing

As mentioned earlier, Flutter has a single codebase for two applications that require less testing. Consequently, here comes another difference between Flutter vs React Native in 2021 and even beyond.

Flutter has a fast quality assurance process, and developers write automatic tests once as it has a single codebase. In other words, Flutter has 50% less testing as the same tests are created that run on both platforms.

Besides that, you (as an app owner) still have to conduct manual testing at the level of native programming as the quality assurance (QA) team manually checks each platform.

Cons of Flutter

• Lack Third-Party Libraries

The first disadvantage while making the comparison between Flutter vs React Native is that Flutter lacks third-party libraries.

Besides having a single codebase with an excellent user interface package, Flutter still lacks third-party libraries. Flutter framework is still a newbie that limits the users to find functionalities in the existing libraries.

• Larger App Size

The second disadvantage of Flutter is the larger app size. Flutter framework has by default widgets rather than the platform widgets, and its minimum size is 4MB. However, the size of these files could be an issue for many users with limited storage on their mobile phones.

What Is React Native?

React Native is a JavaScript and an open-source framework developed by Facebook. It develops Android and iOS apps using React's technologies and Native's skills.

It builds robust mobile applications using a single codebase and does not harm the user experience or reduces the app quality. It is a cost-effective solution with excellent community support that delivers optimal performance.

Pros of React Native

• Faster Development

The first (and the prominent) React Native's selling point is faster development.

React Native technology has built-in components that stimulate the app development process smoothly. It is a JavaScript-based framework that obtains the largest ecosystem globally, which results in faster development.

Also, React Native has a huge part of the codebase that lies between the operating systems that further results in quicker development.

• Cost-Effective

Which is better, Flutter vs React Native? If you have a startup, I would suggest you go with React Native because it is cost-effective.

React Native uses a single codebase that develops applications for different platforms. Consequently, it not only reduces the time but also minimizes the cost. Also, it requires less manual work that also results in a lesser price.

Besides cost-effectiveness, React Native never compromises with the excellent app performance.

• Active and Vast Community

The last (but not least) advantage of React Native is active and vast community support.

React Native has vast community support that actively responds to users whenever they get stuck or face any challenge. In React Native, numerous developers share their knowledge that is accessible to everyone.

There are nearly 50,000 active contributors to React Native. Therefore, users will always find someone by their side to resolve their issues.

Cons of React Native

• Compatibility and Debugging Issues

React Native has faster development with compatibility and debugging issues. The app owners (like you) might come across package (or debugging) problems that hamper the app performance.

• Limited Customization

The last disadvantage of React Native is limited customization. React Native has existing (and well-documented) custom modules, and they are accessible after developing the solution from scratch. Consequently, it offers three codebases - RN, iOS, and Android. Also, custom libraries are only available in the beta version.

Concluding Thoughts

If I ask you to choose between the two best things, I believe you can't do it. Right? Similarly, it is difficult to pick between Flutter vs React Native as both the frameworks are great in their parts.

However, the best way to decide between the two is to look after your business's needs, goals, and budget.

So, according to you, which is better, Flutter vs React Native, and why?