Flutter vs. React Native: The Tradeoffs

Developers today are required to build more apps for more types of devices: mobile, desktop, web, and more. To reduce friction and increase development productivity and velocity, open source frameworks for app development like Flutter and React Native have emerged. 

In this blog post we compare Flutter vs. React Native, explain how to get started and recommend when to use each one.

Related Resources >> How to Choose the Right Open Source Automated Testing Tool

What is Flutter?

The Flutter framework is an open-source cross-platform solution for building mobile apps. Flutter was developed by Google and uses the Dart programming language. Ever since it was first released in 2017, Flutter has become a popular developer tool of choice.

Flutter is considered to be widely used due to its ability to leverage a single codebase for all application development - across web, mobile (iOS, Android), and desktop. In other words, there’s no need to build a unique app for each platform. In addition, it is very flexible, easy to use (mainly thanks to Dart) and has extensive open source community support and Google developer support. 

The apps built on Flutter are also considered to have a good UX/UI.

What is React Native?

React Native is also an open-source cross-platform solution for building mobile apps. It was developed by Facebook (Meta), is based on React.JS and uses JavaScript for mobile app development. React Native was released in 2015, and is also a popular application development tool, which is why it is often compared with Flutter.

Like Flutter, React Native also enables app development through a single codebase and is supported by a large open source community and Meta developers. In addition, it is flexible and enables using React, JavaScript, and other platform abilities, together.

However, React Native is focused on mobile app development, i.e Android and iOS. It is also not considered to be easy to use.

Flutter Pros

When comparing Flutter vs. React Native, it is important to consider these advantages that come with using Flutter:

Single Codebase

All applications can be developed from a single codebase, instead of having to develop different codebases for web, mobile, and desktop.

Hot Reload

Also known as “Hot Restart”, this capability ensures the developers see changes they make, instantly, without losing the application state.

Performance

Flutter’s Dart language enables compiling code quicker than JavaScript, which makes performance quicker. To improve performance even further, Flutter recommends tree shaking, deferred loading, adding image placeholders, precaching, and disabling navigation transitions. 

UI Libraries

Flutter provides developers with access to UI libraries with ready-to-use widgets. This makes the development process more agile and flexible.

Testing Framework

Flutter has a built-in framework based on Dart. It can leverage Appium 2.0 with a dedicated Flutter driver or a unique Appium-flutter driver that was developed by the Appium community

Documentation

Flutter is known to have comprehensive and well-structured documentation that can provide answers to any question. 

UI

Flutter is considered to have a magnificent UI that is easy and pleasant to use, and enables creating such experience for end-users. Widgets follow Cupertino and Material Design guidelines. All components can be animated.

Community

Flutter has a vibrant and supportive open source community as well as Google support and back. However, not everyone agrees with this claim so make sure to review the community for yourself.

Flutter Cons: What to Look Out For 

Yet as with any framework, there is always room for improvement. In Flutter's case, it is necessary to be aware of the following:

Development

Development speed in Flutter is considered to be lower compared to React Native. This is because Flutter requires adding different code files for Android and iOS when adding complex UI elements.

Limited in Scope

When it comes to testing scope, Flutter is limited to the Flutter application under test. Testing events that happen outside the context of the application on a mobile device are not supported.

React Native Pros

As you will see, there are certain advantages of React Native that are similar to those of Flutter.

Development

React Native development times are known to be quick.

Single Codebase

All applications can be developed from a single codebase.

UI Libraries

Third-party libraries provide components that are ready-to-use. This provides flexibility and saves development time.

Hot Reload

Changes are seen immediately after development.

Testing Framework

React can be tested using Appium and/or Perfecto Scriptless Mobile

Documentation

React Native’s documentation covers most popular topics and is user-friendly.

Community

The community is extensive and supportive. Meta also provides support.

React Native Cons: What to Look Out  For

Disadvantages that come with React Native include:

Performance

React Native provides lower performance, due to its use of Native and JavaScript. In addition, its architecture requires JavaScript to interact with native elements, which also slows it down.

No Native Test Automation Framework

Users can only test their React Native application with frameworks like Appium, a codeless testing tool, etc.

Brittle UI

The app’s UI can be easily broken and the end-user experience is not ideal.

How to Get Started with Flutter vs. React Native

Whether your are developing your application with Flutter or React Native, it is relatively straightforward to get started. 

Start With Flutter

To get started with Flutter follow these steps:

1. Go to the docs and choose your operating system.
2. Install the relevant SDK (see docs for info)
3. Set up an editor: Android Studio, IntelliJ, VS Code or Emacs. You can also use your own editor, though it’s not recommended. See here.
4. Create your first app.

Start With React Native

To get started with React Native follow these steps:

1. Become familiarized with React, see here.
2. Set up your development environment. React Native recommends Expo CLI if you’re new to mobile development and React Native CLI if you’re more seasoned.
3. Integrate with existing apps (if needed).
4. Build your app.

Flutter vs. React Native: Comparison Table

Here is a table that summarizes the differences between the two mobile app development tools: