React Native vs. Flutter: In 2025, which framework to choose and why?

Illustration showing Next.js as a high-performance web development framework

Table of Contents

Share with your community!

Quick Summary

The information technology sector is evolving at an unprecedented rate, so what does the future hold? Now, let’s delve into the Flutter and React Native comparison and analyze which will be more favorable in 2025. It will also be noted that the frameworks will be dissected and their comparison will be featured in the article. It will help answer the question of which, React Native or Flutter, is better. I will make my best effort to help you based on my knowledge. React Native and Flutter will be examined in the article, and the competition will be featured.
The most recommended and leading operating systems used in smartphones are Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android. The demand is that both systems operate on different code bases to function as apps. However, what was not new was the attempt to build one app for both Android and iOS. The attempt was in the early 2000s, when the need was to build apps that could run on multiple platforms. The core and designated option available was to opt for cross-platform development, because both operating systems work neck-to-neck. It became clearer and more advanced, which was irrefutable.
Here in this blog, we are going to discuss these two frameworks that were built for cross-platform development: Flutter vs. React Native. As the head of cross-platform development, both these frameworks have made a name for themselves. But which one is better? Both? Let’s have a discussion on it and understand which framework is better of these two.

Flutter vs. React Native Performance Metric (2025)

Statista has globally conducted a survey asking software developers about which framework they use and what makes both frameworks different from each other. Upon understanding, the results came out to be quite surprising. As compared to React Native, the popularity of Flutter increased post-2019. Based on the results, it was found that 46% of software developers used Flutter, whereas React Native had 35% of the usage.

Introducing Flutter

It was in the year 2017 that Google officially launched Flutter, a UI framework. Although it is a fact that React Native had already been released, Flutter is not behind. Flutter app development provides a single codebase, which is accessible for multiple devices. Android, iOS, web, and even desktop—all are accessible from one single codebase.
Now, what makes Flutter more interesting is its unique framework. Other frameworks rely on the component of native UI, whereas Flutter does its own thing. The technology advances to draw everything from scratch, rather than depending on platform-specific elements.

Why Flutter Is Loved by Developers

Let’s drill down a little more to understand why the Flutter programming language is loved by developers globally.

  • Single Codebase for All Platforms
  • Beautiful, Customizable UIs
  • Blazing-Fast Performance
  • Aesthetic Freedom
  • Growing Ecosystem & Community
  • Robust Tooling & Dev Experience
  • Backed by Google

Check out iQud’s real-time success story of developing an AI-powered storytelling platform using Flutter.

Popular Flutter Applications You Might Know
Here is a list of the popular Flutter applications for the year 2025.
  • Google Pay—Fintech/Payments
  • BMW (My BMW App)—Automotive/IoT
  • Nubank—Banking/Fintech
  • Alibaba (Xianyu App)—E-commerce
  • Reflectly—Wellness/Lifestyle
  • Google Classroom (internal tools & components) – EdTech

Wondering whether React Native or Flutter is the right fit for your app? Here is how our team of skilled React Native app development experts will help you understand what the best fit is for you and your project. Let’s connect today and convert your mobile app ideation to life with the perfect framework!

Introduction to React Native

Now, let’s shift the gears towards React Native. In the cross-platform development world, React Native is another big and major player.

It was in the year 2015 when Facebook (now Meta) introduced React Native, which was two years before Flutter. In no time, among the developers, it became their favorite. These two technologies are most widely used in web development.

React Native is a part of the JavaScript framework, whereas for app development, the branch used is ReactJS. Another best thing about React Native is that it allows writing one codebase for both iOS and Android.

Here’s where things get interesting. Flutter illustrates everything on its own, and React Native relies on its native components. The outcome of it is simple, as it bridges the JavaScript code with native platform elements. The era of making the app feels like it never stopped.

While developing an app for multiple platforms and systems, one thing that was lost was the essence and the feel of that specific app, built specifically for each system. However, things changed with React Native. It not only helps create cross-platform apps but also keeps the native essence.

Why Do Developers Choose React Native?

  • Code Once, Deploy Everywhere
  • Familiar Language: JavaScript
  • Vibrant Ecosystem & Community
  • Rich Third-Party Libraries
  • Live & Hot Reloading
  • Native Performance with Flexibility
  • Backed by Industry Giants
  • Fast MVP Development
  • Large Talent Pool

Popular Apps Built with React Native:

  • Instagram—Social Media
  • Facebook—Social Networking
  • Walmart—E-commerce & Retail
  • Discord—Communication/Gaming
  • Pinterest—Discovery & Inspiration
  • Bloomberg—Finance & News
  • Tesla- Automotive / IoT
  • Shopify—E-commerce
  • Microsoft Outlook—Productivity/Communication
Build Once, Launch Everywhere!
Looking for a high-performing cross-platform app? iQud has a team of skilled developers specialized in Flutter and React Native app development, bringing your ideas and visions to life.

Two Titans, One Goal: Shared Traits of Flutter & React Native

Before diving into the pool to understand which framework is better, let’s take a moment to acknowledge what React Native and Flutter have in common. For good reason, both have become the prime choices for cross-platform development. Let’s discuss and list their similarities.

  • Cross-Platform Development: One Codebase for All:
    In Flutter and React Native, developers get full access to write one codebase for iOS and Android. It therefore helps reduce development time and cost for the project. It thus boosts the overall process, as it supports web and desktop apps.
  • Free and Open Source:
    As an open-source framework, the language offers cost-free access, team-based community growth, and a range of tools and add-ons to make the development process easier and boost productivity.
  • Hot Reload for Instant Updates:
    One of the top reasons for the rise here is the access that developers get with regard to code changes without restarting the app. This entire process helps speed up development and debugging tasks, all in one go.
  • Near-Native Performance:
    Both these frameworks provide close performance to native apps by managing native components through animations, UI, and interactions, ideally suitable for most use cases.
  • Strong Community and Ecosystem:
    The developer community makes sure that plugins, libraries, and other required assets are readily accessible, which assists in resolving frequent problems that are extensively covered on Stack Overflow and GitHub.
  • Backed by Tech Giants:
    Talking about the tech giants, Flutter is supported by Google, and React Native by Facebook (now Meta).

Comparison Between React Native and Flutter

The debate continues, and the question remains the same and that is which language is the best, React Native or Flutter? To make things easier, let us drill down a little more and see the comparison table listed below.

Which One to Choose: Flutter or React Native?

The process of selecting the right framework between Flutter and React Native is to understand which is better for the project, as they both have their strengths and weaknesses.

The process of choosing between Flutter and React Native isn’t about finding the “top-notch” framework. What needs to be understood is knowing which language is right for your project. Both have their strengths and outcomes.

When it comes to performance, UI consistency, and support across multiple platforms, Flutter stands out as the top choice. It shines in creating feature-rich apps that run. Also, if you want to have long-term scalability across mobile, web, and desktop, trust us, Flutter is the best and most trusted choice.

For JavaScript developers, third-party integrations, and lightweight apps, the best-used language is React Native app development services. The primary reasons favoring React Native are the availability of extensive native API support, an accelerated development lifecycle, an abundance of framework data, and a skilled community of developers.

Both Flutter and React Native offer immense value as development frameworks for cross-platform applications and will offer significant value in the year 2025 and beyond.

Yet Not Sure Which Framework to Select?

Still struggling to select which framework is best for your project? No worries, let iQud help you convert your business vision into a scalable, efficient, and real-time solution.

Conclusion: Need an Expert to Help You Develop Your Mobile App

In the context of project development, a choice between Flutter and React Native is relatively simple but still a crucial decision. Transforming your ideas into functioning, efficient applications demands thorough project understanding and the right approach, so a skilled developer team is a must. To help you eliminate technical challenges, improve performance, and synchronize the project with your business needs, iQud is the perfect option. From app development from the ground up to guiding you through the process with expert insight, iQud has seasoned professionals to offer comprehensive development and project-tailored solutions. Ready to launch your app? Let iQud build it for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Flutter or React Native better?
The best option is up to what your project requires. Flutter gets better performance, whereas React Native has more integration with existing JavaScript.
What are the major differences between the two?
Flutter utilizes Dart and has its rendering engine called Skia. React Native utilizes JavaScript and native components.
Is Flutter faster than React Native?
Yes, for heavy UIs and animation-rich apps, Flutter is best recommended, as it functions faster due to its rendering approach. The performance of React Native varies depending on the native bridging and app complexity.
Which is more cost-effective—Flutter or React Native?
In terms of costs, both frameworks are effective and convenient. React Native offers quicker onboarding, whereas Flutter may require time but is best for long-term benefits.
How do I select the right framework for my app?
Get in touch with our team, who understand your project. They’ll recommend the best framework and estimate costs, timelines, and post-launch support.
Can both frameworks integrate with existing native apps?
Yes. Both Flutter and React Native can be integrated into existing native apps to extend features without rebuilding from scratch.
How does hot reload work in Flutter and React Native?
Both support hot reload, allowing developers to instantly see code changes without restarting the app, which speeds up development and debugging.
Do you want to create applications with intelligence?

Develop smart applications using our AI/ML development services.

Related Blogs