Coding is an integral element of the digital world. These two gave rise to the numerous applications we use today. With the help of several mobile app development technologies, we now have countless applications tailored to our specific needs.
React Native is a popular framework for building apps for Android/iOS mobiles, TV, tablets, macOS, tvOS, Web, Windows and UWP. This one is easy to use and comes with cross-platform capabilities. It uses a combination of JavaScript and XML-Esque, known as JSX. Integrating the necessary APIs, it then creates user-centric applications. The apps, thus constructed, possess the ability to access platform features like a phone, camera, or the user’s location.
Why seek alternatives?
A truly just question to ask, with an equally logical answer. The evolving tech landscape is urging developers to hunt for alternatives that can better suit the user’s needs. May it be about performance, ease of development, or support and maintenance, several frameworks have now emerged as better alternatives to React Native. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 alternatives for the year 2025 and beyond.
Top 10 React Native Alternatives for Applications
Here are some alternatives for React Native for use in 2025 and beyond:
1. Flutter
Flutter is an open-source UI toolkit by Google, famous for cross-platform mobile and desktop application development. It helps construct natively compiled apps for different devices and operating systems from a single codebase. Flutter is made using the Dart programming language, which is easy to master, especially for those with experience in JavaScript.
Why Choose it?
The toolkit is rich in customizable features and widgets, resulting in a compelling yet user-friendly interface. Its “hot-reload” feature is worth mentioning. This feature allows developers to view real-time code changes without having to refresh or restart the application, increasing the overall efficiency of the process.
Prominent apps like Google Ads and the Alibaba app use Flutter to enhance their cross-platform performance. With further advancements, Flutter is expected to include more tools and libraries.
Key Features:
- Cross-platform compatibility
- Native performance
- Hot-reload
2. Xamarin
The next in-radar alternative to React is Xamarin, a technology capable of delivering a native experience across multiple platforms. Powered by Microsoft, it uses C# programming language and .NET framework. Like Flutter, application development through a single codebase is also possible through Xamarin.
Why choose it?
Xamarin is highly supportive of smart devices like Android Wear and Apple Watch. Its wide Component Store allows for easy feature exchange. The toolkit speeds up the entire development process and empowers the features of Shared App Logic.
Key Features:
- Code reusability
- Easy maintenance
- Secure and stable
- Directly accesses native APIs
3. Ionic
Ionic is another technology and a game-playing alternative to React Native. It incorporates web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript and is built on the Angular framework. This one is especially popular among businesses willing to cater to both iOS and Android users from a single codebase.
Why choose it?
Ionic has a component library that allows developers to quickly engineer engaging and visually compelling user interfaces. This tool allows businesses to make the best use of their web technology stacks, creating hybrid mobile apps. Ionic also includes several plugins that help extend its functionality.
Key Features:
- Pre-designed UI parts
- Hybrid app development
- Native functionality
- Multiple framework compatibility
4. NativeScript
Native Script is another open-source system belonging to the same family of app developers and software developers. It allows designers to deliver a native app experience to intended customers and integrates with several other frameworks, such as JavaScript, TypeScript, or Angular.
Why choose it?
This platform’s outstanding feature is its ability to execute on a JS virtual machine. It also gives direct access to all native APIs without the need for a covering, making it easier to access the device’s features, such as a camera or GPS. Using the V8 engine runtime, Native Script allows programmers to create web and mobile software from a single codebase.
Key Features:
- No extra libraries or modules
- Native-like features
- Adaptability with multiple platforms
5. Kotlin Multiplatform Mobile (KMM)
Already a preferred Android language, Kotlin is the next prominent alternative to React Native and known as a highest paying programming language. Officially supported by Google, this JetBrains framework allows users to leverage the benefits of native performance while minimizing the code needed for maintenance.
Why choose it?
Using KMM, developers can ensure greater efficiency and consistency across different platforms as they write shared code (between iOS and Android). The language’s precise syntax and high compatibility with Java make it easy to adapt, helping reduce the risk of software crashes.
Key Features:
- Allows code sharing across multiple platforms
- Can handle complex applications
- Reduced duplication
6. Apache Cordova
Previously known as PhoneGap, Apache Cordova is another system that’s especially meant for the creation of mobile software applications. The toolkit allows designers to develop a cross-platform mobile app using web tool stacks such as HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript.
Why choose it?
This framework can create apps for various platforms, including Windows, iOS, and Android, using a single codebase. Its WebView feature displays the content as if it were a native app. Simply speaking, it enables software development without needing to learn new skills.
Key Features:
- Cross-platform development
- Offers access to native features
- No extra development skills required
7. Vue.js
A progressive JavaScript framework, Vue.js builds single-page applications (SPAs). It adopts the Model-View-View-Model (MVVM) architecture, which makes managing UI logic and data binding much easier.
Why choose it?
Vue.js ensures easy data updates, and with the virtual DOM, it ensures faster page updates. This lightweight framework works well for both small and large projects. The system is comparatively easy to learn, featuring some great tools for app development.
Key Features:
- Reactive data binding
- Component-based structure
- Seamless integration with third-party libraries
- Simple and flexible
8. Appgyver (No-Code Platform)
This is a new developing platform where even non-technical users can create functional apps. That’s right! As one no-code/low-code platform, Appgyver allows building an app without having to write a single line of code. The platform is best suited for small businesses, enterprises, and individuals looking for a quick way to create their functional mob apps.
Why choose it?
This framework is great for developers who wish for quick prototyping. It features a drag-and-drop drop interface, which helps create apps with a visual interface. Businesses can now quickly validate their ideas without going into the depths of coding.
Key Features:
- Rapid prototyping
- Faster development cycles
- Drag-and-drop interface
9. Framework 7
This open-source mobile-first framework is best suited for building modern mobile applications (and also web and desktop apps). It’s supportive of tool stacks, such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Moreover, it seamlessly integrates with libraries like Vue.js, React, and Svelte.
Why choose it?
Framework 7 offers built-in UI components and tools, which simplifies the overall app development process. Tailored for mobile apps, it helps create visually appealing and high-performance apps for both Android and iOS.
Key Features:
- Customizable UI
- Cross-platform support
- Responsive layouts
- Touch-optimized elements
10. jQuery Mobile
Another popular alternative, jQuery, is an effective open-source JavaScript library, useful for creating cross platform mobile apps and websites. It uses an HTML-based UI system, allowing developers to build apps and websites supporting several devices including smartphones, tablets, and desktops.
Why choose it?
The platform simplifies the construction of mobile-friendly apps with a unified UI system. What’s more, the toolkit supports both high- and low-end devices and screen sizes. It even allows for a graceful degradation of old browsers.
Key Features:
- A theming framework
- Responsive design support
- Lightweight size
- flexible
Final Words
As we look ahead to 2025 and beyond, the landscape of mobile app development is full of exciting alternatives to React Native. Each of the frameworks discussed above have remarkable strengths, which makes them suitable for various projects and developer preferences.
The one a startup chooses depends on its particular business goals and project requirements, and the team’s expertise. With the right tools and frameworks, building innovative and user-friendly mobile applications has never been more achievable!
