According to a Statista forecast, the global revenue in the app market is forecasted to increase up to 151.1 billion U.S. dollars between the years 2024 and 2027. This evidently highlights how mobile apps are becoming the most rapidly growing technology embraced by businesses and consumers.

But the entire application development lifecycle is not a simple one. That’s why developers are constantly seeking efficient tools to get the job done — from the fastest programming languages to cross-platform development frameworks.

Today, there’s a greater shift to hybrid app development – apps that offer the same experience on all operating systems. Amid the sea of possibilities for development languages and frameworks, two names emerge as strong contenders: Xamarin and Cordova.

The selection of either can significantly impact project timelines and budgets. In this discussion, we will explore the strengths and weaknesses of each framework to help you make the best pick for your next app project. 

What is Xamarin? The Basics.

Xamarin is a cross-platform app development framework with support from Microsoft. This framework allows developers to write code for hybrid apps using C#. As a hybrid framework, it allows for code reuse/share across different platforms (iOS, Android, and Windows), while offering a native-like performance level.

Key Features

• Native Performance: Xamarin compiles to native code, ensuring the app runs as smoothly as native apps.
• Single Codebase: Developers can write a single codebase in C#, which is then reusable on Android, iOS, and Windows. 
• Access to Native APIs: The developers are able to gain access to platform-specific APIs. This provides them with the flexibility to use native features in the mobile application. 
• Strong Integration with Microsoft Tools: Xamarin integrates seamlessly with Visual Studio, a widely used integrated development environment (IDE), to enhance the development experience. 

What is Cordova? The Basics.

Formerly known as PhoneGap, Apache Cordova is another open-source React Native alternative framework. Adobe develops this framework that allows developers to create mobile apps using web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Cordova wraps web apps in a native container, allowing for the apps’ easy installation and running as native apps on Android and iOS.

Key Features

• Web Technologies: With Cordova, developers can use web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. These languages are perfect for web developers just transitioning to mobile app development.
• Plugin Support: The developers can now easily access device features like the camera, GPS, and accelerometer. The credit for this goes to the vast library of plugins that Cordova offers.
• Cross-Platform Codebase: Developers can write a single codebase using web technologies and deploy it across various platforms — Android, iOS, and Windows.
• Open-Source and Free: Cordova is also open-source, making it cost-effective and highly customizable. 

Comparing Xamarin vs Cordova in 2025 

Now that we have a brief understanding of both frameworks, let’s dive into a side-by-side comparison to help you determine which one is best for your needs. 

1. Performance 

When it comes to performance, Xamarin has the upper hand. Xamarin compiles to native code, letting the apps run on a performance level that is close to that of native apps.

In contrast, Cordova uses a WebView to wrap web code, which can cause performance issues. This is particularly true for complex applications or apps that require high-performance graphics.

2. Development Language

Xamarin relies on C#, a statically typed cross-platform development framework. While this can be more structured, it is also steeper for beginners to learn. If you’re already familiar with .NET technologies, Xamarin may be a better fit for you.

On the other hand, Cordova comes with a comparatively less steep learning curve. It uses web technologies like JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. This makes Cordova an ideal choice for web developers transitioning into mobile app development.

3. Community and Support 

Microsoft backs Xamarin, giving it a robust community. The framework also integrates well with Visual Studio, which is widely used in the software development industry. The official Xamarin documentation is, therefore, extensive, and there are many third-party resources available for it.

Cordova, while also supported by a strong community, doesn’t enjoy the same level of corporate backing. However, it is still quite popular, especially among developers familiar with JavaScript and web technologies. 

4. UI/UX Design 

Xamarin allows for a more consistent, native-like user experience. It’s because it provides direct access to the native UI controls, making the UI look and feel just like a native app.

Cordova’s UI, however, can sometimes look like a web app because of the WebView it uses. While you can still customize the design, it requires more effort to achieve a native look and feel requires more effort. 

5. Platform-Specific Features

Xamarin excels when it comes to integrating platform-specific APIs and native features, such as accessing the camera, GPS, and sensors. Developers can also use platform-specific UI elements.

In contrast, Cordova also provides access to similar device features, but it has a heavy reliance relies heavily on plugins. While there are many plugins available, there may be cases where a feature isn’t available or a plugin is outdated. 

6. Cost 

Although Xamarin has a free version, it offers a paid version through its enterprise plan. For many developers, the free version is sufficient, but larger enterprises may need to pay for additional support and features. 

Cordova, being open source, doesn’t have any paid plans. Additional costs may arise when using third-party plugins or hiring developers with specialized knowledge. 

7. Development Speed 

Xamarin, while more structured and requiring knowledge of C#, may take slightly longer initially. However, because it provides a more stable and performant platform, the long-term development speed can be quicker.

In terms of development speed, Cordova can be faster for web developers because they can directly use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. However, the additional layer of wrapping and potential performance issues can slow things down as the project grows. 

Which One Should You Choose?

When it comes to choosing between Xamarin vs Cordova, both frameworks offer compelling features for cross-platform development. The choice ultimately depends on your project requirements. For instance: 

• Choose Xamarin if you need high performance, access to native APIs, and a more robust development environment, especially if you are already working in the Microsoft ecosystem.
• Choose Cordova if you’re a web developer looking for an easy transition into mobile app development, or if you need to quickly create a mobile app with standard functionality using familiar web technologies. 

Summing Up

Choosing the right cross-platform development framework is crucial for businesses of all sizes — whether a startup or an established enterprise. Xamarin and Cordova each offer distinct advantages depending on your project goals and team expertise.

Xamarin’s native performance and seamless integration with .NET tools make it a great choice for performance-heavy applications, while Cordova’s accessibility for web developers and ease of use make it a great fit for simpler projects. Ultimately, both frameworks are powerful tools, but understanding their strengths and weaknesses will help you make the right decision.

Frequently Asked Questions