Flutter vs React Native: I Built Apps in Both

🎯 The Comparison

I built mobile apps in both Flutter and React Native. Here's my honest comparison.

Note: Both are excellent. This is about what works better for different use cases.

✅ Flutter Advantages

1. Performance

Flutter compiles to native code. Better performance, especially for animations.

2. UI Consistency

Same UI on iOS and Android. No platform-specific quirks.

3. Hot Reload

Flutter's hot reload is faster and more reliable than React Native's.

4. Single Codebase

One codebase for iOS, Android, and web. True cross-platform.

✅ React Native Advantages

1. JavaScript/TypeScript

If you know JavaScript, you can build React Native apps. Lower learning curve.

2. Ecosystem

Larger ecosystem. More packages, more resources.

3. Native Modules

Easier to use native modules. Better integration with native code.

4. Community

Larger community. More help, more tutorials.

📊 Comparison

🎯 When to Choose Flutter

• Performance matters: Games, animations, complex UI
• UI consistency: Same design on all platforms
• New project: Starting from scratch
• Team knows Dart: Or willing to learn

🎯 When to Choose React Native

• JavaScript team: Team already knows JS/TS
• Existing React code: Can share code with web
• Need native modules: Heavy native integration
• Larger ecosystem: Need more packages

💡 My Experience

Flutter app: E-commerce app with complex animations. Flutter was perfect. Performance was excellent.

React Native app: Business app with heavy native integration. React Native was better. Easier to integrate native modules.

🎯 Key Takeaways

• Both frameworks are excellent
• Flutter is better for performance and UI consistency
• React Native is better for JavaScript teams and native integration
• Choose based on your team and requirements
• You can't go wrong with either

I've built successful apps in both. The choice depends on your team, requirements, and preferences. Both are solid choices.