React Native vs Flutter comparison

Introduction

React Native and Flutter are two popular tools to build mobile apps. Knowing their differences helps you pick the right one for your project.

You want to build a mobile app quickly for both iOS and Android.

You prefer using JavaScript and React skills for mobile development.

You want a highly customizable UI with smooth animations.

You need access to many ready-made components and community support.

You want to learn about different ways to build cross-platform apps.

Syntax

React Native

React Native uses JavaScript and JSX syntax.
Flutter uses Dart language with widget trees.

React Native code looks like writing React for the web but targets mobile.

Flutter uses Dart and builds UI with nested widgets, which is different from React.

Examples

React Native uses JSX to create UI components.

React Native

import React from 'react';
import { Text, View } from 'react-native';

export default function App() {
  return (
    <View>
      <Text>Hello from React Native!</Text>
    </View>
  );
}

Flutter uses Dart and builds UI with widgets inside the build method.

React Native

import 'package:flutter/material.dart';

void main() => runApp(const MyApp());

class MyApp extends StatelessWidget {
  const MyApp({super.key});

  @override
  Widget build(BuildContext context) {
    return const MaterialApp(
      home: Scaffold(
        body: Center(
          child: Text('Hello from Flutter!'),
        ),
      ),
    );
  }
}

Sample App

This React Native app shows a simple comparison list on screen with styled text.

React Native

import React from 'react';
import { Text, View, StyleSheet } from 'react-native';

export default function App() {
  return (
    <View style={styles.container}>
      <Text style={styles.title}>React Native vs Flutter</Text>
      <Text style={styles.point}>- React Native uses JavaScript and JSX.</Text>
      <Text style={styles.point}>- Flutter uses Dart and widgets.</Text>
      <Text style={styles.point}>- React Native has large community support.</Text>
      <Text style={styles.point}>- Flutter offers smooth animations and custom UI.</Text>
    </View>
  );
}

const styles = StyleSheet.create({
  container: {
    flex: 1,
    justifyContent: 'center',
    alignItems: 'center',
    padding: 20
  },
  title: {
    fontSize: 24,
    fontWeight: 'bold',
    marginBottom: 20
  },
  point: {
    fontSize: 16,
    marginBottom: 10
  }
});

Important Notes

React Native lets you reuse web development skills for mobile apps.

Flutter apps often feel very smooth because they control every pixel.

Both tools can build apps for iOS and Android from one codebase.

Summary

React Native uses JavaScript and JSX; Flutter uses Dart and widgets.

React Native has a bigger community; Flutter offers more custom UI control.

Choose based on your language preference and app needs.