Convert Figma to Stunning Flutter Apps
Is Flutter or Native better?
Why is NativeScript not popular?
What are the disadvantages of NativeScript?
Which is better: Flutter or NativeScript? Get a quick comparison of these two cross-platform frameworks—covering speed, use cases, and community support—to help you pick the right tool for your next mobile app.
Building an app for both Android and iOS on a tight budget and timeline?
You’re not the only one weighing your options. Flutter vs. NativeScript is a common debate for cross-platform development.
Which one suits your goals better?
Both frameworks enable you to reach multiple platforms with a single codebase. However, their features, performance, and support systems vary. Additionally, they excel in a variety of project types.
This article breaks down how they compare, when to use each, and how they perform in real-world app development. Continue reading to make an informed decision for your next build.
Flutter, maintained by Google, is an open-source framework designed for building natively compiled mobile apps, as well as web and desktop applications, using the Dart programming language. It offers a rich set of native UI elements, quick iteration with Hot Reloading , and strong community backing.
In contrast, NativeScript, powered by the OpenJS Foundation and supported by Telerik, allows developers to build native mobile apps using JavaScript, TypeScript, Angular, or even vanilla JS. It stands out for providing direct access to the native platform API without using WebView, making it ideal for enterprise-grade applications.
Flutter uses Dart, which may be unfamiliar to many. NativeScript, on the other hand, supports JavaScript, TypeScript, and Angular integration, making it more accessible for developers with web development skills.
Flutter offers excellent tools, including Visual Studio Code and Android Studio.
NativeScript developers benefit from using common languages across web and mobile.
Key Takeaway: If your development team is already experienced in web technologies, NativeScript can save money and time.
Flutter compiles to native code, providing smooth app performance through the use of the Skia engine. NativeScript doesn’t render through WebView, allowing direct access to native modules and APIs, ensuring truly native performance for your mobile app.
Truly native mobile apps are essential for enterprise use cases like handling battery level monitoring or real-time geolocation services.
Flutter has massive GitHub traction and consistent Google updates.
NativeScript is growing, but still lags in third-party libraries support.
| Metric | Flutter | NativeScript |
|---|---|---|
| GitHub Stars | 139K | 40.5K |
| Language | Dart | JS, TS, Angular, Vue |
| API Access | Via Flutter Engine | Native platform API directly |
| Learning Curve | Moderate | Easy (for JS/TS devs) |
| Developer Community | Large | Niche, but growing |
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| Feature | Flutter | NativeScript |
|---|---|---|
| Frame Rate | Consistently smooth 60 FPS (even up to 120 FPS on high-refresh devices) | Peaks at 120 FPS depending on device hardware |
| Rendering Engine | Impeller – now default on iOS and modern Android, replacing Skia; offers precompiled shaders and optimized GPU use | Renders native UI components via its runtime |
| App Size | Roughly 7.5 MB for a basic “Hello World” Flutter app | Typically around 12 MB or more |
| Architecture | Layered architecture; you can follow MVC, MVVM or even custom patterns | Built around MVC or MVVM design patterns |
Flutter delivers consistent, stable 60 FPS performance and relies on the Skia graphics engine to redraw screens, providing a slick and customized UI experience. Its layered structure allows you to opt for either MVC or MVVM workflows based on your preference.
NativeScript, by tapping directly into native UI components, enables high-performance animations that hit 120 FPS, ideal for ultra-fluid motion. While this approach leads to slightly heftier app files, it excels where native feel and responsiveness are essential. The framework’s MVC or MVVM capability makes it flexible for managing the separation of complex UI and business logic in enterprise applications.
Used by Google Ads, Alibaba, eBay, and Reflectly.
Ideal for:
MVPs and startup prototypes
Apps needing custom UI
Quick go-to-market needs
Powering PUMA, SAP, and Sennheiser.
NativeScript applications with deep device integration
Enterprise workflows
Android and iOS applications requiring native modules
| Aspect | Flutter | NativeScript |
|---|---|---|
| Pros | Hot Reload, strong cross-platform community, optimized UI | JS/TS flexibility, native api access, useful for complex components |
| Cons | Dart’s limited popularity, not ideal for all platform specific features | Smaller plugin ecosystem, less mature support for certain features |
Both frameworks support Visual Studio Code and native IDEs like Xcode and Android Studio.
Flutter's single codebase allows quick iteration.
NativeScript enables code sharing across cross-platform applications using familiar web development skills.
If you're building Android and iOS with similar functionality, both are capable, but Flutter often leads in development speed.
| Situation | Best Bet |
|---|---|
| Need rich UI and animations | Flutter (now with Impeller for smoother visuals) |
| Build with Angular or Vue | NativeScript |
| Want fast prototyping and MVPs | Flutter |
| Require deep integration with native APIs | NativeScript |
| Team skilled in JS/TS or Objective C | NativeScript |
| Apps needing frequent UI updates | Flutter |
| Focused on enterprise grade applications | NativeScript |
| Need to work with google ads | Flutter |
Cross-platform development doesn't mean one-size-fits-all. Choosing wisely saves time and avoids rewriting the entire app later.
Choosing between Flutter and NativeScript comes down to identifying your app’s core requirements, your team’s expertise, and your performance expectations. Flutter delivers rapid development, stunning UI, and strong community backing, making it ideal for startups, MVPs, and visually intensive apps. On the other hand, NativeScript excels when projects require native performance, direct access to platform APIs, and seamless integration with native components, particularly in enterprise-grade solutions.
With rising demand for seamless cross-platform mobile applications, selecting the right framework can drastically reduce time to market and future-proof your app development strategy.
Now is the time to align your tech stack with your business goals, evaluate your team’s strengths, project needs, and take the next step toward building a powerful, scalable mobile app.
