React Native vs. Flutter for your first app
The short answer
- Pick React Native (usually with Expo) if your developer works in JavaScript or TypeScript. It's the default this site recommends, because of its larger ecosystem and strong support in AI-assisted development tools.
- Pick Flutter if your developer is experienced in Dart and Flutter. It builds equally real native apps.
React Native and Flutter are the two main ways to build one native app that runs on both iOS and Android from a single codebase. For most first-time founders, the practical difference is smaller than the choice of developer and their experience. For the tooling around the code, see Expo vs. Flutter.
Side by side
| Topic | React Native (Expo) | Flutter |
|---|---|---|
| Language | JavaScript / TypeScript | Dart |
| Ecosystem size | Larger, widely adopted | Smaller, but mature |
| Typical tooling | Expo | Built-in Flutter tooling |
| Licence | MIT | BSD 3-Clause |
| Good fit when | Your developer works in JS/TS already | Your developer specifically prefers Dart/Flutter |
What do React Native and Flutter have in common?
Both let a developer write one codebase that compiles into real, native apps for iOS and Android, not a website wrapped to look like an app. Both are mature, widely used in production, and both connect to the same kinds of backend services, such as Supabase, for data and login.
What's actually different between them?
React Native is written in JavaScript or TypeScript, the same language family used across most modern web development, which is part of why it has a larger developer ecosystem. Flutter uses Dart, a language built specifically for it by Google. React Native is commonly paired with Expo, a toolchain that removes most native build configuration; Flutter has its own comparable tooling built in.
Does the choice affect app-store approval?
No. Both produce standard native apps and go through the same App Store and Play Store review process either way, the framework you choose doesn't change how Apple or Google evaluate your submission.
Which one should you pick for a first app?
In practice, this comes down mostly to your developer's experience and the specific libraries your app needs, more than an inherent advantage of one framework. This tool defaults to recommending React Native/Expo because of its larger ecosystem and strong support in AI-assisted development tools today, not because Flutter is a worse choice.
Limits to know
React Native: Some device features depend on native modules, so check early that the libraries your app needs exist and are maintained.
Flutter: Dart is mainly used for Flutter, so the pool of developers is smaller than for JavaScript and TypeScript.
Both: Switching from one to the other later means rewriting the app.
Cost model
React Native: Free and open source under the MIT licence. If your developer uses Expo's hosted EAS services for builds and updates, there is a free plan; Starter is $19/month and Production $199/month, each plus usage.
Flutter: Open source under the BSD 3-Clause licence. It has no pricing page; costs come from the services around it, such as your backend and build setup.
Facts from the official pages, checked on 30 October 2026. Prices change, so check the source before you decide.
What this means if you have it built
Hire for proven, shipped apps in the framework, not for the framework itself. Ask to see a live app in the store and who owned the accounts. Make sure the app store accounts and the code repository are in your company's name from day one.
Frequently asked questions
Is one of these objectively better?
No, both build real native apps. The better choice mostly comes down to your developer's experience and the specific libraries your app needs.
What is Expo's role here?
Expo is a toolchain on top of React Native that simplifies native build setup. It doesn't compete with Flutter, it's specific to the React Native side.
Can I switch between them later?
Not without a rewrite. They're different frameworks with different languages, so switching means rebuilding the app.
Do both work with the same backend, like Supabase?
Yes, both can connect to the same kinds of backend services, including Supabase, since that's a separate layer from the app framework itself.
Related
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