Short answer
Both can build good iOS and Android apps from one codebase. React Native is a strong choice if your team already uses JavaScript or React, if you also have a React web app, or if you want to share logic and developers between web and mobile. Flutter is a good fit if you are starting fresh and want very custom, pixel-identical UI on every device. My own work is in React Native, so I say so up front.
Language and team
React Native uses JavaScript or TypeScript and React, the same skills as most web teams. Flutter uses Dart, which is easy to learn but less common. If you already have React developers, React Native lets them move between web and mobile.
Look and feel
React Native renders real native components, so apps feel at home on each platform. Flutter draws its own widgets, which makes it easy to get identical designs everywhere. Both can look excellent with good design work.
Performance
For most business apps, like booking, forms, feeds, dashboards and chat, both are fast enough. Heavy animation, games or advanced camera work can push either one toward native code.
Updates and releases
React Native apps can ship many JavaScript fixes over the air with tools like CodePush or Expo Updates, within the store rules. Flutter has fewer options for this. Native code changes always go through the stores.
When to go fully native
If the app depends heavily on one platform’s newest features, needs complex background processing, or you already have separate iOS and Android teams, Swift and Kotlin can be the better choice.
Common questions
Which one do you use?
React Native, with native modules in Swift and Kotlin when needed. For a Flutter-only project, I’d tell you honestly whether I have the right people available.
Can I switch later?
It is possible but costly, because the screens are rewritten. It is better to decide once, based on your team and product.
Is React Native still maintained?
Yes. It is maintained by Meta and the community, with regular releases. Check the supported versions page before starting a project.
Further reading
Sources checked on 19 October 2026. This is planning advice, not results from a client project.