Top 10 Mobile App Development Frameworks in 2024

What is a Mobile App Development Framework? 

A mobile app development framework is a set of prebuilt tools, reusable codes, and extensive plugin libraries, that developers can use to build mobile applications easily. It provides a structured environment for creating and deploying apps, making the development process more efficient and streamlined. 

In the world of mobile app development, it is a standard practice to use frameworks to ensure an easier, faster and standard app development process.

The framework typically includes features like UI components, data storage, networking capabilities, and device compatibility. These elements allow developers to focus on the app's functionality while the framework takes care of the underlying technical details.

Types of Mobile App Development Frameworks

There are mainly three types of mobile app development frameworks: native app development framework, which allows developers to create apps specifically for a particular operating system, such as iOS or Android. Web app frameworks, allow developers to build mobile apps using web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create cross-platform mobile applications. Another variation is the hybrid mobile app development framework, which empowers developers to generate applications that are compatible with multiple platforms by utilizing a single codebase.

Comparative Table of Mobile App Development Framework Types 

Native	Mobile Web app	Hybrid
Platform-specific	Multi-platform coding using a single codebase	Combines both native and cross-platform
Allow developers to build apps for a particular platform (Android or iOS)	Develop apps for both iOS  and Android using the same platform	Performance is good but some features available in both native and cross-platform are sacrificed
Separate and platform-specific coding is needed	High performance but limits device access
Examples	Examples	Examples
For iOS: Swift or Objective-C	Build apps for iOS, Android or natively compiled apps: React Native, Flutter	Apache Cordova, ionic, Xamarin
For Android: Java or Kotlin

Key Features of Mobile App Development Frameworks

All-in-One Elements of App Development

These frameworks come with software and Tools, Debugging Program Compilers, Programming Interfaces, UI components, and prebuilt widgets to help developers create and customize mobile apps. 

Object-oriented Techniques

Developers can create apps using a structured approach where they can organize code into reusable objects. The OOP (object-oriented programming) facilitates design pattern implementation 

Customization

These frameworks are highly flexible and allow developers to customize UI components, styles and more for specific purposes and functionalities.  

Centralized Codebase

With a central codebase, developers can easily and efficiently manage app logic, assets, resources, version control, etc. 

Access to Device Features

Frameworks come with APIs or plugins required for connecting and accessing mobile apps to device features like camera, GPS, messages, gallery, microphone and more. 

Community Support

For assisting and guiding developers, these frameworks come with an ecosystem of community support forums, resources, libraries and plugins. 

Testing Tools

Popular frameworks have built-in testing/debugging tools and consoles to identify and fix coding errors. 

Updated Environment

These frameworks are regularly updated for security patches, performance enhancements and new features. 

List of Top 10 Mobile App Development Frameworks

Flutter

Flutter, developed by Google, is a versatile cross-platform mobile app development framework. Flutter comes with a UI toolkit for creating visually appealing, native-like applications using a unified codebase. Leveraging an open-source mobile app SDK, Flutter widgets can swiftly create responsive mobile applications making it one of the most preferred mobile app development frameworks for faster development. 

In fact, according to a Statista survey, Flutter is the most used (46% of developers use Flutter) cross-platform framework. Its utilization of Skia, a 2D graphics engine, enables developers to achieve a native feel, delivering compelling user experiences. 

Popular Applications build with Flutter: Google Ads and GPay, eBay Motors, Alibaba, Dream11, Hamilton, Reflectly and many others

Key Features of Flutter:

• Built-in material design and Cupertino widgets for sleek UIs
• Smooth motion APIs for dynamic interactions
• Supports both iOS and Android platforms
• Strong widget support for flexible designs
• Widget-based architecture for easy composition of UI components
• Dart Programming Language for modern development workflows
• Hot Reload feature for real-time updates without app restart
• Cross-platform compatibility for efficient development and consistency

Benefits of Using Flutter:

• Engaged community and open source
• Accessibility and internationalization
• Optimized time to market
• Compatibility beyond mobile devices

Pros	Cons
Flutter widgets for fast UI coding	Limited access to open-source libraries
Dart programming language – a simple and effective tool	Dart is not so popular among developers
High performance and portability	Problems with iOS app development
Cross Platform app development	Not suitable for complex applications where different integrations required
Hot reload function for instantaneous updates	Large app size

React Native

Developed by Facebook in 2018, React Native has quickly gained traction among developers worldwide, enabling them to build high-quality apps for both iOS and Android devices. Today, React Native stands out as one of the leading mobile app development frameworks for enterprise-level apps. The latest research reveals React Native demand will grow at a CAGR of 16.7% till 2033. 

The framework is renowned for its efficiency and capability to create native applications across various platforms (using a single codebase). Its cross-platform nature, performance optimization, and extensive ecosystem make it a top choice for businesses and developers for app development. 

Popular Applications built with React Native: Facebook, Instagram, Uber eats, Pinterest, BloomBerg and others

Key Features of React Native

• Cross-platform development with a single codebase
• Low-code development for simplicity
• Compatibility with third-party plugins for added functionality
• Declarative API ensures a predictable UI experience
• Component-based architecture for reusability and efficient updates
• Hot Reloading for instant preview of changes
• Native Modules integration for optimized performance
• Vast Community and Ecosystem for support and resources

Benefits of Using React Native

• Multi-platform compatibility
• Optimized performance
• Enhanced user experience
• Smooth integration with existing application infrasture

Pros	Cons
Easy code reusability	Lacks performance of native like applications
Pre built components	Not preferable for complex user interfaces
Smooth UI	Troubleshooting and debugging
Compatibility with third party APIs and plugins	Issues with upgrading

Ionic

Ionic, a dynamic open-source mobile application framework, serves as a bridge between web technologies and native app development. Built on Angular and Apache Cordova, it powers cross-platform mobile applications for Android, iOS, and Windows. The Ionic app development framework is suitable for creating interactive and feature-rich apps.  

Its open-source nature makes it a preferred framework for those who are looking to learn mobile app development frameworks without experience. More than 450000 web apps have been built with Ionic, including successful apps like JustWatch, Pacifica, and Nationwide. 

Popular Applications built with Ionic: McDonald’s, JustWatch, MarketWatch and many others

Key Features of Ionic:

• Develop for multiple platforms using a unified codebase.
• Smooth animations and gestures ensure a native-like feel.
• Rich set of customizable, platform-specific UI Components components.
• Seamless compatibility with Angular for building robust applications.
• Streamlined development process with powerful command line interface and tools.
• Benefits from a vibrant community and extensive plugins.
• Efficient and affordable solutions for startups and businesses.

Benefits of Using Ionic

• Easy to learn
• Deploy progressive web apps
• Angular as the base for Ionic which comes with good community support
• Shorter development time

Pros	Cons
Single codebase for different platforms	Hot reloading is hard to set up
Tools and component with native like feel	Requires understanding of Angular
Extensive UI components and easy prototyping	Troubleshooting and debugging
Compaitibility with third party APIs and plugins	Slower performance

Apache Cordova

Apache Cordova offers a robust framework that leverages CSS3, JavaScript, and by hiring HTML5 developers. Experts revere the framework for its efficiency and versatility. Offering exceptional prototyping capabilities, Cordova enables visually stunning and user-friendly applications. Its cross-platform and hybrid nature, coupled with strong community support, makes it a get-to-go app for developers.  

Those looking for mobile app development frameworks for offline functionality can consider Apache Cordova, which comes with offline functionality and ensures apps remain functional even without internet connectivity.  

Tools and Frameworks Integrated with Apache Cordova

Monaca, Ionic, TACO, VoltBuilder, GapDebug, Onsen UI, App Builder, Framework7, Cocoon, Evothings Studio, Quasar Framework, Mobiscroll, NSB/AppStudio, and Telerik Platform. 

Key Features of Apache Cordova

• Wide range of plugins to extend app functionalities and expedite development.
• Cross-platform Development with a single codebase
• Access to native device functionalities
• Wraps HTML/JS apps in native containers,
• Freely available and open-source
• Reusable Code across platforms
• Device functions through a unified JavaScript API

Benefits of Using Apache Cordova:

• Easy plugin support
• Utilizing standard web technologies
• Optimized hybrid apps

Pros	Cons
Preferred tool for JavaScript developers	Requires expertise in native development for native integration
Extensive debugging capabilities	Platform specific conditions required
Different native plugins	Less support facilities
Single codebase for multiple platforms	Configuration and installation can be difficult

NativeScript 

Developed by Progress and backed by Telerik, NativeScript is a dynamic open-source mobile app development framework for high-performance apps.  It arms developers with the power of TypeScript, JavaScript, and CSS to create sophisticated applications. NativeScript seamlessly translates application user interfaces into genuine native UI components. 

Its direct access to device APIs enables developers to leverage the full potential of native device features. It also strongly focuses on extensibility and integration with modern frameworks like Angular and Vue.js. 

Key Features of NativeScript:

• Renders application user interfaces into native UI components
• Unified codebase using JavaScript, TypeScript, Vue.js, or Angular.
• Direct access to Native APIs
• Vast plugin library with open-source network empowering developers to extend and customize functionalities as needed.
• Real-time synchronization for instant updates in the app
• Works with contemporary frameworks
• Apps load faster and perform optimally on various devices
• Support for integrating with backend systems
• Thriving community and comprehensive resources

Benefits of Utilizing Nativescript

• Open source
• Highly flexible
• Easy integration with Angular project

Pros	Cons
Quick access to native APIs	Android functions are missing
Great performance	Plugin support
Complex apps with native integration	Low response time
Easy authentication	Bugs in visuals, interface and Android app development

Solar2D (Formerly Corona SDK)

Solar2D, formerly (Corona SDK) is a cross-platform mobile app development kit originally developed by Corona Labs Inc. and now maintained by Vlad Shcherban. Being free and open-source, it is a popular framework for gaming app developers looking for mobile app development frameworks for cost-effective development. 

With its roots dating back to late 2009, Solar2D enables software programmers to build 2D mobile applications for iOS, Android, and Kindle devices. Renowned for its Lua-based game engine, Solar2D prioritizes the ease of iteration and usage required for high-end gaming apps. 

Popular Apps Created with Solar2d

DesignerCity, Zip Zap, The Lost City and others

Key Features of Solar2D

• Build for iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, Linux, or HTML5 with one code base.
• Rapid development with instant code updates (instant update simulator)
• Real-time testing on devices.
• Extensive plugins for in-app features like ads, analytics, and media.
• Integrated with native libraries
• Lua-Based Scripting for dynamic app development.
• Free and no hidden fees or tracking
• Vibrant Community for support and collaboration 

Benefits of Utilizing Solar2d

• Portable and easy-to-use application development
• Easy monetization
• Extensive tools for Android development
• Widely used to create games

Pros	Cons
Extensive community support	Restricted to 2D mobile apps
Single codebase to save time and cost	Requires understanding of Lua language
Extensive design options available	Challenging debugging for complex apps
Easy to integrate third party APIs

Mobile Angular UI

Mobile Angular UI emerges as a powerful hybrid mobile web app framework, perfectly suited for developers familiar with Bootstrap and Angular. By combining the strengths of Bootstrap and AngularJS, Mobile Angular UI enables developers to create dynamic mobile apps using HTML5. 

It provides essential mobile components that were lacking in Bootstrap 3, ensuring a smooth and intuitive user experience. Mobile Angular UI is one of the best mobile app development frameworks for e-commerce apps. 

Key Features of Mobile Angular UI

• Offers switches, overlays, sidebars, scrollable areas, and more
• Relies on robust libraries for smoother mobile interactions 
• Seamless Transition from Desktop to Mobile
• Retains Bootstrap
3 syntax, making it easy to adapt existing desktop web apps for mobile.
• Minimal CSS file for easy implementation of fully responsive and touch-enabled interfaces.
• Integration with Bootstrap and AngularJS
• Available for free under the MIT license
• Support for Modern Web and Mobile Applications

Benefits of Mobile Angular UI

• Open source framework
• Easy to learn
• Provide UI components for mobile
• Easy to develop hybrid apps

Pros	Cons
Utilize robust libraries	Potential security problems
Powerful mobile tools and components	Difficulties in debugging
Easy integration with other frameworks	Dependencies
Easy conversion from web apps to desktop	Broad and detailed documentation

Kotlin

Kotlin is supported and developed by JetBrains. It is protected under the Kotlin Foundation and licensed under the Apache 2 license, Kotlin simplifies cross-platform development . The framework is a modern, statically typed programming language that uses the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) to run. 

libraries plus Kotlin's concise syntax and advanced features. Its Multiplatform features enable applications to run seamlessly on various operating systems. 

Popular apps created with Kotlin: Netflix, Evernote, Zomato, trello, Uber, Coursera and others.

Key Features of Kotlin

• Fully interoperable with Java
• Code consciousness (reduces boilerplate code)   
• Enhanced code readability and maintainability
• Built-in null safety features 
• Modern development features like lambda expressions
• Kotlin can be used for server-side, client-side web, and iOS development 
• Support for asynchronous programming
• Combines object-oriented and functional programming paradigms 
• Ideal for writing clear and expressive test cases

Benefits of utilizing Kotlin

• Easy to maintain
• Versatile and adaptable

Pros	Cons
Apps for multiple platform	Less learning opportunities
Safe and secured mobile apps	Slower compilation speed
Functional programming features	Complex syntax
Strong community support

Swift

Swift is a dedicated iOS-only mobile app development framework designed to simplify app development. With its user-friendly interface, Swift empowers businesses to establish a digital presence and drive online sales with functional apps. Offering a range of features and tools, Swift ensures that businesses can create effective iOS apps without extensive coding knowledge.

Popular apps created with Swift: Lyft, Slack, Facebook, Instagram, Khan Academy, Kickstarter and others

Key Features of Swift:

• Powerful and simple to use generics
• Generic code writing becomes easy with protocol extensions
• Fast concise iteration
• Customer engagement tools such as social media feeds
• App publication assistance to streamline the deployment process
• Advanced analytics integration for monitoring app performance and user engagement metrics
• Third-party integration for enhanced functionality and flexibility

Benefits of utilizing Swift

• Easy to learn
• Compatibility with Objective C
• Improved memory management
• Quick development

Pros	Cons
Efficient coding structure	Memory management
Simple syntax with data security	Uses low level virtual machine
Built in features	Not support Android development
Cross platform compatibility	Small community because it is new languag

Xamarin

Xamarin, an open-source, cross-platform mobile app framework assists developers create top-tier mobile applications using .NET and C#. By leveraging a unified software framework, Xamarin enables the development of high-performance mobile apps with native-like flexibility across iOS, and Android platforms. With Xamarin, developers can effortlessly integrate backend, APIs, and components with various tools, libraries, and programming languages. 

Popular Apps Created with Xamarin

Alaska Airlines, Olo, The world bank, FreshDirect,

Key Features of Xamarin

• Develop for multiple platforms using one C# (codebase) 
• Full Access to Native APIs
• Extensive .NET framework (vast class libraries)
• Comprehensive suite of tools for development, testing, and deployment with IDE Visual Studio
• Over 60K+ contributors community 
• Tools for debugging, troubleshooting
• App loader and Android SDK manager for easy app deployment

Benefits of Utilizing Xamarin

• Open source
• Intuitive app development
• Simple to use

Pros	Cons
Provides intuitive interface	Limited access to open-source libraries
Safe and secured mobile apps	Delayed support
Hybrid and functional applications	Compatibility problems with 3rd party libraries tools
Native like UI and performance	Expansive development and larger app size
Strong support

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Mobile App Development Framework

Before selecting a mobile app development framework, it is crucial to clarify project requirements, including target platforms and programming languages. 

For example, certain frameworks for mobile app development can assist developers in creating fast and efficient applications required for wearable technology. Conversely, other frameworks may excel in providing enhanced security which is a must-have for mobile banking apps.  Other frameworks may prioritize delivering a more user-friendly user experience (UX), and so on. 

Therefore, a mobile app developer will have to identify and use the most suitable framework based on the app type and requirements. If you intend to launch your app on the iOS platform then it is prudent to select the top mobile app development frameworks for the iOS platform. 

The below points will help you in choosing the right platform for your needs. 

Project Requirements

Identify what your app needs – who will use it, which platforms it will run on, and what features it must have.  

Platform and Language

Decide which platforms (like iOS or Android) you'll target and which programming languages you'll use. 

Cross-Platform Compatibility

Make sure the framework supports the platforms you want to develop for, like Android, iOS, or both.

UI/UX Capabilities

Look for a framework that helps you create visually appealing and user-friendly interfaces.

Performance

Opt for a framework that makes your app fast and responsive, ensuring a smooth user experience.

Ease of Use

Choose a framework that's easy to understand and doesn't take too long to learn.

Development Time

Choose a framework that speeds up development without sacrificing quality.

Security Features

Select a framework that prioritizes security to protect your app and users' data from threats.

Scalability

Pick a framework that can grow with your app as your user base expands.

Speed

Opt for a framework that helps you build fast-loading apps, keeping users engaged.

Developer-Friendliness

Choose a framework that's easy for your team to work with, minimizing delays and budget overruns.

Quality Outcome

Prioritize a framework that helps you deliver a high-quality app that meets users' expectations and enhances their experience.

Cost

Consider the framework's cost, whether it's free or requires payment, and how it fits into your budget.

Integration

Ensure the framework can easily work with other tools and services you might need.

Community Support

Pick a framework with a large and active community for easy access to help and updates.

Bottom Line

When developing mobile apps, selecting the best mobile app development framework is an important decision. As most contemporary customers buy or consume services via mobile apps, businesses need to ensure that their apps are developed using the right framework to deliver a seamless user experience.

At Xbyte Enterprise Solutions , we have developed and launched many high-end mobile apps such as Lector, MedTonic, VisiTrip, MobiPOS, and many more. From Telemedicine, Fintech and Real-estate apps to Restaurants, travel, and sports, we offer end-to-end mobile app development services for all business verticals.

While we hope this article has given you a fair idea for deciding on the best app development framework for your requirements, if you are looking for more details on the best mobile app development frameworks in 2024, feel free to contact our team at Xbyte for more guidance or clarifications.

Frequently Asked Questions