Best Cross-Platform App Development Frameworks in 2024

In the dynamic mobile app landscape, every second surfaces with new technologies and frameworks. At this edge, developers must pick the best cross-platform development framework. This is where a single codebase can help you build applications for multiple platforms. 

This blog post is a comprehensive exploration of various cross-platform app development frameworks. The list has been meticulously curated with the assistance of experts from a leading mobile app development company. It includes mobile app development frameworks such as React Native, Flutter, NodeJS, and PhoneGap, accompanied by the latest statistics and real-world examples. You can confidently choose the one that best aligns with your project requirements and watch your business thrive with increased sales. 

What Is a Cross-Platform App Development Framework?

Cross-platform mobile app development is a developer’s approach that leads to software application development completely compatible with multiple platforms for mobile operating systems. 

In simple terms, cross-platform software runs on multiple platforms, be it Android or iOS. This means that the apps developed on this framework are versatile and efficient, saving development costs and time. But the real excitement lies in its consistent user experience across every platform, a key advantage in today’s competitive app market. 

List of Best Cross-Platform Frameworks for Mobile App Development

1. Ionic

Ionic is a cross-platform app framework based on AngularJS and is one of the most unique and popular options available in the space. It enables developers to access native platform controllers using a combination of languages, including HTML5, JavaScript, CSS, and a Cordova wrapper. Ionic allows developers to create a beautiful user interface while also including user-friendly functionality in their app. Because the apps built with this framework are dynamic and native-like, Ionic is an excellent choice for PWA development. 

Mobile App Examples:

Sworkit Fitness & Workout App, Untappd, JustWatch, Shipt, Sanvello

Programming Language:

Python, Java, JavaScript, Java, PHP, Go, Swift, C

Features Of Ionic

• It’s an open-source front-end framework, meaning developers can change the code structure to suit specific needs while saving much time. Delivers high competition to contender Ionic in the Ionic and React Native war.  
• Based on the SAAS UI framework 
• Specially designed to work on mobile operating systems
• Another of its prominent attributes is that it is built on AngularJS, which makes it simple to add HTML syntax extensions, fundamental functionality, and valuable yet engaging features and components to the program.
• One of the critical advantages of cross-platform development tools is the usage of Cordova plugins, which give access to device in-built functions such as Camera, GPS, and Audio Recorder.
• Ionic’s popularity among developers stems from the fact that it gives apps a native-like experience. It assists in developing cross-platform apps and assures that they run smoothly across multiple platforms.

Ionic Usage Statistics

According to Builtwith, around 466,454 websites are using Ionic, which includes hosting data, location information, contact details, etc.

2. React Native

A JavaScript framework enables users to create actual code and associate a native feel with the app. Because of its outstanding capabilities, React Native is favored by developers and businesses that believe in devising productive solutions. It’s fortunate that React Native, like Ionic, is an open-source, cross-platform app framework. As a result, it has a vast community to help it grow and improve by addressing issues, improving, and adding new features. React Native combines the advantages of JavaScript and React.JS and the ability for developers to write modules in Objective-C, Swift, or Java. Likewise, developers can perform complex operations like image editing, video processing, and other activities not part of the framework APIs by using native modules and libraries in React Native cross-platform projects.

Mobile App Examples:

Facebook, Skype, Instagram, Tesla, Walmart, Airbnb, SoundCloud, 

Programming language:

JavaScript

Features Of React Native:

• Based on React- one of the tops-in-class JavaScript libraries 
• One of the benefits of cross-platform development is that it only takes one-time code (WORA) for platforms like Android and iOS. It eliminates a significant drawback of competing frameworks: developers must code twice for the same program on different platforms.
• One-time coding cuts the app’s development time in half and keeps the expense of developing a React Native app minimal.
• React Native is remarkably compatible with third-party plugins like Google Maps. 
• React Native strongly emphasizes the user experience, resulting in a highly responsive interface. It implies that the React Native environment reduces the time it takes for applications to load and provides a pleasant user experience.

React Native Usage Statistics

Per a survey conducted by Stack Overflow Survey in 2023, about 54% of developers who worked with React Native prefer to continue with this framework.

3. Flutter

Flutter is the youngest of all cross-platform app development frameworks and holds a special place in the modern market. Here’s the exciting part: being an open-source, this cross-platform app framework was built to assist in expeditious iOS and Android app development. Flutter allows apps to function on multiple platforms with a uniform and dynamic approach. 

Mobile App Examples:

Alibaba’s Xianyu, Hamilton, myBMW, Reflectly, NTFY, Google Ads

Programming Language:

Dart

Features Of Flutter

• Flutter encourages using a portable GPU, which renders UI power and allows it to function with up-to-the-minute interfaces.
• Flutter’s reactive framework eliminates the need to update the UI contents manually. The only thing that Flutter app developers need to do now is update the variables, and the UI changes will appear.
• The Flutter cross-platform app framework is an excellent choice for producing a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) because it speeds up the development process while simultaneously being cost-effective.
• Developers may quickly and easily recreate a widget tree and understand the code changes.
• Flutter comes with a built-in graphics engine. If they followed this path, developers would not have to worry about creating distinct interfaces for Android and iOS.

Flutter Usage Statistics

As reported in January 2023, 7,00,000+ apps in the Play Store were developed with Flutter.

Learn more: Flutter vs. React Native What is better for app development?

4. Xamarin

Xamarin is a .NET developer platform built using programming languages, tools, and libraries to craft varied applications. By supplying add-ins to Microsoft Visual Studio, Xamarin facilitates developers to make Android, Windows, and iOS apps within IDE using IntelliSense and code completion. 

Mobile App Examples:

FreshDirect, Olo, Alaska Airlines, BBC Good Food, Novarum DX, 

Programming Language:

C#

Features Of Xamarin

• C#, a modern cross-platform app development language that leverages Objective-C and Java, is used to create apps for the Xamarin framework.
• Eliminates hardware compatibility issues. It also encourages native libraries, which opens a path for customization and native-level functionality.
• Xamarin supports the direct incorporation of Objective-C, Java, and C++ libraries. This makes it one of the most remarkable cross-platform frameworks because it allows developers to utilize various third-party codebases written in Java C++ and Objective-C.
• Xamarin speeds up and lowers the cost of mobile app development.
• Offers compile-time checking that, in the long term, helps developers attain well-functioning apps and witness lesser run-time glitches.

Xamarin Usage Statistics

5. NativeScript

NativeScript is an ideal choice for developers exploring WORA functionality. Additionally, NativeScripts proffers all native APIs, allowing developers to reuse existing plugins directly from NPM for existing projects. NativeScript creates stunning, accessible, glitch-free, and platform-native UI without WebViews. Developers must define it once, and NativeScript will adapt to run anywhere. They can even tailor the user interface to particular devices and screens. 

Mobile App Examples:

ActiveLook, Breethe – Meditation & Sleep App, Checkpoint Curly, Dresden App, eLichens Air. 

Programming Language:

JavaScript

Features Of NativeScript

• Unlike React Native, NativeScript provides developers with a comprehensive web resource that includes plugins for various applications. Third-party solutions will inevitably become obsolete as a result of this.
• NativeScript allows developers to quickly access native Android and iOS APIs without understanding native development languages.
• For programming, it makes use of Angular and TypeScript.
• NativeScript invokes local strategies from libraries and supports segments like Cocoapods and AndroidArsenal.

NativeScript Usage Statistics

As reported in June 2023, NativeScript had earned GitHub contributors and 7,262 commits.

6. Node.js

Node.js is built on the Chrome V8 JavaScript engine. It is an open-source environment that backs up scalable networking apps and server-side development. Node.js are inherently responsive and highly effective cross-platform apps.  

Mobile App Examples:

LinkedIn, Netflix, PayPal, Uber, GoDaddy

Programming Language:

JavaScript

Features Of Node.js

• Flexible to handle various concurrent connections at one time. 
• All Node.js APIs can be regarded as asynchronous, which means they aren’t blocking. This means servers running Node.JS don’t have to wait for data from APIs. After calling one API, it instantly moves on to another. The server can acquire a response from the previous API call using a notification mechanism programmed in Node.js. 
• The Node.js library is speedy at executing code.
• Node.js cross-platform programs do not buffer data. Alternatively, it outputs data chunks.
• Node.js employs a single-threaded model with event-looping functionality to produce smooth and flawless apps. This event mechanism allows the server to respond non-blocking, allowing for greater scalability. 
• Slow apps benefit from Node.JS applications since they reduce reaction time.

Node.js Usage Statistics

Per the StackOverflow Developer Survey 2023, NodeJS has acquired around 42.65% of the votes, gained popularity, and is used commonly.

Also Read: How To Hire a Node.JS Developer?

7. Appcelerator Titanium

A free and open-source app development platform, Appcelerator Titanium allows developers to build cross-platform native mobile apps using current Javascript skills. Examining the Titanium architecture, you can better understand how to use it to create native mobile apps. 

Programming Language:

JavaScript

Features Of Appcelerator Titanium

• Offers tools for faster application development, indicating rapid prototype creation and evaluation of user interaction with UI. 
• ArrowDB (a schema-less data store) helps developers install data models to eliminate any extra effort required for setup ultimately. 
• Allows integrations of continuous delivery systems, such as SCM solutions.

Appcelerator Titanium Usage Statistics

8. PhoneGap

PhoneGap (Cordova) is the next significant phenomenon for cross-platform app development using HTML5, CSS, and JavaScript. Developers also gain access to cloud solutions to share the app development process within the community for feedback. Another pressing advantage of PhoneGap is that it supports in-built device features such as cameras, storage, GPS, etc.  

Mobile App Examples:

DHS Program, Paylution, HealthTap, TripCase

Programming Language:

HTML, CSS, and JavaScript

Features Of PhoneGap  

• It provides access to embedded payment systems like the App Store and Google Play Store. 
• Applications developed using PhoneGap are eligible to run on leading OS platforms with negligible differences. 
• PhoneGap allows developers to use other libraries like Mootools, Sencha Torch, and JavaScript. 
• Due to the plugin-able architecture of the framework, the APIs can be extended in a modular way.

Note* Adobe discontinued PhoneGap, Apache Cordova, and PhoneGap Build on 1st Oct 2020.

Adobe

9. Apache Cordova

A hybrid open-source framework, Apache Cordova allows web developers to leverage HTML, CSS, and JavaScript content to build a native app for multiple mobile platforms. Also, the apps execute inside the wrappers aiming at every platform and depend on standard-compliant API bindings to access every device’s data, sensors, and network status. 

Mobile App Examples

JustWatch, Sworkit, FanReact, Pacifica, SparkChess, Buildr, Clever Baby, Keepe

Programming Language

CSS3, HTML5, and JavaScript,

Features Of Apache Cordova

• Cordova includes several core components that are required by any mobile application. These components provide the foundation of an app, allowing us to concentrate on developing logic.
• This program is responsible for creating processes and installing plugins for various platforms. 
• Cordova plugins allow an application to access device functions like the camera, battery, and contacts.

Apache Cordova Usage Statistics

10. Sencha Touch Now Merged With Ext JS

Sencha Touch, first released about a decade ago, aids in developing web-based cross-platform apps. It is commonly used to construct efficient applications that employ hardware acceleration techniques. Sencha Touch allows developers to build well-tested, securely connected UI components and libraries. Massive corporate apps can be developed and maintained efficiently using Sencha Touch. 

Programming Language:

HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript

Features Of Sencha Touch Now Merged With Ext JS

• Popular for having native-looking themes built-in for all major platforms, including  BlackBerry, Android, Windows Phone, iOS, etc.
• It comes with an excellent agnostic backend data package for working with data sources.
• Sencha Touch enables Cordova integration for native API access, one of its most well-known capabilities.
• Provides code compatibility between old and new ones. 
• Includes collections of 50+ built-in widgets and display of rich UI specially made for mobile platforms like forms, carousels, toolbars, lists, menus, etc.

Note* Sencha Touch is not supported now, but its functionality for developing mobile apps has been fused with Ext JS

Sencha

11. Codename One 

Codename One is an open-source toolkit that permits developers to craft cross-platform Android, desktop, iOS, and web apps using Kotlin or Java. This multi-platform app development generates native OS binaries that anyone can upload to Google/Microsoft/Apple. 

Mobile App Examples:

BeRider, HBZ, Arrivu, yHomework, Oxbridge Academy, Jubliee Motor

Programming Language:

Java or Kotlin

Features Of Codename One 

• Developers can build their apps using IntelliJ IDEA, Eclipse, or NetBeans. The essential requirement is that the Codename One plugin be installed on either IDE. 
• Codename One unifies different concepts and technologies into a single facade. 
• Codename One backed up the ability to build an offline “in-house” build cloud, which was eliminated using Codename One build servers.

Codename One Usage Statistics

Per a report by Codename One, around 180m applications are installed across platforms, and about 40k developers use this for their projects.

12. Kivy 

Kivy is a multi-platform Python GUI development library on iOS, Android, Windows, OS X, and GNU/Linux. It aids in developing apps that make use of cutting-edge multi-touch user interfaces. Kivy’s core concept allows developers to create an app once and deploy it across all devices, making code reusable and deployable and enabling quick and easy interaction design and prototyping.

Mobile App Examples:

Snake by Andy Russo, Snu Photo Manager, Cydrea Music, Cydrea Music

Programming Language:

Python

Features Of Kivy 

• Extensive support for TUIO, mouse, keyboard, and  OS-specific multi-touch events. 
• Kv language helps in designing custom widgets effectively. It separates UI design from Python code, easing developers and designers to collaborate. 
• Kivy offers a robust animation system that lets developers craft dynamic and smooth transitions within their apps. 
• Leveraging the completing potential of multitouch capabilities, Kivy lets users interact with the application using multiple fingers simultaneously.

13. Corona SDK

Corona SDK allows developers to create 2D mobile apps for all major platforms, including Kindle and Windows.

It allows developers to design mobile and game apps ten times faster. The backend framework works magnificently and is based on Lua, a lightweight and multi-paradigm programming language. The language concentrates on the most critical aspects of development, such as extensibility, speed, scalability,  portability, and ease of use.

Furthermore, it is a free framework that supports real-time testing and works on Mac OS X and Windows.

Mobile App Examples:

Tiny Boxes, Gunman Taco Truck, Grow Beets Clicker, Ava Airborne

Programming Language:

Lua scripting language

Features Of Corona SDK

• 1000 APIs programmed in it allow developers to sprite music, animations, object tweening, audio, native elements, Box2D physics, data, and many other features.  
• It reacts almost promptly to code changes while providing a real-time preview of the app’s performance on an actual device.
• Almost 200 plugins, including in-app advertising, analytics, media, and hardware functions, are supported.

Corona SDK Usage Statistics

By 2027, the global Software Development Kit (SDK) market will likely reach $4350 million with a CAGR of around 11.78%.

14. BeeWare

BeeWare is a suite of libraries and tools that allows the user to write native GUI applications in Python while using one codebase. A collection of open-source tools and libraries, BeeWare assists developers in writing Python apps with native UI that can be deployed across varied platforms. The multi-platform app development framework aims to offer users varied tools to build rich user interfaces for desktop and mobile software and then deploy them to devices. 

Programming Language:

Python

Features Of BeeWare

• Helps the user to develop apps with a rich interface using Python. 
• Runs on tvOS, iOS, macOS, Android, Windows, and more 
• BeeWare suite of tools is licensed by BSD and is flexible for modifications. 
• Beeware uses native functionality and native widgets compared to the theme-based approach. 
• Provides tools that facilitate debugging, development, and analysis of Python projects.

BeeWare Usage Statistics

15. RubyMotion

RubyMotion is a commercial toolchain for OS X, iOS, and Android development using the Ruby programming language. The RubyMotion Apps executes in an iOS simulator with a read-eval-print loop (REPL). Package managers like CocoaPoda or manual methods can be used to include 3rs-party-Objective-C in a RubyMotion project. 

Programming Language:

Ruby

Features Of RubyMotion

• The RubyMine IDE includes code completion and visual debugging for the RubyMotion toolchain.
• Projects can be developed using any text editor. 
• With the development of version 2.0, RubyMotion supports the development of applications for OS X and iOS. 
• Examples include A Dark Room for iOS, A Dark Room for iOS,  37signals’s Basecamp for iPhone, and the Bandcamp iPhone app. 
• RubyMotion plans to support Android in version 3.0.

RubyMotion Usage Statistics

Benefits of Cross-Platform App Development Frameworks?

To build multi-platform solutions, cross-platform app development frameworks help businesses save resources, money, and time by facilitating developers to craft a single codebase that can run on varied platforms. 

Let’s scan more benefits of cross-platform app development:

• Quick Development Time: By reusing code and repeating the benefits of the built-in functionalities of the framework, you can pace up the development process rather than building a native app from scratch. 
• Wider Market Reach: By allowing your app deployment to the Android and iOS platforms using a single code, you can reach a broader custom base, expanding your business. 
• Cost-Effective: Writing less code will demand a smaller development team; a cross-platform development framework can be more cost-effective for tight-budget projects. 
• Uniform Design: Frameworks usually offer UI components that adapt to every platform’s design language, providing a cohesive user experience. 
• Easy Integration: Various frameworks provide seamless integration with 3rd-party APIs and libraries, permitting the quick inclusion of desired functionalities into the app. 
• Performance: Some frameworks may have some limitations compared to completely native apps, but careful development and optimization can reduce them. 
• Community and Support: The best cross-platform mobile app development frameworks usually have active and large communities that offer valuable forums, tutorials, and resources for learning and troubleshooting. 

How to Choose the Best Framework for Your Project?

Picking the proper cross-platform app development framework relies on varied parameters relevant to your project. 

1. Define Your Project Needs

Your project requirements are essential when choosing the best cross-platform app development framework. Needs can be your app functionality, performance needs, target platforms, development team expertise, etc. 

2. Conduct Deep Research and Compare Frameworks

Next, research profoundly and compare the frameworks available for your Android app development. 

Consider checking their tools, features, learning curve, community support, etc. 

While considering your project needs, research frameworks and experiment through prototypes. You will get numerous choices for cross-platform app development frameworks holding top positions. 

How Can Emizen Tech Help You with Android and iOS Mobile App Development?

EmizenTech is a one-stop solution for building custom mobile applications for Android and iOS. The firm holds a team of experienced developers using advanced technologies, such as Flutter and React Native, to create top-quality apps that perform smoothly on both platforms. 

Hire hybrid developers from EmizenTech who will guide you throughout the process, from project understanding to designing, development, and app launch. 

So, whether you need an enterprise-grade solution or a consumer-focused app, EmizenTech holds the expertise to convert your vision into an actual product. 

Conclusion

In the dynamic mobile app development landscape, picking the right tools is essential for success. Consider your project needs carefully, find the strengths and weaknesses of the top cross-platform app development frameworks in 2024, and consult a Hybrid App Development Company. This way, you can make sound decisions that go perfectly with your app. 

Still trying to understand!

Connect with a Mobile App Development Company and leave everything to it, from choosing a cross-platform framework to designing, developing, and launching. 

Frequently Asked Questions on Cross-Platform App Development Frameworks