The Cross-Platform Showdown
Choosing between React Native and Flutter is one of the most common decisions UK startups face. Here's the definitive comparison for 2025.
Overview
| Factor | React Native | Flutter |
|--------|--------------|---------|
| Developed by | Meta (Facebook) | Google |
| Language | JavaScript/TypeScript | Dart |
| First Release | 2015 | 2018 |
| UI Approach | Native components | Custom rendering |
| UK Developer Pool | Larger | Growing |
| Performance | Near-native | Near-native |
Performance Comparison
React Native
• Uses JavaScript bridge to native components• Performance is excellent for most apps• Some complex animations can be challenging• Hot reload speeds up developmentFlutter
• Compiles to native ARM code• Consistent 60fps performance• Custom rendering engine (Skia)• Hot reload is exceptional**Winner**: Flutter has a slight edge for performance-critical apps, but both are excellent for 90% of use cases.
Developer Availability in the UK
React Native
• Large pool of JavaScript developers• Easy transition for web developers• Abundant on Upwork, Toptal, UK agencies• Average UK rate: £400-£600/dayFlutter
• Growing but smaller developer pool• Dart is less common• Increasing agency adoption• Average UK rate: £450-£650/day**Winner**: React Native for easier hiring, though Flutter is catching up.
Development Speed
React Native
• Faster if team knows JavaScript• Rich ecosystem of packages• Some native modules need bridging• Web developers can contributeFlutter
• Faster from scratch• Single codebase for everything• Consistent across platforms• More boilerplate for simple tasks**Winner**: Depends on team background. JavaScript teams prefer React Native; new projects often move faster with Flutter.
UI/UX Capabilities
React Native
• Uses native components (looks platform-native)• Custom designs require more work• Platform-specific behaviors automatic• Some animations are challengingFlutter
• Pixel-perfect custom designs easy• Consistent look across platforms• Built-in animation system is excellent• Doesn't look "native" by default**Winner**: Flutter for custom designs; React Native for platform-native feel.
When to Choose React Native
**Choose React Native if**:
• Your team knows JavaScript/TypeScript• You want to share code with web (React)• Platform-native UI is important• You need specific native integrations• You want the largest talent pool**Best Use Cases**:
• Apps that should feel native (banking, enterprise)• Teams extending from web development• Projects with specific native requirementsWhen to Choose Flutter
**Choose Flutter if**:
• Starting from scratch with no team preference• Custom, branded UI is priority• You're building for web, mobile, and desktop• Performance is critical• You want consistent UI across platforms**Best Use Cases**:
• Startups with custom brand identity• MVPs that need speed• Consumer apps with unique UI• Multi-platform ambitions (mobile + desktop)Cost Comparison for UK Startups
Simple App (3-4 screens)
• React Native: £25,000-£40,000• Flutter: £25,000-£40,000Medium App (10-15 screens)
• React Native: £50,000-£80,000• Flutter: £50,000-£80,000Complex App (20+ screens)
• React Native: £100,000-£150,000• Flutter: £100,000-£150,000Costs are similar; choose based on requirements, not price.
Long-Term Considerations
React Native
• Meta's continued investment is strong• Large community ensures longevity• May require updates for new OS versions• Web code sharing is valuableFlutter
• Google's strong backing• Growing adoption by major companies• Dart ecosystem expanding• Multi-platform (mobile, web, desktop) maturingThe Verdict for UK Startups
**For Most MVPs**: Either choice is excellent
**If pushed**:
• **React Native** for teams with JavaScript experience• **Flutter** for greenfield projects prioritising speed and custom UIThe best framework is the one your team can execute well with. Both are proven, both have longevity, and both can build successful products.
Don't agonise over this decision. Pick one and focus on building something users love.
