React Native vs Flutter: cost, speed, and MVP tradeoffs
Clients usually ask “React Native vs Flutter” because they want:
- one codebase for iOS + Android
- predictable cost and timeline
- acceptable performance and UX
Here’s a practical decision framework.
Quick decision table
| If you… | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Have a strong JS/React team | React Native | fastest ramp-up |
| Need very custom UI and consistent visuals | Flutter | UI toolkit is built-in |
| Want to share code with web | React Native (sometimes) | JS/TS ecosystem |
| Need fastest “MVP to store” | Either | depends on team skill |
| Expect heavy animations / pixel-perfect UI | Flutter | great rendering model |
| Need many native integrations fast | React Native | mature ecosystem (depends) |
What matters more than the framework
Most mobile costs come from:
- backend/API work
- authentication and roles
- offline behavior and edge cases
- analytics and push notifications
- release process (stores, certificates, updates)
So don’t pick a framework to “save money” if requirements are unclear.
Performance (realistic view)
Both can be production-grade. The bigger risk is:
- poorly defined UX flows
- scope creep
- missing acceptance criteria
If you need heavy native features (Bluetooth, deep OS integrations), consider a hybrid or native modules.
Hiring & maintenance
- React Native: larger hiring pool (JS/React), easier to find contractors
- Flutter: strong community, but hiring pool can be narrower depending on region
Long-term success depends on code quality, testing, and release discipline.
FAQ
Which is faster for MVP?
Usually the one your team knows best.
Which is cheaper long term?
The one with a stronger team and simpler architecture. Framework choice is secondary.
Do we need native apps at all?
Sometimes a web app + Telegram bot is enough for MVP. Mobile comes later when the hypothesis is proven.
If you want, we can review your constraints and pick React Native vs Flutter for timeline, performance needs, and store releases.