Top 10 Best Cross-Platform App Development Frameworks 

In 2024, cross-platform app development is the optimal strategy for cost-effectively reaching a broad audience. Developing separate applications for each operating system, like Android and iOS, can be a time-consuming and resource-intensive endeavour. This is where cross-platform app development steps in, offering a compelling solution for businesses seeking to bridge the gap between platforms. 

Cross-platform app development frameworks allow for a single code base for both platforms, making it a more cost-effective approach than native app development.

You might be wondering how to select the best framework for your app development.

This blog is here to assist you. We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 frameworks for iOS and Android app development that will aid in the growth of your business in 2024. 

Let’s get started!

What is cross-platform app development?

As its name indicates, cross-platform app development is the process of designing software applications that are compatible with various mobile operating systems or platforms, such as Android, iOS, and Windows.

In the past, creating native applications for each mobile OS was a lengthy and costly process, as the code written for one operating system couldn’t be reused for another. Cross-platform development offers a solution to these issues by enabling a portion or even all of the source code to be shared across different platforms.

These cross-platform applications, due to the blend of independent and native code, have a native appearance and experience. Developers can write the code once and reuse it, making it the most economical and speedy method for application development.

Difference between Native and Cross Platform App Development in 2024

Let us now understand and cover some more points to distinguish between cross-platform and native mobile app development for a better understanding.

These differences may evolve as technologies advance and new tools/frameworks emerge. Always consider the specific requirements and constraints of your project before choosing between native and cross-platform development.

Advantages of Utilizing Cross-Platform Mobile App Development in 2024

Cross-platform mobile development tools are an excellent choice for both budding start-ups and well-established businesses, as it aids in expanding your customer reach. It’s the perfect fit for a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) when you’re brimming with potential but constrained by budget and time. Cross-platform app development frameworks are compatible with iOS, Android, and other popular operating systems such as Linux, Windows, Blackberry, and more. 

Let’s discuss the major benefits of cross-platform app development.

1. Reduced Development Costs: 

Building separate native apps for Android and iOS requires dedicated development teams with expertise in each platform’s specific languages and frameworks. Cross-platform development tools allow you to move a single codebase, significantly reducing development time and the associated costs. Developers can focus on writing code once and deploying it to multiple platforms, streamlining the development process and minimizing resource allocation.

2. Faster Time-to-Market:  

Cross-platform development translates to a faster time-to-market for your application. With only one codebase to manage and deploy, you can get your app in front of users on both Android and iOS platforms quicker, allowing you to capitalize on market opportunities and capture a wider audience sooner.

3. Simplified Maintenance:  

Maintaining separate codebases for native apps can be a cumbersome task. Bug fixes, feature updates, and security patches need to be implemented individually for each platform. Cross-platform frameworks simplify maintenance by allowing you to make changes to the single codebase, which then automatically propagate to both platforms. This streamlined approach reduces maintenance overhead and ensures consistency across all versions of your app.

4. Unified User Experience:  

Cross-platform app development frameworks enable developers to create a consistent user experience (UX) across different platforms. Developers can define the core functionalities and user interface elements once, ensuring that users on both Android and iOS encounter a familiar and intuitive interaction experience. This consistency fosters brand recognition and user satisfaction, regardless of the device they use.

5. Wider Market Reach:  

By eliminating the need for platform-specific development, cross-platform apps can reach a broader audience right from the start. You don’t have to limit your app’s availability based on development efforts for each platform. This wider reach translates to increased user acquisition potential, allowing you to tap into a larger user base and expand your market share.

Top 10 Best Cross-Platform Frameworks for App Development in 2024

Here you can understand the Top 10 best cross-platform frameworks, its key features and the applications/ websites made by using these frameworks.

1. Flutter

Flutter, a framework that has quickly gained prominence in the cross-platform app development sphere, was introduced by Google in 2017. This free and open-source UI software development kit is famous for its cost-effectiveness and efficiency in crafting cross-platform applications. 

As per Statista, nearly 46% of developers utilize this framework for app development, making it a favoured choice among both developers and corporations.

This cross-platform framework is composed of an SDK (Software Development Kit) and a UI library based on widgets. The library encompasses numerous reusable UI elements like buttons, sliders, and text inputs.

   As per the Stack Overflow survey, Flutter is the most adored framework among developers. 

  Key Features of Flutter

• Flutter’s hot reload feature enables developers to instantly view code modifications, accelerating app development.
• It excels in constructing custom widgets and facilitating personalized designs in Flutter app development.
• The primary components of Flutter encompass its engine, Dart platform, foundation library, and design-specific widgets.
• Flutter possesses its own graphics engine, augmenting the visual appeal of apps.
• Ideal for MVPs, Flutter facilitates swift and efficient prototyping of app concepts.

Top apps built with Flutter

• Google Ads 
• Reflectly 
• Cryptograph 
• KlasterMe 
• Postmuse 

2. Ionic

Ionic, a free and open-source framework for crafting apps that function across various platforms, was launched by Drift CO in 2013. It’s recognized for its mobile SDK, which attracts developers as it allows them to write code once and deploy it on Windows, iOS, and Android. 

After its launch, multiple versions of the Ionic platform have been introduced, enabling Ionic developers to create unique and innovative mobile applications.

Since its initial release, Ionic has been updated with new versions, each introducing additional tools and features for developers. This has established it as a preferred framework for both Android and iOS mobile app development.

Key Features of Ionic

• It offers a comprehensive library of components and tools, simplifying the app-building process for developers.
• When combined with Angular, it delivers excellent results, particularly for structuring the app.
• It’s frequently employed for creating native apps and Progressive Web Apps (PWAs).
• This framework utilizes familiar front-end technologies like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Angular, which are crucial in mobile app development.

Top apps built with Ionic  

• Market Watch 
• Sworkit 
• Diesel 
• Honeyfi
• JustWatch 

3. React Native

Launched by Facebook in 2015, React Native is a freely available JavaScript framework that enables the creation of mobile applications that operate natively on both Android and iOS. A key feature of React Native, similar to many cross-platform app development frameworks, is its capacity to share a substantial amount of code across various platforms.

React Native merges the native appearance and functionality of mobile applications with the simplicity and familiarity of a JavaScript library. This combination positions React Native as an excellent starting point for mobile app development, particularly for those who are already proficient with JavaScript.

React Native is flexible in its application. Developers can choose to incorporate React Native components into an existing app’s code or convert Cordova-based code with plugins. This adaptability makes React Native a popular choice among numerous cross-platform mobile app development firms.

Key Features of React Native

• React Native offers a native-like experience that is stable and responsive, making it a top pick in cross-platform mobile development. 
• It supports a variety of programming languages such as Objective-C, JavaScript, Java, C++, and Python, making it a prime choice for mobile app development.
•  It promotes the idea of maximum code reuse, resulting in significant time and resource savings in app development. 
• React Native features a broad range of ready-to-use plugins, which enhance the functionality and efficiency of developing various types of apps.

Top apps built with React Native

• Skype 
• Facebook Ads 
• Walmart 
• Uber Eats
• Instagram 

4. Xamarin

Xamarin is a framework that Microsoft introduced in May 2011. It’s built on the Microsoft technology stack and is recognized for its efficiency, enabling developers to share up to 90% of their code across major platforms. With a large community of over 1.4 million developers, working on this framework is straightforward, and any issues encountered are quickly resolved.

Xamarin’s native-friendly interface and controls make it easier to create apps that provide a native experience, a crucial factor in cross-platform mobile development. Another notable feature is its integration with Visual Studio, which facilitates the development of Windows, iOS, and Android apps.

Key Features of Xamarin

• This framework enables app testing across multiple devices using cloud services. 
• The framework’s support for plugins and specific APIs helps to minimize hardware compatibility issues, addressing a common challenge in mobile app development platforms. 
• It supports the direct inclusion of Java, Objective-C, and C++ libraries, enhancing its flexibility and utility in app development. 
• The Xamarin Component Store allows Xamarin developers to easily add components to their apps directly from the IDE.

Top apps built with Xamarin

• Picturex 
• Captio 
• Storyo 
• APX 
• Vanderlande 

5. Node.js

Node.js, an open-source platform, has significantly influenced the cross-platform app development landscape since its inception in 2009 by Ryan Dahl. Powered by Google’s V8 JavaScript Engine, Node.js is predominantly used for server-side and network application development. Its impressive features and capabilities make it a popular choice among both start-ups and established businesses.

Node.js is a robust runtime environment that enables developers to employ JavaScript for server-side coding. It boasts a comprehensive library of JavaScript modules, which expedites the Node.js development process. Its non-blocking, event-driven architecture, coupled with the extensive NPM ecosystem, contributes to its popularity.

Node.js Features

• Node.js’s library is renowned for its speed, a vital aspect in cross-platform development. 
• Node.js applications deliver data in chunks without buffering, enhancing performance. 
• Its single-threaded nature with an event looping feature enables Node.js to efficiently manage multiple simultaneous connections. 
• All APIs in Node.js are asynchronous, implying that the server doesn’t wait for an API to return data, thereby reducing downtime and enhancing app responsiveness.

Top apps built with Node.js

• Netflix 
• LinkedIn 
• Uber 
• Yahoo 
• Mozilla 

6. Adobe PhoneGap

Adobe PhoneGap, a free and open-source platform, has been a significant player. Initially developed by Nitobi and later acquired by Adobe in 2011, PhoneGap is built upon the Apache Cordova project. This platform stands out for its use of standard web technologies, adapting Java for Android, Objective-C for iOS, and C# for Windows phone applications.

PhoneGap operates by encapsulating HTML pages in a native app shell, enabling these applications to access native APIs and deploy across various platforms. The platform is recognized for its ability to integrate diverse libraries with existing code, simplifying and accelerating the development process. 

This feature is particularly advantageous for cross-platform mobile app development companies seeking efficient app development methods.

Key Features of Adobe PhoneGap 

• It possesses a robust backend system, which accelerates application development processes.
•  It offers considerable flexibility to developers, making it possible to develop any mobile application with ease. 
• The lack of hardware restrictions enhances the platform’s adaptability.

Top apps built with Adobe PhoneGap

• The DHS Program 
• Paylution
• Wikipedia- The Free Encyclopedia
• HealthTap
• TripCase 

7. Sencha Touch

Sencha Touch, a notable framework from Sencha, holds a significant position in the cross-platform app development world. It’s designed for creating mobile app interfaces using CSS, HTML, and JavaScript, and is based on the MVC (Model-View-Controller) architecture.

This cross-platform framework can accurately emulate nearly all native features. Over the past few years, it has emerged as the top framework for developing intricate web applications that need to mimic a native app. Let’s examine Sencha’s market share.

Key Features of Sencha Touch 

• The latest versions of the framework maintain code compatibility with the older ones. 
• The developed application features adaptive layouts, smooth scrolling, and animations, enhancing the user experience. 
• You can customize your application extensively with a collection of rich UI and over 50 UI widgets. 
• Sencha Touch offers themes that replicate the appearance and feel of target platforms.

Top apps built with Sencha Touch 

• Applic8 
• Telstra 
• One hat
• Reliance Industries
• XT 

8. Firebase

Firebase, originally a standalone company established in 2011, was acquired by Google in 2014. It has since evolved into a crucial Backend-as-a-Service (BaaS) platform. This framework boasts a multitude of impressive features, such as a real-time database, authentication, cloud storage, hosting, machine learning, and more.

Firebase is a highly regarded cross-platform app development framework among developers worldwide. It provides a comprehensive suite of services and tools that enable developers to develop, deploy, and manage applications swiftly and effortlessly. As the services are hosted in the cloud, developers can perform on-demand scaling efficiently.

Key Features of Firebase 

• Firebase supports the reporting of 500 distinct events. 
• It can be seamlessly integrated with other services like Firebase CrashReporting, Google Tag Manager, Firebase Notification, Big Query, etc.
•  Developers can conveniently store files in the database. 
• Firebase can store and synchronize app data in real-time, ensuring a consistent and up-to-date user experience.

Top apps built with Firebase

• Alibaba
• Halfbrick 
• Fabulous 
• NPR 
• Playbuzz 

9. NativeScript

NativeScript, a notable open-source cross-platform framework, is renowned for its capability to develop apps that mimic native apps. It supports JavaScript and languages that transpile to JavaScript, such as TypeScript, making it versatile for developers. Established by Progress in 2014, NativeScript was later acquired by nStudio, a long-standing partner of Progress, in 2019.

This framework, using JavaScript, TypeScript, or Angular, provides direct access to all native platform APIs. It also offers an extensive set of plugins and modules that enhance its functionality, enabling developers to access device features like cameras, GPS, and sensors. These features ensure that apps developed with NativeScript deliver a native-like experience across iOS, Android, and the web.

Key Features of NativeScript 

• Developers have the flexibility to use any view as the root of their mobile application. 
• NativeScript supports the use of more than one frame in an app. 
• The framework simplifies the authentication of apps with various sign-on providers. 
• NativeScript employs Webpack and LiveSync concurrently, optimizing the development process.

Top apps built with NativeScript 

• FinTech Consortium 
• GeekyAnts 
• Beachy 
• Monogramm 
• Traverse LLC 

10. Corona SDK

Corona SDK, now known as Solar2D, is an open-source, cross-platform software development kit designed for building mobile applications and games. Introduced in 2009 by Corona Labs Inc., Corona SDK primarily focuses on creating 2D mobile applications and games using the Lua programming language. Corona SDK offers a straightforward and streamlined development environment, making it user-friendly for developers of all skill levels, including novices.

With OpenGL hardware acceleration for animation and graphics, Corona SDK is undoubtedly a high-performance multimedia development tool. It is ideal for rapid development and prototyping, making it a preferred choice for indie game developers and those aiming to create 2D mobile apps efficiently.

Key Features of Corona SDK 

• Its real-time device testing saves a significant amount of developers’ time. 
• The framework’s monetization plugin enables you to leverage ads and banners and generate revenue from your gaming apps. 
• Its automatic AEL-GS integration simplifies screen manipulation.
•  It comprises 1000 APIs and plugins that assist in transforming your ideas into captivating apps, making it an excellent choice for cross-platform development.

Top apps built with Corona SDK

• Zip Zap 
• Tiny Boxes 
• Ava Airborne 
• Scale 
• PKTBALL 

Launch Further, Faster: Achieve Cross-Platform App Development Success with Nintriva

Nintriva is your one-stop solution for building high-performance, cross-platform mobile apps.  They excel at best development frameworks to create native-looking apps for Android and iOS, all from a single codebase. This translates to significant cost savings, faster development cycles, and easier maintenance for your business.  Their team of experienced developers brings a wealth of expertise to the table, ensuring your app delivers a seamless user experience and achieves your strategic goals.

Why Startups Should Choose Nintriva for Their Next Mobile App Project:

• Reduced Costs & Faster Time-to-Market: Cross-platform development with Nintriva saves you money and gets your app to market quicker by reusing code across platforms. This is a major advantage for startups with limited budgets and tight deadlines.
• Expert Guidance & Framework Selection: Their team will work closely with you to understand your app’s vision and target audience. They’ll then recommend the optimal framework and development approach to achieve your goals, ensuring the best fit for your specific needs.
• Focus on Your Core Business: Leave the app development complexities to them. They handle everything from concept to launch, allowing you to focus on your core business activities.
• Robust Performance & Scalability: Nintriva prioritises code quality and optimization to deliver high-performing apps that can scale seamlessly as your user base grows.
• Seamless Maintenance & Support: Nintriva offers ongoing maintenance and support services to keep your app running smoothly, address any issues, and ensure it stays up-to-date with the latest trends and security patches.
• Experienced Team & Proven Track Record: Their team of skilled developers has a proven track record of success in building cross-platform apps for startups across various industries. They bring a wealth of experience and a commitment to innovation to every project.

By partnering with Nintriva, startups gain a reliable and experienced partner to navigate the complexities of mobile app development. They empower you to achieve your business objectives with a high-quality, cross-platform app that reaches a wider audience and drives growth.

Nintriva’s Top Cross-Platform Development Projects

1. Toffee Ride

Toffee Ride is a learning program that is singularly focused on helping your child develop a thorough understanding of fundamental concepts and develop better language skills. 

2. Kesher

Kesher is a powerful fully connected contact management platform for professionals and enterprises who need to master their contacts. It is cross-platform and enhances contacts with a lot of features while keeping them organized, synchronized, up-to-date, and safe.

3. A Famous Bank in Qatar

Nintriva collaborated with a leading bank in Qatar to develop an end-to-end administrative module that managed their core banking activities. This experience provided them with great cultural insights. 

4. Column Technologies

Addressing Human Resource requests and inquiries is critical to the overall morale and productivity of an organization, and we understand they must be addressed promptly.

5. PushDog

PushDog is a web application which can Send browser-based notifications that drive promotions for your brand with important alerts and promotions. 

Conclusion

In 2024, cross-platform app development continues to progress, providing developers with a variety of frameworks to select from. We have discussed the top 10 best cross-platform app development frameworks of 2024 in this blog. 

These frameworks facilitate code sharing and reduce the time developers spend on coding. Ultimately, the selection of a framework is contingent on project requirements, the expertise of the development team, and the specific needs of the application under development.

Contact Nintriva today for a free consultation!  The team of experts is eager to discuss your app idea and help you navigate the exciting world of cross-platform development.

Together, let’s build an app that propels your business forward.