Top 15 Cross-Platform App Development Frameworks (for 2021)

Tags: programming, flutter, ionic, android
Published: 2020-11-09 16:51:45

Today’s customers want it fast and really fast. There is no denying the fact that native iOS and Android applications are robust, fast and efficient but equally take a long time for development. To negotiate this pressing challenge, industry leaders opting for cross-platform applications. 

Today, almost 1 out of 10 [mobile app development companies](https://www.hakunamatatatech.com/our-services/mobile-app-development/) focus on developing cross-platform applications for their customers as they are fast, quick and offer a native-like experience and run across all devices, operating systems. 

**What is a cross-platform app development framework?**

You can visualize a cross-platform app development framework as a base or platform where the developers will code for an application that can run on multiple platforms with the same source code/one-time coding. It lessens the app development lifecycle time of developers and enables them to develop and deliver apps faster. 
By now, you’d have realized the significance of cross-platform apps and the frameworks. In this post I’d walk you through the benefits of these next-generation applications, top 15 cross-platform app development frameworks most app development companies use today and will use in 2021. 

**Benefits of using cross-platform app development frameworks.**
* One app for many devices
* One app for any platform
* One app for publishing across multiple app stores
* One-time source-code 
* Reusable code across platforms
* Market analysis and tests
* Rapid prototyping
* Faster development
* Seamless product maintenance
* Uniformity

# Top 15 cross-platform app development frameworks for 2021 #

In this post, I have compiled the top 15 cross-platform app development frameworks that will be widely used by mobile app development companies across the globe in 2021. Let’s discuss them in detail. 

**Flutter**
Developed by Google, Flutter is an amazing open-source platform for cross-platform app development. What makes it attractive is: fast development, expressive beautiful UIs, and native-like performance. 
Some of the businesses that use Flutter are Google, eBay, BMW, etc. 

**Top reasons to choose Flutter framework for cross-platform app development.**

* Highly stable
* Dart, AOT compiled language
* Smooth development cycle
* Powerful hot reload feature
* UI kit for every need
* Pixel-perfect match
Flutter now has 2 million users and counting. 

**Ionic**
Ionic is the fastest growing and leading open-source framework for cross-platform app development. The library of mobile-optimized UI components, tools contribute to building interactive applications fast. 
Some of the businesses that use Ionic are GE, Airbus, Panera, etc. 

** Top reasons to choose Ionic for cross-platform app development. **
* Developer-friendly
* Huge community
* Angular advantage
* One code for all
* Cordova edge
* High standards of UI
* Simplified testing

According to a report, business executives prefer solutions like Ionic and React Native in greater numbers. 

**React native**

Developed by Facebook by 2015, React Native helps businesses to build native like applications using languages like Swift, Objective C, and Java.

Some of the businesses that use React Native framework are Facebook, Skype, Tesla, etc.

**Top reasons to choose React native framework for cross-platform app development.**
* Ready-made components
* Community is driven
* Hot reload
* Open-source
* React Native for Web functionality
* Highly reliable
* Easily accessible to native functionalities
* Implementation of Native UI components

For the past few years, most companies are trusting React Native for the hybrid app needs. 

**Apache Cordova**

Apache Cordova is a renowned cross-platform app development framework that uses web technologies including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. 

Some of the businesses that use Apache Cordova are Walmart, Adobe, QrStore, etc. 

**Top reasons to choose the Cordova framework for cross-platform app development.**

* Reusable code
* Familiar technologies
* Strong community support
* Wide range of plugins
* Free and open source
* Offline development
* Debugging
* Live-reload 
* Cloud
Apache Cordova is widely used by enterprises today for the rich app experience it offers.

**Xamarin** 

Xamarin, an extension of the .NET platform is one of the most trusted and loved frameworks of developers and enterprises.  Xamarin uses C# for developing everything.

Some of the businesses that use the Xamarin cross-platform framework are Alaska Airlines, American Cancer Society, JustGiving, etc. 

**Top reasons to choose the Xamarin framework for cross-platform app development.**

*Open-source and free
*Native performance
*Base framework for accessing native features
XAML, for building dynamic mobile apps using C#
*Libraries for common patterns, such as Model *View ViewModel (MVVM)
*Editor extensions with syntax highlighting, code completion, designers, and other functionality specifically for developing mobile pages

Today Xamarin is one of the most used platforms for [hybrid app development](https://www.hakunamatatatech.com/our-services/hybrid-app-development/) needs of enterprises. 

**NativeScript**
NativeScript is an open-source framework with a vibrant community of developers. The open-source framework is used for building cross-platform apps using Angular and Vue for expediting app development. 

Some of the companies using the NativeScript framework are GeekyAnts, Traverse LLC., Workbox, etc.

**Top reasons to choose the NativeScript framework for cross-platform app development.**

* One code base for iOS or Android.
* Reusable codes
* Cost-Effective
* Easy Access to applications
* Angular, TypeScript, or JavaScript advantage
* Ease of Use and a good User Experience
* Low code development
* Reduced maintenance
* Simple web skills and easy to use tools make NativeScript a good choice for most enterprises today. 

**Node.Js**
Node.Js is a popular cross-platform framework with a runtime framework built on the Chrome V8 Javascript engine. Efficiency and responsiveness are two advantages that make Node.Js a popular choice among enterprises.
 
Some of the businesses using Node.Js are Facebook Messenger, Twitch, Slack, etc.

**Top reasons to choose Node.Js framework for cross-platform app development.**


* Node.Js APIs are synchronous
* The faster code execution process
* Zero buffer and faster output
* Single-threaded model with event looping functionality
* Open source and free

Server-side development support and scalability are other factors that make Node.Js a number one factor for cross-platform app development.

**Appcelerator Titanium**
Open, extensible development for creating rich applications makes Appcelerator Titanium as their number one choice for enterprises. Eclipse-based IDE, MVC framework, and cloud services are other critical parameters that make this platform ideal for cross-platform app development. 

Some of the businesses using this platform are Legoland California, Pulse, Queens Library. 

**Top reasons to choose Appcelerator Titanium for cross-platform app development.**

*Single codebase
*Open-source
*JavaScript-based SDK
*Appcelerator Alloy MVC framework
*Integrated mobile backend as a service
*Integrated with Appcelerator’s open marketplace

Titanium environment will help companies to develop and market applications 60% faster for staying way ahead of competitors. 


Sencha Touch
Sencha Touch helps developers build one touch applications for mobile and desktop with powerful SDKs and HTML5 extensive toolkit. Allowing developers to create animations and functional user interfaces are other benefits that make this platform a good choice for enterprises. 
Some of the businesses using Sencha Touch are Las Cumbres Observatory, Kaseware, University at Buffalo.
Top reasons to choose Sencha Touch for cross-platform app development. 
Faster layouts
Native packaging
HTML5 device APIs
Event handling for better touch responses
New class system for intelligent and innovative builds
Sencha Touch has already powered more than 10,000 customers and 60% of them are Fortune 100 companies. 
Corona SDK
Corona SDK is a well-known cross-platform framework for companies looking for game-based app development for mobile devices and desktops. 
Some of the applications built using Corona SDK are Gunman Taco Truch, Battle 2, Zip Zap, etc.
Top reasons to choose Corona SDK for cross platform game app development.
Open source
Strong community
Plugins for all needs
Lua-based
Call any native library facility
Completely free with no hidden charges, fees or royalties make this platform a better one for game app development.
Adobe Phonegap
Powered by open web tech, Adobe Phonegap is widely used for building applications that are amazing. Ability to develop apps quickly with the help of HTML, CSS and Javascript to create magical applications make this platform one of the best frameworks for cross platform app development. 
Some of the applications built using Adobe Phonegap are TripCase, Untapped, snowbuddy, etc. 
Top reasons to choose Adobe Phonegap for cross platform app development. 
Robust development community
Phonegap toolset
Plugin library
Third party tools
PhoneGap has always been preferred by most companies for its faster deployment and rich app experience. 
Vue Native
Another interesting cross platform framework for building applications using JavaScript. Vue.JS is considered to be cost-effective and it is one of the reasons why it is used by companies today. 
Some apps built using Vue.Js framework are Kitsu, Social Amnesia, Listmonk. 
Top reasons to choose Vue Native framework for cross platform app development.
Real-time changes synchronization
Swift mobile app development
Document Object Model
Well-defined ecosystem
Reduced learning curve
Minimized scaffolding
Vue.Js is widely used by companies like Samsung, Qualcomm, Fidelity etc. 
Qt
Qt is powered with a comprehensive set of highly intuitive and modularized C++ library classes and APIs that simplifies app development. Highly readable, easily maintainable and reusable code with high runtime performance makes it one of the best cross-platform frameworks of all time.
Some of the businesses using Qt are Lufthansa Technik, Clarius, Fresenius, etc. 
Top reasons to choose Qt for cross platform app development. 
Best-in-class design tolls
Own cross platform IDE
Rich set of fundamental enablers
Framework add-ons
C, C++, Python, Javascript, etc.
Many companies trust Qt for its ability to deliver great user experiences. 
Codename One
Codename One is used for building complex real world apps with full backend and front end implementations with ease and cost effectiveness. 
Some businesses using Codename One for building applications are Vision24, BoI Global Group, Math Underground.
Top reasons to choose Codename One for cross platform app development. 
No special hardware and 100% reusable code
Drag and drop GUI builder
Great control over pixel and draw anywhere
Full access to native OS language
Open source and free
1800 app installs, 40k developers and 1M cloud builds make this platform a good framework for cross platform app development. 
Monaca
Monaca is the top-rated open hybrid app development platform that can be immediately plugged into any existing workflow and development environment. Cloud IDE, CLI to debugger and remote online build are other factors that make this platform a best fit for enterprises. 
Some of the businesses using Monaca are Bekfood, WhatsMode, Starnick etc.
Top reason to choose Monaca for cross platform application development.
Flexible development environment
Onsen UI for building beautiful and high performing applications
Remote build and continuous integrations
Powerful debugging and testing
Cordova power plugins
Backend services for Cordova 
With easy to use tools, services and UI framework, Monaca is widely used by companies for building and marketing apps faster. 
Conclusion
These are not the only cross platform application development frameworks that will rule the rooster in 2021. I have compiled only the best ones that have already impacted the business performances of many enterprises. Choose the best one that fits your business needs and start delighting your customers.