Top Mobile App Development Frameworks in 2021
In the technology-driven world, we all are surrounded by mobile devices and mobile applications. Our morning starts with a mobile alarm app and contacts our friends and colleagues using mobile apps like Facebook, Zoom, WhatsApp, and more. We travel to other places using mobile apps like Uber & Lyft. Moreover, we order food from Zomato & Uber or explore new places using apps like Google Maps & Apple Maps. In nutshell, we have become dependent on mobile apps for every activity we do in our daily routine.
However, we can conclude that there are apps for everything. And they make our lifestyle much easier and convenient. Also, there are apps for businesses that help them to boost sales and connect with customers most easily.
But have you ever wondered how these mobile apps are developed?
What types of tools and mobile app frameworks are being used to develop apps?
Well, as far as we get our apps on mobile, we never bother to ask such questions.
But the question remains as to how we can develop an app. Of course, a reliable and the best mobile app development company looks after these things very well.
When we talk about mobile app development frameworks, you will find thousands of them which are striving to give you the best user experience at your fingertips. The mobile app development market is growing at a rate of CARG 14% and is expected to reach $100 Billion by 2022.
Table of Contents:
- Types of Mobile App Frameworks
- Top 10 Mobile App Development Frameworks
- React Native
- Flutter
- Xamarin
- Ionic
- Sencha Ext JS
- Adobe PhoneGap
- jQuery Mobile
- Swiftic
- NativeScript
- Corona SDK
- Things to Consider While Choosing The Best Framework
- Conclusion
Types of Mobile App Frameworks
There are many mobile platforms available, such as Android, iOS, and Windows. There are different forms of apps as well.
Well, here, let us not talk about the app categories such as shopping apps or gaming apps. But in terms of how the apps function in a device.
So in that way, mobile apps can be categorized into three categories.
1. Native Apps
Native apps are developed for specific platforms like iOS, Android, and Windows. These apps use device features like camera, RAM, GPS, etc.
2. Web Apps
Web apps function via browser interfaces.
3. Hybrid Apps
Hybrid apps are the combination of both native and web apps.
These apps are generally created using the following frameworks:
- Native app framework
- Hybrid app framework
Native apps offer the best quality to users in terms of their aesthetic and functional aspects.
But native app development services cost you higher. And the diversity of devices and platforms can be challenging in ensuring maximum user penetration.
So, if you are walking with a limited budget and the maximum number of users, then as a mobile app development company, you can go with hybrid app development services or cross-platform app development services.
So, keeping all of these in mind, let’s see the 10 best 20 mobile app development frameworks for 2021.
Top 10 Mobile App Development Frameworks
1) React Native
React Native is one of the popular frameworks which is used to develop both Android and iOS apps. Using this framework, developers can build high-performance apps in less time with faster deployment times. However, it’s a budget-friendly option.
React Native has turned out to be the best solution in JavaScript-based mobile app frameworks. Developed by Facebook, it’s an open-source, cross platform app development framework.
One more advantage you can get by using this framework is that it lets you develop truly native apps but doesn’t compromise on user experience - UX. It comes up with many components like Views, Text, Images all mapped to a platform’s native UI building block.
Some famous apps built with React Native:
- Soundcloud
- Airbnb
- UberEats
Features of React Native:
- Low-code
- Compatible third-party plugins
- Declarative API for predictive UI
- Supports iOS and Android
2) Flutter
Flutter is a UI toolkit backed by Google, helps in developing native apps for the web, mobile, and desktop using a single codebase. It offers a wide range of customizable widgets to build native interfaces in a short time.
Flutter offers a native experience to both the developer and end-user with many features such as navigation, icons, plus fonts and scrolling. Its intuitive widgets, material designs, and amazing animations allow developers to develop expressive UI for applications.
Unlike many other mobile app frameworks, developers have to write codes in Dart language. So, they can reuse these codes for the upcoming tasks as well.
However, the backing of Google itself gives Flutter an extra edge of credibility.
Some famous apps built with React Native:
- Alibaba
- Google Ads
- Reflectly
- Cryptograph
Features of Flutter:
- Faster Development
- Cross-platform
- Attractive and Interactive visuals
- Native like performance
- Built-in material design
- High-performance app
- Rich motion APIs
3) Xamarin
Xamarin makes its way into the top mobile app development frameworks in 2021. It’s an open-source platform that is used to develop hybrid mobile apps using .NET and C#.
Since Xamarin leverages C#, it requires less coding. So, a developer can code for the app in a faster way. Xamarin comes up with .NET development platforms with many tools and libraries for developing Android, iOS, tvOS, watchOS, macOS, and Windows apps.
Being a cross platform and open-source platform, Xamarin offers a development ecosystem with a backend, API, components, etc. Since it offers an excellent native user interface, developers can develop natively while offering an amazing user experience. The apps developed on Xamarin provide seamless native performance in terms of both quality and performance.
Some famous apps built with React Native:
- Azure mobile app
- UPS mobile app
- Alaska Airlines
- Microsoft News app
- Outback Steakhouse
Features of Xamarin:
- Rapid Development
- Native look and feel
- Compatible with various
- Versatile backend infrastructure
- Diagnostic tools
- Application loader
- Google emulator manager
4) Ionic
Ionic is an open-source and cross platform mobile UI toolkit which is used to develop native apps such as Android, iOS, and web applications.
However, Ionic has become a favorite framework among app developers in a short period of time. It’s a free app development platform that uses a combination of CSS3, HTML, and JavaScript technologies.
Ionic is an ideal choice to develop hybrid apps and Progressive Web Applications by using HTML5. It offers uniform designs, performance boosts, and support for all devices, and so on.
Ionic-enabled apps can be distributed across multiple app stores and installed on any device using Cordova or Capacitor. Besides, Ionic Studio is the lightweight version of Ionic and it’s quite powerful.
Some famous apps built with React Native:
- GE Transportation
- Amtrak
- MarketWatch
- Sworkit
- Instant Pot
Features of Ionic:
- Cross-platform app development
- Uniform UI
- Optimized Performance
- User adaptability
- Powerful & stable development platform
- Complete control over app development
5) Sencha Ext JS
Sencha Ext JS is a JavaScript framework that’s used to develop both mobile and web applications. It’s an open-source and cross platform framework.
A mobile app development company can use this framework to develop enterprise applications.
With the latest version of Sencha Ext JS, it combines the power of Ext JS and Sencha Touch. Hence, developers can quickly and easily develop Hybrid apps. Moreover, they can develop apps for different platforms using a single codebase.
Sencha Ext JS has more than 115 pre-integrated and high-performing UI components. Some of the components it offers are: HTML5, calendar, pivot grids, trees, D3 adapter, lists, menus, toolbars, windows, panels, etc. And Sencha has hundreds of user extensions.
Features of Sencha EXT JS:
- Build to work with a large amount of data
- Hundreds of user extensions
- Excellent visual component support
- Manage millions of data
- Powerful analytics
- Flexible layout system
- Visual data representation
6) Adobe PhoneGap
Adobe and Apache together sponsor Adobe PhoneGap which is a cross platform app development framework. It uses HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript for cross platform development services.
When a cross-platform app development company develops the app locally, we can instantly see how the app looks and works through the PhoneGap developer app without having to reinstall the app to test the code. However, it also allows you to link the apps to mobile devices.
This way, we can also access device APIs that may not be available in web browsers. Using many Cordova plugins, developers can use the device’s camera, GPS, sound, and accelerometer, etc to provide a native-like app experience.
Some famous apps built with PhoneGap:
- Wikipedia
- Health Tap
- TripCase
- Paylution
- Buildr
Features of PhoneGap:
- Single codebase
- Faster development process
- Third-party tools for app management
- Open source
- Flexibility
- Compatible on all the platforms
7) JQuery Mobile
JQuery Mobile is a touch-based mobile app development framework based on HTML5. It allows developers to code less and build more in less time. It’s known for its user-friendly and interactive interface.
JQuery comes up with a ready-to-use JavaScript library with many plugins like Image Slider, Content Slider, and Pop-Up Boxes, and many more. Using JQuery, developers can create responsive websites or apps for mobile devices, tablets, and desktops.
Moreover, developers can also use PhoneGap with JQuery to develop the apps.
The framework is touch-optimized and runs on a single codebase, and enables developers to create highly customizable apps or websites.
It has a powerful theming framework and supports various plugins like image-slider, pop-up, boxes, content slider, etc.
Some famous apps built with JQuery Framework:
- OpenTable
- Ikea Sweden
- Dodge
- Disney World
- Slideshare
- Stanford
Features of JQuery:
- Compatible with PhoneGap framework
- Lightweight size
- Simple and extensive API support
- Built on JQuery core
- Configured with HTML5
- Automatic initialization
8) Swiftic
Swiftic has taken its spot in the top mobile app development frameworks for the iOS platform. However, Swiftic requires no or minimal code to develop an app as it’s a DIY app maker. So, an iPhone app development company doesn’t need to dive into coding while using this framework.
Since it offers many read-made components and features, developers can make the best use out of it. Its user-friendly interface is a plus point, along with smooth navigation. Moreover, a developer can develop this in less time.
Swiftic offers various tools like Advance Analytics, social and media feed, expert help, and app promotions for one-stop solutions for developers.
Some famous apps built with Swiftic Framework:
- Mount Royal Bagel
- Clubhouse
- Spa Café
- Lakeside Fitness Center
Features of Swiftic:
- 30-day money-back guarantee plans
- Easy communication and navigation
- Excellent third party integration
- Interesting push notification
- In-app coupons
- App Publication Assistance
9) NativeScript
NativeScripts is an open-source, cross platform framework to develop native mobile applications for Android and iOS platforms using Angular, TypeScript, JavaScript, CSS, and Vue.js. It’s backed by a Bulgarian software development company named Telerik.
Using the NativeScript framework, developers can reduce the code and time of the app loads on the system. Many software development company use the NativeScript framework for their strong web empowerment platform.
It comes up with “Write Once - Use it Everywhere”. Therefore, it has improved and significantly changed in the last few years.
Some famous apps built with NativeScript:
- Beachy
- Radrat
- GreekyAnts
- Workbox
- Navadra
Features of NativeScript:
- Native User Interface
- Direct access to iOS and Android APIs
- Strong Backend Support
- Reusability of codes
- Easily adaptable
- Plugins and templates
10) Corona SDK
Corona is a cross platform and open-source development framework. It’s a suitable platform for developing mobile games and desktop applications. Though, using Corona, developers can create 2D games with bleeding fast OpenGL graphics which gives better performance.
Using Corona SDK, a mobile app development company can develop both mobile and desktop applications. Also, it allows developers to create one application and publish it to multiple platforms or devices such as Apple’s iPhone, Android phones, iPad, tablets, Amazon Fire, macOS, Windows Desktop, and even connected to TVs such as Apple TV, Android TV, and Fire TV.
Some famous apps built with Corona SDK:
- Designer City
- Gunman Taco Truck
- Beasts Battle 2
- Zip Zap
Features of Corona SDK:
- Top-notch Visuals
- Wide variety of plugins
- Realtime testing
- Optimal performance
- Strong API support to integrate with any native library
- Multiple plugins for all needs
Things to Consider While Choosing The Best Framework
Platform Compatibility
Before you hire mobile app developer, you have to be clear about which platform your app is going to work on. If you are looking to develop an app that works on both Android and iOS platforms, then you must go for a platform-compatible framework.
Speed Optimization
Developers should consider the speed optimization factor from the perspective of both the users and developers. Developers have to select a framework that will speed up their development process and take less time in coding.
Also, from a user’s perspective, you need the app to function smoothly.
Development Cost
When a developer follows the mobile app development process and develops a high-quality product, he/she has to consider the development cost.
Therefore, while choosing the framework, you need to select a preferred one that meets all the user’s expectations and falls into the budget criteria.
Adaptability
We have to select that framework that has an adaptability nature. So, whenever developers do any new changes in the coding, they must be reflected in the application.
Conclusion
In this blog, we have given you the 10 best mobile app development frameworks of 2021. By now, you could be aware of the features of each one, know their details, and have an idea of apps developed using them.
However, if you have not got the right framework yet, we suggest you choose a reliable mobile app development company that can guide you through the mobile development process. So, put the pedal to increase the reach of your business by targeting mobile app users.
