Xamarin vs Flutter: What to Choose for Your Project in 2024?

The use of cross-platform applications is essential for modern businesses. In a fast-paced market, it’s crucial for company owners to ensure their products are accessible and convenient for as many users as possible. IT development offers various options to create unique applications that meet business and client needs.

The key question is: which technology minimizes risks and maximizes benefits? Which platform offers more opportunities, simplifies and speeds up development, and ultimately boosts income? Our article on Flutter and Xamarin will help you decide which of these popular frameworks is best for your project and why.

Xamarin vs Flutter Pros and Cons and Overview

Flutter and Xamarin are two strong competitors in the IT world. Xamarin, a pioneer in cross-platform systems, is experienced and robust, while the younger, progressive Flutter is rapidly gaining ground.

To determine which framework offers the most benefits, let’s take a detailed look at Google Flutter vs. Xamarin.

Flutter

Brief Overview

Launched by Google in 2017, Flutter combines a framework with a full-fledged software development kit. By 2018, its first stable version was met with high expectations from business owners. Now, with version 1.22, Flutter has over 100,000 apps developed on its platform, according to its official community website.

Flutter has earned a reputation for breaking stereotypes and expanding boundaries with slogans like “it’s all about the widget” and “code once, deploy twice.” Its performance rivals native applications, delivering high-quality images across Android, iOS, Windows, and Linux. While other frameworks offer code re-rendering, Flutter’s SDK does it much faster, making it a top choice for businesses. The single code base also simplifies finding an outsourcing team to implement your idea. Impressive, isn’t it?

Pros and Cons

Flutter Advantages

The advantages of Flutter are numerous, and we have conducted a detailed study to reveal all its features and limitations, providing potential clients with a comprehensive picture before diving into Flutter versus Xamarin for new projects. Here are the main aspects:

• Cross-platform development and easy code: Flutter offers a significant opportunity to reach a large target audience and create favorable conditions for users on different operating systems. Based on the Dart language, it poses no difficulties for programmers familiar with JavaScript and C languages. A single code base allows programmers to easily adapt and start developing a project without extensive learning.
• High performance: Dart is a simple yet high-performance programming language. It compiles into native code for Android and iOS, while its ergonomic widgets minimize data exchange between the app and the mobile platform. These factors make Flutter’s performance comparable to native applications, giving it an edge over Xamarin.
• Hot reload: Flutter’s hot reload feature automatically updates changes in the code to the hardware or simulator in real time, eliminating the need to restart the app and saving valuable development time. This quick reboot capability keeps productivity at maximum speeds and is a key advantage over Xamarin.
• All in widgets. This is not just a bright advantage, but a real pleasure for the eye to see an absolutely identical image of the app on different devices. The compatibility issue is resolved, even on older operating systems. All you have to do is enjoy the juicy images that are constantly being improved by the Flutter team.
• Powerful support by Google. Google Flutter vs Xamarin has grown and is developing with you. It appreciates and values a new product so much that it is simply impossible to worry about the quality of the documentation. 

How is Flutter better than Xamarin? Programmers around the world claim that this is one of the most reliable and powerful supports they have ever worked with.

Flutter Disadvantages

It is still quite young, its development is still in the process, and not touching the restrictions would not be quite right.

• Large app weight: Flutter, with its extensive functionality, tends to produce heavier applications. This can pose a challenge for developers trying to minimize app size and for users with limited phone memory. However, in today’s world, where increasing storage capacity is relatively easy, users often understand the need to sacrifice some space for enhanced functionality.
• Lack of a wide range of libraries and plugins: Due to its relatively recent emergence, Flutter does not yet have a vast array of libraries and plugins compared to more established frameworks like Xamarin. Some plugins are still in development. Nevertheless, Flutter allows developers to integrate external functionalities, mitigating this limitation to some extent.
• Native APIs: Flutter currently lacks a comprehensive set of native APIs. Developers often need additional packages that require proper integration into the Flutter ecosystem. However, Dart and Flutter are continuously evolving, and while there might be some delays in the codebase, the framework’s development is progressing steadily. 

Xamarin

Brief Overview

Xamarin, created in 2011 by the developers of Mono, was acquired by Microsoft in 2016 and integrated into the .NET platform, becoming part of the C#/.NET/Visual Studio group. As an open-source framework for building cross-platform applications, Xamarin set the stage for technologies like Flutter. In December 2021, Microsoft released Xamarin Forms 5, with plans to evolve Xamarin into MAUI. 

Although this transition has raised some concerns among developers, Microsoft is actively working on tools to ease the process for developers and business owners. With over 60 internal changes in recent updates, Xamarin remains a strong competitor to Flutter in terms of functionality.

Pros and Cons

Xamarin Advantages

To avoid repeating one fact several times, Xamarin vs Flutter both provide cross-platform application development and are both quite effective at it. Let’s go through the advantages that differ in Xamarin forms vs Flutter and understand why Xamarin vs Flutter performance is also productive.

• Powerful Technology with a Complete Ecosystem: Using familiar C# and .NET technologies allows for flexible applications without a steep learning curve.
• Strong Support from Microsoft: Microsoft and Google provide excellent documentation and support for their frameworks. Xamarin developers benefit from clear Microsoft documentation and the ability to use Xamarin Test Cloud, which is a significant advantage.
• Fast Development and Testing: Shared code usage and the native Test Cloud in Xamarin facilitate fast development and testing, running tests on over 2000 devices. This combination enhances the speed of writing and testing applications.
• Competitive Performance: With built-in API access, Xamarin optimizes performance through hardware acceleration and native compilation, competing closely with Flutter in terms of speed and efficiency.

Xamarin Disadvantages

Despite the fact that it is quite an experienced player, over the years of its activity, it has not yet overcome some important aspects that make it difficult to develop applications. It should be highlighted.

• Large Additional Weights of Apps: Xamarin apps often require an additional 5 megabytes for release builds and 20-25 megabytes for debug builds, making them heavier compared to Flutter.
• License Costs: While both platforms offer free access for small companies, commercial Xamarin development requires a license and the purchase of Microsoft Visual Studio IDE. This cost can be a deterrent compared to free alternatives like Flutter.
• User Experience Limitations: While the interface is similar to native apps, there are limitations such as restricted generics in iOS and limited support for dynamic languages in Android.
• “Lock-in” System: Code written for Xamarin is tied to the .NET stack, limiting its reuse in other development environments.
• API Updates’ Time: There can be delays in API updates, which may require restarts and cause lags, posing challenges for developers.

Flutter vs Xamarin: Let’s Start to Compare

Flutter vs Xamarin Stack Overflow

According to the 2023 Stack Overflow survey, Flutter is favored by 9.12% of developers, while Xamarin is popular among 3.32% of programmers.

What is the essential difference between Flutter and Xamarin in terms of all functional aspects? At this point, we are ready to tell you more details about the Xamarin vs Flutter features of each system so that it will be easier for you to decide whether to cooperate with one of them. Often on the Net, you can see the question: “Is Flutter better than Xamarin?” Well, you’ll see for yourself!

Programming Language

Flutter

It uses the Dart language to write code, which was previously not very popular among programmers. However, its similarity to JavaScript, flexibility, and excellent documentation from Google Flutter vs Xamarin performance made it the undisputed leader in the industry, even compared to Xamarin, which is based on one of the most widespread C# languages.

Xamarin Programming Language

If we compare Flutter vs Xamarin, the second uses C# as one of the most popular programming languages, which certainly has gained a huge number of advantages, such as a high level of nativity, while in its work, it does not need Swift or Java at all. Application markup uses XAML, which allows developers to reuse code with their own clean user interfaces. One significant thing is that the code is only valid in .NET, and this fact has an influence on Xamarin vs Flutter performance.

Architecture

Flutter

The architecture of Flutter is arranged quite simply and organically at the same time. Most of the necessary components are already built into the Dart framework, so communication with native modules is often not required. Frameworks such as Material Design and Cupertino have already been implemented, which contain technologies for creating applications.

This is not a huge hassle and is insanely pleasant for both companies and employees. It has an engine with Skia, powerful and reliable, with a large number of necessary protocols and channel.

Xamarin

Xamarin has a Mono environment for iOS and Android use. Mono is combined with different components to give a smooth response. For example, in Android, it runs along with Android Runtime, for iOS, it uses Objective-C runtime and Linux kernel. Support for Swift is also present in Xamarin, but it is worth noting that it still needs to be made official. Here the architectural struggle Flutter with Xamarin ends.

Installation

Flutter

What is cool about Flutter – its installation does not take much time and effort, because you just need to download a file for the operating system you need and you are ready to work. Download the file, update it and you can easily enjoy the process because all the documentation is already on the official website.

Xamarin

Then, the real Xamarin vs Flutter struggle for the convenience of installation begins. If you ask whether it is possible to download the boot file and start working out. First, find Visual Studio at least 2019, install Community, and Visual Studio Professional, and only then start the process. You can’t do without a strong link to the Visual Studio documentation!

API

Flutter

If you have started working with Flutter, you will undoubtedly have all the tools available to create a rich, diverse visualization. Its apps are so beautifully rendered through API access, navigation, state management, libraries, and testing. It is possible to access third-party libraries to get even more benefits, and Material Design and Cupertino will easily make it possible to tear off the user interface identically on both iOS and Android.

Xamarin

If you compare Flutter with Xamarin, then Microsoft has created very reliable Xamarin documentation that works properly. Officially, Xamarin is supported by iOS, Android, Forums, mac OS, watches, tv OS, etc., and there is also a huge database of components and modules that developers use.

UI Components

Flutter

You probably remember the famous phrase that caught the Internet – “All about widgets”, where the main advantages of Flutter are revealed. Xamarin vs Flutter for cross-platform development is possible, but Flutter uses its own built-in widgets for them. Thanks to this, unique beauty apps are created from a large library of customizable widgets. As we mentioned earlier, there is access to navigation, various interaction models, layouts, and so on with support for animation and movements.

Xamarin

Is it better to have your own built-in interface components or those that are easy to embed? Be that as it may, Xamarin Native vs Flutter boasts built-in systems, which you can learn in the documentation on the official website. At the same time, your own components can be just as bright, but they are already there.

IDEs Support

Flutter

Unlike Xamarin, Flutter is completely free from the development environment and many people are impressed by this adaptability. You are no longer tied to Android Studio, IntelliJ IDEA, or Visual Studio Code and can choose what you like or are personally comfortable with. Moreover, what is the difference between Flutter and Xamarin at this point? You can use all IDE options freely.

Xamarin

In this position, the difficulties begin for the developer if he is not associated with Microsoft. Unbreakable chains to the Visual Studio IDE bind Xamarin forms vs Flutter. What difficulties can arise here, and why is Flutter better than Xamarin in terms of freedom of choice? The concept of VS Code or similar IDE is difficult to implement in this perspective. And more importantly, for corporate users, you need to buy a Microsoft Visual Studio IDE license, which is already stopping many.

Performance

Flutter

It uses the Dart language, which compiles the source code into its own, creating an application that strongly resembles the native one. Another main advantage is the creation of a hot reboot, which is just a gift of fate for developers; they can make changes as much as necessary. In addition, here, the competitive spirit of the Flutter vs Xamarin performance newcomer simply knows no bounds.

Xamarin

It has Profiler, which has a serious arsenal of tools for data refinement and performance analysis. This platform uses its own components to design its own interface and run its own codes on the machine, which creates high performance. If we compare Xamarin vs Flutter performance, it will be clear that the younger audacious competitor has long stepped on the heels of an experienced one.

In terms of Flutter vs Xamarin performance, the first one can only envy the speed of the aircraft; such a funny characteristic can be read on many forums about Flutter.

Testing Capabilities

Flutter

It has huge testing resources in the widget, module, and integration areas. Google Flutter vs Xamarin has created excellent documentation that makes life much easier. Nevertheless, the company decided to go further and win the competitive process of Flutter vs Xamarin.

In addition, here you should pay attention to the support for testing widgets, which can occur at different levels. Such fantastic, you see?

Xamarin

Thanks to the well-coordinated documentation, you can run module tests in your own test environment and create separate testing for the platform, which will save you a lot of time. Xamarin native vs Flutter also has a user interface test function with special API support. And what’s also incredibly cool, if you don’t want to use Visual Studio, choose XCUITest, or Expresso, for example.

Community, Support, and Documentation

Flutter

Despite the fact that Flutter is quite young but very active in terms of support, community, and transparent documentation, Google Flutter vs Xamarin is constantly improving. So, maybe we know the winner – Flutter or Xamarin forms?

The community is growing rapidly, and there are new requests. Flutter’s active life began in 2018 after the large-scale premiere of Flutter Live. Google does everything to ensure that developers around the world do not have problems with clear and structured documentation available.

Xamarin

As you already know, Xamarin is the founder of cross-platform development, and after its purchase by Microsoft; the Xamarin developer community has become large and influential. The main difference between Flutter and Xamarin on this point is age. Microsoft support helps you discuss issues, discussions, and suggestions by creating the Xamarin Summit.

It is worth adding that there is also a Twitter handle for all the Xamarin related, which helps developers communicate and find information much easier. Therefore, in this Xamarin vs Flutter contest, the winner cannot be determined.

Xamarin vs Flutter Code Reuse

Flutter

It allows you to use a large amount, about 80-90%, but sometimes developers have to add their own code to support certain elements. In this fight, sometimes Xamarin vs Flutter come out on equal positions, and sometimes Xamarin wins. It all depends on the adaptability and qualification of the programmer.

Xamarin

Xamarin boasts a reusable 96 % codebase; it uses business logic, network layer, and data logic. These high numbers appear when using the Xamarin Forms, Components, and C# programming. Xamarin native vs Flutter shows a great result and you can’t argue.

Pricing

Flutter

The huge difference between Flutter and Xamarin is in price policy. We have come close to the most intriguing aspect from an economic point of view-pricing policy. Flutter here can be said mercilessly simply. It is completely free, and you only need to spend money on a talented developer. By the way, what is their salary, and how much does it cost to develop on Flutter or Xamarin forms? We’ve already figured it out!

Xamarin

Flutter with Xamarin course positions itself as an open free software development kit, but the pitfalls begin in the form of a license for commercial development, which you need to buy. Prices in particular for Visual Studio Enterprise start from $499 to $2,999, you should definitely take this into account when choosing Xamarin forms vs Flutter for the next projects.

Xamarin vs Flutter Comparison Table

	Flutter	Xamarin
Introduced	2017	2011
Owner	Google	Microsoft (now)
Installation	Easy start	More complicated
Programming Language	Dart	C#
Code Reuse	Up to 80-90%+ creation own code for some elements	Up to 96 %Business logicData accessNetwork communication Xamarin.Forms
Compilation	AOT & Dart VM (Virtual Machine)	iOS-AOT/Android- JIT&AOT
Platform Stable Support	Android, iOS	Android, iOS, UWP
Architecture	Skia	Mono
Performance	Very close to native	Almost native
3-rd party Library Compatibility	High	Moderate
Testing	High testing support+ special testing for widgets	Strong testing support
UI Components	Built-in Customize UI components	Native UI Components
App Size	Relatively big	Relatively big
Heavy Graphics and Animation	Moderate and rich	Poor
Community Support	Strong	Limited
Popularity	High	High, but reducing
Documentation	Very clear and accessible	Clear and accessible
Price	Free	Free, but for commercial rate – from $499 up to $2999
Used By	GoogleRealtor.comTencentThe New York TimesGrouponAlibabaGroupSquareDream 11BMWeBay	Fox SportsOloSiemensPinterestBBVAThe World BankAlaska AirlinesUPSAmerican Cancer SocietyJustGiving

Having carefully studied this comparative table, you can understand why the struggle of Flutter or Xamarin forms is so bright and long-lasting. The world’s leading large corporations are divided into two camps, each preferring the features of a particular system. Is Flutter better than Xamarin after the table? Which one wins the party – Flutter vs Xamarin performance?

But let’s rely on the obvious facts, in the Flutter vs Xamarin confrontation, the leader in performance, fast development, and bright widgets that are easy to test and which are just nice to be planted – Flutter. It wins the advantages, and as of 2022, it will only grow because Google is constantly developing its subsidiary software enterprise, creating its brand-free popularity.

Xamarin, of course, is not without a huge number of advantages, such as a high degree of similarity with Xamarin native vs Flutter applications, built-in UI components, and familiarity with many programmers with C#.

Before you understand which side you are on – Google Flutter vs Xamarin, ask clear questions for your future project:

• What goals and objectives do you need to implement in your project?
• What Xamarin vs Flutter tools do you need?
• Are you willing to pay more for a license?

Having received the answers to these simple questions, you can easily decide with whom you should continue more productive communication – Flutter or Xamarin forms are ready to go.

What You Should Choose: Flutter or Xamarin?

Obviously, Flutter and Xamarin are both strong players in the cross-platform application market. However, many business owners are still confused about Flutter vs Xamarin as their main strategy. We created this article to give you tips and opportunities to understand the situation and make the most correct decision for you, without pitfalls and currents.

We will once again go through the most important points for the implementation of the project so that we can say with confidence in which aspects Flutter is better than Xamarin and how the difference between Flutter and Xamarin influences the projects.

• Flutter is a more reliable tool for creating complex projects that require increased attention to development and testing, where Flutter has huge advantages.
• If you need a super-fast beautiful application with huge functionality, go to the Flutter vs Xamarin performance’s side boldly. Speed is its middle name.
• If you want to easily have an experienced talented employee, this is also not a problem, because Flutter is becoming mega-popular.
• You will find it easier to find a Flutter developer than a Xamarin one, despite the great popularity of the development language.
• You don’t want to pay for the licensed version, and you don’t have to – Flutter is freely available.
• You want to have powerful documentation and strong support – this may also apply Flutter or Xamarin forms, but Flutter is growing so rapidly that we are not sure what it will be at the time of publication of the article.

If you are ready to start with Flutter and wondering how to create Dapp with Flutter, it’s vital to know the cost of development for great results.

Conclusion

Cross-platform apps are already the reality that everyone has been waiting for. The business offers us huge prospects, not to plunge into, which would be a huge mistake. Corporate giants Flutter and Xamarin are trying to provide the best that they have in their arsenal to implement the most daring business solutions.

After reading our article, you are now aware of the difference between Flutter and Xamarin and can confidently choose your leader. But if you are still not sure about your choice – ProCoders is always there for you to help! Contact us now, and we’ll find out, which solution is the best for your business.