Did you know that smartphone users spend an average of 90% of their mobile time on apps? Mobile applications have seamlessly integrated into our daily lives, becoming indispensable tools for communication, entertainment, productivity, and more. Their impact is evident in virtually every aspect of modern living.

Believe it or not, the IT industry launches over 2,500 apps daily across major platforms. With more than 4 million apps available on Google Play and the Apple App Store combined, the app ecosystem continues to grow rapidly.

However, have you ever thought about how developers create those apps? What is the magical technology that makes our app-dependent life much easier?

Behind the scenes, there are several mobile app development frameworks. Each of them is striving to provide us with the best user experience.

So, let’s understand the best mobile app frameworks that make app development quick and easy.

A simple definition of mobile app development frameworks

Mobile app development frameworks are tools or software libraries that provide developers with the basic structure, components, and functionalities needed to build mobile applications for platforms like iOS and Android efficiently.

In today’s business world, mobile apps are considered a key strategy for enhancing user experience. Sharp business leaders continuously generate fresh app ideas, benefiting companies that champion mobile app development frameworks.

The best part is, you don’t need complex programming languages to build an app. You just need a solid understanding of web-based languages like JavaScript, CSS, and HTML, coupled with choosing the right mobile app framework.

These frameworks serve as app development platforms, including components such as debuggers, toolsets, coding interfaces, compilers, and more.

Initially, app developers create the source code for an application. Then, the framework utilizes necessary components to render the application for the desired mobile platforms.”

Classification of mobile app frameworks

classification of mobile app frameworks

We can categorize the frameworks based on their classes and special characteristics like these:

1. High-level Coding Language Approach

These approaches are also known as “no frameworks. You can use it as a degenerate case. A high-level programming approach will offer you the highest flexibility, a wide range of applicability, and the best manageability.

2. High-Level Full-Stack Frameworks

This category of frameworks comes in handy when you want to create a full-scale enterprise mobile app in minimum time. It emerges with the next abstraction stage. This class gets the developers all set with the complete infrastructure to craft the app faster.

3. Low/No Code frameworks

This level is your go-to when you want to develop small bits of logic. You just need to ensure that the UI components, integration, performance, and deployment options meet your requirements. Then it will work as the fastest way to create your mobile app.

4. Narrow-Focused Frameworks

This class helps in streamlining app development. It increases abstraction and offers a straightforward API.

One of the most vital tasks of this class is combining several types of frameworks such as Messaging, ORM, UI, etc. It also offers you a blend of great flexibility and excellent development speed.

5. Code Generators/Aggregators

The main purpose code generator is pacing up the primary stage of mobile app development. Besides, this class assists the developers in configuring their apps based on narrow-focused mobile app development frameworks.

JHipster is a code generator. It helps to generate a spring-based mobile app with an Angular-based UI.

Types of App Frameworks

You will find three mobile platforms available out there. These are Windows, Android, and popular ios frameworks

There are many forms of mobile apps as well. Let’s have a look at them.

I. Native Apps: Programmers create native apps for specific platforms such as Windows, iOS, and Android. A native app utilizes device characteristics such as camera, GPS, RAM, etc.

II. Web Apps: Apps, that function via browser interfaces, are Web Apps.

III. Hybrid Apps: There is a combination of both web apps and normative apps. We call it a Hybrid App. You can use the two following frameworks to develop a hybrid app:

  • Hybrid app framework
  • Native app framework

Best 10 Mobile App Development Frameworks to Consider in 2025

Finally, it’s time to get a complete overview of the top app frameworks to make your app development more efficient and convenient.

1. Flutter

flutter mobile app development framework logo
Flutter

Are you into creating an aesthetically pleasing app? Then Flutter, produced by Google, can be a fantastic choice for you.

This UI toolkit generates native apps for mobile, desktop, and web platforms. It works on the codebase to create iOS and Android apps.

Flutter offers developers a broad range of wholly customized widgets. That’s how you can develop a native app in the fastest way.

It builds visuals by using Skia, the 2D rendering engine. Moreover, the layered architecture of Flutter ensures the practical functionality of components.

Key features of Flutter

  • Cross-platform
  • Fast application development
  • Offers full native performance
  • Attractive and interactive visuals
  • Flexible user interface (UI)
  • Offers strong widget support
  • Offers built-in material design

Projects based on Flutter

  • Hamilton
  • Pairing
  • Cryptograph
  • KlasterMe
  • Xianyu by Alibaba

Licensing and Cost for Flutter

Flutter is an open-source framework available for free under a permissive BSD license. This makes it an excellent choice for developers and businesses looking for cost-effective tools without licensing fees.

2. React Native

react native -mobile app development framework logo
React Native

React Native is produced from the house of Facebook. It is the most popular one among the javascript-based mobile app development frameworks. Even after being a newbie, it has received enormous love from the developers.

You can use this open-source, cross-platform framework to build both iOS and Android frameworks. The smooth development and deployment process of React Native has made it worldwide popular.

Key features of React Native

  • Cost-effective
  • Low-code
  • Code reusability
  • Easy to maintain
  • Best deployment features
  • Reusable components to ensure optimal performance
  • Supports both Android and iOS
  • Declarative API for predictive UI
  • Compatible third-party plugins

Top projects developed using React Native

  • Airbnb
  • Tesla
  • Skype
  • Amazon prime video
  • Instagram

Licensing and Cost for React Native

React Native is also open-source and free to use, distributed under the MIT license. It’s ideal for startups and enterprises seeking a robust framework without additional licensing costs.

3. Native Scripts

native scripts - mobile app development framework logo
Native Scripts

It is also a handy open-source app framework. It helps in building apps empowered with Angular, CSS, Typescript, JavaScript, and Vue.js.

The native script is your go-to solution when you want to reduce the time and code of the app. It has garnered great appreciation from several top companies across the sword because of its powerful web empowerment platform.

Key features of Native Scripts

  • Cross-platform application
  • Cross-platform
  • Mission-critical business support
  • Excellent backend support
  • Templates and plugins
  • Easy adaptable
  • Complete direct access to iOS and Android APIs

Top projects by using Native Scripts

  • Daily Nanny
  • Dwitch
  • Strudel
  • Regelneef
  • BitPoints Wallet

Licensing and Cost for Native Scripts

NativeScript is free and open-source, available under the Apache 2.0 license. It provides excellent value for developers looking to create cross-platform apps without incurring licensing fees.

4. Swiftic

swiftic - mobile app development framework logo
Swiftic

Swiftic is one of the most user-friendly mobile app development frameworks. You can utilize this framework on the iOS platform. It has an easily navigable interface.

Swiftic provides you with a monthly money-back guarantee offer. If you are not satisfied with using it, you will get a 6-month service for free.

Key features of Swiftic

  • Loyalty card
  • 3rd party integration
  • Attractive push notification
  • In-app coupons
  • Advanced analytics
  • Scratch card to win a prize
  • Develop mobile store
  • Easy communication
  • App publication support
  • Menu and ordering
  • Customer engagement
  • App promotion
  • Social and media feeds

Projects based on Swiftic

  • The Clubhouse
  • Spa cafe
  • Remix Coffee Co
  • Mt. Royal Bagel Co
  • The Gentlemen’s Barber

Licensing and Cost for Swiftic

Swiftic is not free; it operates on a subscription model with tiered pricing, making it suitable for small businesses and developers who need a simple framework with support and additional features.

5. Xamarin

xamarin - mobile app development framework logo
Xamarin

It is a .net-based app framework. Xamarin is from Microsoft house. This open-source framework provides a development ecosystem with components, backend, API, etc.

Xamarin is supported by several programming languages, tools, and libraries. You can build native apps with the support of an active community for Android and iOS by using Xamarine.

Key features of Xamarine

  • Versatile backend infrastructure
  • Google emulator manager
  • Android SDK manager
  • Diagnostic tools
  • Application loader
  • Storyboard files
  • An active community of approx 60000 contributors

Top projects

  • Evolve
  • Story
  • APX
  • FreshDirect
  • MRW Courier

Licensing and Cost for Xamarine

Xamarin is open-source and free for individual developers and small teams through the Visual Studio Community edition. However, enterprise teams may incur costs for using Visual Studio with advanced features.

6. JQuery Mobile

JQuery mobile - mobile app development framework logo
JQuery Mobile

JQuery is a user interface system. This touch-optimized framework helps in building highly responsive applications for smartphones, desktops, and tablets.

These mobile app development frameworks are mainly based on HTML5. It holds Themeoller.ThemeRoller is famous for providing highly customizable themes.

Furthermore, JQuery Mobile helps you to develop highly branded websites. This app framework comprises extensive OS support covering Windows, Mac OS, Blackberry, Kindle, and Firefox.

Key features of jQuery Mobile

  • Lightweight size
  • High compatibility with other frameworks
  • Built on Jquery Core
  • Configured with HTML5
  • Straightforward and extensive API assistance

Top projects based on it

  • Dojo
  • Globalize
  • HospitalRun
  • Esprima
  • Appium

Licensing and Cost for JQuery Mobile

jQuery Mobile is free and open-source under the MIT license. Its lightweight framework and lack of licensing fees make it an affordable choice for responsive web and mobile app development.

7. Ionic

Ionic - mobile app development framework logo
Ionic

Ionic is one of the most recognized mobile app frameworks across the world. It is an entirely free app development framework and developers one of the most favorite choices.

Ionic creates all the web, hybrid, and native apps using JavaScript, CSS, and HTML technologies. It can be your best choice to develop a progressive web app or a hybrid app that needs HTML technology.

On top of that, this framework ensures a uniform design, support for all devices, and enhanced performance. You can install the product apps of ionic on all devices with Cordova or Capacitor.

Key features of Ionic

  • Uniform UI
  • Complete control over app development
  • Optimized performance
  • Intuitive UI components
  • A strong community of 5 million programmers
  • Fast development
  • Robust and stable development platform
  • User adaptability

Top products by using Ionic

  • Sworkit
  • Diese
  • TD Trading
  • Honey
  • MarketWatch

Licensing and Cost for Ionic

Ionic is open-source and free for core usage under the MIT license. However, additional features, enterprise support, and advanced tools are available with a subscription through Ionic’s Pro plan.

8. Apache Cordova

Apache Cordova, earlier traded as Phone Gap is a famous developer-friendly application development structure.

This cross-platform application development structure provides a huge support in designing mobile applications with the help of JavaScript, HTML5, and CSS3.

The plugins of Cordova assist the programmers to access the advantages of the smartphone’s hardware, for example- accelerometer, Global Positioning System (GPS), and cameras.

The major advantages of Apache Cordova are an instant development strategy with a unique code and a managerial organizational tool.   

Advantages of Apache Cordova

  • A unique source of code
  • Centralizing the development process
  • Application Handling strategies from third parties

Licensing and Cost for Apache Cordova

Apache Cordova is free and open-source under the Apache 2.0 license. This makes it a budget-friendly option for developers who want to build hybrid apps without additional costs.

9. PhoneGap (Adobe Cordova)

PhoneGap, also known as Adobe Cordova, is an open-source mobile application development framework that allows developers to create cross-platform apps using standard web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. By wrapping web code into a native shell, PhoneGap enables the creation of apps that can run seamlessly on multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, and Windows, without needing platform-specific coding.

Once a popular choice for hybrid app development, PhoneGap is known for its simplicity, developer-friendly environment, and extensive support for plugins that grant access to native device features like cameras, GPS, and file storage. Though officially discontinued by Adobe in 2020, its open-source foundation, Cordova, continues to be actively maintained by the developer community.

This framework remains a valuable option for developers and businesses seeking a cost-effective solution for creating lightweight apps that work across platforms without requiring deep expertise in native coding.

Advantages of JQuery

  • Build a single app that runs on multiple platforms, saving time and effort.
  • Utilizes standard web development tools like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, making it accessible for web developers.
  • Available for free under the Apache 2.0 license, reducing costs for developers and businesses.
  • Provides an extensive range of plugins to enhance app functionality and access native APIs.
  • Seamlessly integrates with existing tools and libraries, making it flexible for various development needs.

Licensing and Cost for PhoneGap (Adobe Cordova)

PhoneGap is free to use and open-source. However, its limited support and discontinued updates may require developers to seek alternatives or invest in custom solutions.

10. Sencha Ext Js

It is a cross-platform mobile development framwork. Earlier called as Sencha, it was merged with Ext Js, and is referred to as Sencha Ext Js.

It was created as a plugin library attachment in Yahoo user interface by Jack Slocum. You may utilize this JavaScript structure to develop data-driven interfaces for the web and mobiles.

Ext Js comprises of more than 115 pre-integrated and good performing UI components. Certain constituents and components are panels, windows, calender, HTML 5 calendar,  pivot grid, toolbars, etc.

On the other hand, Sencha has various consumer extensions. Sencha also provide certai formats for designing the components.

Molding a format requires changing the Cascading Style Sheet (CSS), and the Script of the format. While utilizing a Sencha CMD, an interface built again shall be essential.

Ext Js is primarily classified into two kinds:

  • Modern Toolkit
  • Classic Toolkit

They not only differ in the mentioned formats, and there are certain Application Programming Interface (API) differences between them.

Advantages of Sencha Ext Js

  • A large amount of data may be handled
  • Strong data support reference
  • Modifiable layout structure
  • Graphical data depiction
  • High data-resource documents package (D3)

Licensing and Cost for Sencha Ext JS

Sencha Ext JS is a commercial framework with licensing costs based on usage, making it better suited for enterprises with larger budgets seeking robust data-driven app solutions.

Related:-

Things to consider while picking your mobile app framework

So, these are the top mobile application development frameworks that you can opt for creating a robust app. Now it’s time to pick a relevant framework and start building your mobile app.

Here are the criteria you must incorporate:

  1. Development speed: First thing first. Check the framework’s development speed.
  1. Applicability range: Check what part of the application can be developed using the mobile app development frameworks. Figure out how many frameworks do you need to create the app.
  1. Flexibility: Get a clear idea about the architecture, performance, and limitations of the app framework.

Winding up

We considered several factors such as development time, Os, etc., to create the list of the seven best mobile app development frameworks.

Mobile app development is constantly evolving from a single platform app to a cross-platform mobile app. The mobile app developers are experiencing a massive shift in the script, platforms, development method, code, and integration.

About Invedus

Invedus Outsourcing stands as a beacon of excellence in the realm of offshore mobile app development, offering a dedicated team of experts poised to bring your visions to life. Their adeptness in the latest frameworks and technologies combined with a commitment to quality and innovation makes them a prime choice for anyone seeking unparalleled proficiency in crafting cutting-edge mobile applications.

With Invedus Outsourcing, rest assured that your app development needs will not just be met, but exceeded, setting the stage for success in the competitive landscape of 2025.

skilled developer

About Samriddhi

Samriddhi is a storyteller and content marketing professional at Invedus. She writes engaging and data-driven content on outsourcing trends and technology strategies. She has skills in content writing, social media marketing, graphic design, and business analysis. She loves to visit scenic tea shops in the green hill stations.