Hybrid mobile app development has dramatically improved in the last several years. In the past, developing a smartphone app was a daunting task that required considerable expertise in Java. The development in the OS app development and technology that goes with it has made it easier to design apps.

The most crucial innovation in this area was the creation of frameworks to build apps. Frameworks that allow for the development of apps can create hybrid apps by using multiple programming languages. Hybrid applications are web-based apps with the design and structure of a native app, but with the added benefit of being surrounded, unlike native app development frameworks, which use languages such as JavaScript, HTML5, CSS, etc. to create an application.

Hybrid mobile app development framework helps you create your first mobile app. They let you build applications that run across multiple platforms without having to learn an indigenous programming language. Therefore, you can focus on providing an excellent user experience and ensuring accessibility in your application.

In this blog, we’ll review the best 13 frameworks to help you develop amazing mobile hybrid applications. However, we must answer two questions before we proceed.

What are Hybrid Apps?

A hybrid app is predominantly web-based and comes with a lightweight native app container that lets it take advantage of the native capabilities of both the hardware and platform. It is a combination of native applications and web applications that allows users to use applications on specific devices, such as Android, iOS, and browsers. Similar to web apps, hybrid applications are built using front-end development methods and a range of languages like HTML5, CSS, and JavaScript, all of which offer the ability to cross-platform.

Hybrid applications are growing and have proven to be an affordable and speedy solution for mobile application development. Hybrid apps provide users with the identical experience of native apps since high-powered frameworks help to make the problems associated with hybrid apps easier to manage. Instagram, Gmail, Twitter, and Uber are a few examples of hybrid apps.

The main benefits of using an app created in a hybrid way are:

  • Cross-platform computability
  • Faster development time
  • Scalability
  • Reduce app development cost

What is Hybrid App Development?

Hybrid app development is the process of creating mobile applications that utilize the same codebase for different operating systems (such as iOS and Android). It’s an efficient and economical solution for companies that offer Android application development as well as iOS app development. Hybrid app development combines elements of web and native application development, combining the best aspects of both.

Hybrid apps are developed using a single source code base, typically created using web-based technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. The codebase can be used on various platforms, dramatically cutting development costs and maintenance time.

With a single codebase and the ability to reuse code across various operating systems and platforms, hybrid applications can be created faster than native apps. This will speed the time to market and allow quicker updates and the development of. Hybrid app development is particularly advantageous for companies that want to connect with users of both iOS and Android. Hybrid applications combine the best features of native and web technology to provide a complete solution that can benefit a variety of projects.

What are Hybrid App Frameworks?

Hybrid applications are a mobile-based software framework used to create apps that allow developers to utilize web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

They provide tools, libraries, and pre-built components that assist developers in developing. Developers can also develop mobile applications that operate on different platforms using the same codebase, such as iOS, Android, and sometimes desktops.

Hybrid frameworks typically create user interfaces using web-based views within a native container. They also allow access to hardware components like accelerometers and GPS cameras. Frameworks that are well-known for hybrid apps include PhoneGap/Cordova, Xamarin, React Native, and Ionic.

Native Vs. Hybrid App Framework: The Differences

When discussing the frameworks used in hybrid mobile app development, the main issue is the native app vs. the hybrid app. People who have a clear understanding are aware of which one to select. If you’re not sure regarding this matter, let us know some differences between them.

Native apps are created exclusively for the native platform, regardless of iOS or Android. The Native Android app is written using Java or Kotlin, and a native iOS application will be created using Objective-C.

Android applications can be developed with Android Studio, while iOS app development can be created by using Xcode. Native applications are the most efficient but also expensive. The program that is designed for one platform can’t be utilized on another. For instance, a program developed with Kotlin does not work with iOS platforms and vice versa.

Before the main discussion, think about “What is a hybrid app development framework?” At the start, Hybrid App Development can be described as a blend of native and web creation, which is why it’s the word “hybrid”. Since hybrid apps are developed for various platforms, it’s imperative to choose the most reliable framework that works across platforms.

They are made with web-based technology, which includes HTML, JavaScript, and CSS. They are less complicated and more efficient to develop than native apps, but they’re not as quick. One benefit of hybrid frameworks for development is that they cost less and offer a code base upon which you can create every application on a variety of platforms.

Benefits of Using Hybrid Mobile App Development

A hybrid mobile application could be the ideal option for your project’s development, particularly in instances where speed and affordability are essential. The primary benefit of using a multi-platform is that it can be released into the market much faster than creating two native apps. That means less expense in development hours.

Additionally, hybrid apps have been embraced by the major tech companies that run the market. For example, Google created Flutter to be the primary cross-platform language. Facebook is now changing its title to Meta-created React Native. After a while, other apps started to adopt these languages, too.

If these major players concentrate on using these languages in hybrid applications, then the native languages of native apps will be less used. Certain major actors are driving the tech industry, and if they launch an official language for code, then the majority of the industry will follow suit. The newest trend is to focus on hybrid programming languages for applications.

Less Development Time

As previously mentioned, creating just one app instead of two decreases the time to develop by a quarter. If you’ve got a product that is ready to publish on the App Store, cross-platform frameworks are the quickest method to bring your product to market. The app is compatible with both Google Play and the App Store. The hybrid model allows the application to be put at the fingertips of all faster than if it were created and released separately.

Lower Cost

The quicker development process means fewer hours of chargeable time. In the long term, hybrid apps take less time to create (and they do) and are less expensive than building native apps.

Wider Audience

Because of budgetary reasons, Apps are typically released in one format for an extended period before being released on a different format. Naturally, this may make an app less accessible. It’s not available to download until it becomes accessible through their phone’s operating system. If a hybrid app can be launched, it will be available to download for both Android and iOS devices and will be available to anyone interested.

Easier Bug Fixes and Maintenance

Hybrid applications allow you to release a single update to solve the issue across all platforms. This is much better than resolving the issue the first time, for example, iOS first, and then a second update for Android.

Scalability

Hybrid apps can scale faster because it is easier to add new features. Waze has a built-in app that lets drivers use the app’s dashboard. It was made available in Android Auto in August 2018. It was also accessible via Apple CarPlay, but wasn’t available to iOS users until one month later. Naturally, the delay and different features caused some friction between users. When using hybrid apps, delays such as these are removed.

Examples of Hybrid Apps

Although the first hybrid applications were slow, improvements in web technologies and frameworks have narrowed the gap between hybrid and native performance. Examples of highly efficient hybrid apps are:

Gmail

The most popular email application is a hybrid app. Its front-end makes use of JavaScript, AJAX, jQuery, and Vue.js.

Twitter

Twitter is a front-end platform consisting of Node.js, Express, and React Native. In greater detail, it’s technically a”progressive web application (PWA) which is a kind of mobile website that gives an enhanced UI performance by speeding up loads of UI layers to ensure that the primary content of your website is available to users who have poor connectivity.

Instagram

The timeline of Instagram is technically web-based and places it in the hybrid app category. Instagram is an online social network that focuses on images. It is built with React Native.

Uber

Uber uses Base, an online-based React UI framework, to operate the front-end of its mobile apps, mostly designed around m.uber.com. These apps show an online-based experience on phones.

Untappd

The Untappd rating is a huge hit for Ruby on Rails and other Web technologies. It also utilizes React Native for cross-platform compatibility.

How to Choose the Right Hybrid Mobile App Development Framework?

The most effective choice of a multi-platform framework for creating applications requires that you ensure it is in line with your needs, as well as the capabilities of your team and your expectations for future maintenance. This is a systematic method to help you make an informed decision:

Development Time and Cost

Specific hybrid frameworks designed for developing apps allow faster development thanks to hot reloading capabilities, a range of pre-built components, and simplified learning curves. Consider the cost of development and the number of developers that are proficient in the framework, as well as the salaries required for those developers.

Scalability and Maintenance

Always update and maintain an application framework to ensure long-term viability and provide support for the latest platforms. A well-organized, well-documented source code base is necessary for quickly updating and maintaining the application.

Long-term Viability

A vibrant, active, and engaged community, along with strong corporate support, could prove the viability of a framework. Study trends in the adoption of a framework, as well as the comments from other companies or developers. One of the most reliable gauges of the framework’s efficiency and long-term viability is the rate of adoption.

Project Requirements and Goals

Choose if your app is a basic application that has vital functions or needs native features, high performance, and smooth animations because of its complexity. You should also determine the platforms (iOS, Android, Web) your application must support, and whether natively created experiences are required for each.

The app’s performance is vital. High-performance frameworks are ideal for games that require high-performance graphics or data-intensive applications.

Ecosystem and Community Support

Third-party libraries and plug-ins in a high-quality environment can significantly accelerate development by offering pre-built solutions. A vibrant community with high-quality, up-to-date documentation can help in solving problems faster and accelerate the user’s learning process.

Team Expertise and Preferences

The framework should be compatible with the skills and capabilities of the hybrid app development company in US that you select. A framework with familiarity will reduce the learning curve while speeding up the development process.

Try Before You Decide

Create a prototype or demonstration using the frameworks you’ve chosen. This will provide you with a concrete understanding of the ways each framework will fulfill your needs.

Top Frameworks for Hybrid Mobile App Development

Hybrid mobile app development frameworks make the lives of developers by allowing them to build mobile apps that work across multiple platforms, using a single codebase and with minimal effort. The application will work with Android and iOS. The code can be reused for web-based applications and advanced desktop apps.

In this blog, we’ll review the best frameworks for creating hybrid mobile apps that can help you create amazing, affordable hybrid mobile apps. Here’s a list of the most popular hybrid mobile frameworks for applications that are expected to be released in 2025. These frameworks will allow developers to create hybrid apps quickly:

Ionic

Ionic is one of the most widely used frameworks. It is a free and open-source framework that allows hybrid mobile app development, offering a variety of software options and customized hybrid mobile app development solutions. These include HTML5, CSS, JS, and SaaS to build the backend and front-end. Anyone who creates applications using Ionic can be confident that Ionic is the ideal choice for their product and service needs. It is a simple framework to understand the basics of. It also helps developers in the long term.

With Ionic, it is possible to create Progressive Web Apps (PWA). The extensive library of front-end design and incredible user interface capabilities allow you to develop the most effective PWAs. The framework has more than 120 native capabilities for devices, such as Bluetooth, Cordova, HealthKit, and many more. It includes high-end UI features and gestures. The Ionic programs comprise McDonald’s Turkiye, Justwatch, and Sworkit.

Pros

  • Singular Codebase: Just like the other codebases, Ionic has a single source codebase that simplifies development.
  • Variety in UI Components: Ionic has a great collection of top components, as UI style varies between platforms. The list of available components is quite impressive.
  • Outstanding Documentation: Ionic boasts an established community with exceptional documentation. In-depth explanations are given for every feature.
  • Solid Communities: Ionic is a team composed of positive, knowledgeable, and supportive people. Get help from the community whenever you run into a problem.

Cons

  • False when using Heavier Apps: Ionic’s performance is not comparable to that of similar hybrid applications. The more complex it is, the slower the speed.
  • Depends on plugins: Ionic’s apps contain numerous plugins, which could impact the performance of the app.
  • There is No Hot Reloading: Hot reloading allows users to alter their settings at any time and is a typical feature of any mobile development framework. It’s not the case with Ionic. Ionic does not support hot loading.

React Native

React Native is one of the most commonly used technologies for building hybrid applications. It is a part of Facebook that allows app developers to develop interactive mobile apps using JavaScript or React. It provides a native-like experience by combining native code and can be used on iOS as well as Android platforms.

React Native is a framework that utilizes the same UI parts and components as standard iOS and Android applications. It makes development simpler for app developers working with the same JavaScript codebase. All you need to do is connect these blocks of code using React and JavaScript. Partnering with a React Native development company can assist you in making the most efficient utilization of native components and modules to enhance the user experience and functionality. React Native also integrates with a variety of third-party libraries, improving its capabilities.

Pros

  • Utilization of JavaScript: JavaScript is a popular, effective, and simple to learn language, which is evident in the large developer community.
  • Comparable to a Native Application: Like Xamarin, React Native can use the capabilities of devices, which makes it almost identical to native applications.
  • Efficiency: React Native is less costly than its rivals.
  • Simple User Interface: The interface that comes with React Native is simplified and easy to understand.
  • Third-Party Integration: React Native can work with plugins from third-party vendors that permit more customization of the applications created with it.

Cons

  • Lack of documentation and knowledge: As React Native is a new platform that has a lot of novice developers, there’s an enormous gap in standardization information, understanding, documentation, and expertise. Finding designers who are competent to design for React Native is usually tricky.
  • Limited Third-Party Solutions: While React Native comes with a wide range of third-party apps and plugins, these solutions are only compatible with the current version of React Native. It is possible that these options are not functional when the next version of Native is launched.
  • Instability and Compatibility Issues: Based on the data mentioned previously, apps built using React Native are prone to instability and may experience compatibility issues.

Flutter

According to Google, Flutter’s purpose is to deliver native-like performance and give users control over the components of your application through an easy UI toolkit.

Flutter includes plugin libraries as well as distinct user interfaces that enable the user to experience a native experience. Furthermore, its use isn’t limited to Android and iOS applications, which allows it to connect with more users.

The application builder built within Flutter lets users combine and mix features. Hot loader features allow you to make adjustments while testing your code, speeding development immediately.

Flutter is a challenge for beginners since it is based on Dart, which isn’t the most widely used programming language for developing apps. In addition, it comes with built-in widgets, which make apps very heavy. Additionally, the inability to use third-party libraries can result in additional code.

But Flutter is a popular alternative, offering top-quality UI elements. They include fonts, icons, and widgets that enhance the overall performance of the application and the user experience.

Pros

  • Extreme levels of cross-platform capability: Although Flutter is intended to depict Fuchsia, it has been designed to run on Android, iOS, Windows, and other platforms. Its cross-platform capabilities are unmatched.
  • Tested and tried: Google and Alibaba use Flutter to serve a handful of their users.
  • Speed: The speed of applications on Flutter is remarkable for the hybrid framework.
  • Smooth UI style: Applications created with Flutter are fun, and the modern design elements are easy to use.

Cons

  • Small Community: At present, only the leading “experts” in Flutter are Google or Alibaba employees. Flutter is a small community.
  • New Platform: Its real-world applications are being created. It will take some time to deconstruct the program and evaluate its capabilities. Flutter is the newest kid on the block, an expert. It will take some time to figure out if he’s worthy of any publicity.
  • Large Applications: Applications created with Flutter are 40% bigger than native apps.

Xamarin

Xamarin is a highly efficient framework that Microsoft bought to create applications that run across platforms. It was a project of the community before Microsoft’s acquisition in 2016. The framework was developed with C# and has a single-code approach to create native-like apps designed for iOS, Android, and Windows.

There are a variety of platforms supported, and Xamarin can utilize a huge number of codebases on different platforms, which allows developers to save time and energy. What makes Xamarin stand out is that it can integrate with various libraries like Java, C++, and Objective-C directly. React Native and Xamarin are formidable competitors for web developers who choose these to build a distinctive, affordable, and budget-friendly site.

Xamarin installation is easy. All you have to do is install it and then launch it. By using this platform, users can create an extensive ecosystem of Back-end library APIs, components for the API, and programming languages that are supported by a growing community.

Pros

  • Singular Technology: Xamarin uses C#, built upon the .NET framework that powers every mobile app. More than 90% of the code is reusable to run on a different platform.
  • Performance of Native Applications: Unlike other hybrid mobile app development tools. The performance of Xamarin’s apps is comparable to similar Java and Swift-C apps. Visual Studio efficiently creates applications that are tested, then analyzes their performance.
  • Hardware Integration: Software developed using Xamarin may connect to hardware through APIs and plugins, providing the highest level of functionality.
  • Complete Development Ecosystem: Unlike other platforms, Xamarin offers a comprehensive ecosystem for app development, encompassing all key aspects of the development process. It also provides outstanding technical support. Xamarin supports wearable and IoT applications as well as conventional applications.

Cons

  • Limited Access to Technology: Native development utilizes various open-source technologies; however, for Xamarin, you have to use the tools provided by the framework.
  • Prices: Xamarin is more expensive for business and professionals than other platforms for development.
  • Developers who aren’t experienced: Unlike its rivals, Xamarin offers the smallest pool of talent, which is why most professionals would prefer alternatives.

PhoneGap/Apache Cordova

PhoneGap, also referred to as Apache Cordova, is a platform for developers that enables the creation of hybrid mobile applications that incorporate HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. It includes an API to access all the capabilities natively available on mobile devices using web technologies. PhoneGap is a bridge between native and web-based applications, which allows developers to develop applications using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

Apache Cordova has a robust backend system that will speed up development and save both time and money. The open-source framework is packed with incredible features that can make mobile app development faster and more efficient. Anyone with a basic knowledge of HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript can develop hybrid apps with Apache Cordova.

Pros

  • Use of HTML5: The world is awash with HTML5, and it gives Cordova an additional brownie point. Cordova’s use of HTML5 will allow it to connect with a variety of developers seeking to test their abilities in the field of app development.
  • Designing is Easy: Designing an App is more complex than the application’s fundamental concepts. Cordova helps to design this aspect of the program.
  • Rapid development: Making apps using Cordova is quicker as it requires less time and can be accomplished rapidly.
  • Plugins: Cordova is home to a multitude of plugins, and the community continues to develop many more plugins, much to the joy of the developers.

Cons

  • Application performance is slow: Cordova applications are more sluggish than the other. This is obvious. The differences between different languages in logic and processing, along with the absence of a direct connection with the Native APIs, as well as functions, make Cordova slower than other apps.
  • More support is needed for enterprises: While small businesses love Cordova and have received praise from developers, larger enterprises often opt for other frameworks to build their apps.
  • Best suited for App Prototyping for enterprises: Cordova is better suited to creating prototype apps to test the potential of an app concept.
  • 84% of small-scale companies use Cordova: Adobe has carved out an industry distinct to itself, and it’s unlikely that it’ll ever try to move away from its niche.

Framework7

If you are looking to build web-based applications, hybrid mobile apps, or PWAs with native experiences, Framework 7 might be the best choice. Framework7 is a free mobile HTML framework that is fast and has powerful features, which makes it the ideal option for Windows, Mac, Web, Android, and iOS.

Framework7 has been designed with a focus on design. It has pre-designed templates and components that can be adapted to fit your requirements. It works with Vue.js, React, and Svelte. Its most notable feature is its excellent user interface, which includes pop-ups and sidebar layouts, among others.

Pros:

  • Applications made using it are high-speed.
  • A wonderful group of programmers.
  • Application licensing is cost-free.

Cons:

  • The usage of both CSS and JavaScript creates confusion in the development process
  • In the absence of a valid document
  • There is no integration offered for other frameworks.
  • It only works with the latest versions of iOS and Android.

NativeScript

NativeScript offers the second option on our list of top 20 hybrid mobile app development frameworks. Let’s talk about it. The open-source framework can be used to create native mobile apps using AngularJS, TypeScript, and JavaScript. To stay the same, you can create apps using TypeScript that later compile into JavaScript and can then be developed. It’s an excellent opportunity to write and deploy mobile apps that work across iOS and Android apps with a shared codebase.

Pros:

  • Accelerates the learning curve by utilizing the same techniques to create native mobile applications.
  • Native mobile apps are developed using web-based technologies such as AngularJS and CSS.
  • Native Script offers three applications. The Native Script team offers three fully-fledged applications that have been tested in the real world.

Cons:

  • Because the plugins aren’t accessible for all editions, it’s evident that additional plugins are needed.
  • The size of the applications is greater than React Native and Ionic 2.
  • There should be built-in support of HTML and DOM within Native Script; learning other UI components needed to build applications is a specific learning curve.

Svelte Native

Svelte Native is the most recent hybrid framework for creating mobile applications. It is quickly growing in popularity among web developers across the world due to its user-friendly interface and its wide range of capabilities. The framework generates software that updates the native view widgets each time the app’s stage changes.

Pros

  • Website applications are quick to create
  • Interactive user interfaces

Cons

  • It’s still in the early stages, and you might require assistance.
  • There isn’t any cross-platform support available for cross-platform applications.
  • Smaller community

Axway Appcelerator

Axway Appcelerator is an open-source JavaScript-based cross-platform hybrid mobile app development framework that allows full compatibility for Android or iOS. Its APIs are platform-independent, making connecting to phones’ hardware simpler.

Pros

  • Platform-independent APIs
  • All versions are supported by Android and iOS

Cons

  • This is likely to create issues that will take some time to resolve.

Kendo UI

What is Kendo UI, and what makes it among the top hybrid mobile app development framework? It comes with a variety of JavaScript UI components, including Angular, React, jQuery, and Vue libraries. It comes with advanced features that allow you to add advanced UI components easily.

Pros

  • It is easy to integrate advanced elements into your user interface
  • Export data in MIME formats
  • Great editor control

Cons

  • The absence of support is apparent on a few occasions.
  • Data sources are the source of knowledge
  • Improper documentation.

Onsen UI

Onsen The UI is a hybrid framework for developing apps that allows you to create components and apps that can work with a variety of operating systems. It’s the most efficient method to develop HTML5 hybrid applications.

Pros

  • Easy to learn and use
  • The performance is optimized to work with a wide range of devices
  • You can have an enjoyable experience even with low-end gadgets
  • Automated styling and ready-to-use components

Cons

  • Poor documentation
  • Inconsistent support

Aurelia

Aurelia is one of the most durable flexible hybrid frameworks for mobile phones. It allows for simple programming as well as a wide range of flexibility. It will enable users to build multi-platform apps with improved mixing and routing. Developers can create components that utilize standard JavaScript along with TypeScript.

Pros

  • It’s a fantastic online community.
  • Perfect for small and large-scale applications
  • Testing made simple
  • It can be easily extended
  • Convenient code and conventions
  • Great performance
  • React to binding

Cons

  • Slow learning curve
  • Average documentation

Quasar

Quasar is an excellent hybrid framework that is ideal for developing mobile apps. It lets programmers create code simultaneously, and can be used to build sites (SPA, PWA, SSR) or mobile/desktop apps using a single codebase.

Pros

  • Minification of HTML/CSS/JS and HTML
  • Cache busting
  • Tree shaking
  • Source mapping
  • Lazy loading and code splitting
  • Great accessibility features
  • A modest overhead is required to maintain performance
  • Excellent documentation and a vibrant community

Cons

  • Mobiles are slow on mobile
  • Are too heavy
  • Do not have enough components
  • Complex to comprehend
  • It is well-designed both in terms of design and programming

Protect Your Hybrid Mobile Applications With Idea2App

Hybrid mobile apps integrate web-based technology with native functions, making them vulnerable to code manipulation, reverse engineering, and data leaks. Idea2App provides a solid security feature by obscuring and encrypting your source code. This makes it more difficult for attackers to discover vulnerabilities.

When you integrate Idea2App into your application development process, you will be able to secure sensitive logic, stop unauthorized modifications, and ensure the guidelines for security. Regardless of whether your application is built using Ionic, React Native, or a different hybrid framework, security features are designed to keep the integrity and security of your app.

The Key Takeaway

Frameworks for hybrid mobile app development is the true “Avengers” behind the success of mobile hybrid applications. The most skilled business owners and developers benefit from these advanced frameworks to build hybrid applications that are more efficient in design and performance.

The hybrid mobile app development has increased exponentially in the past few years. It is not surprising that developers are increasingly opting to make use of hybrid mobile apps over native apps because they enable quicker growth, more efficient prototyping, and a higher ROI.

If you’re considering creating an application for mobile devices, then choosing a hybrid app framework can help you develop websites and desktop apps more quickly and connect with more customers.

As we’ve seen in the JavaScript ecosystem, and in every one of the hybrid mobile app development frameworks that are listed, the hybrid mobile applications of today are more like native apps than ever before in terms of look and operation.

FAQs

What is the distinction between hybrid and native app development?

Native app development requires distinct codebases for every platform, which means that it provides higher functionality and accessibility to specific platform capabilities Hybrid app development lets one codebase run across multiple platforms, delivering superior performance.

What is the most effective framework to develop hybrid apps in 2025?

React Native, Flutter, and Ionic remain top of the line in terms of their performance, community support and the ease of use.

What are the major advantages of creating hybrid applications?

In comparison to native development the hybrid app development process is cheaper, capable of working with multiple platforms, and can have a shorter time to launch.

What are the main challenges in developing hybrid apps?

The most common issues are speed issues as well as limited access to native functions and ensuring the same user experience across various platforms.