With the value of the mobile app market breaking $522 billion in 2024, a decision likeXamarin vs. React Native can shape the direction of a mobile strategy far more than it may seem at first glance.
Both Xamarin and React Native let developers build performant cross-platform apps, though each one has drifted in a slightly different direction over time.
Based on the comparison points below, React Native still holds a small edge for most businesses in 2025, but there are a few scenarios where Xamarin may remain the better fit.
Performance
Popularity
Community & Developer Ecosystem
Development Environment
Availability
Compilation
Costs
To further analyze Xamarin vs. React Native and understand how two frameworks with the same intention express themselves differently, keep reading!
Are you ready to start your development project?
We have the developers you need to take your development project in the right direction. Companies are proven to grow their business faster with Trio.
A direct comparison tends to be the quickest way to see where each framework shines. Below, you’ll find updated insights that reflect how the landscape looks going into 2026 rather than relying on older assumptions.
Performance
Because cross-platform and hybrid frameworks are known for sacrificing performance in turn for convenience, this category is paramount to your final decision.
Though both Xamarin and React Native offer near-native performance, Xamarin runs the fastest code on Android and iOS and has a user interface (UI) for using native tools.
TLDR: In Xamarin vs. React Native, Xamarin has more brownie points for native-like performance. Xamarin wins.
Popularity
Popularity does not always determine the value of software, but it does have a big influence on how others interact with the software. Characteristics like a large talent pool, comprehensive tooling, and a great community often revolve around the popularity of the software.
Perhaps because React Native is open-source and Xamarin is closed-source and only maintained by Microsoft, React Native is more popular than Xamarin.
TLDR: When you compare Xamarin vs. React Native for popularity, React Native wins.
Community & Developer Ecosystem
For the same reasons noted above, you can expect that React Native has a larger and more supportive community than Xamarin.
When React Native was younger, its community was limited. However, as the framework grows and JavaScript frameworks in general garner more attention, it’s become easier and easier to spot fellow React Native developers.
TLDR: Looking at Xamarin vs. React Native side-by-side, React Native has a larger community and better developer ecosystem.
Development Environment
Both Xamarin and React Native have pre-built components to enhance performance and the developer experience. But despite React Native’s live reload feature, the framework as a whole pales in comparison to Xamarin.
Xamarin.Forms along with Xamarin.iOS and Xamarin.Android empowers developers to create platform-specific native UI components. In this way, Xamarin developers can get closer to native-like performance than React Native developers might be able to.
TLDR: Xamarin has more useful pre-built components than React Native.
Most open-source frameworks are free. But unfortunately, Xamarin can’t claim that label. Xamarin does have a free version, but its features are limited.
Free generally means more access, giving React Native the upper hand in this category.
TLDR: In contrasting Xamarin vs. React Native, React Native is simply more accessible than Xamarin.
Compilation
JavaScript and its frameworks, including React Native, use just-in-time (JIT) compilation. Though compiled languages typically run faster than interpreted languages because they are converted to machine code before execution, JIT compilation may be the best of both worlds.
JavaScript, Java, and C# all use JIT compilation. However, JIT compilation in React Native only works for Android, not iOS, disrupting performance for iOS applications. C# has both JIT compilation and ahead-of-time (AOT) compilation. And the AOT compiled code runs faster in most cases.
TLDR: Xamarin vs. React Native shows that both frameworks have similar compilation styles, but Xamarin offers a compiler well-suited for both iOS and Android. Xamarin wins.
Costs
Xamarin and React Native are free. But Xamarin is only free for individuals and small companies. A Visual Studio Enterprise annual edition can cost nearly $3000. This, of course, makes the entirely free React Native much more appealing.
Need to know a bit more about Xamarin and React Native before you make your decision? No problem. Trio has you covered just below.
What Is Xamarin?
Xamarin is Microsoft software for building cross-platform Android, iOS, and Windows apps. The platform works as part of the larger .NET ecosystem, which includes tools and libraries for building many different types of applications.
Really, Xamarin is an extension of .NET, but the platform was specifically designed for mobile app development. If you have worked within Microsoft’s stack before, Xamarin may feel familiar almost immediately.
C # is the primary language for Xamarin. The language was inspired by C and C++ but includes stronger class libraries and good support for object-oriented programming. It is statically typed, and its syntax feels fairly clean once you settle into it.
The .NET Framework relies on C #, F #, and Visual Basic. Xamarin uses C #. With Xamarin, you can share up to 90% of your codebase from platform to platform.
For mobile app developers, a large concern is that cross-platform development – that is, sharing codebases between Android and Apple operating systems (OSs) – will impede performance. Frameworks like Xamarin endeavor to mitigate that concern.
Because Xamarin allows developers to use C# rather than the host languages of mobile operating systems, like Java for Android and Swift for iOS, developers can save time in development while also getting a native-like performance.
If Xamarin sounds like it would be helpful for your next project, it’s time to worry about hiring developers.
What Are the Advantages of Xamarin?
Xamarin vs. React Native wouldn’t be a fair fight without an adequate comparison. The following Xamarin advantages should help you compare the two frameworks.
Cross-Platform
Because Xamarin uses C# and is part of .NET, mobile app development is far easier than it would be otherwise. In addition to your code working on multiple platforms, you still get the benefit of native-like performance.
Xamarin.Android and Xamarin.iOS give developers access to relevant software development kits (SDKs) for Android and iOS. And Xamarin.Essential is a library of overlapping native application programming interfaces (APIs).
Efficient
For the same reason, Xamarin is efficient. As codebases can be shared from one mobile operating system to another, cross-platform development means saving time and costs.
With Xamarin, you also use a single technological stack, as you can write both UIs and the application’s core logic in C#.
Maintainable
Xamarin.Forms are a means of maintaining apps by updating source code. The updates will automatically be applied to all solutions.
Xamarin Test Cloud and Xamarin Test Recorder can run automated tests so you can find bugs before they appear in a stable release.
Comprehensive
Since Xamarin is backed by .NET, it benefits from extensive tooling that supports a full developer experience.
Aside from the libraries mentioned above, Xamarin allows you to use CSS and other helpful libraries, which React does not offer in the same way.
Visual Studio Live Share enables real-time collaboration, and built-in suggestions help with cleanup and code quality.
When Is the Use of Xamarin Recommended?
Unsurprisingly, Xamarin should be used for building mobile apps. The platform provides a means to build mobile apps without utilizing OS-specific languages like Swift or Java.
Ultimately, the main appeal is more efficient development and the option to share large portions of your codebase across platforms.
What Apps Use Xamarin?
Hopefully, Xamarin vs. React Native doesn’t come down to a popularity contest, but it can be helpful to know where exactly Xamarin is used and why.
UPS
The United Parcel Service (UPS) needs little to no description. It’s the company delivering a large percentage of packages worldwide.
The UPS mobile app allows you to create shipments easily on the go. Thanks to Xamarin, developers were able to increase their productivity while making the app.
FreshDirect
FreshDirect is a leading online grocery delivery service specializing in local and organic produce as well as fresh seafood, custom cuts of meat, and chef-made meals.
Its corresponding mobile app shifted to C# from Objective-C and Swift in early 2015 to speed up time-to-market.
Olo
While the name Olo might not be the most recognizable, you’ve probably indirectly benefited from the app more often than you might think. Olo creates custom ordering apps for a number of restaurants, including WingStop, Applebee’s, and Five Guys.
The DevOps team has used Xamarin from the very beginning to ensure a rapid time-to-market and a seamless user experience.
What Is React Native?
React Native is a mobile application framework developed by Facebook. The framework is based on React, a JavaScript library for building UIs.
Co-founder of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, maintained that, “The biggest mistake we made as a company was betting too much on HTML as opposed to native.” In other words, Zuckerberg realized that in using HTML5 to develop Facebook’s mobile version, he was sacrificing performance.
His solution was to build a new framework entirely for mobile development. React and React Native share the same base similarities. Both frameworks are explicitly concerned with state management, and additional libraries must be used to render further functionality.
States control the behavior of an app at a certain time. State management refers to the management of UI controls like OK buttons, text fields, and whatever else responds to user interaction.
Because everything is written in JavaScript, this enables code sharing from one platform to the next. And developers do not need to write in Android or iOS-specific languages.
This mode of development is called hybrid app development, a convenient means of getting near-native performance without actually having to use native languages.
What Are the Advantages of React Native?
Get a good idea of how React Native pulls its own weight and take a look at the advantages of using React Native.
Intuitive
React Native uses a similar architecture to React, which is modular in nature. With this modularity, it is easy to differentiate between varying functionalities via independent code blocks. This allows for ease of development.
Community-Driven
Though React Native started as an internal Facebook project, once it became open source, the community grew rapidly.
A larger community translates into more tutorials, more active discussions, and a general sense that you’re not building things in isolation.
Cross-Platform
Just like Xamarin, React Native promises code reusability at high percentages. Of course, the product is saving time and money.
Another perk driving React Native’s success in the cross-platform development industry is how it divvies up processing power.
While other frameworks rely on the central processing unit (CPU), React Native predominantly relies on the graphical processing unit (GPU). In comparison to hybrid technologies, React Native is exceptionally fast.
Idiosyncratic
Some features of React Native stand out more than others. For example, many React Native developers cherish one of the framework’s features called ‘hot load’ or ‘live reload’, where updates to your codebase can be seen immediately.
If you’ve ever worked on a project where you’re constantly toggling between screens just to test small UI changes, this can feel like a relief.
When Is the Use of React Native Recommended?
Not unlike Xamarin, React Native has a very specific use case. That is, developers should use the framework for building cross-platform mobile apps.
By using just JavaScript throughout your mobile app development, your project can be built faster and cheaper than using traditional native languages.
What Apps Use React Native?
Xamarin vs. React Native can only be contrasted directly if you observe how they stand on their own imaginary two feet. In that same vein, here are some major apps that rely on React Native.
Facebook
Given that Facebook developed React Native, it shouldn’t be shocking that they use their own software. For context, Facebook is a huge social networking website and mobile app.
Ironically, React Native was born out of a hackathon project that prioritized advantages such as quick iterations and having a singular development team.
Walmart
Walmart is a retail corporation with a sizable chain of grocery markets and department stores.
The corporation chose React Native in an attempt to improve customer experience. As a result, they found that almost 100% of their codebase could be shared between platforms.
Wix
Wix is an online company where you can build and host websites quickly and easily. Using React Native improved Wix’s speed and agility in web development. The company also created its own software for handling navigation called wix-react-native-navigation.
Elevate Your Team with Trio AI Talent
Empower Your Projects with Trio’s Elite Tech Teams
Xamarin vs. React Native warrants an upfront, close look. The two frameworks share many similarities. Both frameworks enable developers to build cross-platform mobile apps with near-native performance.
When you compare the frameworks side by side, React Native tends to lead in several categories, though a business that values performance consistency and compilation options above everything else may still favor Xamarin.
Whichever way it may be, remember that Trio has the tools and developers you need to see your project to completion. And we’ll also consult with you to help you choose the software that will give you exactly what you need.
Xamarin is still good in 2025 for teams already invested in C # or .NET, though its long-term future is tied closely to .NET MAUI.
Is React Native better than Xamarin?
React Native is often better than Xamarin for most new 2025 projects because its ecosystem, community, and hiring pool are much larger.
Which performs better, Xamarin or React Native?
Xamarin generally performs better than React Native, especially on iOS, where its AOT compilation avoids the JIT limitations React Native runs into.
Should I choose Xamarin or native development?
Choosing Xamarin or native development comes down to priorities, with Xamarin offering faster cross-platform work and native development offering finer control.
Is React Native good for large apps?
React Native is good for large apps as long as teams manage native modules carefully and keep performance-sensitive features on the native side.
Is Xamarin free to use?
Xamarin is free to use for small teams, but enterprise-level Visual Studio licensing can introduce extra costs.
Is React Native truly cross-platform?
React Native is truly cross-platform in practice, though some features need platform-specific modules or targeted native code.
Does Xamarin still get updates?
Xamarin still gets updates, but most long-term improvements appear to be shifting toward .NET MAUI rather than Xamarin.Forms.
Unlock the Secrets to Hiring Top Talent
Don’t Miss This Opportunity! Streamline your hiring process with Trio’s comprehensive guide.
With over 10 years of experience in software outsourcing, Alex has assisted in building high-performance teams before co-founding Trio with his partner Daniel. Today he enjoys helping people hire the best software developers from Latin America and writing great content on how to do that!
Brazil's Best in US Tech: Elevate Projects with Elite Developers
Harness the Vibrant Talent of Brazilian Developers: Elevate Your Projects with Trio’s Elite Tech Teams, Pioneering Innovation and Trusted for Global Success
Download our free ebook to access expert advice on outsourcing and hiring top-tier software developers. Equip yourself with the knowledge to make informed decisions and drive your projects to success.
