Have you ever used an app that runs smoothly?
No lag, no crashes—just a great experience. Now, think of one that feels slow and buggy. It freezes, glitches, and makes you want to delete it.
What makes the difference?
It’s not just the developer’s skills. The secret lies in the framework behind the app. A strong Android framework helps apps run fast and smoothly.
But a bad one? It leads to endless fixes, unhappy users, and wasted time.
With so many options, picking the right one is hard. Which Android framework will make your app strong? Which one will help it grow? These are big questions for any developer or business.
In this post, we’ll show you 13 of the best Android frameworks you should know. They help you build better apps, save time, and improve performance. Whether you’re new to coding or an expert, these tools will give you a head start.
What Are Android Frameworks and Why Should You Care?
Android frameworks are toolkits for building apps. Think of them as LEGO sets for developers. They come with ready-made pieces that speed up development.
Instead of writing every line of code from scratch, you reuse components. This makes coding faster and easier. In 2025, frameworks do more than help you write code. They make apps scalable, smooth, and easy to use. Some even work for both Android and iOS.
Let’s say you run a gym. You want an app for class bookings, memberships, and reminders. A framework can cut development time in half. It also makes sure your app works well on all devices.
For business owners, picking the right framework is key. It helps with growth, happy users, and long-term success.
What are the Top Android Frameworks?
Now, let’s look at the best Android frameworks.
Flutter
Google created Flutter to help developers build great-looking apps fast. It uses Dart and works across different platforms. Many businesses love it because it is quick, smooth, and easy to use. Even IoT developers use Flutter for its speed and flexibility.
Key Features
- Hot Reload: See changes instantly without restarting the app. This saves time for .NET developers and others who want to test ideas fast.
- Huge Widget Library: Pick from 2,000+ widgets for different styles. This makes app design simple.
- Fast Performance: The Skia engine ensures smooth animations at 60 FPS. This is great for real-time apps like those in IoT.
- Cross-Platform: Build apps for Android, iOS, web, and desktop using one codebase. This helps .NET developers grow their skills.
- Quick MVP development and easy updates help teams test ideas faster.
- Big community with 168k+ GitHub stars offers support.
- Used by big brands like Alibaba, Google Ads, and BMW, proving it’s a reliable choice.
React Native
Meta created React Native to help developers build apps fast using JavaScript. Many love it because it feels like a native app but needs less work. It is also popular for IoT apps.
Key Features
- Live Reload:See updates in real-time. This helps .NET developers test ideas without delays.
- Native Components: Get platform-specific UI elements like Android’s MaterialButton. This makes customization easier.
- Many Plugins: Use third-party tools like Redux and Firebase to add extra features.
- Write once, use everywhere—reuse 85-90% of code for Android and iOS.
- Big brands like Tesla, Instagram, and Walmart use it, proving it scales well.
- Strong JavaScript support with 116k GitHub stars makes it a top choice.
Ionic
Ionic helps developers build mobile apps using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. It is great for web developers who want to create mobile apps without learning a new language. Many also use it for IoT projects.
Key Features
- Capacitor Plugins: Use device features like GPS and camera, which are useful for IoT apps.
- PWA Support: Turn apps into Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) for more flexibility.
- Works with Angular:.NET developers who use TypeScript will find it easy to learn.
- Simple to learn, so web developers can switch to mobile quickly.
- Used by big names like MarketWatch and Pacifico, proving it works well.
- Great for testing ideas fast and making quick updates.
Xamarin
Xamarin is a Microsoft tool that helps developers create fast, strong apps. It uses C# and .NET, making it great for .NET developers who want to move into mobile and IoT development.
Key Features
- Shared Codebase: Reuse up to 90% of code across platforms. This makes IoT development faster.
- Works with Visual Studio: Debugging and testing tools help .NET developers work more efficiently.
- Native Performance: Get direct access to Android APIs for better speed. This is important for IoT apps.
- Trusted by big companies like UPS and Alaska Airlines, proving it’s reliable.
- Great for large-scale and secure apps. .NET developers can use their existing skills while learning new ones.
- Works well with Microsoft tools, making it easy to test and launch ideas quickly.
NativeScript:
NativeScript lets you build real native apps using JavaScript or TypeScript. You get full access to platform APIs. This makes it a great choice for mobile and IoT app development.
Key Features
- Native UI: Use Android’s ListView or iOS’s UITableView with ease. This is great for .NET developers who want to build mobile and IoT apps.
- Supports Vue.js and Angular: Developers can use familiar tools. This speeds up the process of testing an app idea.
- No WebView issues. Apps run smoothly, which improves the user experience.
- Big brands like Daycare.com and Strudel use it. This shows it is reliable for business apps.
- It helps teams test an idea fast before scaling up the project.
Cordova/PhoneGap
Apache Cordova (once called PhoneGap) wraps web apps in native code. It works well for simple cross-platform apps. This makes it useful for quick testing and IoT projects.
Key Features
- Plugin Support: Over 3,000 plugins help connect to device features. This is key for IoT projects that need hardware access.
- Cloud Build: Use Adobe’s cloud to compile apps. This saves time for .NET developers moving into mobile development.
- Slower for apps with lots of graphics. But it is still great for testing ideas early.
- Best for prototypes and small apps. It is a smart choice for testing IoT ideas without a big budget.
jQuery Mobile
jQuery Mobile is a touch-friendly Android framework for mobile web apps. It is cost-friendly and works for basic IoT apps.
Key Features
- Theming: Custom skins and grids help build quick UI designs. This makes it easy to test an app idea with little effort.
- Smooth Navigation: AJAX makes page switches smooth. This is useful for simple mobile and IoT apps.
- Budget apps that need simple interactions.
- .NET developers and startups who want to test ideas fast.
- Quick testing of IoT app concepts due to its easy setup.
Corona SDK
Corona SDK is an Android framework for 2D games. It uses Lua scripting and is great for fast app testing. Though built for games, it also works for interactive IoT apps.
Key Features
- Real-Time Testing: See changes instantly. This helps developers test ideas quickly.
- Cross-Platform: Works on Android, iOS, and even game consoles. This makes it a flexible tool for different types of apps.
- Games like Gunman Taco Truck and Zip Zap used Corona. These games became hits.
- It is a strong choice for .NET developers who want to test interactive IoT apps.
Corona SDK’s lightweight system makes it great for building fast, smooth apps. It is a strong option for testing new IoT and mobile development ideas.
Appcelerator Titanium
This tool turns JavaScript into native code. But, it struggles with complex animations. Still, it works well for quick prototypes and simple IoT projects.
Key Features
- Code Reuse: Saves 60% of the time. .Net developers can test ideas fast and make changes easily.
- Native Features: Lets you use platform-specific tools. This is useful for smooth and responsive UIs in IoT apps.
- Not as fast as Flutter or React Native. However, it still helps test app ideas with fewer resources.
- Best for small IoT projects where speed matters more than fancy animations.
Mobile Angular UI
This Android framework combines AngularJS and Bootstrap. It helps build simple hybrid apps. It is good for older projects and basic IoT apps.
Key Features
- Touch-Friendly Tools: Switches, overlays, and sidebars make apps easy to use.
- js: Removes touch delays. This makes controls respond quickly.
- Since it is lightweight, it speeds up testing and building IoT apps.
Best for older projects that use AngularJS. However, .Net developers can use it to test ideas quickly before picking a stronger Android framework.
Framework7
This is a special tool for PWAs and hybrid apps. It works with Vue.js and React. It also helps create smooth IoT apps.
Key Features
- Ready-Made UI Kits: iOS and Android themes keep the look consistent. Net developers can use them to test ideas quickly.
- Easy Setup: It works with Cordova to create native apps. This speeds up cross-platform and IoT development.
- Its flexibility makes it great for .Net developers testing PWAs for IoT apps.
Sencha Touch
This tool is best for business apps that need charts and data tools. It is useful for IoT dashboards and reports.
Key Features
- MVC Design: Keeps code neat and easy to manage. This helps .Net developers handle big IoT projects.
- Charting Tools: Creates interactive graphs. These are useful for data-based IoT apps.
- It makes managing large amounts of data easier. This is helpful for real-time analytics in IoT apps.
- Its business-friendly tools make it a strong choice for big data-heavy apps.
Kotlin Multiplatform
JetBrains’ KMP lets you share logic between Android and iOS while keeping native UIs. It is a strong tool for scalable apps and IoT projects.
Key Features
- Code Sharing: Reuse networking and data parts. This helps .Net developers build cross-platform and IoT apps faster.
- Native Speed: No JavaScript bridge slows things down. This is great for heavy IoT apps.
- Used by Netflix and Cash App for big apps. This proves it works well for high-performance apps.
- Easy code-sharing lets .Net developers test ideas while keeping things fast.
- Its flexibility makes it a top pick for complex IoT apps that need real-time actions.
What are the Factors to Consider when choosing an Android framework?
Choosing the right Android framework is important. There are many options, but not all are the same. Here are key factors to keep in mind.
Project Complexity
- Simple Apps: jQuery Mobile and Ionic are great for basic apps. They help test an app idea fast. They also work well in IoT software projects.
- Games: Corona SDK and Unity have strong tools for game apps. However, they may not be the best for advanced IoT software development.
- Enterprise Apps: Xamarin and Kotlin Multiplatform are better for large projects, but .Net developers prefer them for big Android and IoT apps.
Performance Needs
- Speed Matters: Native tools like Kotlin and Swift run faster than hybrid ones like Cordova. This is key for IoT apps that need quick actions.
- Choosing Right Improves Performance: A good Android framework makes apps run better. This is even more important in complex IoT systems.
Cross-Platform Requirements
- Multi-OS Support: Flutter and React Native work well for Android and iOS. They help .Net developers test ideas on both systems.
- Reusable Code Saves Time: These frameworks let developers use the same code for different platforms. This makes IoT app development easier.
Team Skills
- Matching Skills to Frameworks: JavaScript developers do well with React Native. .Net developers find Xamarin easy to use.
- Xamarin Works with Visual Studio: This helps .Net developers work faster. It also makes it easier to test ideas.
- Using Known Skills Boosts Productivity: Choosing the right framework helps teams work better and faster in IoT projects.
Budget
- Open-Source Saves Money: Free tools like Flutter and React Native cut costs. They help startups test ideas without spending too much.
- Best for IoT on a Budget: These frameworks work well for low-cost IoT projects.
- Smart Choices Save Money: Picking the right Android framework keeps costs low while making great apps.
Conclusion
The best framework depends on what your app needs. Flutter and React Native are great for apps that run on both iOS and Android. But if you want strong native performance, Kotlin Multiplatform and Xamarin are better. Try small test projects before deciding. Also, use developer communities for advice and support.
Picking the right Android framework is very important. A wrong choice can slow your app, increase costs, and limit your success. Your competitors may use better frameworks to create fast, smooth apps. Don’t let them get ahead.
At Linkitsoft, we help businesses build great Android apps. We use top frameworks like Flutter, React Native, Xamarin, and Kotlin Multiplatform. Our experts make sure your app works well, costs less, and reaches more users.
A slow or weak app can make users leave. You don’t want that. We focus on making strong, easy-to-use apps that people love.
Don’t wait! Work with us to turn and validate app ideas into real success. Contact Linkitsoft today and get started!
