Build mobile apps without learning Dart
Flutter is powerful but requires learning Dart—a language you probably don't know. NextNative lets you build iOS and Android apps using JavaScript/TypeScript and React, the skills you already have.
Quick Answer
If you're a JavaScript/TypeScript developer, skip Flutter and Dart. Use NextNative to build mobile apps with Next.js + Capacitor—share your code across web and mobile without learning a new language.
NextNative vs Flutter
Flutter requires learning Dart and maintaining separate codebases for web and mobile. With Next.js + Capacitor, you use JavaScript/TypeScript and React to build mobile apps that share the same codebase as your website.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | NextNative | Flutter |
|---|---|---|
| Programming Language | JavaScript/TypeScript | Dart |
| Code Sharing (Web + Mobile) | 100% shared codebase | Separate web codebase |
| Learning Curve | Use existing JS skills | Learn Dart + Flutter |
| UI Framework | Any web framework (Tailwind, etc.) | Flutter widgets |
| Hot Reload | Instant (web dev server) | Fast |
| Performance | Near-native (WebView) | Native (compiled) |
| Developer Pool | Large (JS/TS developers) | Smaller (Dart developers) |
| SEO Support | Built-in (Next.js) | Limited web support |
| Backend Integration | Same codebase (Next.js API) | Separate backend |
| Bundle Size | Smaller (web assets) | Larger (engine included) |
| Complex Animations | CSS/Framer Motion | Excellent (native) |
| Development Cost | Lower (web developers) | Higher (Dart specialists) |
Choose NextNative if:
- You're a JavaScript/TypeScript developer
- You don't want to learn Dart
- You need both web and mobile apps
- You already have a Next.js website
- You want to share code across all platforms
- You prefer React over Flutter widgets
- You need SEO for your web version
- You want to use web UI libraries (Tailwind, MUI)
- Your team consists of web developers
- You want API routes in the same codebase
Stick with Flutter if:
- You're building mobile-only apps (no web version)
- You need maximum mobile performance
- You're creating a graphics-intensive app
- You already know Dart or want to learn it
- You prefer Flutter's widget system
- You're building complex native animations
- Your team is already invested in Flutter
How to Move from Flutter to Next.js + Capacitor
Identify your business logic and state management - you'll need to rewrite this in JavaScript/TypeScript
Rebuild your UI using React and web technologies (HTML, CSS, Tailwind) instead of Flutter widgets
Set up Next.js with App Router for your application structure
Configure Next.js for static export to work with Capacitor
Install Capacitor to wrap your Next.js app for mobile
Replace Flutter packages with Capacitor plugins for native features
Set up Firebase Auth for authentication and RevenueCat for in-app purchases
Test on iOS and Android simulators
Deploy web version and publish to app stores
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Flutter faster than Next.js + Capacitor?
Flutter compiles to native code, so it performs slightly better for graphics-heavy apps. For most business apps, the difference is negligible. Next.js + Capacitor is plenty fast for content, forms, and standard mobile experiences.
Why would I choose JavaScript over Dart?
JavaScript/TypeScript is far more common, has a larger ecosystem, and you can use the same language for web, mobile, and backend. Dart is mainly used for Flutter. If you already know JS, there's no reason to learn Dart.
Can I use my existing web app with Capacitor?
Yes! If you have a Next.js web app, you can wrap it with Capacitor and publish to app stores. You maintain one codebase for web and mobile. Flutter requires a completely separate project.
Are JavaScript developers easier to hire than Dart developers?
Absolutely. JavaScript/TypeScript developers are far more abundant and often cost less than Dart specialists. Your web team can work on mobile apps too.
What about Flutter's beautiful UI components?
You can create equally beautiful UIs with React and Tailwind CSS (or any web UI library). Plus, you have complete design freedom without being constrained by Flutter's Material/Cupertino widgets.
Can I access native features without Flutter?
Yes! Capacitor provides plugins for camera, push notifications, GPS, biometrics, file system, and more. You get the same native capabilities as Flutter.
Conclusion
Flutter is excellent if you want to learn Dart and build mobile-first apps. But if you're a JavaScript developer who wants to ship web and mobile apps from one codebase, Next.js + Capacitor is the clear choice. Use the skills you already have and avoid learning a new language.
Build with JavaScript, not Dart
NextNative gives you everything you need to build mobile apps with Next.js + Capacitor. No Dart required—just JavaScript and React.
🎁50% off for the first 40 customers, 5 left
Ready to Get Started?
Follow these step-by-step tutorials to build your mobile app
How to Convert Your Next.js App to iOS & Android
30 minutes • beginner
Learn how to transform your Next.js web application into fully functional iOS and Android mobile apps using Capacitor. This guide covers installation, configuration, and deployment to app stores.
How to Add Push Notifications to Your Next.js Mobile App
45 minutes • intermediate
Implement push notifications in your Next.js mobile app using Capacitor's Push Notifications plugin and Firebase Cloud Messaging. Send notifications to iOS and Android users.
How to Add In-App Purchases to Your Next.js App
60 minutes • intermediate
Monetize your Next.js mobile app with in-app purchases and subscriptions using RevenueCat. This guide covers setup, implementation, and testing for both iOS and Android.