Use Capacitor without Ionic's UI components
Ionic is great, but it forces you into its design system. NextNative uses Capacitor (Ionic's runtime) with complete design freedom—use Tailwind CSS, your own components, or any web UI library.
Quick Answer
If you want Capacitor's native capabilities without Ionic's UI constraints, use Next.js + Capacitor with Tailwind CSS. You get mobile apps with complete design freedom.
NextNative vs Ionic
Ionic provides mobile UI components but constrains your design. With Next.js + Capacitor, you get the same native runtime (Capacitor) but complete freedom to design your UI however you want using modern web tools.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | NextNative | Ionic |
|---|---|---|
| Native Runtime | Capacitor | Capacitor/Cordova |
| UI Framework | Your choice (Tailwind, etc.) | Ionic components |
| Design Freedom | Complete | Ionic's design system |
| Bundle Size | Smaller (no UI library) | Larger (Ionic components) |
| Learning Curve | React + Web (standard) | Ionic components + patterns |
| Modern Web Stack | Next.js + Tailwind | Ionic framework |
| SEO Support | Excellent (Next.js) | Limited |
| Pre-built Components | None (bring your own) | 100+ mobile components |
| Native Features | Capacitor plugins | Capacitor plugins |
| Customization | Unlimited | Theme-based |
| Backend Integration | Built-in (Next.js API) | Separate backend |
Choose NextNative if:
- You want complete design freedom
- You prefer Tailwind CSS or custom components
- You don't want to learn Ionic's component system
- You want smaller bundle sizes
- You need modern web development experience
- You want Next.js's built-in features (API routes, SSG, etc.)
- You prefer standard React patterns over Ionic patterns
- You want flexibility to use any UI library
- You're building a unique design, not a standard mobile app look
Stick with Ionic if:
- You want pre-built mobile UI components
- You like Ionic's Material/iOS design system
- You're building quickly with standard mobile patterns
- You prefer ready-made mobile components over custom UI
- You're already invested in the Ionic ecosystem
How to Move from Ionic to Next.js + Capacitor
Keep Capacitor (you already have it!) - just remove Ionic components
Replace Ionic UI components with React + Tailwind CSS equivalents
Set up Next.js with App Router for your application structure
Configure Next.js for static export to work with Capacitor
Update your Capacitor config to point to Next.js output
Replace Ionic's routing with Next.js App Router
Add Firebase Auth for authentication
Add RevenueCat for in-app purchases
Add Ionic's transition components for native-like animations (optional)
Test on iOS and Android simulators
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Capacitor without Ionic?
Absolutely! Capacitor is the native runtime; Ionic is just a UI library. You can use Capacitor with any web framework—Next.js, React, Vue, or plain HTML/CSS. Many developers prefer this for complete design freedom.
Will I miss Ionic's UI components?
Only if you want pre-built mobile components. With Tailwind CSS and React, you can create any UI you want. You get complete design freedom instead of being constrained by Ionic's design system.
Is it easier to use Ionic or build custom UI?
Ionic is faster if you're okay with its design system. Custom UI with Tailwind gives you more flexibility but requires building components yourself. For unique designs, custom UI is actually faster since you don't fight Ionic's patterns.
Will my app still feel native?
Yes! Native feel comes from UX design, not pre-built components. With proper mobile UX patterns and Ionic's transition library (which NextNative includes), your app will feel very native.
What about Ionic's mobile-optimized components?
Modern web components with Tailwind CSS are already mobile-optimized. You can create buttons, cards, lists, and modals that work perfectly on mobile. Plus, you can use any React UI library (shadcn/ui, MUI, etc.).
Which approach does NextNative use?
NextNative uses Capacitor with Tailwind CSS and custom components (not Ionic UI). This gives you complete design freedom, smaller bundles, and the ability to use modern web UI patterns.
Conclusion
Ionic is great if you want pre-built mobile components. But if you want complete design freedom, smaller bundles, and modern web development, use Capacitor with Next.js + Tailwind CSS. You get the same native runtime without UI constraints.
Build with Capacitor + Next.js
NextNative uses Capacitor with Tailwind CSS for maximum flexibility. Get complete design freedom with all the native capabilities.
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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.