Build mobile apps without leaving the web ecosystem
React Native is powerful, but what if you could build mobile apps using Next.js—the framework you already know? NextNative lets you create iOS and Android apps with web technologies, sharing 100% of your code between web and mobile.
Quick Answer
If you're a web developer or have a Next.js app, skip React Native. Use NextNative to wrap your web app with Capacitor and publish to app stores—keeping one codebase for web, iOS, and Android.
NextNative vs React Native
React Native requires learning mobile-specific APIs and maintaining separate codebases for web and mobile. With Next.js + Capacitor, you use your existing web development skills to build mobile apps that share the same codebase as your website.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | NextNative | React Native |
|---|---|---|
| Code Sharing | 100% shared (web + mobile) | Separate web codebase needed |
| Learning Curve | Use existing web skills | Learn mobile-specific APIs |
| Development Language | React + Web APIs (HTML/CSS) | React Native API |
| Hot Reload | Instant (web dev server) | Fast Refresh |
| Debugging | Browser DevTools | React Native debugger |
| UI Framework | Any (Tailwind, MUI, etc.) | React Native components |
| SEO Support | Built-in (Next.js) | Requires separate web app |
| Bundle Size | Smaller (web assets) | Larger (native bridge) |
| Performance | Near-native (WebView) | Native |
| Complex Animations | CSS/Framer Motion | Reanimated (better) |
| Native Features | Via Capacitor plugins | Built-in + community |
| Development Cost | Lower (web developers) | Higher (specialized) |
Choose NextNative if:
- You already have a Next.js web app
- Your team knows React and web technologies
- You need both web and mobile from one codebase
- You want faster development with familiar tools
- You're building content-heavy or form-based apps
- You need SEO for your web version
- You want to use Tailwind CSS or other web UI libraries
- You prefer browser DevTools for debugging
- Your budget requires using existing web developers
- You want instant hot reload and faster iteration
Stick with React Native if:
- You're building a mobile-only app (no web version)
- You need complex native animations or transitions
- You're creating a graphics-intensive or gaming app
- You already have React Native developers on your team
- Maximum mobile performance is critical
- You need advanced gesture controls
- You're heavily invested in the React Native ecosystem
How to Move from React Native to Next.js + Capacitor
Extract your business logic and state management (Redux, Zustand, etc.) - these work the same in Next.js
Rebuild your UI using React and web technologies (HTML, CSS, Tailwind) instead of React Native components
Set up Next.js with App Router and configure for static export (required for Capacitor)
Install Capacitor and configure it to wrap your Next.js app
Replace React Native modules with Capacitor plugins (camera, push notifications, etc.)
Add Firebase Auth for authentication and RevenueCat for in-app purchases
Test on iOS and Android using Capacitor's native build tools
Deploy your web version and publish mobile apps to stores
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my React Native app perform better than Next.js + Capacitor?
For most business apps (content, dashboards, forms, e-commerce), the performance difference is negligible. React Native has an edge for graphics-heavy apps and complex animations. For typical apps, users won't notice a difference.
Can I access native features without React Native?
Yes! Capacitor provides plugins for camera, push notifications, GPS, biometrics, file system, and more. The Capacitor ecosystem covers most native features you'd need.
Is development faster with Next.js + Capacitor?
Generally yes, especially if you're also building a web version. You share 100% of code, use familiar web tools, and benefit from instant hot reload. No need to learn mobile-specific APIs.
What about existing React Native libraries?
You'll need to find web equivalents or Capacitor plugins. Most common functionality (auth, payments, analytics, storage) has web-compatible alternatives. The trade-off is code sharing and faster development.
Can I hire web developers instead of React Native specialists?
Yes! That's a major advantage. Web developers (React, Next.js) are more abundant and often cost less than React Native specialists. Your team can work across web and mobile.
Will my app feel native?
With proper mobile UX design and Ionic's native-like transitions (included in NextNative), your app will feel very native to users. Most users can't tell the difference for standard apps.
Conclusion
React Native is excellent for mobile-first companies with dedicated mobile teams. But if you're a web developer, have a Next.js app, or want to build for web and mobile simultaneously, Next.js + Capacitor is the faster, more cost-effective path. You use the skills you already have and ship to all platforms from one codebase.
Start building with Next.js + Capacitor
Get NextNative's boilerplate with everything configured: Next.js, Capacitor, Firebase Auth, RevenueCat, and native-like transitions. Ship your mobile app in days, not months.
🎁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.