Capacitor vs React Native
Capacitor wraps web apps in a native container, while React Native uses JavaScript to render native components. Capacitor favors web developers; React Native favors mobile-first development.
🎯 Quick Answer
Choose Capacitor if you have web developers, want to reuse web code, or need a web + mobile app. Choose React Native if you're building mobile-only apps, need complex animations, or want maximum native performance.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Capacitor | React Native |
|---|---|---|
| Technology Base | WebView wrapper | JS to Native bridge |
| Code Reusability (Web) | 100% code sharing | Requires separate codebase |
| Developer Pool | Any web developer | Specialized RN devs |
| Performance | Near-native | Native-like |
| UI Flexibility | Full CSS/HTML freedom | Component-based |
| Learning Curve | Low (web knowledge) | Medium (new APIs) |
| Development Speed | Very fast | Fast |
| Native Features | Plugin ecosystem | Built-in + modules |
| App Size | Smaller | Larger |
| Framework Options | React, Vue, Angular, etc. | React only |
| Platform Updates | Less affected | Regular breaking changes |
| Debugging | Browser DevTools | Flipper/RN debugger |
Pros & Cons
Capacitor
✓ Pros
- Works with any web framework (React, Vue, Angular, Svelte)
- 100% code sharing with web apps
- Use web developers, no specialization needed
- Smaller app bundle sizes
- Faster development time
- Simple debugging with browser tools
- Less affected by platform updates
- Deploy to web and mobile from one codebase
- Use any CSS framework
- Lower development costs
✗ Cons
- Performance not as high as true native
- Complex animations are harder
- WebView limitations for advanced features
- Not ideal for game development
- Requires native plugins for some features
React Native
✓ Pros
- Better performance for complex apps
- Excellent animation libraries
- More native feel
- Large community and ecosystem
- Direct native API access
- Better for graphics-heavy apps
- Industry standard for mobile-first companies
✗ Cons
- Cannot reuse web code
- Requires specialized developers
- Larger bundle sizes
- Frequent breaking changes
- Complex setup and maintenance
- Need separate web app
- Platform-specific issues
- Slower development cycle
When to Use Each
Choose Capacitor
- You have a web app to mobilize
- Your team knows web development
- You need web + mobile versions
- You want rapid development
- Your budget is limited
- You're building SaaS, content, or form-based apps
- You want to use modern web frameworks
- You need strong SEO on the web version
Choose React Native
- You're mobile-only
- You need top-tier performance
- You have React Native expertise
- You're building social media or messaging apps
- You need complex animations
- Your app is graphics-intensive
- You want the native mobile feel
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Capacitor slower than React Native?
For most apps, the difference is negligible. Capacitor runs in a WebView which adds slight overhead, but modern WebViews are very fast. React Native has an edge for graphics-heavy apps and complex animations.
Can Capacitor apps feel native?
Yes! With proper design and Capacitor's native plugins for gestures and transitions, your app can feel very native. Many successful apps in the stores use Capacitor.
Which is easier to learn?
Capacitor is much easier if you know web development. You use the same HTML, CSS, and JavaScript you already know. React Native requires learning its component system and mobile-specific APIs.
Can I use React with Capacitor?
Absolutely! You can use React, Next.js, Vue, Angular, Svelte, or any web framework with Capacitor. It's framework-agnostic.
Which has lower development cost?
Capacitor typically has lower costs because web developers are more abundant and less expensive than specialized mobile developers. Plus, you maintain one codebase for web and mobile.
Should I switch from React Native to Capacitor?
Consider switching if you struggle with RN complexity, want to add a web version, or have web developers. Keep React Native if you're happy with performance and have a solid RN team.
Conclusion
Capacitor is the best choice for teams with web expertise who want to move fast and share code across platforms. React Native is better for mobile-first teams building performance-critical apps. Most modern businesses benefit more from Capacitor's web-first approach.
Start building with Capacitor today
NextNative provides a complete Next.js + Capacitor starter with everything you need to ship mobile apps fast.
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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.