6 Best Frameworks for Android App Development (2025)

Itobuz Technologies

Published: 29 January 2025

This blog post explores the most popular Android development frameworks of this year. We will explain what they are, their importance, and the challenges that can arise when selecting a framework for Android development.

The Android Operating System (OS) is the most-favored OS for mobile devices:

It has a market share of 71.65%
There are 3.9+ billion Android users spanning across 190 countries
The OS is used in billions of smartphones and millions of cars, TVs, smartwatches, and other wearables

Hence, there is a need for new developers to learn how to build Android apps using new Modern Android Development (MAD) skills and the latest Android development frameworks.

What is an Android Development Framework?

A framework is a toolset that provides a foundation for developing applications:

Android development frameworks are toolsets designed to streamline the process of creating apps for the Android operating system
These frameworks contain pre-written code, libraries, image files, templates, UI components, and reference documents that developers use to fast-track their development processes
Using an established framework for Android development also helps developers ensure that their apps stick to a standardized architecture and maintain the same level of quality across all Android versions

The initial release of Android in 2008 marked the beginning of the practice of using frameworks for Android development:

Early frameworks were primarily focused on native app development using Java and the Android SDK
Apache Cordova emerged around this time and it allowed developers to create hybrid apps using web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
This framework enabled a broader range of developers to enter mobile app development by leveraging existing web skills
The introduction of frameworks like Ionic in 2013 allowed developers to build cross-platform apps more easily
Ionic used web technologies and provided a rich library of components, making it popular among developers looking for rapid deployment across multiple platforms
React Native, a cross-platform framework released by Facebook in 2015, revolutionized app development by allowing devs to write native-looking apps using JavaScript
In 2017, Google introduced Flutter, another revolutionary cross-platform framework that allows devs to create natively compiled apps
Since then, many other cross-platform frameworks have emerged to simplify common tasks in Android app development

With the rapid evolution of the Android ecosystem, developers face the challenge of staying up-to-date with the latest frameworks. This post will help developers address this challenge and implement the latest Android development frameworks in 2024.

Top Android Development Frameworks in 2024

Different Android development frameworks offer different strengths and attributes.

Some are high-performance-oriented, some offer cross-platform compatibility, and others are well-known for having strong online communities.

The best ones give developers a single access point to all the resources they need to build high-quality Android apps from scratch.

Here are our picks for the best Android development frameworks in 2024:

1. Android Studio: Google’s Official IDE

Android Studio is not a development framework. It is an Integrated Development Environment (IDE), i.e., a tool for writing and managing code. We are covering Android Studio in this post because it is the recommended IDE for Android development.

Android Studio was released in December 2014
It replaced Eclipse ADT as the primary IDE for Android development
Unlike previous IDEs, where Java was the preferred language, Kotlin is now the language of choice in this Android Studio
Android Studio also provides support for Java, C++, and other programming languages

This IDE is suitable for developers with different skill sets who want to build, test, and deploy Android apps swiftly. Android Studio offers a variety of helpful features such as:

A powerful code editor with advanced code completion, refactoring, and analysis tools
A Gradle-based build system that lets developers build app configurations efficiently
An Android Emulator that allows developers to test apps on different virtual devices
Predefined code templates that help in creating common app features quickly

Since its inception, Android Studio has been the go-to IDE for Android developers due to its robust, Google-backed feature set. Over the years, it has integrated many advanced tools for performance profiling, debugging, and user interface (UI) design.

Pros of Android Studio

Provides all necessary Android app development tools in one environment
Continuous enhancements keep it aligned with the latest Android versions and features
It has a large online community of developers
It offers seamless integration with most Google services (like Firebase)
The IDE’s intuitive layout makes it easy to use for beginners
It offers advanced debugging tools the Layout Inspector

Cons of Android Studio

The only major con of this IDE is that it is extremely resource-intensive. Running the Android IDE and an emulator successfully can be daunting for your computer. To cope with this IDE’s demands, your system will need:

64-bit Microsoft Windows, macOS, or Linux installed
A strong internet connection
Minimum of 8 GB of RAM or more
A minimum screen resolution of 1280 x 800

If your system meets these requirements, download Android Studio and get started!

2. Flutter: Google’s Cross-Platform UI Toolkit

Once you have downloaded an IDE, the next step is choosing the right framework. One of the most prominent frameworks in recent years is Flutter by Google:

Flutter is an open-source Android development framework that allows developers to create apps for Android, iOS, web, and desktop – all from a single codebase
This capability significantly reduces development time and costs while ensuring that apps deliver consistent user experiences across all devices
Flutter uses the Dart Programming Language, which compiles to native code
It provides a rich set of pre-designed and customizable widgets that allow developers to create beautiful UIs that feel native to each platform
Flutter stands out as a cross-platform framework because it enables developers to write one set of code that can be compiled into native apps for various operating systems

Pros of Flutter

Cross-platform compatibility
Flutter uses its own rendering engine (Skia), which allows it to draw widgets directly onto the app screen without relying on native components; this results in more visually pleasing app performances
It has a Hot Reload Feature which allows developers to instantly see changes in the app as they edit its code, without restarting it
Since Flutter is backed by Google, apps developed with it always deliver consistent experiences on all Google devices
Its extensive library of customizable widgets allows developers to create visually appealing and interactive UIs with ease
It has a strong online community
It supports rapid development cycles (thanks to features like hot reload)

Cons of Flutter

Dart is a relatively new programming language that requires time to learn
Apps built with Flutter tend to have larger file sizes (because of the Skia engine)
Flutter is a cross-platform framework so it offers limited access to native smartphone features

Despite these minor flaws, Flutter has emerged as the most popular cross-platform framework among Android developers. Its cross-platform capabilities, beautiful UIs, and strong community support make it a highly attractive option.

3. React Native: Facebook’s Open-Source Cross-Platform Framework

Not familiar with Dart? JavaScript programmers can build native-quality mobile apps using Facebook’s open-source framework React Native. It was launched in 2015, and since then, it has become particularly popular as an Android framework:

React Native apps look, feel, and function like native apps because they are rendered with native UI components
It is an excellent framework for apps that need to be integrated with native features to perform effectively
Approximately 14% of the top 500 apps in the US use this framework

Pros of React Native

It is easy to use, especially for developers who know JavaScript
Developers get to create Android apps that run on both iOS and Android with a single codebase
It renders UI components using native APIs which gives its apps high, native app-level visual appeal and functionality
React Native has a large online community
Offers features like hot reloading (like Flutter)
Offers a feature called Code Push which helps developers swiftly implement app updates

Cons of React Native

Not as good as native apps at processing heavy graphics, animations
Features a unique component-based architecture that may take time for beginners to decode

Do you need a framework that lets you launch and maintain custom, cross-platform, and high-performance apps with ease? Then consider mastering the React Native framework!

4. Kotlin Multiplatform: An Increasingly Important Cross-Platform Android Framework

Kotlin Multiplatform (KMP) is a framework for Android development that lets developers do something that most frameworks do not – share code across multiple platforms in a flexible way:

KMP supports a modular architecture
This unique architecture lets developers decide the extent of code-sharing
You can create most of your app’s code in Kotlin
Then, you can use and modify the same code to build different Android, iOS, Windows, or even web apps
KMP also allows the use of platform-specific APIs and native code which makes its apps perform optimally on all platforms

All of these features of KMP make it super-advantageous for developers who are looking to migrate existing apps. They can incrementally introduce KMP modules into their projects without rewriting existing codebases.

Pros of Kotlin Multiplatform

This cross-platform framework allows for easy code sharing between different platforms
Developers choose exactly how much code to share – be it just the business logic or the UI elements
Unlike Flutter, which uses its own rendering engine and UI components, KMP allows developers to use native UI elements directly and give apps a native look and feel
Supports gradual migration which helps teams preserve their investments in existing codebases
Many Android developers are already proficient in Kotlin – the main language of the Android Studio IDE
Apps built with KMP maintain native performance by using platform-specific APIs
A strong community that shares free resources and libraries online

Cons of Kotlin Multiplatform

KMP is relatively new and a lot of its components are still in the beta stages
Unlike React Native or Flutter, KMP has fewer third-party libraries available online

Major apps like CashApp, Netflix, and Baidu use KMP for parts of their app architectures. This just shows you how powerful this Android development framework is and will continue to be.

5. Ionic: Hybrid Mobile App Framework

Want to build a top-quality mobile app with native features using common languages like HTML or JavaScript? Then Ionic the popular open-source Android development framework is for you:

It is approved by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology as one of the best frameworks of today
Its cross-platform functionality, large developer community, and reputation for simplicity make it a favorite among developers
It powers approximately 15% of all Android apps in the Google Play Store

Ionic integrates seamlessly with most JavaScript frameworks like Angular, React, and Vue.js. Hence, the millions of developers who are proficient in JavaScript love using this framework.

Pros of Ionic

Provides a rich library of pre-designed UI components that follow Android’s material design guidelines
Supports rapid development
Perfect for web developers who want to transition to Android app development
Strong community support
Compatibility with Angular, React, and Vue.js allows for dynamic Android app development
Allows access to native features through Cordova plugins

Cons of Ionic

Unlike Flutter, which uses its own rendering engine to create UI components natively, Ionic relies on WebView components to render HTML and CSS code within a native app shell
This might lead to differences in performance compared to fully native frameworks
Hybrid apps do not perform as well as fully native apps

Ionic stands out as the most compelling choice for creating hybrid Android apps.

6. Xamarin: Microsoft’s Cross-Platform Framework for Android, iOS, and Windows

C# programmers planning to develop Android apps – Xamarin is the cross-platform framework for you. Developed by Microsoft, Xamarin is integrated with the Visual Studio IDE. This IDE offers debugging, auto code completion, and various other essential features.

Xamarin allows developers to create native-like Android apps using C#
It integrates smoothly with platform-specific APIs
Developers can write most of their app logic once in C# and then use it across platforms

If you are familiar with Microsoft technologies and C#, using Xamarin to create fully native UIs will feel easy for you.

Pros of Xamarin

Ability to share up to 95% of code across platforms
Provides full access to native device features
Backed by Microsoft
A large online community that shares libraries, plugins, and other free resources
Developers only need to maintain a single tech stack
Integration with .NET gives access to a wide range of libraries and tools
Integration with Visual Studio gives access to powerful debugging tools

Cons of Xamarin

Android apps built with Xamarin can be larger than native apps due to the inclusion of additional libraries
There may be delays in integrating new features from Android into the Xamarin ecosystem

It is typically cheaper to hire professionals who specialize in C#. Hence, small businesses entering the Android landscape love using Xamarin.

Key Features to Look for in an Android Development Framework

When selecting one out of the many Android development frameworks we have discussed, look for:

Cross-Platform Compatibility

Write a single codebase that works on Android, iOS, and web
Save a ton of time and resources
Frameworks like Flutter, React Native, KMP, and Xamarin excel in this area

Near-Native Performance

Look for frameworks that offer near-native performance and quick load times
Frameworks like Flutter and KMP excel in this regard

UI Components

Make sure your framework provides a complete library of UI components
The components should be easy to customize
If the components adhere to Android’s design Material Design guidelines, even better

Community Support

Mobile app development frameworks that have strong online communities are much easier to learn
Active communities will give you access to important framework resources, free plugins, timely troubleshooting support, and more
React Native and Ionic are the oldest and the most well-supported Android frameworks on this list

Easy Integration

Your framework should easily integrate with cloud services, databases, and third-party APIs

Scalability

Ensure that the framework can handle future growth in terms of user base and functionality

Security

Choose frameworks that offer built-in security features

Choosing the Right Framework for Your Android Project

Look out for the qualities we listed above. Also, take the following steps to choose the right framework for your Android project:

Identify the core functionalities your app needs
Assess your app’s performance expectations
Identify what platforms apart from Android you would like to target
Assess what types of UI components you want your Android app to have
Consider the programming languages and technologies your team is already familiar with
Research the framework’s community support and development activity
Compare frameworks based on the key features outlined above
Look for those that align closely with your project’s needs
Look at successful Android apps built with the frameworks you are considering

Why Flutter and Kotlin Are the Future of Android Development

Although we implore you to explore all the Android development frameworks discussed so far, there are two that stand out. Flutter and KMP.

Here is why we think Flutter and KMP are the future of mobile app development:

Flutter’s Rise

Flutter’s Rapid Adoption has been nothing short of remarkable
In a recent survey involving cross-platform app developers, 46% (the highest) claimed they prefer Flutter
Flutter apps are known for their high-performance
This is due to Flutter’s use of Dart, which supports ahead-of-time (AOT) compilation
AOT compilation results in faster app startup times
Flutter also offers the biggest library of components
With this vast library, developers can rapidly create and customize visually stunning UIs

Kotlin’s Rise

Kotlin has rapidly ascended to replace Java and become Google’s #1 language
This modern programming language is optimized to enhance developer productivity
It is designed to allow clean and concise syntax
Kotlin is also fully interoperable with Java
Developers can easily migrate existing Java-made Android apps to Kotlin without rewriting much of the code
IDEs like Android Studio provide official support for Kotlin development

Do you see why Flutter and Kotlin are the future of Android development? Both frameworks support languages that are officially backed by Google – Dart and Kotlin.

Case Studies: Popular Apps Built with Leading Android Frameworks

Google Ads is Built with Flutter

Why Flutter?
The app benefits from Flutter’s AOT (Ahead-of-Time) compilation
AOT enables fast startup times and smooth animations – two features that are critical for a dynamic app like Google Ads

Instagram is Built with React Native

Why React Native?
RN’s Hot Reload feature facilitates rapid testing cycles
It enables teams to avoid complex compile-install cycles and deliver new features rapidly

Trello is Built with Kotlin Multiplatform

Why KMP?
Trello has been able to incrementally integrate KMP in its existing app without needing major rewrites
KMP also allows the project management app to implement platform-specific UIs and deliver optimal user experiences to Android and iOS users

Common Challenges When Using Android Development Frameworks

While Android development frameworks offer many advantages, they also come with challenges. This is especially true for cross-platform Android development frameworks:

Performance Issues in Cross-Platform Apps

Cross-platform Android apps often do not fully exploit the unique features of each OS
To resolve performance bottlenecks, optimize code for each platform
Carefully tailor the shared codebase to suit the performance characteristics of each platform
If possible, write platform-specific code for all performance-critical sections of the app

Platform-Specific Bugs

Cross-platform frameworks often abstract the underlying platform details,
This usually triggers hidden, platform-specific bugs that are difficult to locate and fix
How to avoid this issue?
Perform unit testing, integration testing, and user acceptance testing on all target platforms
Actively monitor user feedback for reports of platform-specific issues

Learning Curve

Each framework has its own libraries, best practices, tools, conventions
Team leaders must give their developers ample access to resources specific to the framework they are working on
Invest in training programs
Pair less experienced developers with mentors to expedite knowledge transfer

Mobile Device Fragmentation

The Android ecosystem is known for its gigantic collection of devices with varying screen sizes, hardware specifications, and OS versions
This fragmentation can complicate development efforts
Identify your user base and the devices they use
Consider limiting support to that subset of devices or OS versions only

Conclusion

There you have it – the ultimate guide on Android development frameworks! We encourage you to experiment with each framework. Let us know the results.

At Itobuz, sharing the latest information on these frameworks is a key part of our Android app development services. So, do not refrain from reaching out for more personalized assistance.

The future of Android development is bright. Let us make it brighter, together!

FAQs

What is the most popular Android development framework in 2024?

Flutter is the most popular Android development framework of 2024.

Which framework is best for cross-platform Android apps?

Flutter.

Is Kotlin better than Java for Android development?

Yes. Kotlin has a cleaner and more concise syntax. It is also Android Studio’s preferred language.

What are the benefits of using Flutter for Android apps?

Flutter uses its own rendering engine (Skia
It is backed by Google
It’s very easy to build interactive UIs with Flutter
It has a strong online community

Can you switch frameworks mid-development?

Yes, but only with certain frameworks. switching React Native to Flutter is possible due to Flutter’s direct compilation into native ARM code. Not all frameworks offer this perk.