Flutter vs FlutterFlow: Which Tool Is Best for Your Next Development Project?

When you wish to build an app for your niche business, finalizing the development tool can be really confusing. With numerous application development platforms available in the market, it has to be Flutter vs. FlutterFlow, as these stand among the top ones.  

To determine the Flutter vs FlutterFlow difference, you must understand the basic frameworks of both platforms. While Flutter’s inclusive framework helps you craft multi-platform apps with a single codebase, FlutterFlow provides a no-code approach that lets you build MVPs seamlessly. 

So, which app development tool offers better responsiveness? What is the difference in performance between FlutterFlow and Flutter? Should you hire Flutter app developers? Get answers to all your queries in this blog. 

What is Flutter?

Flutter was launched in 2017 with Google’s direct support. It is a high-quality toolkit that develops robust applications for various platforms and devices. Flutter uses the Dart programming language through which you can build highly interactive UIs for websites, desktops, and mobiles. We will dive into the benefits it offers later on. 

What about FlutterFlow?

FlutterFlow is a powerful app-building tool that follows a no-code theory. Using this platform, you can craft high-end applications in a streamlined manner. Also, FlutterFlow allows you to develop fast-performing, interactive apps without in-depth coding knowledge. Simple text prompts turn into attractive visuals seamlessly. 

Now that we know what the platforms stand for, we will take a look what are the key differences between Flutter vs Flutterflow.

Key Difference between Flutter vs FlutterFlow

Flutter and FlutterFlow are both powerful tools for app development, but they cater to different audiences and use cases. While Flutter is a code-based framework for developers, FlutterFlow simplifies the process with a no-code approach. Let’s explore their key differences.

1. Development Aspect 

Flutter’s app creation highly depends on codes and manual coding, uses the Dart programming language. Developers need to have extensive coding knowledge and coding experience to design apps with Flutter and make complete use of the custom widgets it offers.

On the other hand, FlutterFlow provides the easy-to-use Drag-and-Drop interface using which developers can build applications effortlessly. This platform does not require detailed coding knowledge to design apps.

2. App Complexity

With Flutter’s brilliant features and unique widget libraries, you can craft app designs ranging from minimal to highly complex ones. Whether it is a complex app with numerous screens and appealing animations or a simple app with less than five screens and minimal graphics, Flutter can do both with equal ease. 

In contrast, FlutterFlow works best for fast prototyping and does not require any in-depth knowledge of coding. You can create Minimum Viable Products or MVPs impeccably through this tool and present your creative ideas to the market. It acts as a significant difference between Flutter and FlutterFlow. 

3. App Development Speed

You can develop high-quality and responsive apps swiftly through Flutter’s Hot Reload feature. Although the speed varies with app complexity, the process takes relatively less time than other app development tools. 

FlutterFlow is an ideal platform for straightforward application development projects as it speeds up the initial programming process. It can create a fully functioning app from text prompts rapidly. 

What’s in Your Control? 

When thinking about Flutter vs FlutterFlow, you must consider this point. Developers get complete control over Flutter app designs. You can build custom widgets and include high-end features according to your requirements. 

However, with FlutterFlow, you receive limited control over application features. Because of the tool’s minimal code/ no-code nature, it provides an ease-of-use aspect where turning your ideas into apps is effortless. 

While we can see the Flutter Vs FlutterFlow difference, learning which tool offers better app performance is crucial. So, let’s discuss the basic differences in the benefits of FlutterFlow and Flutter. 

Benefits of Using Flutter for App Development 

• Flutter’s universal coding functionality allows the developers to build apps which can be deployed everywhere from mobile to desktop and laptop. 
   
• With Flutter, programmers do not need to write codes several times for different platforms as they can build cross-platform apps effortlessly. 
   
• The hot reload feature boosts app development as well as testing its performance on a real-time basis without restarting it. 
   
• Flutter developers receive complete creative freedom while designing an app, as Flutter possesses a wide range of customizable widget libraries. 
   
• Along with the extensive application testing tools, Flutter apps get strong community support through Google. You can hire Flutter app developers and get complete support from the platform. 

Benefits of Using FlutterFlow for App Development 

• Without diving deep into coding, developers can bring their innovative app ideas, as this platform is made for developing Minimum Viable Products (MVPs). 
   
• FlutterFlow creates highly responsive applications which look equally attractive on various devices and different screen sizes. 
   
• The widgets and tools in FlutterFlow ensure that the apps provide a consistent experience to the users. 
   
• The AI integration feature provides various brilliant tools which streamline the entire application development process for developers.
   
• Developers can opt for fast UI and logic construction using the drag-and-drop functionality. 

Now, you can understand how the tools benefit your app. However, it may still be troublesome to determine which one to choose between FlutterFlow and Flutter. Let's compare the app performance of FlutterFlow and Flutter.

Comparing App Performance between FlutterFlow and Flutter

Popular Use Cases of Flutter & FlutterFlow

Both app development platforms have contributed to building popular and successful applications across various industries. 

Use Cases of Flutter

Whenever Developers are building highly complex, feature-rich, cross-platform apps, they tend to choose Flutter. Therefore, Flutter’s effectiveness is spread across markets.

• E-Commerce: Many graphically attractive, high-quality apps have been designed using Flutter throughout the years. Flutter’s efficiency in building responsive apps, which works hand-in-hand with current market needs, made it stand out. The e-commerce apps possess Flutter’s high-end multimedia content and easy transactions, offering a seamless user experience. 
   
• Banking & Fintech: Both banking and fintech industries need a secure and trustworthy framework for their apps. As Flutter provides reliable safety features along with appealing graphics, fine performance, and a native-like experience to users, these sectors prefer the platform over others. 
   
• Social Media: Flutter’s strong functionalities support custom UI and smooth animations, which makes developing interactive social media apps seamless. Developers can easily create responsive, feature-rich social media applications containing interactive elements, multimedia content, and real-time push notification options using Flutter.
   
• Multi-Platform Mobile & Web Apps: Flutter allows you to successfully build Android and iOS apps for your business using a single codebase. With the cross-platform framework, you can develop apps for several platforms rapidly without having to worry about app performance.
   
• Healthcare: Flutter has assisted the healthcare sector by developing apps with high-end features, such as real-time communication, patient status monitoring, data conception, appointment scheduling, and so on. Flutter’s support for scalability and responsiveness allows developers to craft apps which can handle bulk of data without any hassle. 

Use Cases of FlutterFlow

FlutterFlow is the ideal solution for apps that need fast development while possessing appealing graphics and offering a fine user experience. Many industries have made complete use of FlutterFlow’s efficiency. 

• Education: E-learning is a trend in the current educational field, and the user base ranges from infants to adults. By creating highly interactive apps with smooth transitions, FlutterFlow has contributed to the field significantly. Developers can even integrate multimedia contents, interactive lessons, and quizzes so the app can provide an effective user experience. 
   
• Social Networking & Community Apps: Using FlutterFlow, you can create community-oriented interactive platforms where users can share their ideas and take part in discussions and debates. Developers can incorporate useful features, such as user profiles, direct messaging, and content creation within the platform.
   
• Automated Business Process Apps: You can develop apps that automate workflow and various types of business processes. It is very useful for commercial as well as communal applications. You can integrate the app with existing databases so it can efficiently streamline business operations and keep a continuous watch on work performance. 
   
• MVP & Prototype: Struggling programmers or entrepreneurs can use FlutterFlow to convert their business ideas into applications easily. You can create fully functional prototypes or develop MVPs (minimum viable products) without diving deep into complex coding. It offers a clear validation of your ideas without heavy investment.
   
• Event & Conference Management: If you are an event organizer, you can use FlutterFlow to develop a fully performing even-oriented app. The app development tool allows you to integrate high-end features and functionalities to manage event schedules, real-time announcements, venue details, guest profile compiling, etc. 

Comparison of Maintenance & Costs between Flutter & FlutterFlow

Understanding the maintenance and cost implications of Flutter vs FlutterFlow can help you choose the right tool for your project needs.

Maintenance difference between Flutter and FlutterFlow

Flutter 

• Need to timely update the SDK and dependencies.
• To get complete control over updates, you can go for direct code manipulation during app development.
• Must hire Flutter app developers with experience to help with the maintenance.

FlutterFlow 

• Provides easy maintenance initially through hosting. 
• Do not need in-depth coding knowledge to handle updates for apps built within the GUI. 
• Comparatively complex apps need regular updates, which may require professional help.

Cost difference between Flutter and FlutterFlow

Flutter 

• Flutter app development services are free of cost for creating simple apps.
• Need a planned budget to build complex apps using the cross-platform framework.

FlutterFlow 

• Offers a subscription model after app deployment & requires a paid plan to deploy the app.
• Very cost-efficient for building MVPs or simple apps. 

Conclusion 

Wrapping up, your app requirement must determine the tool you use. While Flutter offers you complete control over app designing, it requires extensive technical knowledge. On the other hand, FlutterFlow is more convenient for creating simple apps and MVPs with limited tech knowledge.  

Now, if your app is simple and does not need intricate designing, you can choose FlutterFlow. However, if you need custom widgets, high-end features, and strong graphics, we suggest you go for Flutter. 

The choice is yours, but if you are still in need of professional consultation, reach out to us. Dartitude Labs has been developing high-quality apps for years. Our expert team of programmers are available round-the-clock to help you. So, contact us without delay for your mobile app development project!

FAQs 

1. Is there any difference between Flutter and Flutterflow app development tools?

The major difference between Flutter and FlutterFlow is the type of app they build, especially when compared to traditional app development. Flutter develops simple apps as well as moderately complex apps which has elaborate features. In contrast, FlutterFlow is more efficient for creating MVPs and simple apps that require less coding/no coding.

2. Does a Flutter app perform better than a FlutterFlow app?

The difference in performance between FlutterFlow and Flutter is not very noticeable, as both platforms create highly interactive, user-friendly apps. But with more complexity in apps, you can notice better flexibility in Flutter apps. 

3. Where can I hire Flutter app developers?

You can find several app development platforms over the internet. We suggest you shortlist the ones with more experience and expertise in building Flutter apps. You can always reach out to us at Dartitude Labs for any assistance with Flutter app development services. 

4. In Flutter vs FlutterFlow, which shall I choose?

It depends completely on your app requirements. Between Flutter and FlutterFlow, Flutter works best for developing complex applications, while FlutterFlow is for relatively simpler apps. If you have a simple app design in mind, you can choose FlutterFlow. But if the app requires complex features, smooth animations, you must use Flutter. 

5. Is Flutter app development services costly?

Flutter is free to use. But if you need to hire Flutter app developers with industry-based expertise, it requires a solid budget. Premium features and custom widgets will cost you according to your requirements. Do not forget to consider launch maintenance services while planning the budget.