Before we start the debate of Ionic vs Nativescript, let me clear the air of what’s what.

What’s Ionic?

Ionic, a powerful mobile framework that aids you with building native-like-feeling mobile apps with technologies as HTML, CSS & JS. HTML5 SDK that helps you build using web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Ionic is focused mainly on the look and feel, and UI interaction of your app. That means we aren’t a replacement for PhoneGap or your favorite JavaScript framework. Is Ionic truly untouchable, or are we skipping on NativeScript?

NativeScript, an open-source framework for developing apps solely for iOS/Android platforms. In other words, rather than the native-like-feel you get the full experience.

Now that we have set this aside, let’s get into what really sets them apart.

Ionic vs NativeScript

1. Development Speed

2. UI

3. Performance

Coding in Ionic is comparatively faster and a lot less tiring. Constructed on top of Angular and built using Apache Cordova, Ionic stands out in hybrid application services, without requiring custom technologies.

However, coding in NativeScript comparatively takes more time. Being a transpiling language, that uses JavaScript, the options seem limited.

When considering performance, Ionic is not suitable for application with complex tasks since it runs on WebView. On the other hand, NativeScript comes off as a one-piece process.

UI/X has taken over this past few years by storm as we know it. However, both Ionic and NativeScript support them, yet NativeScript comes out top in this due to its seamlessness and rich UI supplement. (Looking to perfect your mobile application UI/X design, check this out)

Ionic comes with UI components for a native-like UI experience. NativeScript uses XML based UI designing and styling through CSS. The component library is built on top of native control for a seamless UI experience compared to that of Ionic.

What sets them apart?

The key difference is that Ionic requires additional plugins to access system features however, Native doesn’t require this as it has access to the whole API.

Who can benefit from Ionic?

Anyone who is set to develop hybrid mobile apps using CSS, HTML5 or Web platform technology.

Who can benefit from NativeScript?

Anyone who intends to develop an Android or iOS using JavaScript, by sharing the code across platforms.

Wrapping up, I want to make it clear that I am not debating that one is better than the other. To be more precise, when you are in need of creating an application within a limited timeline, that supports both mobile and web browser Ionic should be your means. However, if you want your application to handle complex tasks and your primary goal is performance then opt for NativeScript.