React vs React Native
Updated 2026-09-03
Verdict
React (free) — pick for free and open source under the mit license. React Native (free) — pick for free and open source under the mit license.
| Pricing | React | React Native |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | 0 USD | 0 USD |
| Free tier | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux | iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux |
React — Pros
- Free and open source under the MIT license
- Massive ecosystem of libraries, tooling and tutorials
- Component-based architecture scales to large applications
React Native — Pros
- Free and open source under the MIT license
- Reuse React components and business logic across iOS and Android
- Large ecosystem of community packages and native modules
React — Cons
- Requires bundlers, transpilers and build configuration
- JSX adds a learning curve for non-JSX backgrounds
- Frequent breaking changes between major versions
React Native — Cons
- Native module bridging adds complexity for platform-specific features
- Hot reload and tooling require Mac for iOS development
- Performance for animations and complex lists trails fully native apps
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FAQ
Is React cheaper than React Native?
React starts at 0 USD (checked 2026-09-03); React Native starts at 0 USD (checked 2026-09-03). Check the current pricing page for the latest tiers.
Do React and React Native have a free plan?
Both React and React Native offer — see the comparison table above.
What platforms does React vs React Native support?
React is available on Web, Windows, macOS, Linux. React Native is available on iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux.
Are React and React Native in the same category?
Yes. Both React and React Native are classified as development tools.