When it comes to developing mobile applications that are both efficient and cost-effective, choosing the right framework is crucial. However, as Apache Cordova's popularity continues to decline, many businesses are left wondering what alternatives they can turn to for their future projects.
In this article, we'll explore the top three alternatives to migrate your app from Apache Cordova in 2026, including Flutter, React Native, and Ionic/Capacitor. But before we dive into those options, let's take a closer look at why Apache Cordova is no longer the go-to choice for many developers.
What's Wrong with Apache Cordova?
For years, Apache Cordova has been the first choice for developers looking to create cross-platform mobile applications using web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. However, times are changing, and other alternatives have emerged on the scene, causing a stir. Since 2021, when App Center made a statement about Apache Cordova's retirement, there has been a significant drop in the number of weekly downloads of the command line tool to build, deploy, and manage Cordova-based apps, according to npm (Numbers Probably Matter). In fact, only last year did the decrease rate reach 25%.
What Can I Use Instead of Cordova?
If you're still using Apache Cordova for your mobile app development needs, it's high time to consider alternatives. Flutter, React Native, and Ionic/Capacitor may be a good substitute for Cordova in cross-platform app development. These cutting-edge technologies can be the best option for your hybrid app, though there is no reason to perceive any of them as a silver bullet, since all technologies have both pros and cons.
What's the Best Modernization Approach for My Cordova App?
At MobiDev, we've developed our own methodical approach to modernizing legacy applications. When it comes to migrating your app from Apache Cordova, here are the general steps you can follow:
- Decide whether app modernization efforts are more economically and technically profitable or it is more reasonable to rebuild it from scratch
- Choose the framework that works best for your goals, and will be your next go-to solution
- Diversify your tools – use several of the most trusted mobile frameworks for your future projects
- Consult with an industry expert to create an efficient roadmap for implementing the above steps
Top 3 Alternatives to Migrate Your App from Apache Cordova in 2026
Maintaining the competitiveness and relevance of your mobile applications depends on knowing when to switch to a new technology. Given Cordova's decline, it's critical to recognize the warning indications that call for looking into other options.
Here are the top three alternatives you can consider migrating your app from Apache Cordova:
- Flutter: One of the top mobile app frameworks whose popularity among software developers grows yearly and hit the top ten this year.
- React Native: A popular choice for building cross-platform mobile applications using JavaScript and React.
- Ionic/Capacitor: A framework that can help you build hybrid apps with a native-like experience, without requiring extensive knowledge of native development.
By switching to one of these alternatives, you'll be able to create more efficient, cost-effective, and scalable mobile applications that will give you a headstart from your competitors.