# Apache Cordova vs NativeScript Comparison

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## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the difference between Cordova vs NativeScript?

Cordova and NativeScript differ most clearly in their approach to native access and performance, with Cordova relying on web technologies and NativeScript providing direct native API access.

| [Cordova](https://www.g2.com/products/apache-cordova/reviews) | [NativeScript](https://www.g2.com/products/nativescript/reviews) |
| --- | --- |
| 4.2/5 (58 reviews) | 4.1/5 (17 reviews) |
| — | — |
| 7.5 | 6.1 |
| 7.0 | 8.0 |
| Develop with HTML5, JavaScript, and CSS for rapid cross-platform deployment | Direct native API access and strong code reuse with Angular/JavaScript |



### How do the pricing models of Cordova and NativeScript compare?

Reviewers consider Cordova and NativeScript to be at parity on value, as both lack a distinct Price/Cost dimension score.

- **Cordova:** In recent reviews, Cordova is praised for enabling rapid development and prototyping with familiar web technologies, reducing the need for specialized native developers.
- **NativeScript:** Reviewers highlight NativeScript's ability to decrease development costs by allowing code reuse across platforms and leveraging JavaScript/Angular skills.



### What are the best alternatives to Cordova and NativeScript?

The top three alternatives to Cordova and NativeScript are Ionic, Bootstrap, and React Native.

| Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Cordova](https://www.g2.com/products/apache-cordova/reviews) | 4.2/5 (58 reviews) | — | — | Rapid cross-platform development using web technologies |
| [NativeScript](https://www.g2.com/products/nativescript/reviews) | 4.1/5 (17 reviews) | — | — | Direct native API access and code reuse with Angular/JavaScript |
| [Ionic](https://www.g2.com/products/ionic-an-outsystems-company/reviews) | 4.4/5 (154 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Strong cross-platform capabilities and integration with Angular |
| [Bootstrap](https://www.g2.com/products/bootstrap/reviews) | 4.5/5 (154 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Widely adopted for responsive UI development |
| [React Native](https://www.g2.com/products/react-native/reviews) | 4.4/5 (143 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Native performance and large community support |



### Which Mobile Development Frameworks features should I prioritize when comparing Cordova and NativeScript?

Buyers should prioritize cross-platform development, native API access, ease of setup, quality of support, and code reuse when comparing Cordova and NativeScript.

- **Cross-platform development:** Cordova 8.0 (Meets Requirements), NativeScript 8.5 (Meets Requirements)
- **Native API access:** NativeScript is highlighted for direct native API access in reviewer feedback
- **Ease of setup:** Cordova 7.5, NativeScript 6.1
- **Quality of support:** Cordova 7.0, NativeScript 8.0
- **Code reuse:** Both products are praised for enabling code reuse, with NativeScript reviewers emphasizing Angular/JavaScript integration



### What are the pros and cons of Cordova vs NativeScript?

Cordova's headline strength is rapid cross-platform development with web technologies, while NativeScript's is direct native API access and strong code reuse with Angular/JavaScript.

- **Cordova strengths:** Rapid development and prototyping, large plugin ecosystem, strong community support, and the ability to use familiar web technologies (HTML5, JavaScript, CSS).
- **Cordova trade-offs:** Performance can lag behind fully native apps, plugin compatibility and maintenance issues, and a steeper learning curve for advanced native functionality.
- **NativeScript strengths:** Direct access to native APIs, strong code reuse with Angular/JavaScript, and improved native performance compared to webview-based frameworks.
- **NativeScript trade-offs:** Smaller community, fewer plugins, and a more challenging initial setup and learning curve.



### Is Cordova or NativeScript better for small businesses?

Cordova is a better fit for small businesses, as it is frequently recommended for rapid development and lower resource requirements.

- **Cordova:** Reviewers consistently highlight Cordova's suitability for small to mid-sized projects, rapid prototyping, and leveraging existing web development skills to reduce costs and time to market.
- **NativeScript:** Reviewers note that NativeScript reduces the need for multiple platform specialists, but mention a steeper learning curve and less community support for small teams.



### Which Mobile Development Frameworks platform has better integrations?

Reviewers do not favor either Cordova or NativeScript for integrations, as no recent reviews cite specific third-party integrations for either product.

- **Cordova:** No recent reviewer-cited integrations.
- **NativeScript:** No recent reviewer-cited integrations.



### How do Cordova and NativeScript compare on customer support?

NativeScript scores materially higher than Cordova on Quality of Support, with an 8.0 versus 7.0 score.

- **Cordova:** Reviewers describe support as adequate but note challenges with plugin maintenance and documentation.
- **NativeScript:** Reviewers highlight responsive support and helpful documentation, though some mention difficulty finding help for very specific issues.



### Which is easier to implement, Cordova or NativeScript?

Cordova is easier to implement than NativeScript, with a 7.5 versus 6.1 Ease of Setup score.

- **Cordova:** Reviewers frequently mention simple setup for web developers and rapid onboarding, though some note challenges with advanced configuration and plugin management.
- **NativeScript:** Reviewers cite a steeper learning curve and more complex initial setup, but appreciate the benefits once configured.



| | Apache Cordova | NativeScript | 
|---|---|---|
| **Star Rating** | 4.2 out of 5 | 4.1 out of 5 | 
| **Total Reviews** | 58 | 17 | 
| **Largest Market Segment** | Small-Business (83.6% of reviews) | Small-Business (69.2% of reviews) | 
| **Entry Level Price** | No pricing available | $249 Unlimited cloud builds/user/month | 


---
## Ratings Comparison
| Rating | Apache Cordova | NativeScript | 
|---|---|---|
  | **Meets Requirements** | 8.0 (50 reviews) | 8.5 (12 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Use** | 7.9 (49 reviews) | 7.9 (11 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Setup** | 7.5 (25 reviews) | 6.1 (6 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Admin** | 7.5 (24 reviews) | 8.0 (5 reviews) | 
  | **Quality of Support** | 7.0 (44 reviews) | 8.0 (9 reviews) | 
  | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 8.1 (18 reviews) | 9.0 (5 reviews) | 
  | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 7.4 (50 reviews) | 8.9 (11 reviews) | 

---
## Pricing

### Apache Cordova

#### Entry-Level Pricing

No pricing available

#### Free Trial

No information available

### NativeScript

#### Entry-Level Pricing

Plan: NativeScript Sidekick Business 

Price: $249 Unlimited cloud builds/user/month

Description: Ideal for developers who want priority support ticket access and unlimited application builds.

Key Features:
- Priority ticket support from the NativeScript team

[Browse all 4 editions](https://www.g2.com/products/nativescript/pricing)

#### Free Trial

No

---
## Features Comparison By Category

### Mobile Development Frameworks

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Apache Cordova** | 7.2/10 | 15 |
| **NativeScript** | N/A | N/A |

#### Functionality

| Feature | Apache Cordova | NativeScript | 
|---|---|---|
| **Language Support** | 8.1 (12 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Ease of Use** | 7.8 (13 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Integrations** | 7.6 (12 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Performance

| Feature | Apache Cordova | NativeScript | 
|---|---|---|
| **Power** | 6.8 (11 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Responsiveness** | 8.3 (12 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Lightweight** | 7.2 (12 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Support

| Feature | Apache Cordova | NativeScript | 
|---|---|---|
| **Tutorials** | 6.4 (12 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Documentation** | 6.4 (12 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Community** | 6.5 (12 reviews) | Not enough data | 

---
## Categories
**Shared Categories (1):** [Mobile Development Frameworks](https://www.g2.com/categories/mobile-development-frameworks)




---
## Reviewer Demographics

### By Company Size

| Segment | Apache Cordova | NativeScript | 
|---|---|---|
| **Small-Business** | 83.6% | 69.2% | 
| **Mid-Market** | 14.5% | 23.1% | 
| **Enterprise** | 1.8% | 7.7% | 

### By Industry

#### Apache Cordova

- **Computer Software:** 38.2%
- **Information Technology and Services:** 14.5%
- **Program Development:** 7.3%
- **Internet:** 5.5%
- **Broadcast Media:** 3.6%
- **Information Services:** 3.6%
- **Design:** 3.6%
- **Aviation & Aerospace:** 1.8%
- **Computer & Network Security:** 1.8%
- **Education Management:** 1.8%
- **Other:** 18.2%

#### NativeScript

- **Computer Software:** 30.8%
- **Computer & Network Security:** 15.4%
- **Restaurants:** 7.7%
- **Oil & Energy:** 7.7%
- **Management Consulting:** 7.7%
- **Information Technology and Services:** 7.7%
- **Higher Education:** 7.7%
- **Entertainment:** 7.7%
- **Construction:** 7.7%

---
## Alternatives

### Alternatives to Apache Cordova

- [Ionic: An OutSystems Company](https://www.g2.com/products/ionic-an-outsystems-company/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (154 reviews)
- [Bootstrap](https://www.g2.com/products/bootstrap/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (154 reviews)
- [React Native](https://www.g2.com/products/react-native/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (142 reviews)
- [jQuery Mobile](https://www.g2.com/products/jquery-mobile/reviews) — 3.4/5 stars (22 reviews)
- [Framework 7](https://www.g2.com/products/framework-7/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (35 reviews)
- [Kotlin](https://www.g2.com/products/kotlin/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (43 reviews)
- [Qt](https://www.g2.com/products/qt/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (54 reviews)
- [Essential Studio](https://www.g2.com/products/essential-studio/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (829 reviews)
- [Mobile Angular UI](https://www.g2.com/products/mobile-angular-ui/reviews) — 3.3/5 stars (10 reviews)
- [Onsen UI](https://www.g2.com/products/onsen-ui/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (12 reviews)

### Alternatives to NativeScript

- [Ionic: An OutSystems Company](https://www.g2.com/products/ionic-an-outsystems-company/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (154 reviews)
- [React Native](https://www.g2.com/products/react-native/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (142 reviews)
- [Framework 7](https://www.g2.com/products/framework-7/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (35 reviews)
- [Bootstrap](https://www.g2.com/products/bootstrap/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (154 reviews)
- [Onsen UI](https://www.g2.com/products/onsen-ui/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (12 reviews)
- [Essential Studio](https://www.g2.com/products/essential-studio/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (829 reviews)
- [Tabris](https://www.g2.com/products/tabris/reviews) — 3.8/5 stars (12 reviews)
- [jQuery Mobile](https://www.g2.com/products/jquery-mobile/reviews) — 3.4/5 stars (22 reviews)
- [DevExpress](https://www.g2.com/products/devexpress/reviews) — 4.8/5 stars (116 reviews)
- [Qt](https://www.g2.com/products/qt/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (54 reviews)

---
## Top Discussions

### Apache Cordova

No discussions available for this product.

### NativeScript

No discussions available for this product.

---
**Source:** [G2.com](https://www.g2.com) | [Comparison Page](https://www.g2.com/compare/apache-cordova-vs-nativescript)