If you’re a developer or a business owner looking to build a cross-platform app, you’ve probably heard of Flutter. It’s been a big name in app development for years. But now, there’s a new kid on the block—Lynx JS (or simply Lynx), introduced by ByteDance, the company behind TikTok. With Lynx hitting the scene in 2025, people are asking: How does it stack up against Flutter? Which one’s better for my project?
Don’t worry if you’re new to these tools—this guide will break everything down in simple, easy-to-understand language. We’ll explore what Lynx JS and Flutter are, how they work, their strengths and weaknesses, and when you should pick one over the other. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of which framework fits your needs in 2025. Let’s jump in!
Table of Contents
What Is Lynx JS?
Lynx JS—or just Lynx—is a shiny new open-source framework launched by ByteDance on March 5, 2025. It’s designed to help developers build apps for Android, iOS, and the web using a single codebase. Sound familiar? That’s because it’s stepping into the same ring as Flutter and React Native, but with a twist.
The Basics of Lynx
- Web Roots: Lynx uses JavaScript (JS) and CSS, making it super friendly for web developers. If you’ve built websites before, you’ll feel right at home.
- React-Inspired: It comes with “ReactLynx,” a version that works with React, a popular JavaScript library. This means you can use React’s tools and tricks.
- Dual-Thread Design: Lynx splits its work into two threads—one for the user interface (UI) and one for heavy tasks like data crunching. This keeps your app smooth and fast.
Think of Lynx as a bridge between web and native apps. It lets you write code once and run it everywhere, with a focus on speed and a native feel. ByteDance already uses it in apps like TikTok, so it’s proven it can handle big-time projects.
Who’s It For?
Lynx isn’t for building apps from scratch (yet). Right now, it’s best for adding cross-platform views to existing apps. If you’ve got a web or mobile app and want to sprinkle in some shared features, Lynx could be your go-to.
What Is Flutter?
Flutter, on the other hand, is a seasoned player. Launched by Google in 2017, it’s an open-source framework for building beautiful, high-performance apps across mobile, web, desktop, and more—all from one codebase.
The Basics of Flutter
- Dart Language: Flutter uses Dart, a programming language made by Google. It’s not as common as JavaScript, but it’s built for speed and UI design.
- Own Engine: Unlike Lynx, Flutter doesn’t rely on native components. It uses the Skia graphics engine to draw everything itself, ensuring consistent looks everywhere.
- Widgets Galore: Flutter’s packed with customizable widgets (think buttons, text boxes, etc.) that make designing apps a breeze.
Flutter’s big claim to fame is its ability to create apps that look and feel native without needing separate code for Android and iOS. Big names like Google Pay and Alibaba use it, proving it’s a heavyweight in the app world.
Who’s It For?
Flutter’s perfect for anyone starting a new app from scratch or wanting a unified design across platforms. It’s a full package—everything you need is built-in.
Lynx JS vs Flutter: A Head-to-Head Comparison
Now that we know the basics, let’s pit Lynx JS against Flutter and see how they compare. We’ll look at key areas like language, performance, ease of use, and more.
1. Programming Language
- Lynx JS: Uses JavaScript, the king of web development. If you know JS (and who doesn’t these days?), you can jump into Lynx fast. Plus, it ties into React, which millions of developers already use.
- Flutter: Runs on Dart, a less popular language. Dart’s designed for speed and UI, but it has a learning curve if you’re new to it.
Winner? Lynx wins for familiarity—JavaScript’s everywhere in 2025. But if you’re okay learning Dart, Flutter’s not a dealbreaker.
2. Performance
- Lynx JS: Thanks to its dual-thread architecture, Lynx is snappy. One thread handles the UI (making it smooth), while another does the heavy lifting (like fetching data). ByteDance claims it cuts launch times by 2-4x compared to web-based apps.
- Flutter: Flutter’s no slouch either. Its Skia engine renders at 60 frames per second (fps)—or even 120 fps on fancy devices. It compiles to native code, so it’s fast and consistent across platforms.
Winner? Tie. Lynx shines for responsiveness, while Flutter excels at raw rendering power. It depends on your app’s needs.
3. Cross-Platform Power
- Lynx JS: Works on Android, iOS, and the web out of the box. It uses native views plus a custom renderer for pixel-perfect consistency. But it’s more about adding features to existing apps than building standalone ones.
- Flutter: Covers mobile (Android, iOS), web, desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux), and even embedded devices. It’s a true all-in-one solution.
Winner? Flutter. It’s more versatile for full app development across tons of platforms.
4. Ease of Use
- Lynx JS: If you’re a web developer, Lynx feels like home. You write CSS and JS like you would for a website, and the React integration is a bonus. Setup’s a bit tricky since it’s not standalone yet—you need an existing app to plug it into.
- Flutter: Comes with Flutter Doctor, a tool that guides you through setup. The widget system is intuitive once you learn Dart, but the nested code can look messy at first.
Winner? Lynx for web devs; Flutter for beginners willing to learn.
5. Community and Ecosystem
- Lynx JS: Brand new in 2025, so its community is tiny but growing. It’s open-source, and ByteDance’s TikTok cred gives it buzz. Libraries are limited for now, but JS’s massive ecosystem helps.
- Flutter: Huge community—42% of developers used it in 2021, and it’s only grown. Tons of plugins, docs, and tutorials make it a safe bet.
Winner? Flutter. It’s got years of support behind it.
6. UI Design
- Lynx JS: Uses CSS for styling—familiar and flexible. It leans on native components, so your app blends into each platform naturally.
- Flutter: Offers widgets you customize from scratch. You control every pixel, which is great for unique designs but takes more effort to match native looks.
Winner? Lynx for quick native styling; Flutter for custom control.
Real-World Examples in 2025
Let’s see how these frameworks play out in the wild.
Lynx JS in Action
- TikTok: ByteDance uses Lynx for parts of TikTok, like fast-loading views. It’s perfect for adding web-like features to a native app.
- Early Adopters: Some startups in 2025 are testing Lynx for shared UI across their web and mobile platforms.
Flutter in Action
- Google Pay: The revamped app uses Flutter for its slick, consistent UI across Android and iOS.
- Alibaba: Powers their shopping app with fast, custom designs.
Lynx is niche but promising; Flutter’s a proven champ.
Pros and Cons: Lynx JS vs Flutter
Here’s a quick rundown of each framework’s strengths and weaknesses.
Lynx JS
- Pros:
- JavaScript and CSS = easy for web devs.
- Fast UI thanks to dual threads.
- Ties into React’s ecosystem.
- Cons:
- Not for standalone apps (yet).
- Small community, few resources.
- Still experimental in 2025.
Flutter
- Pros:
- Builds full apps for any platform.
- High performance with Skia.
- Massive community and plugins.
- Cons:
- Dart takes time to learn.
- Bigger app sizes than some rivals.
- Nested code can get messy.
Which One Should You Choose in 2025?
Picking between Lynx JS and Flutter depends on your project and skills. Here’s a guide:
Choose Lynx JS If:
- You’re a web developer comfy with JavaScript and CSS.
- You want to add cross-platform features to an existing app.
- You like React and want a fast, native-feeling UI.
Choose Flutter If:
- You’re building a new app from scratch.
- You need one codebase for mobile, web, desktop, and more.
- You want proven stability and tons of support.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Lynx JS | Flutter |
|---|---|---|
| Language | JavaScript | Dart |
| Platforms | Android, iOS, Web | Mobile, Web, Desktop, More |
| Performance | Dual-thread, fast UI | 60/120 fps, native code |
| Ease of Use | Great for web devs | Beginner-friendly w/ Dart |
| Community | Small, growing | Huge, established |
| Best For | Adding to existing apps | Full app development |
What’s New in 2025?
- Lynx JS: Just launched, with ByteDance pushing it hard. Expect updates as the community grows.
- Flutter: Google’s rolling out better web support and performance tweaks with Flutter 3.19 (as of early 2025).
Both are evolving fast, but Flutter’s got the edge in maturity.
How to Get Started
Trying Lynx JS
- Visit lynxjs.org.
- Follow the setup guide—integrate it into your app.
- Write some JS and CSS, and test it out!
Trying Flutter
- Download Flutter from flutter.dev.
- Run
flutter doctorto set up. - Build a simple app with Dart and widgets.
Both have free resources to dive into!
Conclusion: Lynx JS or Flutter?
In 2025, Lynx JS and Flutter are exciting options for cross-platform apps, but they’re built for different jobs. Lynx is a fresh, web-friendly tool for enhancing apps with fast, native views—perfect if you’re a JavaScript fan. Flutter’s a full-on framework for crafting stunning apps from the ground up, with unmatched platform coverage.