The tech stack you choose can make or break an app. At The Distance, we don’t take that decision lightly. For the past five years, we’ve been all in on React Native - not because it’s the latest trend, but because it consistently delivers the best outcomes for our clients.
Why we chose React Native (and haven't looked back)
Why we chose React Native (and haven't looked back)

Anthony Main
founder
3 minutes
time to read
October 8, 2025
published
Staying ahead with the right tech
We’re always keeping an eye on the latest developments in mobile frameworks. Our technology radar constantly evaluates market shifts to ensure we’re working with the most effective, future-ready tools available. And even with new contenders emerging, React Native has remained our go-to framework.
Yes, Flutter is gaining traction, but the JavaScript ecosystem is unmatched. It makes sourcing expert talent simpler, offers a vast community of support, and integrates beautifully with other parts of the stack, especially when combined with TypeScript. Together, they give us robust, scalable apps with clean, maintainable code and seamless alignment between frontend and backend development.
Why not native?
Before React Native, our team came from a strong native development background. But today, we see little advantage in choosing native unless the project demands direct hardware access, such as gaming or real-time media processing.
That said, React Native isn’t just for typical cross-platform apps. With the introduction of bridgeless mode and deeper integration with native code, there’s almost no limitation on performance or direct SDK access when needed. It gives us the flexibility to deliver native-like experiences without sacrificing efficiency.

Addressing the big questions: performance, security, and scale
Let’s talk about the common concerns.
Performance:
It’s true that early versions of React Native had performance limitations. But that’s old news. With the new architecture, JSI, and Hermes engine, React Native apps can now achieve near-native performance. We’ve put this to the test across projects from travel to enterprise and the results speak for themselves. Smooth animations, quick load times, and consistent performance across devices.
Security:
React Native is only as secure as the team building with it, and that’s where our experience comes in. Our in-house foundation, The Core, is packed with over 20 security measures designed to protect against real-world threats. From encryption and secure API handling to dependency monitoring, every app we build is fortified from the ground up.
Scalability:
Cross-platform doesn’t mean “cut corners.” Our work with partners like Reward Gateway proves that React Native scales beautifully for complex, high-demand products. The framework’s modularity and shared codebase make it easier to evolve, update, and expand apps as business needs grow - without rewriting from scratch.
Leveraging experience for better security
Developing in React Native doesn’t just speed up projects - it helps us deliver secure, high-quality apps. With The Core, our in-house framework, we’ve built a foundation of best practices and over 20 security measures to keep apps protected from malicious threats.
This experience has been shaped by working across diverse industries, from Fintech to Enterprise. Partners like Reward Gateway benefit directly from our years of refinement in React Native development, helping them build scalable, future-proof digital products.
The bottom line
React Native offers speed, flexibility, and security - all without compromising on quality. Our experience has shown that it’s the smartest commercial choice for the vast majority of mobile applications today.
By choosing React Native, we’re not just following industry trends. We’re staying ahead of them.
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