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Head-to-head · Desktop App Development Frameworks

Electron vs Compose Multiplatform

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 3 checks side by side
Higher score Electron #2 in Desktop App Development Frameworks 9.1/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 3 features Visit Electron
Compose Multiplatform #6 in Desktop App Development Frameworks 8.7/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 3 features Visit JetBrains

Electron leads on 0 checks, Compose Multiplatform on 0, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreElectron · 9.1/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresCompose Multiplatform · 2 of 3

Electron scores higher on our rubric for desktop app development frameworks: 9.1 against 8.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #6.

Electron is the better fit for javaScript teams building desktop apps. Compose Multiplatform is the better fit for kotlin teams sharing declarative UI across platforms.

  • Electron fits best

    JavaScript teams building desktop apps

  • Compose Multiplatform fits best

    Kotlin teams sharing declarative UI across platforms

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Side by side

Feature Electron 9.1/10 Visit ↗ Compose Multiplatform 8.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.1 8.7
Ranking #2 in Desktop App Development Frameworks #6 in Desktop App Development Frameworks
Best for JavaScript teams building desktop apps Kotlin teams sharing declarative UI across platforms
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free plan Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Self-hosted
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Web
Support Docs, Community Docs
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Electron 1/3 · Compose Multiplatform 2/3
Open source ✓ ✓
Mobile targets Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Commercial support Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Supported desktop OS Not checked yet Multi_platform
UI stack Not checked yet Custom
Primary language Not checked yet Kotlin
App packaging Not checked yet Both
Our review
Pros
  • Build Windows, macOS, and Linux apps with JavaScript, HTML, and CSS
  • Bundle Chromium and Node.js with the application
  • Use desktop APIs and extend apps with native Node.js addons
  • Share declarative UI code across desktop, mobile, and web targets.
  • Create distributable desktop apps and native installers with Gradle tasks.
  • Use Swing interoperability, ProGuard support, and desktop UI hot reload.
Cons
  • Targets desktop applications rather than mobile or web app delivery
  • Requires a JavaScript, HTML, and CSS development approach
  • Support channels are documentation and community
  • Desktop applications run on the JVM.
  • Web support is in beta.
  • Listed support is limited to documentation.
Our verdict

Electron gives JavaScript teams a framework for building desktop applications with familiar web technologies: JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. It packages Chromium and Node.js with the application, enabling a shared codebase for Windows, macOS,…

Read the review →

Compose Multiplatform is JetBrains’ open-source UI framework for Kotlin teams building interfaces for desktop and other platforms. It supports Windows, macOS, and Linux desktop apps, alongside Android and iOS; web support is in beta. Its…

Read the review →
  1. ElectronDesktop App Development Frameworks 9.1Free plan
  2. Compose MultiplatformDesktop App Development Frameworks 8.7Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Electron — where it wins

    • Build Windows, macOS, and Linux apps with JavaScript, HTML, and CSS
    • Bundle Chromium and Node.js with the application
    • Use desktop APIs and extend apps with native Node.js addons

    Where it doesn't

    • Targets desktop applications rather than mobile or web app delivery
    • Requires a JavaScript, HTML, and CSS development approach
    • Support channels are documentation and community

  • Compose Multiplatform — where it wins

    • Share declarative UI code across desktop, mobile, and web targets.
    • Create distributable desktop apps and native installers with Gradle tasks.
    • Use Swing interoperability, ProGuard support, and desktop UI hot reload.

    Where it doesn't

    • Desktop applications run on the JVM.
    • Web support is in beta.
    • Listed support is limited to documentation.
  • Electron9.1/10 · Free plan

    An open-source framework for building desktop apps from a shared JavaScript codebase.

    Visit ElectronFull verdict →
  • Compose Multiplatform8.7/10 · Free plan

    A free Kotlin framework for shared UI, with JVM desktop apps and platform-specific installers.

    Visit JetBrainsFull verdict →

More comparisons

All desktop app development frameworks comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update