Electron
Electron: An open-source framework for web-language teams shipping desktop apps across three operating systems. Ranked #11 of 62 in Cross-Platform App Development Frameworks by our editors (8.3/10); pricing: Free plan; best for javaScript teams building desktop applications.
At a glance
- Editor score8.3 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forJavaScript teams building desktop applications
- Free planYes
- Paid fromNone
- Native API accessYes
- Facts checked28 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Build Windows, macOS, and Linux apps from a shared JavaScript codebase.
- Bundle Chromium and Node.js with each application.
- Use desktop OS APIs and extend apps with native Node.js addons.
Where it doesn't
- Focused on desktop applications, not mobile or web deployment.
- Bundling Chromium and Node.js adds both runtimes to the application.
- Support channels are documentation and community.
Our verdict on Electron
Electron is an open-source framework for creating desktop applications with JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. It targets developers who want to build for Windows, macOS, and Linux from a shared codebase, with desktop operating-system integration available through Electron APIs. Visual Studio Code is recommended, though any text editor may be used. The framework is listed as suitable for solo developers through enterprise teams, but its scope is specifically desktop software rather than cross-platform app development across mobile and web.
Its defining architectural choice is to embed Chromium and Node.js in the application binary. That lets developers use web technologies for the interface and JavaScript for application logic, while Electron APIs provide access to desktop features. Native Node.js addons can extend applications with native libraries and components, including addons written in C++ or Rust. This makes Electron a fit when a shared JavaScript codebase and native desktop integration are priorities; teams seeking a smaller runtime footprint may prefer a different approach, since both Chromium and Node.js ship with the app.
Electron is free and open source. The official documentation covers development, application APIs, packaging, and distribution, and the listed support channels are documentation and community. Packaging and distribution to end users are part of its workflow, while developers remain responsible for applying the framework and its APIs to their application. Choose Electron for desktop products built by JavaScript teams that need Windows, macOS, and Linux coverage. It is less suitable when the project requires mobile targets or a framework centered on web deployment.
Electron pricing
Electron fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | None |
| Target platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| App types | Desktop applications |
| Languages | JavaScript, HTML, CSS |
| Native API access | Yes |
| Shared code model | High |
| IDE support | Visual Studio Code is recommended; any text editor may be used |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Docs, Community |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | electronjs.org |
| Facts checked | 28 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Electron
- FlutterFlutter brings Dart, widget-based UI, and broad platform targets into one framework.9.4
- .NET MAUIA free, open-source framework for C# teams targeting mobile and desktop.9.3
- React NativeAn open-source React framework for native Android and iOS apps, written in JavaScript or TypeScript.9.2
See all Electron alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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