Introduction
You cannot write different codes for the same application to work across mobile, desktop and web. You need a backend framework for cross platform application development.
In 2025, the two most popular frameworks for cross platform development are: .NET MAUI and Uno Platform. Both of them promise a single code base for multiple platforms, but they approach this goal differently. What choice you make between .NET MAUI or Uno platform will affect the development speed, maintenance, performance and long term viability of your applications.
And, to help you make the decision better, here’s an article covering a detailed comparison between Uno Platform vs .NET MAUI for cross-platform development.
But, before diving into the differences, let’s understand each of these frameworks, or platforms, in detail.
What Is the Uno Platform?
Uno Platform is built around a simple idea: write your app once using C# and XAML, and run it everywhere. Not just on mobile or desktop, but also in the browser.
It extends WinUI beyond Windows and makes it work on iOS, Android, macOS, Linux, and the web through WebAssembly. That matters more than it sounds. For teams that already live in the Windows or .NET world, Uno feels familiar very quickly.
Uno tends to show up in enterprise products, internal tools, and dashboards. These are applications where consistency matters more than platform-specific polish. The same screens. The same workflows. The same behavior occurs whether the user opens it on a desktop app or in a browser.
The biggest advantage of Uno is not performance or tooling. It is the reduction of duplication. One UI. One logic layer. Less fragmentation over time.
What is the .NET MAUI Platform?
.NET MAUI (Multi-platform App UI) is Microsoft’s successor to Xamarin.Forms. It lets developers to create apps for Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows using a singular codebase in C# and XAML. MAUI focuses on providing a native app experience, giving developers access to platform-specific controls when needed.
MAUI is a solid choice for mobile-first applications and teams already invested in Microsoft tooling. Its handler-based architecture allows precise control over UI elements, ensuring platform-native behavior. Visual Studio integration, hot reload, and debugging tools make it easier to build, test, and deploy applications efficiently.
MAUI is especially suitable for projects where mobile and desktop parity matters, and the team wants their application’s backend to be integrated with with Microsoft Azure services or enterprise ecosystems.
What are the Key Differences between .NET MAUI vs Uno Platform?
Having discussed the basics of both the frameworks, let us now uncover the key points of difference between .NET MAUI vs Uno Platform in detail:
1. Platform Coverage
Uno supports Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, whereas MAUI focuses on mobile and desktop platforms. If your project needs web delivery or Linux deployment, Uno gives a clear advantage. For mobile-focused projects, MAUI is usually sufficient.
2. Web Support
Uno’s WebAssembly target allows developers to run XAML-based apps directly in the browser. This can reduce the need for separate web projects and maintain a single codebase. MAUI does not provide native web output, so web-first strategies require additional frameworks like Blazor or separate web apps.
3. UI Architecture
Uno reuses WinUI rendering, ensuring consistent UI behavior across platforms. MAUI uses a handler-based architecture, prioritizing native controls and platform fidelity. This means MAUI may require extra effort to achieve consistent visuals, especially when targeting multiple devices.
4. Code Sharing Model
Both frameworks support logic sharing, but Uno allows developers to share both UI and business logic across web and native platforms, which is useful for enterprise dashboards or apps that need a wide reach. MAUI is stronger for mobile and desktop logic sharing but requires extra work for a consistent cross-platform UI.
5. Performance
MAUI performs well on mobile devices thanks to native controls, while Uno’s WebAssembly apps may experience slightly longer startup times in browsers. On desktop platforms, both frameworks perform efficiently. For enterprise-level apps, this is usually acceptable. For consumer-facing apps, performance deviations need to be strictly monitored.
6. Developer Experience
Both frameworks integrate with Visual Studio, but Uno may require developers to learn WinUI specifics and WebAssembly quirks. MAUI offers better mobile tooling, hot reload, and smoother debugging for mobile-first apps. Developers familiar with Xamarin may find MAUI easier to adopt.
7. UI Customization and Styling
Uno provides consistent theming across web, desktop, and mobile. MAUI allows native styling per platform, which gives flexibility but requires additional effort to maintain a uniform look. Teams must weigh the need for pixel-perfect consistency against native appearance.
8. Ecosystem and Libraries
MAUI benefits from Microsoft’s ecosystem, including Xamarin libraries, NuGet packages, and community support. Uno has a smaller ecosystem but supports most standard .NET libraries and is expanding, especially for web applications. For enterprise projects, library support can influence framework choice.
9. Enterprise Readiness
Both frameworks support CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and security features. Uno’s broad platform support may require extra planning for enterprise deployment, especially for web apps. MAUI integrates smoothly with enterprise mobile management tools and Microsoft cloud services, making it convenient for corporate environments.
10. Long-Term Viability
MAUI is backed by Microsoft, with a clear roadmap, enterprise adoption, and official support, reducing risks for long-term projects. Uno is community-driven but actively maintained, especially for projects requiring web and desktop reach. Teams should evaluate support, roadmap stability, and community engagement when deciding.
Conclusion
Both Uno Platform and .NET MAUI are strong choices in 2025, but the right selection depends on your project priorities:
- Choose Uno Platform if you need web support, a wide desktop reach, and a consistent UI across web and native platforms.
- Choose .NET MAUI if your focus is mobile-first apps, native controls, and integration with Microsoft tooling and services.
When evaluating .NET MAUI vs Uno platform, consider your team’s expertise, platform requirements, long-term maintenance, and the intended lifespan of your app.
And if you need help implementing either of these frameworks, it makes sense to hire .NET developers who understand the architectural trade-offs and long-term maintenance challenges from day one.
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