Avalonia vs. Uno vs. MAUI
.NET MAUI
The Official Microsoft Evolution
The successor to Xamarin.Forms, MAUI is Microsoft's open-source framework for building native mobile and desktop apps from a single C# codebase.
- UI Rendering: Native Controls
- Key Strength: Flawless native look and feel.
- Best For: Mobile-first apps & Xamarin developers.
Uno Platform
The Pixel-Perfect Powerhouse
Uno Platform enables single-codebase development for all platforms by using the WinUI standard, with a special focus on WebAssembly (WASM).
- UI Rendering: Pixel-Perfect (Skia/Native)
- Key Strength: First-class Web (WASM) support.
- Best For: Apps where the Web is a primary target.
Avalonia UI
The Cross-Platform Desktop Champion
A community-driven framework inspired by WPF. Avalonia draws its own UI to ensure your app looks exactly the same everywhere.
- UI Rendering: Pixel-Perfect (Skia)
- Key Strength: Robust, first-class Linux support.
- Best For: Powerful desktop apps & WPF developers.
At a Glance
| Feature | .NET MAUI | Uno Platform | Avalonia UI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Backer | Microsoft | Uno Platform (Company) | Community / Avalonia Team |
| UI Rendering | Native Controls | Pixel-Perfect (Skia) | Pixel-Perfect (Skia) |
| Killer Feature | Official Microsoft Path | WebAssembly (WASM) | First-Class Linux Support |
| XAML Dialect | MAUI XAML | WinUI 3 XAML | WPF-like XAML |
| Ideal For | Native Mobile Apps | Apps Needing a Web Version | Powerful Desktop Apps |
So, Which One Should You Choose?
Choose .NET MAUI if...
You want the official Microsoft-backed framework and a native look and feel on mobile is your top priority.
Choose Uno Platform if...
Running your C# app in the browser is essential, or you need the absolute widest platform reach with a consistent UI.
Choose Avalonia if...
Your focus is on powerful desktop applications and first-class Linux support is a must-have.