Capacitor — Free & Open Source for Startups

Deal Highlights

Capacitor — Build Native Mobile Apps With Your Web Skills

Capacitor by Ionic is a cross-platform native runtime that turns any web app into a native iOS and Android app. Write your UI in React, Vue, Angular, or plain HTML/CSS — Capacitor wraps it in a native shell with access to device APIs like camera, GPS, push notifications, and file system.

Web to Native in One Step

You already have a web app. Capacitor adds native mobile capabilities without rewriting it. Run npx cap add ios, build, and you have an iOS app. Same code, same team, two platforms.

Native API Access

Access 100+ native device features through JavaScript plugins — camera, geolocation, push notifications, biometrics, file system, haptics, keyboard, and more. Community plugins extend this to any native capability.

Capacitor vs React Native

React Native renders native UI components. Capacitor renders web UI in a native WebView. React Native has better performance for complex animations. Capacitor lets you use any web framework and reuse 100% of your existing web code.

Capacitor vs Expo

Expo is React Native specific. Capacitor works with any web framework — React, Vue, Angular, Svelte, or plain HTML. Choose Expo for React-only teams. Choose Capacitor for framework flexibility.

Getting Started

1. Install Capacitor in your existing web project
2. Add iOS and Android platforms
3. Build and open in Xcode or Android Studio
4. Submit to app stores

Pricing

Free and open-source. No paid plans.

Who Is This Deal For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this startup deal.