Why React Is Still the Best Choice for Building Scalable Web Apps

React has been around for over a decade, and in the fast-moving world of web development, that maturity can raise questions. With frameworks like Vue, Svelte, and Angular competing for attention, some startups wonder if React still holds the edge.

The short answer is yes. React remains one of the most widely adopted libraries for building scalable web apps, used by companies such as Facebook, Netflix, and Airbnb. The central question for founders in 2025 is not whether React is still relevant, but why it continues to lead when building applications designed to grow.

Key Benefits of React That Have Not Changed

Scalability

React’s modular architecture makes it ideal for scaling. Developers can break down complex applications into smaller, reusable components, making it easier to manage growth over time. This architecture reduces technical debt, keeps code maintainable, and allows multiple developers to work on different parts of the app without conflicts.

Performance

React’s virtual DOM continues to be a major advantage. By updating only the parts of the UI that change, React minimises performance bottlenecks and ensures smooth user experiences. Combined with component reusability, this approach keeps applications responsive even as they scale.

Community support

React benefits from one of the largest ecosystems in software development. The Stack Overflow 2023 Developer Survey shows React remains the most used web framework among developers worldwide. A vast library of open source components, extensive documentation, and years of community problem solving make React a safe and future-proof choice.

Developer availability

For startups, speed of hiring matters. React’s popularity means there is a large pool of skilled developers available globally. This reduces hiring bottlenecks, shortens onboarding times, and makes it easier to find talent at different seniority levels.

What Is New in React (2025 Updates and Trends)

React has not stood still. In 2025, several updates and trends are shaping how teams build apps.

• Refined Hooks and Suspense: Hooks, introduced in 2019, have matured to simplify state management. Suspense now provides smoother data fetching and loading states, improving UX for data-heavy apps.

  
  

• Next.js integration: The growth of Next.js has strengthened React’s server-side rendering capabilities. Features like server components and incremental static regeneration support better SEO and faster initial load times.

  
  

• Improved tooling: Modern tools for performance monitoring and testing, such as React Profiler and Jest refinements, help developers maintain app quality at scale.

  
  

• Meta and open source community support: React continues to receive ongoing backing from Meta and the wider open source community, ensuring its evolution aligns with industry needs.

  
  

React vs Emerging Frameworks

The web development landscape is competitive. Here is how React compares with some alternatives in 2025.

Vue.js

Vue has a reputation for its gentle learning curve and growing adoption in small to mid-sized projects. However, its ecosystem remains smaller than React’s, which can limit options for libraries and integrations when scaling.

Svelte

Svelte is gaining attention as a lightweight framework that compiles code at build time, producing fast and lean apps. Yet, enterprise adoption is still limited compared to React, and its ecosystem is not as mature.

Angular

Angular offers a highly structured framework, which suits some enterprise teams. However, its complexity and heavier learning curve make it less appealing for startups seeking agility.

Why React balances maturity, ecosystem, and innovation

React continues to strike the right balance between maturity, flexibility, and a thriving ecosystem. It benefits from enterprise adoption, a constant flow of innovation, and a community that ensures long-term support. For startups needing scalable web applications, React offers both stability and forward-looking features.

When React Is the Right Choice (and When It Is Not)

React is not always the perfect answer. A balanced view helps founders make the right choice.

Best suited for:

• Scalable applications with complex user interfaces

• Startups building MVPs that need rapid iteration

• Enterprise-grade web apps requiring long-term support

Less ideal for:

• Extremely lightweight projects where performance requirements are minimal

• Simple static websites where vanilla JavaScript or Svelte may be faster to implement

For most scalable applications, React remains the strongest option, but understanding your project’s complexity will guide whether it is the best fit.

How Dune Builds React Apps

At Dune Technology, we use React to deliver scalable, maintainable applications tailored for startups and enterprises. Our process follows a clear path: discovery, prototyping, development, testing, and launch. Agile methodology ensures transparency and flexibility throughout.

We often combine React with Node.js for backend services, Python for data-driven features, or SaaS platforms where integration is key. The result is a scalable application designed for growth, cost-effectiveness, and maintainability.

Related reading: How to choose the right app development company this year

Start Your React Project with Dune

React continues to prove itself as the leading choice for building scalable web apps in 2025. Its combination of performance, flexibility, and community support makes it ideal for startups aiming to grow quickly without sacrificing quality.

If you are ready to bring your idea to life, Dune Technology can help. Our UK-aligned React team specialises in building scalable, high-performance applications for startups and enterprises. Contact us today to book a consultation and let’s build your React app.