7 Best Frameworks for Desktop App Development You Should Use

Despite the rapid rise of web and mobile technologies, desktop app development continues to hold a strong position in the software ecosystem. From creative design software to scientific research tools, many industries still rely on powerful desktop applications that deliver speed, reliability, and advanced functionality.

In fact, a 2024 Statista report revealed that nearly 47% of global developers still work on desktop applications alongside mobile and web projects. Why? Because desktop apps remain essential for performance-heavy workloads, offline capabilities, and enterprise-grade solutions where security and stability are non-negotiable.

Fortunately, modern desktop application frameworks have evolved to make building these solutions more efficient. Today’s developers can use frameworks that combine familiar coding languages with cross-platform desktop apps, advanced GUI frameworks, and streamlined app development tools that reduce time to market.

In this article, we’ll dive into seven of the best frameworks for desktop app development, exploring their unique strengths, use cases, and why they’re shaping the future of software. We’ll also look at how open-source frameworks are empowering innovation and highlight which ones are beginner-friendly frameworks for desktop app development.

1. Electron

When it comes to cross-platform frameworks for desktop app development, few are as widely adopted as Electron. Created by GitHub, Electron lets developers build apps using familiar web technologies—HTML, CSS, and JavaScript—while deploying them seamlessly across Windows, macOS, and Linux.

One of its biggest selling points is efficiency. With a single codebase, teams can maintain feature parity across platforms without rewriting core functionality. This has made Electron the go-to choice for startups and large enterprises alike.

Famous apps like Visual Studio Code, Slack, and Discord are powered by Electron, proving that the framework is not just for small-scale projects. While critics often point out that Electron apps can be resource-heavy, its vibrant developer community and continuous updates make it one of the best frameworks for desktop app development today.

If you’re just getting started, Electron is also considered a beginner-friendly framework for desktop app development since it builds on existing web development skills.

2. Qt

Qt is a veteran in the world of app development and has earned its place as a staple across industries like automotive, healthcare, and even aerospace. Written in C++ but offering bindings for other languages, Qt is incredibly versatile.

The standout feature of Qt is its advanced GUI frameworks, which enable developers to design rich, interactive, and visually striking user interfaces. Beyond traditional desktop apps, Qt also supports embedded systems and mobile apps, giving it remarkable scalability.

What makes Qt one of the best frameworks for desktop app development is its balance between high performance and cross-platform desktop apps. Unlike lighter frameworks, Qt delivers near-native speed, making it suitable for performance-critical applications.

Another advantage is its dual licensing model—open-source for smaller teams and commercial licenses for enterprise-scale projects. This flexibility ensures it remains relevant across a wide range of use cases.

3. JavaFX

For developers already comfortable with Java, JavaFX offers a straightforward entry point into desktop software. It’s positioned as the successor to Swing and leverages the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) to deliver cross-platform desktop apps.

JavaFX shines in creating modular, feature-rich applications. It supports everything from multimedia playback and web content rendering to advanced UI components. For organisations already invested in Java for backend development, adopting JavaFX for desktop solutions can reduce learning curves and maximise existing resources.

Although JavaFX doesn’t have the same hype as Electron or Qt, it is still one of the most trusted open-source frameworks for desktop applications, particularly in academia and large-scale enterprise environments.

If your team works extensively with Java, JavaFX remains one of the smartest app development tools to bridge server-side logic with interactive desktop software.

4. WPF (Windows Presentation Foundation)

Developers targeting Windows users should not overlook Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF). Introduced by Microsoft, WPF is part of the .NET ecosystem and uses XAML for building UIs.

WPF is renowned for its ability to create data-driven applications with stunning interfaces. It supports multimedia integration, advanced 2D and 3D graphics, and responsive layouts, making it ideal for enterprise-grade apps.

While it isn’t a cross-platform desktop app solution, WPF is one of the strongest desktop application frameworks for developers working in Windows-only environments. Many companies still rely on WPF for internal business software due to its stability and deep integration with Microsoft technologies.

It may not be the most beginner-friendly framework for desktop app development, but for experienced .NET developers, WPF provides unparalleled power and reliability.

5. GTK

Originally developed for Linux, GTK (GIMP Toolkit) has evolved into a respected open-source framework for desktop applications that also supports Windows and macOS. Popular apps like GIMP and GNOME are powered by GTK, showcasing its ability to deliver polished, functional user interfaces.

One of GTK’s strengths is its flexibility—it supports multiple programming languages, including C, Python, Rust, and JavaScript. This makes it highly adaptable for different developer preferences.

Compared to Electron, GTK does have a steeper learning curve. However, for teams that value community-driven projects and want to embrace open-source frameworks for desktop applications, GTK remains a solid option.

6. Tauri

Tauri is a newcomer in the app development space, but it has already made a strong impression. Like Electron, Tauri allows developers to build apps using web technologies, but with a crucial difference: it is designed to be lightweight and secure.

Apps built with Tauri are much smaller in file size and consume fewer system resources. This is especially important for performance-focused projects where efficiency matters.

Another strength lies in Tauri’s use of Rust as its backend. Rust is known for its performance and safety features, giving Tauri a distinct edge over older frameworks.

For developers looking for cross-platform frameworks for desktop app development that combine speed with modern tools, Tauri is a rising star. Better still, its reliance on web technologies makes it a beginner-friendly framework for desktop app development for front-end developers eager to expand their skills.

7. Avalonia

Rounding out our list is Avalonia, an open-source, .NET-based framework inspired by WPF. Avalonia allows developers to build cross-platform desktop apps that run seamlessly on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Its features include high-DPI support, advanced rendering, and a modern styling system. Developers familiar with WPF will find Avalonia easy to adopt, but with the added benefit of cross-platform deployment.

As one of the newer open-source frameworks for desktop applications, Avalonia is rapidly gaining traction. Its growing community and regular updates make it a compelling option for teams that want a modern framework without vendor lock-in.

If you’re seeking app development tools that combine Microsoft-inspired design with open-source flexibility, Avalonia deserves serious consideration.

Final Thoughts

The landscape of desktop app development is more dynamic than ever. From established names like Qt and JavaFX to modern innovators like Tauri and Avalonia, developers today have an incredible range of desktop application frameworks to choose from.

• For those seeking cross-platform frameworks for desktop app development, Electron, Tauri, and Avalonia are standout choices.

• If your team values open-source frameworks for desktop applications, GTK and Avalonia provide community-driven innovation.

• Developers just starting out may prefer beginner-friendly frameworks for desktop app development like Electron and Tauri, which rely on familiar web technologies.

At the end of the day, the right framework depends on your project’s scale, performance requirements, and long-term goals.

Here in Australia, companies like Jhavtech Studios have successfully delivered solutions using these tools across education, healthcare, and media sectors. Their portfolio showcases the potential of combining the right framework with expert execution to create reliable, high-performing software.

As technology advances, expect even more demand for intuitive, efficient, and visually appealing cross-platform desktop apps. Choosing the right framework today could be the key to building the next generation of tools that businesses and users alike will depend on tomorrow.