Neutralino
Claim this toolBuild lightweight cross-platform desktop applications using web technologies.
Free, no paid tierVisit WebsiteReviews onSourceForge
67 reviews trackedThe Bottom Line
- Price
- Free, no paid tier. Compare plans
Key facts
- Build desktop apps with JavaScript, HTML, and CSS.
- Extremely lightweight and fast, with small app sizes.
- Cross-platform support for Linux, Windows, macOS, Web, and Chrome.
Pros
- Significantly smaller app size compared to Chromium-based frameworks
- Low memory and storage consumption
- No external dependencies required to run apps
- Develop for all platforms from one platform without compilers
- Flexible with choice of frontend and backend technologies
Cons
- May have a smaller community and fewer resources compared to more established frameworks
- Specific limitations or capabilities of the native API might be less extensive than full native development
What is Neutralino?
Neutralino is a framework that allows developers to create lightweight, cross-platform desktop applications using familiar web technologies like JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. Unlike other Chromium-based frameworks, Neutralino is designed to be extremely small and fast, with uncompressed app sizes around 2MB and compressed sizes as low as 0.5MB. It achieves this by not bundling Chromium, resulting in significantly lower memory and storage consumption.
It provides a JavaScript API to access operating system-level functions, including file manipulation, command execution, and native dialog boxes. The framework supports development for Linux, Windows, macOS, Web, and Chrome, enabling a single codebase to target multiple platforms. Neutralino is ideal for developers looking to build desktop applications with a minimal footprint and no external dependencies, offering flexibility with any frontend framework and the ability to extend its API with any backend language.
Available on: Linux, Windows, macOS, Web, Chrome
Ratings Across the Web
4.3(67 reviews)
Neutralino holds an aggregate rating of 4.3 out of 5 from 67 reviews across SourceForge, last checked March 19, 2026.
Ratings aggregated from independent review platforms. Learn more
Key Features
- Native JavaScript API for OS functions
- Portable and zero dependency applications
- Cross-platform support (Linux, Windows, macOS, Web, Chrome)
- Lightweight and fast (~0.5MB compressed app size)
- Simple and flexible development interfaces
- Supports any frontend framework
- Extendable with any backend language via IPC
- Portable auto-updater
Pricing
Free
Neutralino is completely free to use with no hidden costs.
Reviews
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4.3/5
Across 67 verified user reviews on SourceForge
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Neutralino FAQ
How does Neutralino enable cross-platform development?
Neutralino allows developers to build applications for Linux, Windows, macOS, Web, and Chrome from a single codebase. This is achieved by using web technologies like JavaScript, HTML, and CSS, which are inherently cross-platform.
What kind of user benefits most from Neutralino?
Developers who prioritize minimal application size and low resource consumption will find Neutralino particularly beneficial. It is ideal for those who want to build desktop applications without bundling heavy dependencies like Chromium.
How does Neutralino compare to Electron in terms of application size?
Neutralino applications are significantly smaller than those built with Electron because Neutralino does not bundle Chromium. Neutralino apps have uncompressed sizes around 2MB and compressed sizes as low as 0.5MB, leading to much lower memory and storage consumption.
Does Neutralino include a free tier?
Neutralino is free to use, meaning there is no paid plan required to develop and deploy applications with the framework. This makes it accessible for all developers without licensing costs.
Which teams would find Neutralino suitable for UI/UX design?
Teams focused on UI/UX design can leverage Neutralino to create desktop applications using familiar web technologies. Its flexibility with any frontend framework allows designers to implement their vision without being restricted to specific tools.
What are the main trade-offs when choosing Neutralino?
A primary trade-off for Neutralino is that it may have a smaller community and fewer resources compared to more established frameworks. Additionally, its native API capabilities might be less extensive than full native development options.
Can Neutralino applications interact with the operating system?
Yes, Neutralino provides a JavaScript API that enables applications to access operating system-level functions. This includes capabilities such as file manipulation, command execution, and displaying native dialog boxes.
Source: neutralino.js.org