List of the Top 3 Development Frameworks for XAML in 2026

.NET Multiplatform App UI, commonly referred to as .NET MAUI, is a framework designed for creating contemporary, natively compiled applications for both iOS and Android using C# or XAML, all from a unified codebase. This innovative framework harnesses the latest advancements to facilitate the development of native applications across Android, iOS, and macOS platforms. By simplifying the process, .NET MAUI integrates these various platforms into a cohesive framework built on .NET 6. The native applications produced are inherently tailored to match the aesthetics and functionalities of their respective operating systems. Developers benefit from automatic layout adjustments for different devices without the need for extra coding. Furthermore, .NET MAUI provides direct access to platform APIs via C#, enabling the utilization of more than 60 distinct platform features such as geolocation, sensors, and isolated storage, ultimately enhancing the app's capabilities. This streamlined approach not only accelerates development but also ensures a seamless user experience across diverse devices.

Avalonia UI enables developers to build cross-platform applications with .NET, embodying the principle of write once, run anywhere. This approach not only saves time but also allows you to focus on enhancing your product. Regarded as a spiritual successor to WPF, Avalonia UI provides a developer experience that capitalizes on years of accumulated knowledge and investment. JetBrains recognized Avalonia UI as the top framework for modernizing their tools originally based on WPF. Currently, it serves over 170,000 companies, including 431 listed in the Fortune 500. As the popularity of Avalonia UI continues to rise, we have witnessed remarkable expansion in our developer community. By joining us, you can become an integral part of this dynamic and supportive network of developers. Engaging with others in the community can lead to valuable insights and collaborative opportunities.

Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) is a unique framework designed specifically for Windows within the .NET environment, employing a vector-based rendering engine that operates independently of screen resolution, thus leveraging modern graphics hardware to craft visually appealing desktop applications. This framework is equipped with a comprehensive suite of features, such as XAML for markup, a wide variety of controls, robust data binding options, effective layout management, and support for both 2D and 3D graphics, animation, styling, templating, document processing, as well as multimedia integration and typography capabilities; it also allows the integration of other .NET APIs. WPF is organized as a set of .NET types found in the System.Windows namespace and supports conventional programming techniques like instantiating classes, altering properties, invoking methods, and handling events, in addition to more sophisticated concepts like dependency properties and routed events. Developers using WPF can design user interfaces declaratively via XAML while executing application logic in the code-behind, which not only facilitates a clear separation between user interface design and business logic but also enhances efforts for globalization and encourages collaboration between designers and developers, establishing it as a robust option for modern application development. Furthermore, this dual methodology in WPF ensures that both the visual and functional dimensions of applications can develop seamlessly together, leading to a unified and enhanced user experience that meets the demands of contemporary software design.