When comparing NW.js (w/xvfb) vs Flutter, the Slant community recommends NW.js (w/xvfb) for most people. In the question“What are the best tools for building cross-platform desktop apps with web technologies?” NW.js (w/xvfb) is ranked 2nd while Flutter is ranked 4th. The most important reason people chose NW.js (w/xvfb) is:
The integration of Node with the DOM in NW.js opens up a number of new options in how your headless testing workflow can be facilitated. The distinct separation of JavaScript contexts, the introduction of a separate node context, and the ability to cross communicate, offers a lot of power and flexibility.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Node integration
The integration of Node with the DOM in NW.js opens up a number of new options in how your headless testing workflow can be facilitated.
The distinct separation of JavaScript contexts, the introduction of a separate node context, and the ability to cross communicate, offers a lot of power and flexibility.
Pro NaCl support/integration
Access to the Native Client offers up more options in implementing your testing workflow.
Pro Open source
Pro Great developer tools debug/hotreload/analyser
Pro Based on Dart language
Dart is a Java like language, easy to learn and startup fast for millions of Java developers.
Pro A single codebase for iOS AND Android
Pro Fast
The developer's goal is to allow people to make apps running at 120 FPS.
Cons
Con xvfb Requirement (for now)
Headless is on the NW.js roadmap, but for now xvfb is necessary to get going. The community has done the work and you can find the details here.
Con Still in development
According to the website, Flutter is still in its early stages of development.
Con Based on Dart language
Dart is a Java like language, easy to learn and startup fast for millions of Java developers. BUT if you have to learn it ... it's a con.
Con Dart is unpopular and never gained serious community traction like Kotlin or Java
Con Does not support 32-bit iOS devices
If you plan on targeting iPhone 5, 5C or earlier, you can forget about Flutter.