Top 10 Flutter Packages for Real-Time Communication

Rajeshwari Published On October 23rd, 2024 Tech Talks

Explore our hand-picked flutter packages to enable real-time communication (chat, video, voice) in your apps.

Real-time communication (RTC) is a key component in mobile app development since it lets you add communication features easily and quickly. From days of long-distance phone calls via landlines to the present era of video conferencing and instant messaging, RTC has played an important role in the evolution of online communication. 

When it comes to RTC, It can happen in 2 modes:

1. Half-duplex 
2. Full-duplex 

While full-duplex RTC allows for simultaneous data transfer in both ways, half-duplex RTC allows for data transmission in both directions but not simultaneously.

Now, you may ask which question is best for building RTC for your business. 

Evidently, the market for effective real-time communication packages has expanded as Flutter’s popularity as a cross-platform framework continues to grow. Yes, developers around the world consider Flutter as a reliable technology to improve their apps with highly interactive communication features.

In this article, we will look at the top 10 Flutter libraries that are used for real-time communication. With the wide range of features these libraries provide, Flutter developers can design dynamic and captivating apps easily.

Let’s take a look at the Flutter package list.

1. mirrorfly_plugin/mirrorfly.dart:

mirrorfly_plugin/mirrorfly.dart is a Dart plugin built to add in-app messaging capabilities to Flutter apps. The highlight of the mirrorfly-plugin is the ability to integrate chat features into any app in just 10 minutes. The plugin is also known for its reliability and scalability to expand its functionalities with the growing user base of an app.

mirrorfly_plugin tops the list of real-time communication packages due to its ease of use and smooth messaging capabilities. Above this, you can also avail of 24/7 tech support or hire a tech team to build your Flutter app end-to-end. 

What You Need To Know About MirrorFly Flutter Plugin?

Parameters	Description
Protocols & Standards	MirrorFly uses its proprietary protocols for real-time chat.
Data Formats	Supports JSON for structured data exchange.
Security	Implements end-to-end encryption for secure messaging.
Error Handling	MirrorFly provides robust error handling mechanisms.
Communication Type	Supports both synchronous and asynchronous messaging.
Connection Management	Efficiently manages connections for real-time chat.
Concurrency & Threading	Handles threading for concurrent message processing.
Compatibility	Compatible with Flutter, providing cross-platform support.

Where can you find mirrorfly_plugin for Flutter?

Get >> mirrorfly_plugin

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2. firebase_messaging:

firebase_messaging makes the integration of Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) easier. For iOS, Android, and web apps, FCM makes it possible to send push notifications, cloud messages, and data messages.

You can manage user interactions with notifications, process data payloads, and handle push notifications with this plugin. It enables real-time updates and alerts by enabling communication between the app and Firebase Cloud Messaging.

What You Need To Know About Firebase Messaging Package?

Parameters	Description
Protocols & Standards	Utilizes Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) protocols.
Data Formats	Supports various data formats for push notifications.
Error Handling	Firebase handles errors through its messaging service.
Communication Type	Asynchronous communication for push notifications.
Connection Management	Firebase manages connections for reliable messaging.
Concurrency & Threading	Handles threading internally for concurrent operations.
Compatibility	Compatible with both iOS and Android platforms.

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3. socket_io_client:

socket_io_client is a Dart/ Flutter package that uses the Socket.IO protocol to enable WebSocket communication. It is perfect for real-time apps like gaming and chat because it allows bidirectional data sharing in real-time between Flutter apps and servers. 

The package makes it easier for developers to handle real-time events and data in their Flutter apps by simplifying the integration of WebSocket connections.

What You Need To Know About Socket.io Client Package?

Parameters	Description
Protocols & Standards	Implements Socket.IO protocols for real-time communication.
Data Formats	Uses JSON for data exchange.
Security	Utilizes secure WebSocket connections.
Error Handling	Socket.IO provides error handling for communication issues.
Communication Type	Asynchronous communication for real-time events.
Connection Management	Manages persistent connections efficiently.
Concurrency & Threading	Supports concurrent event handling.
Compatibility	Compatible with various server implementations.

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4. agora_rtc_engine:

agora_rtc_engine helps you connect Agora Real-Time Communication Engine with your Flutter apps to add real-time audio and video communication features. 

This package helps you add capabilities that are highly scalable, low-latency, and supports the installation of video calls, phone conversations, and live broadcasting.

What You Need To Know About Agora RTC Engine Package?

Parameters	Description
Protocols & Standards	Utilizes Agora’s Real-Time Communication (RTC) protocols.
Data Formats	Supports audio and video data formats.
Security	Employs end-to-end encryption for secure real-time communication.
Error Handling	Provides comprehensive error handling during RTC sessions.
Communication Type	Enables synchronous communication for real-time audio and video.
Connection Management	Manages and optimizes connections for reliable RTC.
Concurrency & Threading	Supports concurrent audio and video streams.
Compatibility	Cross-platform compatibility for iOS, Android, and web applications.

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5. twilio_programmable_chat:

twilio_programmable_chat is a Flutter package that lets you integrate the Twilio programmable chat service to your app. 

This package helps you build interactive and collaborative Flutter apps with ease by using real-time messaging features, such as group and one-on-one chat.

What You Need To Know About Twilio Programmable Chat Package?

Parameters	Description
Protocols & Standards	Adheres to Twilio Programmable Chat protocols.
Data Formats	Uses JSON for exchanging chat-related data.
Security	Implements robust security measures for chat communication.
Error Handling	Twilio provides extensive error handling for chat operations.
Communication Type	Supports both synchronous and asynchronous chat messaging.
Connection Management	Efficiently manages connections for real-time chat.
Concurrency & Threading	Handles threading for concurrent chat interactions.
Compatibility	Compatible with Flutter, providing cross-platform chat support.

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6. mqtt_client:

mqtt_client is a Dart library that implements the MQTT protocol, making it easier for Flutter apps to implement reliable and lightweight communications. 

It is frequently used to link devices in low-bandwidth or high-latency networks, such as those found in the Internet of Things (IoT). You can create MQTT connections, publish and subscribe to topics, and manage incoming messages with the help of this package.

What You Need To Know About MQTT Client Package?

Parameters	Description
Protocols & Standards	Adheres to the MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport) protocol.
Data Formats	Typically uses a lightweight binary format for efficient communication.
Security	Supports security features through MQTT protocol specifications.
Error Handling	Provides error handling mechanisms for MQTT communication.
Communication Type	Asynchronous communication for lightweight and efficient messaging.
Connection Management	Manages MQTT connections for reliable message delivery.
Concurrency & Threading	Supports concurrent handling of MQTT messages.
Compatibility	Cross-platform compatibility with various MQTT broker implementations.

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7. flutter_ble_lib:

flutter_ble_lib is a Flutter package that is built to support Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), making it simple to communicate with BLE devices. 

It is especially helpful for Internet of Things apps. It is mostly used to find devices, connect to them, and share data with them without any hassle in Flutter projects.

What You Need To Know About Flutter Ble Package?

Parameters	Description
Protocols & Standards	Implements Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) protocols.
Data Formats	Utilizes BLE standard data formats for communication.
Security	Adheres to BLE security specifications for secure communication.
Error Handling	Provides error handling for BLE operations and communication.
Communication Type	Asynchronous communication for BLE devices and services.
Connection Management	Manages BLE connections efficiently.
Concurrency & Threading	Supports concurrent BLE operations.
Compatibility	Compatible with Flutter for cross-platform BLE integration.

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8. flutter_blue:

flutter_blue simplifies Bluetooth interaction within Flutter applications, offering a convenient interface for utilizing Bluetooth peripherals and devices. You can easily integrate Bluetooth capabilities into your Flutter apps since it streamlines activities like device identification, connection management, and data sharing. 

This package is especially helpful for developing Bluetooth-enabled apps, including Internet of Things scenarios or projects that need smooth peripheral communication.

 What You Need To Know About Flutter Blue Package?

Parameters	Description
Protocols & Standards	Adheres to Bluetooth protocols for communication.
Data Formats	Utilizes standard Bluetooth data formats.
Security	Implements Bluetooth security measures for secure communication.
Error Handling	Provides error handling for Bluetooth operations.
Communication Type	Asynchronous communication for Bluetooth devices and services.
Connection Management	Manages Bluetooth connections effectively.
Concurrency & Threading	Supports concurrent Bluetooth operations.
Compatibility	Compatible with Flutter for cross-platform Bluetooth integration.

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9. web_socket_channel:

web_socket_channel is a Dart package that makes WebSocket communication easier on Flutter apps. It makes it simple for Flutter developers to implement real-time bidirectional communication in their apps by offering an API for setting up and managing WebSocket connections.

What You Need To Know About Web Socket Channel Package?

Parameters	Description
Protocols & Standards	Implements WebSocket protocols for real-time communication.
Data Formats	Supports JSON and other data formats over WebSocket.
Security	Utilizes secure WebSocket connections for data transmission.
Error Handling	Provides error handling for WebSocket communication.
Communication Type	Asynchronous communication for real-time events via WebSocket.
Connection Management	Efficiently manages persistent WebSocket connections.
Concurrency & Threading	Supports concurrent event handling over WebSocket.
Compatibility	Cross-platform compatibility for WebSocket communication.

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10. Web3:

web3 often refers to the decentralized third generation of web technologies. It particularly relates to the standards and protocols used in blockchain development for creating decentralized applications (DApps). 

Through the use of blockchain technology and decentralized ideas like smart contracts and peer-to-peer transactions, Web3 seeks to establish a more open and user-focused internet. 

Additionally, libraries with the name web3 in other languages exist, offering resources for communicating with Ethereum and other blockchain networks.

What You Need To Know About Web3 Package?

Parameters	Description
Protocols & Standards	Adheres to Ethereum protocols for blockchain interactions.
Data Formats	Utilizes JSON-RPC for communication with Ethereum nodes.
Security	Implements security measures for blockchain transactions.
Error Handling	Provides error handling for web3 operations.
Communication Type	Asynchronous communication for interacting with the Ethereum blockchain.
Connection Management	Manages connections to Ethereum nodes for reliable transactions.
Concurrency & Threading	Supports concurrent web3 operations.
Compatibility	Cross-platform compatibility for interacting with Ethereum in Flutter.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when comparing the list of packages, I’d say that each of them has distinct purposes. Socket.IO excels in real-time bidirectional communication, while Web3 is specialized for decentralized applications and blockchain integration. 

However, for developers seeking to effortlessly add robust real-time messaging capabilities to Flutter apps, mirrorfly_plugin stands out. With its impressive in-app communication features and a quick integration process in just 10 minutes, mirrorfly_plugin proves to be a developer-friendly and feature-rich solution.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)