Why Jetpack Compose Is Better Than XML for Android UI in 2025

If you have built apps the classic way with XML layouts, you know the routine. Inflate a layout, hunt IDs, wire listeners, then fight state and configuration changes. Jetpack Compose flips that model. You describe UI in Kotlin, keep state explicit, and let the framework handle updates. Google calls Compose the recommended modern toolkit for native Android UI, and it shows in day-to-day work.

Below I will break down why Compose beats XML for most teams today, where XML can still make sense, and how to migrate safely.

The big shift: declarative UI and explicit state

XML plus Views is imperative. You mutate view trees, and over time the code drifts. Compose is declarative. UI is a function of state. When state changes, Compose recomposes the parts that need it. This is simpler to reason about and much easier to test. Google’s architecture guidance leans into unidirectional data flow and state hoisting so state lives in predictable places like a ViewModel.

With XML you often pass references around and manually keep the UI fresh. With Compose you pass immutable state down and events up. That cuts accidental coupling and eliminates a whole class of bugs.

Productivity: fewer files, faster feedback

Compose removes layout XML, adapters, and most findViewById or view binding boilerplate. Simple screens become simple functions. On top of that you get Previews and Live Edit in Android Studio for near-instant visual feedback while you code, which speeds up UI work and reviews.

Google’s own Compose page highlights less code and faster iteration. In practice that means fewer merge conflicts and easier refactors because UI and logic live together. Android Developers

Modern design out of the box: Material 3 and dynamic color

Compose ships first-class Material Design 3 components, dynamic color support, typography, shapes, motion, and updated patterns that match current Android design guidance. You can roll a clean theme quickly and keep it consistent across screens.

Performance: predictable and tunable

Compose is built for high frequency updates and animations. The runtime only recomposes what depends on the state that changed. You do need to follow a few rules for best results, like using remember, providing stable keys in lazy lists, and deferring state reads. Google’s performance guides are clear and kept current.

In day-to-day work this translates to less jank once you adopt the patterns. The guidance is official, with concrete examples and profiler tips.

Testing is first class

Compose UI testing APIs let you query the semantics tree, assert text, click buttons, and verify state changes without Espresso gymnastics. Tests are concise and run fast on device or emulator. Start with the official testing guide.

Navigation and architecture fit the model

Navigation has a dedicated artifact for Compose. It fits the declarative model, works with state holders, and keeps back stack logic tidy. In 2025 Google announced Navigation 3 tailored for Compose to simplify destinations and deep links even further.

Interop and migration: you do not have to rewrite

You can mix Compose and Views. Drop composables into existing screens with ComposeView, and embed legacy Views inside composables with AndroidView. That unlocks incremental migration, which is realistic for large codebases.

Example scenarios that work well

1. New screens in an old app use Compose.
2. Old custom View or a third-party widget is wrapped in AndroidView for now.
3. Gradually replace adapters and XML fragments as you touch them.

Tooling and ecosystem keep growing

Lint checks, templates, previews for multiple device sizes, and built-in accessibility helpers are part of the toolkit. Popular libraries now ship Compose artifacts, and even Google Maps has an official Maps Compose library if you need maps on a Compose screen.

A quick side-by-side

XML button

<!-- res/layout/content_main.xml -->
<Button
    android:id="@+id/cta"
    android:layout_width="match_parent"
    android:layout_height="wrap_content"
    android:text="Continue" />

// In Activity/Fragment
findViewById<Button>(R.id.cta).setOnClickListener { onContinue() }

Compose button

@Composable
fun ContinueButton(onContinue: () -> Unit) {
    Button(onClick = onContinue, modifier = Modifier.fillMaxWidth()) {
        Text("Continue")
    }
}

Compose keeps UI and behavior together, which scales better as the screen grows.

When XML can still make sense

1. Very large legacy apps that rely on complex View customizations and team skills are all View-oriented.
2. Niche third-party components that do not yet have Compose versions, although interop usually covers this. Android Developers
3. Teams mid-migration that want to keep risk low. Start with contained features and migrate as you go.

Practical migration checklist

1. Enable Compose in your Gradle modules and add compose-bom.
2. Build a design system in Compose Material 3 for consistent colors, typography, and shapes.
3. Add new screens in Compose first.
4. Use ComposeView to host composables inside existing fragments or activities.
5. Wrap missing widgets with AndroidView.
6. Adopt UDF and state hoisting so screens preview well and are easy to test.
7. Write UI tests for new Compose screens.

Common questions

Is Compose stable and production ready
Yes. Compose is Google’s recommended way to build Android UI, with stable Material 3 components and ongoing updates. Many Google apps ship Compose in production.

Will XML be deprecated
Google has not said that. Views remain supported, and interop is a core strategy. You can migrate at your own pace.

What about performance
Follow the official performance best practices. Use remember, provide stable keys in lazy lists, avoid heavy work in composable bodies, and profile. Well-structured Compose screens perform very well.

Do I need Kotlin
Yes. Compose is Kotlin-first, and the APIs are Kotlin. If your app is Java heavy, you can still host Compose via interop and migrate gradually.

Final take

Compose aligns Android UI with how we already think about state and data. You get cleaner code, better previews, faster iteration, simpler testing, and a design system that stays consistent. For most new screens in 2025, Compose is the right choice. XML still has a place in legacy areas, and interop makes that a non-issue.