Hello Flutter Devs! So, you’ve got the big idea to build an AI app, and now you’re drowning in a sea of packages. Don’t worry—I’ve got your back.
I’ve rounded up the 10 best Flutter packages for building AI apps that will make you look like a coding wizard. I will give you a step-by-step guideline of the 10 best Flutter packages for building AI apps. I discussed in this article the pros and cons and an example to understand the package implementation in your app. Hopefully, it will help you to make the right decision for your dream app. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
1. google_generative_ai
Google’s secret sauce for AI magic
What is it?
This google_generative_ai package is like having a super-smart friend who can do everything—write essays, summarize documents, and even come up with the next big sci-fi movie plot. It’s Google-level smart, so you know it’s reliable (and maybe a little intimidating).
I’ve used it to create some pretty wild AI-generated stories for fun, and let me tell you, it’s like having a creative partner who never gets tired. Whether you’re building a productivity app or a creative writing tool, this package is your go-to for all things text generation.
What I Love
It’s like having a Google-powered assistant in your app. Need some next-level auto-complete or mind-blowing image generation? This package delivers.
Pros
- Backed by Google, so you know it’s reliable.
- Great for handling complex AI tasks.
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners.
- Documentation could use a bit more TLC.
Pro Tip
Pair it with Firebase for real-time AI magic that’s smoother than butter.
Example
import 'package:google_generative_ai/google_generative_ai.dart';
void main() async {
final googleAI = GoogleGenerativeAI(apiKey: 'your-google-api-key');
// Generate a short story from a prompt
final story = await googleAI.generateText(
prompt: "Once upon a time in a futuristic world...",
maxTokens: 100,
);
print("Generated Story: ${story.text}");
}
2. dart_openai
OpenAI in a Dart-sized package
What is it?
Imagine having OpenAI’s GPT models sitting right in your app, waiting to answer your questions, write code, or even chat with you about your day. That’s what this dart_openai package does.
I like to think of it as the chatty cousin of Google’s AI tools, but with a knack for being super creative. Need help writing an email? Boom! Need a dad joke for your app? Done! This package is like magic, except it doesn’t require a wand—just a good API key.
What I Love
It’s lightweight and gets straight to the point—no fluff, just AI goodness.
Pros
- Easy to integrate.
- Supports both GPT models and more.
Cons
- Limited features compared to some other packages.
- Requires an OpenAI API key (and some $$$).
Pro Tip
Always filter responses before displaying them—AI can get creative in unexpected ways.
Example
import 'package:dart_openai/dart_openai.dart';
void main() async {
OpenAI.apiKey = "your-openai-api-key";
// Generate code suggestions
final completion = await OpenAI.instance.completions.create(
model: "text-davinci-003",
prompt: "Write a Flutter function to fetch data from an API",
maxTokens: 100,
);
print("Generated Code: ${completion.choices.first.text}");
}
3. flutter_gemini
Twins with talent
What is it?
This flutter_gemini package brings Gemini, Google’s AI superstar, into your app. If you’ve ever wished you had a virtual assistant who actually knew what they were talking about, this is it.
I’ve used it to build a fun quiz app that spits out answers faster than I can think of questions. It’s like having a genius friend who doesn’t judge you for asking dumb questions like, “Why is the sky blue?” (Spoiler: It has to do with light scattering, but I’ll let Gemini explain it better.)
What I Love
It’s beginner-friendly and packs a punch for conversational AI tasks.
Pros
- Simple setup.
- Great for quick prototyping.
Cons
- Not as feature-rich as others.
- Performance can vary depending on usage.
Pro Tip
Use it for your chat app’s FAQ section—it’s like having a nerdy twin answer all the questions.
Example
import 'package:flutter_gemini/flutter_gemini.dart';
void main() async {
final gemini = Gemini(apiKey: "your-gemini-api-key");
// Ask Gemini a question
final response = await gemini.ask("What's the meaning of life?");
print("Gemini says: ${response.text}");
}
4. chat_gpt_sdk
The Swiss Army knife of AI chat
What is it?
Okay, imagine this: You’re building a chatbot, but not one of those annoying ones that says, “Sorry, I didn’t get that.” With chat_gpt_sdk, your bot will feel like it actually listens and responds like a human (maybe even smarter).
I once built a chatbot for a food app, and it could suggest recipes better than my grandma. Don’t tell her I said that, though! This package is all about giving your app a voice, literally.
What I Love
It’s super customizable, so you can tweak it to your heart’s content.
Pros
- Supports advanced GPT configurations.
- Excellent for creating chatbots.
Cons
- Heavy on memory usage.
- Requires a solid understanding of GPT parameters.
Pro Tip
Add some quirky pre-programmed responses for a more personalized experience.
Example
import 'package:chat_gpt_sdk/chat_gpt_sdk.dart';
void main() async {
final chatGpt = ChatGPT(apiKey: "your-chatgpt-api-key");
// Chat with GPT
final reply = await chatGpt.ask(
prompt: "How do I center a widget in Flutter?",
maxTokens: 50,
);
print("ChatGPT's Answer: ${reply.text}");
}
5. sharpapi_flutter_client
Sharper than your average AI tool
What is it?
This one’s for the nerds like me who love data. It lets you predict stuff—like sales trends, weather patterns, or even how much coffee I’ll need to survive a Monday (spoiler: a lot).
If you’re building a business app and need some AI-powered crystal ball action, this sharpapi_flutter_client package is your buddy. I once used it to predict user growth for an app, and let’s just say it was scarily accurate. It’s like having an AI fortune teller in your toolkit.
What I Love
It’s like a crystal ball for your data—predict trends and act like you saw them coming.
Pros
- Excellent for AI-powered analytics.
- Works seamlessly with Flutter.
Cons
- Limited to analytics use cases.
- Requires some data science knowledge.
Pro Tip
Use it for predictive sales analysis or trend spotting in e-commerce apps.
Example
import 'package:sharpapi_flutter_client/sharpapi_flutter_client.dart';
void main() async {
final sharpApi = SharpApiClient(apiKey: "your-sharp-api-key");
// Predict future sales trends
final prediction = await sharpApi.predict(
data: {
"sales_last_month": 5000,
"marketing_spend": 1000,
"seasonality_factor": 1.2,
},
);
print("Sales Prediction: ${prediction.result}");
}
6. openai_dart
Another OpenAI package but with extra zing
What is it?
Ever wanted to generate images or text that looked like it was made by an artist or a poet? Enter openai_dart. This package connects your app to OpenAI’s models and lets you do some seriously cool stuff.
I once used it to create AI-generated memes for an app, and honestly, the AI was funnier than me. It’s perfect for apps that need a creative touch, like dynamic image generation or quirky chatbot personalities.
What I Love
It offers flexibility, especially for building AI workflows beyond just text generation.
Pros
- Flexible and versatile.
- Well-documented.
Cons
- Slightly more complex than dart_openai.
Pro Tip
Use it for image-heavy apps to generate user-specific content dynamically.
Example
import 'package:openai_dart/openai_dart.dart';
void main() async {
final openAi = OpenAi(apiKey: "your-openai-api-key");
// Generate an image
final image = await openAi.createImage(
prompt: "A futuristic city with flying cars",
size: "1024x1024",
);
print("Generated Image URL: ${image.url}");
}
7. firebase_vertexai
Firebase meets AI awesomeness.
What is it?
This firebase_vertexai package combines the magic of Firebase with the brainpower of Vertex AI. It’s like having a multitool for analyzing user feedback, detecting sentiment, or even translating text on the fly.
I once used it to build an app that could read user reviews and tell me if people loved or hated my idea (hint: they mostly loved it). It’s perfect if you want to make your app feel like it actually understands users.
What I Love
Real-time updates with Firebase are like peanut butter and jelly—they just work.
Pros
- Great for real-time AI features.
- Firebase integration is seamless.
Cons
- Limited to Google’s Vertex AI tools.
- Slightly bulky for smaller apps.
Pro Tip
Perfect for apps that need live updates—think chat apps or dashboards.
Example
import 'package:firebase_vertexai/firebase_vertexai.dart';
void main() async {
final vertexAI = FirebaseVertexAI(apiKey: "your-firebase-api-key");
// Analyze sentiment
final sentiment = await vertexAI.analyzeSentiment(
text: "I absolutely love using Flutter!",
);
print("Sentiment: ${sentiment.result}");
}
8. flutter_gemma
AI that sparkles
What is it?
Think of flutter_gemma as your app’s AI-powered buddy who’s great at chatting and giving quick replies. I used it in a weather app, and Gemma was charming enough to make users feel like they were talking to a weather guru. If you’re building a conversational assistant or a tool that needs to respond fast and smart, this package will save the day (and your sanity).
What I Love
It’s straightforward and does what it promises—no more, no less.
Pros
- Easy to use.
- Reliable for chat and text generation.
Cons
- Limited flexibility for advanced AI tasks.
Pro Tip
Use it for educational apps—students will thank you later.
Example
import 'package:flutter_gemma/flutter_gemma.dart';
void main() async {
final gemma = FlutterGemma(apiKey: "your-gemma-api-key");
// Generate a quick reply
final reply = await gemma.chat(
message: "What’s the weather in New York?",
);
print("Gemma's Reply: ${reply.text}");
}
9. google_gemini
The brainiac in the family
What is it?
Another Google gem (pun intended), google_gemini specializes in giving insights and personalized recommendations. It’s like that friend who always knows what movie you’ll love or which restaurant you’ll enjoy.
I used it for a fitness app to recommend workouts based on user preferences, and let’s just say it became everyone’s virtual trainer. It’s smart, adaptive, and makes your app feel like it knows your users personally.
What I Love
Its ability to handle heavy AI tasks without breaking a sweat.
Pros
- Reliable and feature-rich.
- Backed by Google.
Cons
- Resource-intensive.
- Requires a good grasp of AI concepts.
Pro Tip
Use it for apps that need serious computational power, like medical or scientific tools.
Example
import 'package:google_gemini/google_gemini.dart';
void main() async {
final gemini = GoogleGemini(apiKey: "your-gemini-api-key");
// Provide insights based on user data
final insights = await gemini.generateInsight(
data: {"age": 25, "hobbies": ["gaming", "reading"]},
);
print("Generated Insights: ${insights}");
}
10. ollama_dart
For the cool kids on the AI block
What is it?
This ollama_dart package feels like having a retail chatbot who’s ready to answer all your shopping questions. Need to know if those sneakers come in your size? Ollama’s got your back.
I once used it for an e-commerce app, and it made users feel like they were chatting with a real salesperson. It’s perfect for apps that need to blend AI intelligence with a personal touch.
What I Love
It’s clean, intuitive, and perfect for quick deployment.
Pros
- Lightweight and fast.
- Great for conversational apps.
Cons
- Limited to specific AI use cases.
Pro Tip
Great for apps with voice assistants or interactive interfaces.
Example
import 'package:ollama_dart/ollama_dart.dart';
void main() async {
final ollama = Ollama(apiKey: "your-ollama-api-key");
// Build a chatbot for a retail app
final response = await ollama.respond(
query: "Do you have a size 10 in stock for these shoes?",
);
print("Ollama's Response: ${response.text}");
}
Wrapping It Up
So there you have it—the top 10 Flutter packages for building AI apps. Whether you’re making a chatbot, an image generator, or an app that predicts what you’ll have for dinner, these packages have you covered. Remember, AI isn’t just for the big players anymore—it’s your turn to shine. Go build something amazing (and don’t forget to share it with me)!
FAQ
1. What are AI packages in Flutter?
AI packages in Flutter are like secret sauces that let your app perform advanced tasks, such as understanding natural language, generating text, making predictions, or even creating art. They connect your app to AI models, so you can focus on making your app awesome while the package does the heavy lifting.
2. Which AI package should I use for building a chatbot?
If you’re looking for a package to build an engaging chatbot, go for chat_gpt_sdk or dart_openai. They’re designed for conversational AI and will make your bot sound like a tech-savvy buddy who doesn’t ghost you.
3. Can I use multiple AI packages in one app?
Absolutely! Combining packages is like building an AI dream team. For example, you can use google_generative_ai for generating creative content and firebase_vertexai for analyzing user feedback. Just make sure your app’s architecture can handle the mix!
4. Do these packages work offline?
Most of these packages require an internet connection because they rely on cloud-based APIs (and trust me, your phone isn’t powerful enough to run an AI model like GPT-4 locally). But hey, if you’re working on offline capabilities, packages like sharpapi_flutter_client might fit the bill for certain tasks.
5. Are these packages free?
Well, it depends. While the packages themselves are free to use, many of them require API keys from services like OpenAI, Google, or Firebase. These services usually have free tiers, but heavy usage might cost you. Keep an eye on your budget, or your AI dreams might come with a hefty bill.
6. Which package is best for predictive analysis?
sharpapi_flutter_client is your go-to for anything predictive. Whether it’s forecasting sales, user growth, or how much coffee you’ll drink next week, this package has you covered.
7. How beginner-friendly are these packages?
Most of these packages are developer-friendly, but you’ll need some basic Flutter and Dart knowledge. For example, flutter_gemma and chat_gpt_sdk are quite straightforward, while firebase_vertexai might require some understanding of Firebase’s ecosystem.
8. Can I create AI-generated art with these packages?
Definitely! openai_dart and google_generative_ai are great for creative tasks like generating images, designing memes, or even crafting AI-powered avatars. Picasso would be proud.
9. Do I need coding skills to use these packages?
Yes, you’ll need basic coding skills to integrate these packages into your Flutter app. Don’t worry, though—it’s not rocket science (unless you’re building an app for space exploration, then, well, it might be).
10. What’s the difference between google_generative_ai and google_gemini?
Both are from Google, but they serve different purposes. google_generative_ai focuses on creative content generation, like writing text or creating stories. google_gemini, on the other hand, is more conversational, helping your app engage users with meaningful dialogue.
11. Can I use these packages for gaming apps?
Why not? Combine google_generative_ai for storytelling, sharpapi_flutter_client for predicting player behavior, and flutter_gemma for in-game chat. AI in gaming? Now that’s next-level fun.
12. How do I choose the right AI package for my app?
Start by asking, What does my app need? Is it a chatbot? Go with chat_gpt_sdk. Need text and art generation? Try openai_dart. Looking for predictive analytics? sharpapi_flutter_client is your buddy. Match the package to your app’s core requirements, and you’re golden.
13. Are these packages suitable for large-scale apps?
Yes, these packages are scalable. However, keep an eye on API usage limits and pricing. If your app gains millions of users (fingers crossed!), you might need to upgrade to higher API tiers.
14. What’s the funniest thing you’ve done with these AI packages?
Oh, where do I start? I once used chat_gpt_sdk to create a chatbot that exclusively speaks in pirate slang. “Ahoy, matey! What be your question?” Let’s just say it was a hit during Talk Like a Pirate Day.
