| Based on | Gradle is based on developing domain-specific language projects. | Maven is based on developing pure Java language-based software. |
| Configuration | It uses a Groovy-based Domain-specific language(DSL) for creating project structure. | It uses Extensible Markup Language(XML) for creating project structure. |
| Focuses on | Developing applications by adding new features to them. | Developing applications in a given time limit. |
| Performance | It performs better than maven as it optimized for tracking only current running task. | It does not create local temporary files during software creation, and is hence – slower. |
| Java Compilation | It avoids compilation. | It is necessary to compile. |
| Usability | It is a new tool, which requires users to spend a lot of time to get used to it. | This tool is a known tool for many users and is easily available. |
| Customization | This tool is highly customizable as it supports a variety of IDE’s. | This tool serves a limited amount of developers and is not that customizable. |
| Languages supported | It supports software development in Java, C, C++, and Groovy. | It supports software development in Java, Scala, C#, and Ruby. |