How to choose a React Native development company
When picking a React Native agency, verify: live store apps (not landing pages), stack (Expo, TypeScript, New Architecture), pricing (DDT plus fixed price), who builds backend and integrations, and who owns App Store and Google Play submission.
7 questions before you sign
1) Show live App Store and Google Play apps - with links, not mockups. 2) Who builds backend, ERP integrations and mobile API? 3) Do you offer fixed price after discovery (DDT) or T&M only? 4) What is store submission, compliance (privacy, data safety) and update process? 5) Who owns code and repositories after delivery? 6) How do you measure quality - E2E tests (Maestro/Detox), crash-free rate, code review? 7) Industry experience (commerce, B2B, health, IoT)?
Good answers are specific: app names, team roles, publication timeline, sample QA report. Avoid agencies that say “we did similar” with no store link.
GMI Software: 50+ store apps, Clutch 4.9★, React Native with Expo and TypeScript, DDT plus fixed-price guarantee, full code handover. We also deliver NestJS/Medusa backend and publication - one partner instead of vendor ping-pong.
Red flags when picking an RN agency
Portfolio is landing pages and screenshots only with no store links. Production React Native must pass Apple/Google review - an agency with no live apps failed that test.
No TypeScript and no New Architecture migration plan. In 2026 maintaining apps on the old JS bridge without an upgrade roadmap is technical debt you pay after a year.
“Backend on client side” with no clear API contract. If the mobile agency does not own API and your team has no capacity - integration eats months and budget.
Quote without discovery: fixed price on a 2-page brief is guessing. Real fixed price needs DDT with mocks, integration list and test plan.
No QA on the team or no E2E tests in the offer. Manual clicking before release will not catch checkout regressions after an Expo SDK upgrade.
Stack and skills your partner should have
Expo EAS (builds, OTA updates, credentials), TypeScript end-to-end, React Navigation, state management (Zustand/Redux - consistency matters, not fashion), REST/GraphQL integration, push (FCM/APNs), deep linking and analytics (Firebase/Amplitude).
Publication experience: App Store Connect, Google Play Console, data safety form, privacy nutrition labels, update and rollback process. First submission without an experienced partner means weeks of delay.
Backend under one roof: NestJS or Medusa API, shared monorepo types, API contract tests. GMI pairs React Native with TypeScript backend - API changes break the mobile build before production.
QA: Maestro or Detox on critical flows (login, cart, payment), Sentry for crash-free monitoring, code review before merge. Not a premium option - minimum for commerce and payments.
Nearshore vs local agency vs offshore
Nearshore (e.g. Poland for EU/UK/US clients): time overlap, rates 30-50% lower than US at same seniority, English delivery, EUR/USD invoices. GMI works with clients from Germany, UK, US and Nordics in this model.
Local agency in client country: higher cost, easier on-site meetings. Makes sense when full on-site is mandatory for the whole project - rare with React Native and agile.
Cheapest offshore rates: communication, team rotation and code review quality risk. On ERP integrations and compliance (PCI, medical) rate savings are often illusion after rework cost.
What matters: not country, but store references, DDT process, fixed price and whether the partner owns backend and release.
Pre-RFP checklist
Prepare: app type, integration list, publication deadline, compliance needs, whether backend exists, budget range and who will be product owner on your side.
Shortlist 3 agencies with live store apps. Compare offers after DDT, not hourly rate alone. Check Clutch/G2 and ask for a reference call (not just a logo on the website).
GMI runs this process with clients regularly - if you have a brief, we reply with ranges in 48h and propose DDT for fixed price.
Sources and references
Clutch - GMI Software profile: https://clutch.co/profile/gmi-software
React Native documentation: https://reactnative.dev
Expo documentation: https://docs.expo.dev
GMI React Native service: https://gmi.software/services/mobile-apps
Frequently asked questions
- Agency or freelancer?
- Freelancers cost less on tiny scope (1-2 screens, ready API). Agencies reduce risk on integrations, QA, store submission and post-launch care. For commerce and payments we recommend an agency with fixed price after DDT.
- How do you verify React Native agency references?
- Ask for App Store/Google Play links, not PDF portfolios. Check last update date, rating and reviews. Ask: “Who built that app’s backend?” and “How long did first store publication take?”
- Does GMI also build app backends?
- Yes - NestJS, MedusaJS, ERP integrations. One TypeScript team for mobile and API, shared types, lower integration risk. Our recommended model for commerce and B2B.
- What does an app from a good RN agency cost?
- GMI ranges: loyalty MVP EUR 18k-28k, commerce EUR 35k-55k, B2B with integrations EUR 45k-70k. Initial estimate in 48h, fixed price after DDT.
Content updated: July 2, 2026