Technology serving the productMobile product

Expo when one product team needs to ship iOS and Android.

Choose the right Expo capability and migration path

Expo React Native is a framework and toolchain ecosystem built on React Native. This guide explains its delivery capabilities, where native extensions fit, and when a product should stay with Expo or move towards bare React Native.

Discuss your technology decision See if it fits your product

Decision

Technology follows the product goal

Proof

5.0 on Google and public case studies

Outcome

A shorter path from product decision to both app stores

01 / Fit

Product first. Stack second.

When Expo is the best choice

Expo works well in projects requiring fast development and easy deployment without functionality compromises.

  • MVPs and prototypes requiring quick deployment
  • Apps requiring frequent updates (OTA updates)
  • Projects without advanced native modules
  • Apps requiring fast development
  • Projects with small teams requiring simplicity

When to consider alternatives

Expo has its limitations - in some scenarios bare React Native will be a better choice.

  • Apps requiring many custom native modules
  • Projects requiring full control over native code
  • Gaming apps with high performance requirements

Choose the next path

Choose the Expo capability and migration path.

We help you choose between standard Expo, controlled native extensions and bare React Native. The decision follows your integrations, store requirements and product roadmap.

ServiceMobile apps for iOS and Android Proof and architectureReact Native

02 / Solution

Architecture and patterns

Expo offers ready solutions and tools accelerating development.

  1. 01

    Expo SDK

    Ready modules for most popular features (camera, location, notifications, payments).

  2. 02

    EAS Build

    Cloud build service for iOS and Android without local setup.

  3. 03

    OTA Updates

    Over-the-air updates without App Store/Play Store publication.

  4. 04

    Expo Router

    File-based routing for React Native with deep linking and navigation.

03 / Quality

Production readiness starts before launch.

Security and quality

Expo offers built-in security mechanisms and easy deployment.

  • Secure Storage

    Expo SecureStore for secure sensitive data storage.

  • Code Signing

    EAS Build automatically manages code signing for iOS and Android.

  • Environment Variables

    Secure secrets management through EAS Secrets.

Performance and maintenance

Expo offers tools for performance monitoring and optimization.

  • Build Time

    EAS Build: 10-20 min for iOS/Android builds in cloud.

  • OTA Updates

    Updates within minutes without full app rebuild.

  • Bundle Size

    Bundle size optimization through tree shaking and code splitting.

04 / Delivery

How we deliver Expo projects

Our delivery process is optimized for fast development and deployment.

  1. 01

    Setup (1 week)

    Expo configuration, EAS Build, routing, design system.

  2. 02

    Development (6-14 weeks)

    2-week sprints, OTA updates for rapid iterations, code review.

  3. 03

    Deployment

    EAS Build for App Store/Play Store, OTA updates for hotfixes.

Further reading

Related guides

FAQ

Questions before you decide

Is Expo slower than bare React Native?

In most cases there's no significant performance difference. Expo uses the same React Native engine. For apps requiring very high performance, Expo with custom native code can be used.

Can I use native modules in Expo?

Yes, Expo SDK includes many ready modules. For custom modules you can use Expo Development Build or switch to bare workflow.

Is Expo a framework?

Yes. Expo is a framework and toolchain built on React Native. It includes the runtime, SDK modules, EAS Build for store binaries and EAS Update for compatible JavaScript-layer fixes. You still publish native apps to the App Store and Google Play.