React Native vs Expo: Choosing the Right Implementation for Your Mobile App

Introduction

When building cross-platform mobile applications with JavaScript, React Native has emerged as the go-to framework. However, developers often face a crucial decision: whether to use bare React Native or leverage Expo, a popular framework and platform built on top of React Native.

Both approaches have their strengths and trade-offs, and the choice depends on project requirements, team expertise, and long-term scalability needs. In this post, we’ll compare React Native and Expo implementations, highlighting key differences, use cases, and practical considerations to help you make an informed decision.

Core Differences: React Native vs. Expo

1. Development Workflow

React Native (Bare Workflow)
The bare React Native workflow involves setting up a project directly using the React Native CLI (npx react-native init). This approach provides full control over native modules, custom configurations, and third-party integrations.

npx react-native init MyBareProject

Expo (Managed Workflow)
Expo simplifies development by abstracting away native configurations. Developers use the Expo CLI (npx create-expo-app) and rely on Expo’s SDK for common functionalities like camera, notifications, and authentication.

npx create-expo-app MyExpoProject

Key Differences:

Build Process: Expo handles builds via EAS (Expo Application Services) or Expo Go, while bare React Native requires Xcode/Android Studio for native builds.
Native Modules: Bare React Native allows direct native module integration, whereas Expo requires config plugins or ejecting to access unsupported native features.

2. Native Module Access

Bare React Native:
If your app requires deep native integrations (e.g., custom Bluetooth handling or proprietary SDKs), bare React Native is the better choice. You can link native modules manually or via autolinking.

Example of adding a native module in bare React Native:

// Install a native module  
npm install react-native-device-info  

// For iOS, navigate to the ios folder and run:  
cd ios && pod install

Expo:
Expo provides a curated set of native modules via its SDK. If a module isn’t supported, you can use config plugins or "eject" to a bare workflow (though this removes some Expo benefits).

Example of using an Expo module:

import * as Device from 'expo-device';  

console.log(Device.modelName); // e.g., "iPhone 13"

3. Performance and Optimization

Bare React Native:

Pros: Fine-grained control over native optimizations (e.g., Hermes, TurboModules).
Cons: Requires manual setup for performance tuning.

Expo:

Pros: Optimized defaults (Hermes enabled by default) and easier updates via Expo SDK.
Cons: Slightly larger bundle size due to included Expo modules.

4. Deployment and Updates

Bare React Native:

Deployments require generating .ipa (iOS) and .apk/.aab (Android) files manually.
Over-the-air (OTA) updates require third-party services like CodePush.

Expo:

Simplifies deployments via EAS Build and OTA updates with expo-updates.
Example of configuring OTA updates in app.json:

{  
  "expo": {  
    "updates": {  
      "url": "https://u.expo.dev/[your-project-id]",  
      "fallbackToCacheTimeout": 0  
    }  
  }  
}

When to Choose React Native or Expo

Choose Bare React Native If:

You need unsupported native modules.
Your app requires heavy native customization.
Your team has experience with native iOS/Android development.

Choose Expo If:

You prioritize rapid development and prototyping.
Your app relies on common features (camera, auth, etc.).
You want streamlined builds and OTA updates.

Conclusion

Both React Native and Expo offer powerful tools for building cross-platform apps, but the right choice depends on your project’s needs. Expo excels in developer experience and quick iteration, while bare React Native provides flexibility for complex native integrations.

For teams starting new projects, Expo’s managed workflow is often the best choice, with the option to eject later if needed. Meanwhile, experienced teams working on performance-critical or highly customized apps may prefer bare React Native from the outset.

By understanding these trade-offs, you can select the optimal approach for your mobile development journey.

React Native vs Expo implementation