Expo vs React Native CLI: 10 Key Differences You Didn’t Know

When building React Native apps, choosing between Expo and React Native can be tricky. Both tools have their pros and cons, but how do you know which one is right for your project? 

In this article, we’ll explore 10 key differences between Expo and React Native that you might not know about. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to optimize your workflow, this breakdown will help you pick the best tool for your app development needs.

1. Ease of Use

When it comes to starting a React Native project, the ease of use can vary greatly between Expo and React Native CLI. Let’s break it down.

Expo: Beginner-Friendly, Minimal Setup

With Expo, you can get started in minutes. You don’t need to worry about complex setups or installing additional tools. Just install the Expo CLI, and you’re ready to go. Expo handles most of the heavy lifting for you.

For example, you can use Expo Go to test your app directly on your phone. This means you don’t need to set up a simulator or deal with Xcode or Android Studio. It’s perfect if you’re new to app development or want to build something quickly.

Expo also provides pre-configured tools and libraries. You don’t need to spend time configuring things like navigation or fonts. Everything works out of the box. This makes it a great choice for beginners or for projects where you want to focus on building features rather than dealing with setup.

React Native: More Control but Requires Deeper Configuration

On the other hand, React Native CLI gives you more control over your project. But this comes with a trade-off: you need to set up more things yourself.

For example, you’ll need to install Xcode for iOS development and Android Studio for Android development. You’ll also need to configure your environment manually. This can be time-consuming, especially if you’re not familiar with native development tools.

If your app requires a native module or custom native code, React Native CLI is the way to go. You can integrate these directly into your project without any restrictions. However, this also means you’ll need to handle more complexity during setup.

While React Native CLI gives you flexibility, it’s not as beginner-friendly as Expo. You’ll need to spend more time learning how to configure everything properly. But if you’re comfortable with native development or need advanced features, this extra effort can be worth it.

2. Development Workflow

The development workflow can feel very different depending on whether you choose Expo or React Native. Let’s see how they compare.

Expo: Managed Workflow with Built-in Tools

With Expo, the development process is smooth and straightforward. Expo offers a managed workflow, which means it takes care of most things for you. You don’t need to worry about configuring build tools or setting up environments.

For example, the Expo SDK comes with a lot of pre-built tools and features. You get things like push notifications, camera access, and maps without needing to install extra libraries. This saves you time and lets you focus on building your expo app.

You can also test your app easily using Expo Go. Just scan a QR code, and your app runs on your phone. There’s no need to deal with simulators or complicated setups. This makes the development process faster and more beginner-friendly.

React Native: Flexible but Requires Manual Setup

With React Native, you have more flexibility, but you’ll need to set up everything yourself. You’ll need to configure your development environment, install dependencies, and handle build tools manually.

For example, if you want to publish your React native application to the app store, you’ll need to set up Xcode for iOS and Android Studio for Android. This gives you full control over the build process, but it also means more work.

You’ll also need to manage libraries and tools on your own. If your app needs specific features, you’ll have to find and integrate the right libraries. This can be powerful, but it requires more effort compared to Expo’s managed workflow.

3. Access to Native Code

When you build apps, sometimes you need to work with native code. This is where Expo and React Native differ a lot. Let’s see how.

Expo: Limited Unless You Eject

With Expo, you get a lot of tools and features out of the box. But there’s a catch: you can’t directly access native code unless you eject. Ejecting means leaving the managed workflow and taking full control of your expo project.

For example, if you need to use a custom native module, you’ll have to eject. This can be a big step because once you eject, you can’t go back to the managed workflow. The expo team provides tools to make ejecting easier, but it’s still something to think about.

If you’re building an app without needing advanced native features, Expo works great. But if you need deep control over native code, you might find Expo limiting.

React Native: Full Access from the Start

When you use react native, you get full access to native code from the beginning. You don’t need to eject or make any big changes to your project.

For example, if you need to add a custom native module, you can do it right away. This makes react native development more flexible for complex apps. You can tweak anything in the native layer without restrictions.

This full access is great if you need to build something highly customized. But it also means you’ll need to handle more things yourself. If you’re comfortable with native development, this won’t be a problem.

4. Third-Party Libraries

When building apps, third-party libraries can save you time. But how you use them depends on whether you choose Expo or React Native.

Expo: Works with Supported Libraries Only

Expo comes with a lot of built-in tools, but it has limits. You can only use third-party libraries that work with Expo. If a library requires native code, you might run into issues unless you eject.

For example, if you want to use a library that isn’t supported by Expo, you’ll need to find an alternative or eject. This can be frustrating if you’re building something specific.

React Native: No Restrictions—Use Any Library

With React Native, you can use any third-party library you want. There are no restrictions. If a library requires native code, you can integrate it directly into your project.

This flexibility is great for advanced projects. But it also means you’ll need to manage dependencies and compatibility yourself.

5. Customization

Customization is key when building apps that stand out. Let’s see how Expo & React Native handle it.

Expo: Great for Standard Apps, but Limited Customization

Expo is perfect for building standard apps quickly. It gives you a lot of pre-built tools, so you don’t need to worry about customization.

But if you need to customize something deeply, Expo can feel limiting. For example, if you want to change how a native feature works, you might not be able to do it without ejecting.

React Native: Fully Customizable for Complex Projects

React Native gives you full control over customization. You can tweak anything in your app, from the UI to native features.

This is great for complex projects where you need to build something unique. But it also means you’ll need to spend more time configuring and testing.

6. Build Process

The build process can make or break your app development experience. Here’s how Expo & React Native compare.

Expo: Simplified Builds with Expo’s Cloud Services

Expo makes building your app easy. You can use Expo’s cloud services to build and publish your app. You don’t need to set up Xcode or Android Studio.

This is great if you want to save time. But it also means you’re relying on Expo’s infrastructure. If their services go down, it could delay your build.

React Native: Manual Build Process, More Control

With React Native, you handle the build process yourself. You’ll need to set up Xcode for iOS and Android Studio for Android.

This gives you more control over how your app is built. But it also means more work and a steeper learning curve.

7. Performance

Performance matters, especially for apps with complex features. Let’s see how React Native and Expo stack up.

Expo: Slight Overhead Due to Abstraction

Expo adds a layer of abstraction to make development easier. This can sometimes lead to a slight performance overhead.

For most apps, this isn’t a big issue. But if you’re building something performance-heavy, it might not be the best choice.

React Native: Potentially Better Performance with Fine-Tuning

React Native gives you more control over performance. You can optimize your app by tweaking the native program and reducing unnecessary layers.

This makes it a better choice for apps that need to run smoothly under heavy loads. But it also requires more effort to achieve that level of performance.

8. Ejecting from Expo

Ejecting is a big decision when using Expo. Let’s break it down.

Expo: Option to Eject for More Control

Expo lets you eject if you need more control over your app. Ejecting gives you access to native programming and more customization options.

But once you eject, you can’t go back to the managed workflow. This is a trade-off you’ll need to consider carefully.

React Native: No Need to Eject—Already Flexible

With React Native, you don’t need to eject because you already have full control. You can access native programming and customize your app from the start.

This makes React Native a better choice if you know you’ll need advanced features right away.

9. Platform-Specific Features

Some apps need platform-specific features. Here’s how React Native and Expo handle them.

Expo: Limited Support for Advanced Native Features

Expo works well for most common features. But if you need advanced platform-specific functionality, you might find it limiting.

For example, if you need to use a feature that’s only available on iOS or Android, you might need to eject.

React Native: Full Support for Platform-Specific Code

React Native lets you write platform-specific code easily. You can create separate files for iOS and Android and customize them as needed.

This makes it a great choice for apps that need to leverage platform-specific features.

Community and Ecosystem

The community and ecosystem around a tool can make a big difference. Let’s compare React Native & Expo.

Expo: Growing Community with Expo-Specific Tools

Expo has a growing community and offers tools like Expo Go and the Expo SDK. These make development easier, especially for beginners.

But because Expo is more opinionated, its ecosystem is smaller compared to React Native’s.

React Native: Access to the Broader React Native Ecosystem

React Native has a massive ecosystem. You can find libraries, tools, and resources for almost anything you need.

This makes it a better choice if you want access to a wide range of options. But it also means you’ll need to spend more time researching and testing.

Conclusion

Choosing between Expo and a more traditional setup requires careful consideration of project goals, development expertise, and long-term scalability. Expo provides a seamless workflow, making it an excellent choice for rapid prototyping and projects that do not require deep customization. However, for applications that demand full native module support, unrestricted access to platform-specific features, and the ability to integrate any native module available, a more flexible approach remains the superior option.

When building a React Native app, it is essential to assess whether you require direct access to native libraries, advanced customization, or compatibility with a native physical device. Compared to React Native CLI, Expo offers a structured approach but comes with limitations, such as working only with specific modules available in the React ecosystem. In contrast, React Native CLI is fully adaptable, ensuring complete control over system-level integrations. For projects that require extensive functionality, the native CLI is fully compatible with third-party solutions, eliminating constraints imposed by limited native modules.

At Attract Group, we specialize in delivering high-performance mobile solutions tailored to your unique business needs. Our expertise ensures seamless integration of system-level components, whether leveraging an existing module available in the React ecosystem or crafting custom solutions to enhance performance. With deep knowledge in mobile development, we help businesses integrate cutting-edge features and optimize applications for efficiency across all devices. If you are looking for a reliable development partner to navigate complex technical decisions, our team is here to transform your vision into a scalable and robust digital experience.

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