Expo vs Bare React Native
Managed workflow vs full control — when to use Expo and when to eject
Quick Recommendation
Expo
Our RecommendationChoose if you need:
- ✓You want the fastest possible development and deployment workflow
- ✓OTA updates without App Store review are valuable (EAS Update)
- ✓Your app uses standard features covered by Expo SDK modules
- ✓You prefer managed build infrastructure (EAS Build) over local Xcode/Gradle
- ✓You are starting a new React Native project from scratch
Bare RN
Maximum ControlChoose if you need:
- ✓You need deep native module customization beyond Expo modules
- ✓Your app requires custom native build configurations
- ✓You are integrating with legacy native code (Objective-C, Java)
- ✓You have an existing native app adding React Native screens
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Expo | Bare RN |
|---|---|---|
| Setup Time | Minutes (npx create-expo-app) | 30+ minutes (Xcode + Android Studio) |
| Native Code Access | Via config plugins + expo-modules | Direct access to ios/ and android/ |
| OTA Updates | EAS Update (built-in) | CodePush or custom solution |
| Build System | EAS Build (cloud) or local | Xcode + Gradle (local) |
| Upgrade Path | expo upgrade (simplified) | react-native upgrade (manual) |
| Module Ecosystem | Expo SDK (50+ modules) + community | Full community + any native module |
| Custom Native Code | Config plugins, expo-modules API | Direct modification of native projects |
| Ejection Needed | Rarely (continuous native generation) | N/A (already bare) |
Our Verdict
In 2026, Expo is the default starting point for new React Native projects. The managed workflow handles 95% of use cases without needing to touch native code, EAS Build eliminates local Xcode/Gradle headaches, and EAS Update enables instant OTA deployments. Expo's continuous native generation (CNG) and config plugins have eliminated most reasons to eject. Go bare only if you have existing native code to integrate or need native build customizations that config plugins cannot handle. At Mendios, we start every new React Native project with Expo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Need help choosing between Expo and Bare RN?
Our engineers have production experience with both tools. We can help you make the right choice based on your specific requirements, timeline, and budget.