react-nativevsexpo
Expo is a framework built on top of React Native. In 2026, the answer is almost always "use Expo." It gives you OTA updates, easier builds (EAS), 50+ native APIs without ejecting.
react-native
github.com/facebook/react-nativeThe cross-platform mobile framework. ~120k stars. Most people use it through Expo now. New Architecture (Fabric + TurboModules) shipped widely and improved performance significantly.
Full review →expo
github.com/expo/expoThe way to build React Native in 2026. ~32k stars. Managed workflow that handles native builds (EAS), updates (OTA), and routing (Expo Router). Default for cross-platform mobile unless you have hard native requirements.
Full review →Which should you pick?
Pick react-native if…
You are working on an existing RN codebase or have specific reasons to avoid Expo.
Skip react-native if…
You are starting new — use Expo (which is React Native under the hood).
Pick expo if…
You are building an iOS + Android app and your team writes React.
Skip expo if…
You need deep platform-specific features (Apple Watch, complex AR) — go fully native.
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