React Native Expo vs CLI: Which Should You Choose in 2025?

Choosing between React Native Expo and React Native CLI can be tough when starting mobile app development. Both build cross-platform apps, but their development experiences differ. Discover why, especially for newcomers, React Native Expo is often the better option, offering a smoother path to success.

What's the Difference: Expo vs. React Native CLI?

Before diving in, let's clarify what each offers:

• Expo: A framework built around React Native, providing pre-configured tools and services. It streamlines building, deploying, and iterating on iOS, Android, and web apps.
• React Native CLI: A bare-bones setup giving you total control over native code. However, it demands manual configuration and native development expertise.

Why Choose React Native Expo Development in 2025?

Expo has significantly matured, smoothing out many past issues, and now offers several killer advantages:

1. Radically Simplified Setup

Expo slashes the entry barrier for React Native development. Kickstart your project with a few simple commands:

npm install -g expo-cli
expo init MyNewApp
cd MyNewApp
expo start

Forget wrestling with Android Studio, Xcode, or complicated native configurations. Focus instantly on JavaScript coding and building your app's core features.

2. A Superior Development Experience

Expo supercharges your workflow with features like:

• Hot Reloading: See code changes instantly.
• Expo Go App: Test on real devices without native builds.
• Expo DevTools: Manage development through a web interface.
• QR Code Sharing: Instantly share your app for testing via QR code.

These features accelerate development and streamline testing across devices.

3. Comprehensive SDK Access

Access device features and APIs without writing native code through Expo's SDK:

• Camera and image picker.
• Location services.
• Push notifications.
• Local authentication.
• Secure storage.
• Sensors and device motion.

The Expo team maintains these APIs, ensuring cross-platform compatibility.

4. Effortless Updates with EAS Update

Expo Application Services (EAS) lets you push updates directly to users (for Javascript and asset changes) and bypass app store reviews, enabling:

• Faster bug fixes and feature rollouts.
• Reduced release risk.
• Improved user experience with seamless updates.

Deliver updates quickly, ensuring a better user experience.

5. Streamlined Builds with EAS Build

Expo simplifies the complexity traditionally involved in building and distributing mobile apps. EAS Build allows:

• Cloud-based iOS and Android builds.
• No need for a Mac to build iOS apps.
• Consistent build environments.
• Automated app store submission.

EAS Build simplifies and accelerates the app deployment process, handling the heavy lifting.

6. Native Modules via Expo Development Builds

Previously, custom native code was a limitation. "Ejecting" (while still an option) is usually unnecessary for most projects using libraries with native dependencies. Expo Development Builds allows to:

• Incorporate custom native modules.
• Maintain the Expo workflow.
• Access needed native code without ejecting.

This enhancement delivers flexibility without sacrificing Expo's convenience.

7. A Flourishing Community

The Expo ecosystem boasts:

• Extensive documentation.
• Active community support.
• Frequent updates and improvements.
• A broad spectrum of compatible libraries.

Benefit from a wealth of resources and a supportive community always ready to help.

8. Scalability Solutions

Past scalability concerns are now resolved:

• Supports custom native code when necessary.
• Enhancements on build configuration options.
• Performance optimization.
• Enterprise-ready features

Expo has evolved to confidently handle large-scale app requirements.

When is React Native CLI the Right Choice?

Despite Expo's merits, React Native CLI is preferable when:

• Deeply integrating with unsupported native modules.
• Requiring granular control over the native build process.
• Developing apps with unique background processing demands.
• Utilizing specific hardware features beyond the Expo SDK.

React Native CLI gives the development team the ability to configure every aspect of the development process and should be considered if the app demands full control.

Conclusion: Expo is the winner for most

In 2025, Expo surpasses many initial limitations, focusing on developer-friendliness. Expo blends ease-of-use and flexibility, especially for those new to mobile or needing rapid development.

The ability to integrate necessary native modules using the development builds means you're not making permanent restrictive development choices. You can leverage the best of both worlds.

While React Native CLI serves developers needing total control, Expo now fulfills most production needs with a superior experience.

We welcome your experiences with React Native Expo vs CLI! Please comment below! Happy coding! 🚀