Introduction
The React Native ecosystem in 2025 looks nothing like it did a few years ago.
Expo is no longer just a beginner’s playground, and React Native CLI is no longer the only serious option for production apps.
Both have evolved massively — but when you start a new project today, you still have to answer the same question:
👉 Should I use Expo or React Native CLI?
Let’s settle it once and for all — with a 2025 perspective.
Expo in 2025 — Beyond “Managed Only”
Expo has transformed from a lightweight framework into a complete ecosystem for building, testing, and deploying React Native apps — without touching native code unless you want to.
It now offers two main modes:
- Managed Workflow: Expo handles everything — build tools, native configuration, and updates.
- Prebuild / Custom Workflow: You can extend or override native settings while still benefiting from Expo’s managed layer.
Why Expo Shines in 2025
-
Zero-friction setup: You can launch a project with
npx create-expo-appand start coding within minutes. - OTA (Over-The-Air) updates: Push instant bug fixes and UI tweaks without waiting for App Store reviews.
- EAS Build & Submit: Expo Application Services (EAS) automate builds, signing, and store submissions — no local setup required.
- Unified SDK: Expo maintains consistent APIs across iOS, Android, and Web, making cross-platform development smoother.
- Great for teams focused on product: Frontend-heavy teams can move fast without worrying about native codebases.
Still, There Are Trade-offs
- Custom native modules may require ejecting: Advanced use cases (e.g., integrating a third-party SDK not supported by Expo) can force you to leave the managed workflow.
- App size and dependency weight: Managed projects often have slightly larger binaries.
- Version lag: Expo SDKs usually trail a few weeks behind the latest React Native releases.
Expo’s 2025 Revolution — Prebuild and Config Plugins
This is where Expo truly changed the game.
With Prebuild and Config Plugins, you can:
- Generate native iOS/Android projects automatically.
- Modify Gradle or Info.plist files with a simple plugin.
- Add custom native code while keeping Expo’s EAS workflow.
You can literally start managed, and when your app grows, migrate to a hybrid workflow — no full rewrite needed.
React Native CLI — Freedom with Responsibility
The React Native CLI remains the go-to choice for developers who want maximum control.
It gives you direct access to every native file, build script, and dependency — ideal for apps that depend on performance, custom modules, or deep native integrations.
Why Developers Still Choose the CLI
- Full native control: Edit Gradle, Xcode, and native source code directly.
- Perfect for performance-critical or large-scale apps: Enterprise apps, fintech, and IoT platforms often rely on native-level optimizations.
- Mature debugging tools: Use Flipper, Android Profiler, or Xcode Instruments without limitations.
- Immediate access to new RN versions: You can adopt the latest React Native features the day they’re released.
But It Comes with Complexity
- Setup overhead: Installing Android Studio, Xcode, and configuring environments can take hours.
- No built-in OTA updates: You must rely on services like CodePush or custom infrastructure.
- Manual CI/CD pipelines: Compared to Expo’s EAS, maintaining native builds is more time-consuming.
- Longer iteration cycles: Testing and releasing updates often require full rebuilds and resubmissions.
In short — the CLI is for teams that need fine-grained control and have the engineering capacity to maintain it.
2025 Comparison: Expo vs React Native CLI
| Feature / Aspect | Expo (Managed / Prebuild) | React Native CLI (Bare) |
|---|---|---|
| Setup speed | Extremely fast (npx create-expo-app) |
Manual configuration |
| Native code access | Limited (expandable via Prebuild) | Full access |
| Build & deployment | EAS Build, Submit, OTA updates | Manual / Custom CI pipelines |
| App performance | Excellent for 90% of use cases | Best for heavy native logic |
| Third-party SDKs | Mostly supported (via Config Plugins) | Unlimited |
| Maintenance | Lower (Expo handles upgrades) | Higher (manual dependencies) |
| Version updates | Slightly delayed | Immediate |
| Team size suitability | Small to medium teams | Mid to large dev teams |
| Use cases | MVPs, startups, cross-platform apps | Scalable, native-heavy apps |
The 2025 Verdict
There’s no “one-size-fits-all” winner — but here’s the modern reality:
- If you’re building an MVP or a product-first app: Expo is your best ally. It gives you speed, stability, and painless deployment.
- If you’re building something deeply native or performance-critical: Stick with the CLI. You’ll appreciate the flexibility and direct access.
- If you’re uncertain: Start with Expo’s Managed or Prebuild workflow. You can always migrate later — Expo makes that transition smoother than ever.
Expo has caught up — but the CLI remains irreplaceable for native-heavy apps.
The good news? In 2025, you no longer have to choose forever.
You can start simple and scale into complexity when your app — and your team — are ready.
💬 Over to You
What’s your workflow in 2025 — Expo, CLI, or a hybrid approach?
Share your experience and insights in the comments 👇
Let’s see where the React Native community stands today!
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