Expo Updates vs React Native Stallion — Patch Updates, Advanced OTA Controls & a More Affordable Alternative

Introduction

Expo Updates is a widely adopted OTA solution within the Expo ecosystem. For teams building apps with Expo's managed workflow, it provides a straightforward path to over-the-air updates without the complexity of managing infrastructure.

However, as apps scale and requirements evolve, many teams find themselves needing capabilities that go beyond what Expo Updates offers: smaller updates through patch updates, deeper control over install strategies, internal testing flows, bare React Native support, and on-premise hosting options.

React Native Stallion provides these capabilities at a lower cost, making it a strong alternative for teams needing more flexibility while maintaining the reliability and ease of use that modern React Native OTA solutions should offer.

This blog compares the key differences between Expo Updates and React Native Stallion in a fair and realistic way, helping you make an informed decision about which OTA solution best fits your team's needs.

What Expo Updates Does Well

Before diving into the differences, it's important to acknowledge what Expo Updates does well:

Great for Apps Built Inside the Expo-Managed Workflow

Expo Updates excels when your entire app development workflow is built around Expo's managed environment. If you're using Expo's build service, EAS, and staying within the managed workflow, Expo Updates integrates seamlessly.

Simple Setup and Frictionless Integration

For teams already in the Expo ecosystem, getting started with Expo Updates is straightforward. The integration is well-documented and the setup process is designed to be as frictionless as possible.

Reliable OTA Distribution for Many Use Cases

Expo Updates provides reliable over-the-air distribution for many common use cases. For apps that fit within Expo's managed workflow and don't need advanced customization, it works well.

Strong Developer Ecosystem and Documentation

Expo has built a strong developer ecosystem with comprehensive documentation, community support, and tooling that makes development easier for teams using the managed workflow.

Where Teams May Outgrow Expo Updates

As your app scales and requirements become more complex, you may find that Expo Updates has limitations that impact your ability to deliver the best possible update experience. Here's where React Native Stallion provides additional capabilities:

Patch Updates

Expo Updates: Full bundle delivery only. Every update requires downloading the entire bundle, even for tiny changes.

React Native Stallion: Patch updates supported—significantly smaller and faster OTA releases. Updates are often 90-98% smaller than full bundles, downloading in seconds instead of minutes.

Install Strategy Control

Expo Updates: Supported, but predefined and limited. You have some control over when updates are applied, but the options are constrained.

React Native Stallion: Full control—background install, next start, immediate, and fully custom strategies. You can implement sophisticated update flows tailored to your app's specific needs, including user-driven updates and custom UI prompts.

JavaScript API

Expo Updates: Advanced API with strong capabilities. Expo provides a solid JavaScript API for managing updates.

React Native Stallion: Also advanced, with deeper control over timing, install behavior, user prompts, and custom logic. The API provides fine-grained control over every aspect of the update process, enabling more sophisticated update strategies.

Internal Testing

Expo Updates: Limited to the Expo ecosystem. Internal testing capabilities are constrained by Expo's managed workflow.

React Native Stallion: Fully supported for any React Native app—internal channels, QA groups, and staged testing. You can create dedicated testing channels for your team, test updates before production, and promote builds safely from internal → beta → production.

Beta Testing

Expo Updates: No dedicated OTA beta testing flow. Beta testing requires workarounds or separate processes.

React Native Stallion: Dedicated beta channels plus promotion workflow (internal → beta → production). Built-in support for beta testing with zero rollout percentages, allowing you to test updates internally before public release.

Bare React Native Support

Expo Updates: Limited; primarily designed for managed workflow. While Expo supports bare React Native apps, the OTA update capabilities are optimized for the managed workflow.

React Native Stallion: Excellent; works with all React Native setups, including custom native modules and enterprise apps. Whether you're using bare React Native, custom native code, or complex native modules, React Native Stallion integrates seamlessly.

On-Prem Hosting

Expo Updates: No on-premise or self-hosted option. All updates must go through Expo's infrastructure.

React Native Stallion: Full on-prem hosting option for compliance-heavy teams. Deploy on your own infrastructure with complete data control, perfect for enterprises with regulatory requirements, data residency needs, or security policies that mandate internal hosting.

Cost

Expo Updates: Can become expensive for teams that grow beyond the managed workflow. As your app scales and you need more features, costs can increase significantly.

React Native Stallion: Inexpensive, predictable, and purpose-built for OTA delivery. Transparent pricing that scales with your needs without hidden costs or expensive add-ons.

Expo Updates vs React Native Stallion (Comparison Table)

When Stallion Is the Better Choice

React Native Stallion becomes the better choice when your team needs:

Teams Needing Smaller, Faster OTA Updates

If you want to reduce update sizes by 90-98% and deliver updates that download in seconds instead of minutes, React Native Stallion's Patch Updates provide a significant advantage over Expo Updates' full bundle approach.

Apps Requiring Custom Install Strategies

When you need fine-grained control over how and when updates are applied—background downloads, user-driven updates, custom UI prompts, or sophisticated update flows—React Native Stallion's flexible install strategies give you the control you need.

Companies Wanting Internal or Beta Testing Flows

For teams that need dedicated internal testing channels, QA workflows, or beta testing capabilities, React Native Stallion provides built-in support that Expo Updates lacks.

Teams Using Bare React Native or Custom Native Modules

If you're using bare React Native, custom native code, or complex native modules, React Native Stallion works seamlessly with any React Native setup, while Expo Updates is optimized primarily for the managed workflow.

Enterprises Needing On-Premise Hosting

For organizations with compliance requirements, data residency regulations, or security policies that mandate internal hosting, React Native Stallion's on-premise option provides the control you need, while Expo Updates offers no self-hosting option.

Apps Needing More Flexible OTA Behavior at Lower Cost

When you need advanced OTA capabilities without the cost overhead that can come with scaling Expo Updates, React Native Stallion provides a more affordable and flexible solution.

Migration from Expo Updates

If you're currently using Expo Updates and considering React Native Stallion, the migration process is straightforward:

• Similar Concepts: Both solutions follow similar OTA update patterns, making the transition smooth
• Comprehensive Documentation: React Native Stallion provides detailed guides for migrating from various OTA solutions
• Step-by-Step Guide: Follow our Expo integration guide for complete migration instructions

Conclusion

Expo Updates is excellent for apps fully inside the Expo ecosystem. If you're building with Expo's managed workflow and your requirements fit within Expo's capabilities, it's a solid choice.

React Native Stallion becomes the better alternative when teams need:

• Patch updates for smaller, faster releases
• Deeper control over install strategies and update behavior
• Internal and beta testing flows
• On-premise hosting for compliance and security
• Better cost efficiency at scale
• Support for bare React Native and custom native modules

For scaling React Native apps that need more flexibility, advanced features, and cost-effective OTA delivery, React Native Stallion provides a highly flexible and future-proof OTA platform.

Whether you're outgrowing Expo Updates or evaluating OTA solutions for a new project, React Native Stallion offers the capabilities and flexibility that modern React Native teams need.

Ready to migrate from Expo Updates? Follow our Expo integration guide to get started with React Native Stallion and experience the difference that patch updates, advanced controls, and flexible deployment options can make for your React Native app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is React Native Stallion a good Expo Updates alternative?

Yes, React Native Stallion is an excellent Expo Updates alternative, especially for teams needing patch updates, advanced install strategies, internal testing, on-prem hosting, or better cost efficiency. It works with any React Native setup, not just Expo-managed workflows.

Does React Native Stallion support patch updates?

Yes! React Native Stallion's Patch Updates feature provides differential updates that are 90-98% smaller than full bundles. This is a key advantage over Expo Updates, which only supports full bundle downloads. Learn more in our Patch Updates guide.

Can I use React Native Stallion with Expo apps?

Yes, React Native Stallion works with all React Native apps, including those built with Expo. Whether you're using Expo's managed workflow, bare React Native, or custom native modules, React Native Stallion integrates seamlessly. Learn how to integrate React Native Stallion with your Expo app in our Expo integration guide.

Does React Native Stallion support on-premise hosting?

Yes, React Native Stallion offers full on-premise hosting options for enterprises requiring data control, compliance, or security. This is a significant advantage over Expo Updates, which has no self-hosting option.

How does React Native Stallion compare to Expo Updates in terms of cost?

React Native Stallion offers more affordable and predictable pricing compared to Expo Updates, especially as apps scale. With transparent pricing and no hidden costs, React Native Stallion provides better value for teams needing advanced OTA capabilities.

Can I migrate from Expo Updates to React Native Stallion?

Yes, migrating from Expo Updates to React Native Stallion is straightforward. The concepts are similar, and we provide comprehensive migration documentation. Check out our Expo integration guide for step-by-step instructions on migrating from Expo Updates or EAS Updates to React Native Stallion.