Why Expo Is the Fastest Way to Build Cross-Platform Apps

How Expo’s Managed Workflow, EAS Build, Instant Updates, and Web Support Accelerate Development Across Platforms

In 2025, speed-to-market is everything. Whether you're launching an MVP or scaling a mobile product, Expo has emerged as the go-to framework for building cross-platform apps quickly and efficiently. Built on top of React Native, Expo simplifies development, deployment, and iteration—without sacrificing flexibility or performance.

And now with robust support for web via React Native Web, Expo enables developers to ship to iOS, Android, and browser—all from one codebase.

Let’s dive into why Expo is the fastest way to build apps across platforms today, and how it stacks up against the traditional React Native CLI.

React Native & Expo Adoption at Scale

• React Native powers 30% of the top 100 iOS apps, including Facebook, Instagram, Discord, and Shopify (source).

• Major brands like Tesla, Bloomberg, Amazon, and Microsoft rely on React Native for flagship mobile apps (source).

• Expo powers production-grade apps used by millions, including:

  • Coinbase

  • Burger King®

  • Chime

  • Sweetgreen

  • GoFan

1. Managed Workflow = Zero Setup Headaches

Expo’s Managed Workflow eliminates native complexity so developers can focus on building features fast.

✅ Benefits:

• Preconfigured access to camera, location, push notifications, etc.

• Run on real devices instantly via Expo Go

• Unified APIs across iOS and Android

• No need for Xcode or Android Studio

📊 React Native CLI: Requires manual setup, native linking, and environmental management. Expo cuts through that clutter.

2. EAS Build: Cloud-Powered Native Compilation

Expo Application Services (EAS) allows you to compile native builds in the cloud—no Mac required.

✅ Benefits:

• Build Android and iOS binaries with one command

• Automatically manage signing credentials

• Custom native code support via config plugins

• CI/CD-friendly for scaling teams

📊 React Native CLI: Depends on local environments and manual signing. EAS Build is scalable and DevOps-ready.

3. Instant Updates with EAS Update

Push code or asset changes without waiting for app store approval.

✅ Benefits:

• Over-the-air (OTA) updates for JS and media

• Granular rollout channels and versioning

• Hotfix and A/B testing capabilities

• Works with both workflows

📊 React Native CLI: Typically relies on deprecated tools (e.g., CodePush) or full store resubmission. Expo’s built-in update system keeps apps agile.

4. True Cross-Platform: Web Support with React Native Web

Build Once. Ship Everywhere.

Expo supports building websites via React Native Web—bringing mobile components to the browser.

✅ Benefits:

• Single codebase for iOS, Android, and Web

• Use <View>, <Text>, <Image> across all platforms

• SEO-friendly static rendering options

• Fast Refresh and unified dev experience on browser

🔍 Example: The X.com site is powered by React Native Web—proving Expo’s scalability for high-traffic web apps.

📊 React Native CLI: Requires separate web infrastructure and setup. Expo offers seamless web support right out of the box.

5. Unified Developer Experience

From QR-based testing to full CI/CD, Expo’s tooling is built for momentum.

✅ Benefits:

• Expo CLI, Dev Client, and SDK streamline every phase

• Expo Router enables file-based navigation

• 50+ maintained native modules for common tasks

📊 React Native CLI: More boilerplate, fragmented tooling, and deeper setup requirements.

6. Flexibility Without the Eject Cliff

Need to go deeper into native? Expo lets you transition gracefully.

✅ Benefits:

• Config plugins for native dependencies

• Create local Expo Modules for platform-specific code

• No forced "eject" point—scale when ready

📊 React Native CLI: Full control from day one—but at a steep setup cost. Expo starts simple and evolves with you.

7. Official Recommendation from React Native. Expo Is the Preferred Way to Start New Projects

The React Native team officially recommends Expo as the best way to start new projects. This marks a major shift from earlier years when Expo was seen as suitable only for lightweight apps. Today, Expo is recognized for its robust tooling, flexibility, and production-readiness.

📣 According to Pagepro’s breakdown: “Expo is the preferred way to start a new React Native project, officially recommended by the React Native team.”

Real-World Use Cases

• Startups: Launch MVPs in days, iterate fast

• Agencies: Build client apps with minimal overhead

• Enterprise Teams: Deploy across platforms with cloud builds and OTA updates

• Open Source Creators: Share universal apps with full feature parity

Final Thoughts

Expo has evolved into a production-grade framework that offers true cross-platform capabilities across iOS, Android, and Web. With its streamlined workflow, cloud-powered tooling, instant updates, and growing enterprise adoption—it’s the fastest way to build modern apps in 2025.

At UXUI Studio, we leverage Expo to deliver fast, scalable mobile and web applications that help businesses launch smarter and faster.