Buildstash is a build-to-release and binary artifact management platform for software teams. This page compares Buildstash to Expo EAS for teams considering alternatives. Buildstash is better for: Teams outside the Expo ecosystem, non-mobile binaries, QA and sign-off steering, branded portals and distribution groups, and connecting your own storage. Key differences: EAS is for Expo and React Native; Buildstash is framework-agnostic and supports any software binary (mobile, desktop, games, embedded). EAS includes integrated CI/CD for Expo projects. Buildstash focuses on integrating with any CI/CD to handle binary management, collaboration, and distribution.

Markdown version of this Buildstash vs Expo EAS comparison (for AI and crawlers)

Buildstash vs Expo EAS comparison

Buildstash vs Expo EAS

Expo Application Services (EAS) is a set of cloud services provided by Expo to build, submit to stores, and push OTA updates for mobile applications, specifically for Expo and React Native projects.

It consists of a number of tools. EAS Build compiles your app builds in the cloud; EAS Submit sends builds to the App Store and Play Store; EAS Update delivers OTA updates to published apps.

Buildstash focuses on build-to-release management for any kind of software: storing binaries across all mobile apps, desktop, games, and embedded; steering builds through QA and sign-off; and distributing to testers and distribution platforms.

For anyone who either isn't already building using Expo, have cross-platform needs, or want a platform for collaborating on binaries and steering through to release, Buildstash is a better fit.

Expo Application Services (EAS)
Around since
2021
Similar to
App Center, fastlane, Firebase App Distribution
Best known for
Cloud builds and store submission for Expo and React Native apps
Useful for
Expo and React Native only teams who want a simple build workflow and store submission
Buildstash is better for
Teams outside the Expo ecosystem, non-mobile binaries, QA and sign-off steering, branded portals and distribution groups, and connecting your own storage.
Try Buildstash free

Key differences

  • EAS is for Expo and React Native; Buildstash is framework-agnostic and supports any software binary (mobile, desktop, games, embedded).

  • EAS includes integrated CI/CD for Expo projects. Buildstash focuses on integrating with any CI/CD to handle binary management, collaboration, and distribution.

  • Buildstash offers more powerful integrated disribution including branded download portals.

  • EAS supports OTA updates, and direct serving of web apps.

What people like about Expo EAS

  • Very easy to get started for Expo and React Native projects.

  • Removes much of the complexity around mobile builds and app store submission.

  • Good developer experience and clear documentation.

What people don't like about Expo EAS

  • Limited to Expo and React Native workflows.

  • Less control over build infrastructure compared to self-managed CI.

  • Not designed for broader release management and collaboration workflows.

Feature comparison

Feature comparison: Buildstash vs Expo EAS. Each row shows a feature and whether Buildstash and Expo EAS support it (✓, Partially, or ✕).
Feature
Buildstash
Expo EAS
Summary
Universal software binary management
✓
✕
EAS is for Expo/React Native app builds; Buildstash supports any binary
Extensive CI/CD integrations
✓
Limited
Expo has more limited external CI/CD support
Integrated CI/CD
✕
✓
Expo Workflows provide a React Native only CI/CD tool
QA & sign-off workflows
✓
Partially
EAS has channels; Buildstash has more flexible QA workflow and promotions
Agnosic distribution targets
✓
Partially
EAS is React Native only (iOS/Android); Buildstash supports any channel
Artifact promotion workflows
✓
Partially
EAS has channels and submit; Buildstash has full promotion
Metadata management
✓
Partially
Buildstash has more flexible custom metadata management
Retention policies
✓
Partially
Buildstash flexible retention
Share links
✓
✓
EAS has install links for within your team
Branded download portals
✓
✕
Buildstash offers branded download portals
Distribution groups
✓
✕
Buildstash has distribution groups for both internal and external testers
iOS & Android beta distribution
✓
✓
Both support mobile beta
OTA updates
Not yet
✓
Integrated support for OTA updates is on our roadmap
Connect your own storage
✓
✕
EAS is Expo-hosted; Buildstash can use your storage
Powerful API
✓
✓
Both have APIs
Webhooks
✓
✓
Both support webhooks
Automations
✓
Partially
EAS runs builds; Buildstash has complex workflow automations
Enterprise SSO
✓
✕
Buildstash supports enterprise SSO options

Still not sure?

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