Buildstash is a build-to-release and binary artifact management platform for software teams. This page compares Buildstash to Firebase App Distribution for teams considering alternatives. Buildstash is better for: As well as iOS and Android beta distribution, support for any platform across desktop, XR, embedded. Extensive collaboration features, QA workflows, and options for distribution including branded download portals. Key differences: Firebase App Distribution is for mobile app builds only; Buildstash supports any software binary (mobile, desktop, games, embedded). Firebase can be used to distribute to managed testers. Buildstash can also support simple share links and custom-branded download portals.

Markdown version of this Buildstash vs Firebase App Distribution comparison (for AI and crawlers)

Buildstash vs Firebase App Distribution comparison

Buildstash vs Firebase App Distribution

Firebase App Distribution helps developers share pre-release Android and iOS builds with groups of managed trusted testers for feedback and stability insights. It has good integration support including for Gradle, fastlane, and a number of CI/CD tools.

Buildstash is a platform for software binary and release management, supporting not just mobile apps, but also desktop, games, XR, and embedded. It offers extensive collaboration features, QA workflows, and more extensive options for distribution across not just distribution groups, but quick share links, notification automations, and custom-branded download portals.

Firebase App Distribution
Around since
2018
Similar to
TestFlight, App Center, Expo EAS
Best known for
Distributing pre-release iOS and Android builds to testers
Useful for
Mobile developers who want a simple beta distribution workflow
Buildstash is better for
As well as iOS and Android beta distribution, support for any platform across desktop, XR, embedded. Extensive collaboration features, QA workflows, and options for distribution including branded download portals.
Try Buildstash free

Key differences

  • Firebase App Distribution is for mobile app builds only; Buildstash supports any software binary (mobile, desktop, games, embedded).

  • Firebase can be used to distribute to managed testers. Buildstash can also support simple share links and custom-branded download portals.

  • Buildstash also supports comprehensive binary artifact management, and organization of binaries by stream, label, platform, etc.

  • Buildstash can support powerful QA workflows, promotion, and custom workflows with simple automations.

  • Buildstash supports connecting your own storage if preferred.

What people like about Firebase App Distribution

  • Has a free tier and familiar to teams already on Firebase.

  • When you just want to distribute betas to groups of pre-approved testers, it's simple and works well.

  • Integrates with Firebase Crashlytics and Google Play.

What people don't like about Firebase App Distribution

  • iOS and Android only; no support for desktop, games, or other software types.

  • Tied to Google/Firebase; no option to use your own storage.

  • Feature limited. No support for complex QA and approval workflows, artifact management, etc. Limited distribution options.

Feature comparison

Feature comparison: Buildstash vs Firebase App Distribution. Each row shows a feature and whether Buildstash and Firebase App Distribution support it (✓, Partially, or ✕).
Feature
Buildstash
Firebase App Distribution
Summary
Universal software binary management
✓
Mobile only
Firebase App Distribution is for iOS and Android only
Extensive CI/CD integrations
✓
✓
Both have good CI support
QA & sign-off workflows
✓
Partially
Buildstash has far more comprehensive categorization and approval workflows
Agnosic distribution targets
✓
✕
Firebase is mobile only. Has good integration with Google Play.
Artifact promotion workflows
✓
Partially
Firebase has release groups; Buildstash is far more powerful
Metadata management
✓
✕
Buildstash has custom metadata management support
Retention policies
✓
✕
Buildstash has flexible retention policies, set by stream
Share links
✓
✕
Firebase distributes to managed testers
Branded download portals
✓
✕
Buildstash offers custom branded portals
Distribution groups
✓
✓
Both work similarly here
iOS & Android beta distribution
✓
✓
Both support mobile beta distribution
Connect your own storage
✓
✕
Firebase is Google-hosted; Buildstash can use your storage
Powerful API
✓
✓
Both have APIs
Webhooks
✓
✕
Buildstash includes webhooks; Firebase App Distribution lacks native webhook triggers
Automations
✓
✓
Firebase has Cloud Functions; Buildstash has built-in automations
Enterprise SSO
✓
✓
Both support SSO via Google / enterprise

Still not sure?

Read our docs to discover more.Book a call to speak with us and answer any questions.Or start a free trial and demo it today.