Category · 2 options
Choosing mobile builds
Building, signing and shipping iOS and Android apps to the stores. A web developer usually wants React Native with Expo. Cloud builds save you a Mac for iOS. Budget for Apple's $99 a year and Google's $25 registration either way.
Free plans and prices
In Cuely's default order for the general case. Your needs change the order; see below.
| Tool | Free plan | Paid from | At 1,000 users |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expo (EAS) React Native with cloud builds, so a web developer can ship iOS without owning a Mac. | Free: 15 Android and 15 iOS builds per month, updates to 1,000 monthly active users. | Starter: $19/month plus usage, with $45 of build credit and updates to 3,000 MAU. | $19/month |
| Xcode and Android Studio No build service: build and sign on your own machines. | The tools are free. Store accounts: Apple Developer Program $99 a year; Google Play $25 once. | Not stated | $0/month |
Best pick by need
From the published scores Cuely ranks with. Only needs where one tool clearly leads.
- keep costs as low as possible: Expo (EAS). 15 iOS and 15 Android builds a month free.
- native iOS or Android app: Expo (EAS). React Native with cloud builds and store submission for both stores.
- Next.js or React: Expo (EAS). Uses React, so web React skills carry over.