3 Best CodePush Alternatives to Consider (For React Native)

1. Open Source CodePush Server

Microsoft has released CodePush's source code, allowing developers to self-host and manage their own update server.

While this ensures full control, it also introduces infrastructure challenges.

Pros

1. Full control over the server

2. No third-party dependency

Cons

1. Requires server setup, maintenance, and DevOps expertise

2. High cloud costs for storage and bandwidth

3. No guaranteed long-term support for React Native updates

Cost Estimation (200,000 users, 5 updates per month)

Server Costs: ~$300/month (Azure/AWS)

Bandwidth: ~$400/month (4.76 TB data transfer)

Total Estimated Cost: $600–$800 per month (excluding DevOps costs)

2. Expo EAS Updates

Expo EAS Updates is a managed OTA update service by Expo, offering a stable and feature-rich substitute. However, migrating from standard React Native CLI may require significant project restructuring.

Pros

1. Fully managed service with a strong support community

2. Seamless updates with Expo's ecosystem

Cons

1. Requires project restructuring if not already using Expo

3. No guaranteed long-term support for React Native updates

Cost Estimation (200,000 users, 5 updates per month)

On-Demand Plan: $1,200/month (including bandwidth overages)

Production Plan: ~$1,049/month

3. AppsOnAir

AppsOnAir offers the smoothest transition from App Center CodePush, with full compatibility and zero learning curve.

Reasons to Choose AppsOnAir Over Any Other Alternative

• No Learning Curve – Works exactly like CodePush, so there is no unnecessary rework.
• Instant Updates – Push new versions without app store approvals.
• Full Control & Insights – Track deployments, rollbacks, and performance from a single dashboard.
• Built for Developers – Lightweight SDK with open-source flexibility.

Benefits of Both OTA App Sharing & Real-time Updates

Unlike other CodePush substitute platforms available in the current market, AppsOnAir offers both OTA app sharing and real-time app updates through its CodePush service.

So, you can perform both over-the-air app distribution and instant updates using a single platform.

With OTA app sharing, developers can easily distribute apps to testers and stakeholders without a complex setup. Meanwhile, real-time updates allow instant bug fixes and feature rollouts without waiting for app store approvals.

This combination makes you do faster deployments, a smoother user experience, and complete control over app updates, all from a single platform.

AppsOnAir Pricing

Extra Bundles (Download Counts)

AppsOnAir CodePush allows you to extend your download capacity!

If your current bundle limit isn't enough, simply purchase additional CodePush bundles as add-ons.

This pricing makes AppsOnAir’s CodePush service far better and cheaper than Expo EAS or self-hosting!

When evaluating these alternatives, consider factors such as ease of migration, feature set, future React Native SDK support, and cost of use.

Each solution offers unique advantages, so aligning them with your project's specific needs and constraints is crucial for a successful transition.

Try AppsOnAir for free here.

Now, let’s talk about other alternatives as well.

Other Alternatives

Other than these 3, there are other CodePush replacements also, like AppZung, NextPush, Revopush, BytePush, etc.

However, AppsOnAir is unique from any of these because it offers both CodePush service and Over-the-Air app distribution. So you get the benefit of both services on a single platform.

So, developers not only can push instant updates to their mobile apps, but they can also share the app builds to testers, clients, or other developers without Play Store or App Store approval.