Have a Quick Overview of NextPush.Center vs AppsOnAir.
15,00,000 for $60 (Enterprise Plan)
20,00,000 for $59.99 (Pro Plus Plan)
(Includes IPA and APK distribution feature as well)
Center
15,00,000 for $60 (Enterprise Plan)
20,00,000 for $59.99 (Pro Plus Plan)
(Includes IPA and APK distribution feature as well)
Read In-depth
Introduction
Over-the-Air (OTA) update is important when user experience is your priority. Instead of waiting for users to download the latest version from app stores, developers can push instant updates directly to their apps, fixing bugs and adding new features.
It can also be used to push real-time changes to improve the performance of the app.
This real-time update capability saves time, reduces overhead, and improves the app's overall quality.
Earlier, many developers have relied on App Center CodePush, a popular service for instant app updates.
However, as App Center CodePush is retired, mobile app developers are now looking for viable alternatives to keep their apps running smoothly.
Two prominent solutions that have emerged in this space are NextPush.Center and AppsOnAir.
Both platforms offer a way to continue delivering fast, reliable OTA updates, but they come with distinct features, pricing models, and overall value propositions.
In this blog, we’ll compare NextPush.Center and AppsOnAir, exploring their strengths, limitations, and differences in terms of functionality, cost, and flexibility.
The goal is to help developers choose the platform that best suits their needs and provides the most value for their React Native app update processes.
What is NextPush.Center?
NextPush.Center is a hosted alternative to Microsoft App Center’s CodePush service, designed specifically for React Native developers.
With Microsoft retiring App Center, NextPush fills the gap by offering a nearly identical interface and full CLI compatibility.
It allows developers to push over-the-air (OTA) updates to their mobile apps without publishing new versions to app stores.
What is AppsOnAir?
AppsOnAir is a modern, all-in-one OTA update and app distribution platform built for React Native.
It not only supports real-time OTA updates like CodePush but also lets developers distribute installable APK/IPA files directly via shareable links
What sets AppsOnAir apart is its multi-purpose use:
- OTA updates for React Native apps
- App distribution to testers, clients, or internal teams
- With flexible pricing and high bundle limits, AppsOnAir is designed to support both indie developers and growing teams.
Feature Comparison
Please check the table that we have put at the beginning of this AppsOnAir and NextPush comparison blog to compare the features of both platforms.
Key Advantages of AppsOnAir
1. More Affordable
AppsOnAir offers a cost-effective solution compared to NextPush. With AppsOnAir, you get 500,000 bundle downloads per month for just $24.99.
On the other hand, NextPush provides half of that at the same price, making AppsOnAir a far more affordable option for developers and businesses.
2. OTA Distribution Platform
AppsOnAir isn't just an alternative to CodePush. It also handles over-the-air (OTA) distribution.
This means you can push real-time app updates and generate an installable APK or IPA file link to share with clients, testers, or stakeholders for easy app testing.
This versatility adds a layer of functionality beyond just pushing updates.
3. Firebase Dynamic Link Alternative
Firebase Dynamic Links (FDL) will be deprecated after August 25, 2025. In response, AppsOnAir is introducing its own App Link feature, providing a seamless alternative for deep linking.
This makes sure that you won’t have to worry about finding a new solution when FDL is no longer available.
With these features, AppsOnAir becomes a single platform for multiple use cases, offering much more than just a CodePush alternative. So you enjoy the same ecosystem for multiple uses.
→ Also Read: How to Migrate to AppsOnAir from App Center
Key Limitations of NextPush
1. Narrow Focus
NextPush is solely focused on being a CodePush alternative, without any additional features like OTA distribution or Firebase Dynamic Link support.
This narrow focus makes it less versatile compared to AppsOnAir, which offers a broader range of functionalities.
2. Costlier
When you compare the features offered and the pricing, AppsOnAir is significantly more affordable.
NextPush offers a smaller bundle for the same price, making AppsOnAir a better value for your money, especially for growing teams.
Why AppsOnAir is a Better Choice?
1. Flexibility & Scalability
AppsOnAir is built with scalability in mind. Whether you're a solo developer managing a single app or a large enterprise handling dozens of apps and teams, AppsOnAir adapts to your needs.
You can start with 1 app and 1 team member, and scale up to 25 apps, 20 team members, and even support file uploads of up to 2 GB.
The platform’s tiered pricing structure is another highlight, it grows with you.
There's a clear, predictable upgrade path as your business expands, without hidden fees or forced migrations.
In comparison, NextPush.Center offers fewer scaling options. While it's a decent solution for small- to medium-sized projects, it lacks the same level of flexibility for larger organizations with complex needs.
Managing multiple apps or large teams on NextPush can become more limiting and expensive over time.
→ Are you in Fintech? Learn how AppsOnAir can help you
2. It's a Comprehensive Solution
AppsOnAir goes beyond being just a CodePush replacement. It’s a complete over-the-air (OTA) solution that simplifies the entire update and distribution process:
- Real-time app updates with rollback and rollout controls.
- APK/IPA distribution through easily shareable installable links, perfect for testers, clients, or internal reviews.
- It is also soon to launch a built-in Firebase Dynamic Link alternative (called App Link) to ensure your deep linking strategies remain intact even after Firebase sunsets the feature in August 2025.
This all-in-one approach removes the need for third-party services or clunky integrations.
Developers can manage everything, updates, distribution, and links, from one platform.
On the other hand, NextPush is focused solely on replacing CodePush.
For anything beyond real-time updates, like app distribution or deep linking, you’ll need separate tools, adding more steps, more integrations, and more potential for things to break.
