# Expo Go vs a

The clearest difference is ads: a at none against Expo Go's shown. a also leads on review sentiment (79% vs 55%) and iOS requirement (14.0 vs 16.4). Expo Go's advantage is monetization model (ad-supported vs paid) and rating (4.8 vs 4.6). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and chart position there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Expo Go holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Expo Go has 7.3K ratings behind it against 553, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 55% of Expo Go's written reviews are positive against 79% of a's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Expo Go ships an update fortnightly, a monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 1, 2026 and October 2, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Expo Go | a |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (7.3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/expo-go/id982107779/reviews)** | [4.6 (553 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/a-shell/id1473805438/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **7.3K** | 553 |
| Positive reviews | 55.2% of reviews | **78.6% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Monthly |
| Monetization | **Ad-supported** | Paid |
| Best chart rank | **#8** | #18 |
| Size | 109 MB | 1.9 GB |
| Requires iOS | 16.4 | **14.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Nametag](https://appshunter.io/developer/905743090) | [Nicolas Holzschuch](https://appshunter.io/developer/1450994948) |

## What reviewers say

### Expo Go

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/expo-go/id982107779)

**Currently charting:** #8 Top Free · Developer Tools (US App Store)

Build mobile applications using web technologies like JavaScript and React. This tool allows you to develop interactive experiences with gestures and graphics directly from your iOS device and computer. Some programming experience is recommended for optimal use.

**Highlights:** Build apps with web technologies, Interactive gesture and graphics development, JavaScript and React support, iOS device and computer integration, React Native 0.81.1 support

**Features:** Apple Wallet, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Smooth and fast development
- 👍 Great for testing apps on real devices
- 💡 Helpful for beginners and experts
- 🚀 Efficient development process
- 👍 Convenient and easy to use

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes and bugs after updates
- 🔒 Compatibility issues with older versions
- 🐛 Inability to open projects or scan QR codes
- 🐛 Persistent login and account issues

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes on startup
- Unable to connect to development server
- Persistent white screen issues
- Inability to delete or manage accounts

**Requested features**

- Bring back QR code scanning functionality
- Improve SDK compatibility and backward support
- Add more customization and configuration options
- Enhance debugging and error reporting tools


### a

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/a-shell/id1473805438)

**Currently charting:** #18 Top Free · Developer Tools (US App Store)

Run a full Unix-like terminal environment on your iOS device. Execute a wide range of commands, edit files, and even program using included interpreters and compilers. Supports multitasking and integration with Shortcuts.

**Highlights:** Local Unix terminal emulator, SSH client, File transfer (scp, curl), Text editing (vim, ed), Scripting languages (Python, Lua, Perl, JS), C/C++ compiler, TeX distribution

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Powerful terminal with Linux commands
- 👍 Useful for programming and development
- 🔒 Secure and reliable
- 💡 Impressive capabilities for an iOS app
- 👍 Helpful documentation and developer support

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes and bugs
- 🔍 Limited customization options
- 🔍 Missing some basic terminal features
- 🔍 Compatibility issues with certain packages

**Reported bugs**

- Toolbar buttons not accessible in portrait mode on some devices
- Pasting from clipboard can insert unexpected characters
- Sourcing certain script files causes crashes

**Requested features**

- Add support for package managers like Homebrew or APT
- Implement more advanced shell features like job control and better tab completion
- Integrate Git for version control
- Allow installing additional packages and libraries
- Improve clipboard and file management integration


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Expo Go free?

Expo Go is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is a free?

a is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Expo Go or a?

Expo Go is rated higher. Expo Go averages 4.8 out of 5 from 7.3K ratings, while a averages 4.6 from 553 ratings.

### Do Expo Go or a have ads?

Expo Go shows ads; a does not.

### Which is updated more often, Expo Go or a?

Expo Go ships an update fortnightly, and a monthly. Most recently, Expo Go was updated on October 1, 2026 and a on October 2, 2026.

### Which is more popular, Expo Go or a?

Expo Go currently peaks at #8 in the App Store charts, and a at #18. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*