# Expo Go vs Runestone Text Editor

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Expo Go at none against Runestone Text Editor's 1. Expo Go also leads on ratings volume (7.3K vs 2K) and chart position (#7 vs #26). Runestone Text Editor's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and review sentiment (76% vs 55%). On price, rating, update cadence and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Runestone Text Editor sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Expo Go asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for Expo Go against 4.7 for Runestone Text Editor. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 7.3K and 2K respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 55% of Expo Go's written reviews are positive against 76% of Runestone Text Editor's.

Expo Go ships an update fortnightly, Runestone Text Editor every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 17, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Expo Go | Runestone Text Editor |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (7.3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/expo-go/id982107779/reviews)** | [4.7 (2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/runestone-text-editor/id1548193893/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **7.3K** | 2K |
| Positive reviews | 55.4% of reviews | **76.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Ad-supported** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#7** | #26 |
| Size | 109 MB | 64 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.4 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Vision Pro** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Nametag](https://appshunter.io/developer/905743090) | [Simon B. Støvring](https://appshunter.io/developer/423532907) |

## What reviewers say

### Expo Go

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

**Currently charting:** #7 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


### Runestone Text Editor

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/runestone-text-editor/id1548193893)

**Currently charting:** #26 Top Grossing · Developer Tools, #39 Top Free · Developer Tools (US App Store)

A powerful plain text and code editor for iPhone and iPad. Offers syntax highlighting, line numbers, find and replace, and extensive customization options for developers and writers.

**Highlights:** Syntax highlighting for many languages, Customizable themes and fonts, Advanced find and replace, Line numbers and cursor location, Code formatting with Prettier.js, Multiple windows on iPad

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 💎 Excellent text editor
- 🚀 Smooth and responsive
- 🎨 Customizable themes and appearance
- 🔒 Secure file storage and sync
- 👍 Clean and intuitive interface

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes or bugs
- 🔍 Difficulty navigating files/folders
- 📝 Limited functionality without premium
- 🔌 Performance issues on older devices
- 🔒 Difficulty accessing files in cloud storage

**Reported bugs**

- Disappearing files
- Difficulty pasting text
- Scroll position not saved
- Hangs on startup
- Trouble opening large files

**Requested features**

- Markdown preview
- Code folding
- Syntax highlighting for more languages
- Ability to run/execute code
- Multiple file/window support


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Expo Go free?

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

### Is Runestone Text Editor free?

Runestone Text Editor is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Expo Go or Runestone Text Editor?

Expo Go is rated higher. Expo Go averages 4.8 out of 5 from 7.3K ratings, while Runestone Text Editor averages 4.7 from 2K ratings.

### Do Expo Go or Runestone Text Editor have ads?

Expo Go shows ads; Runestone Text Editor does not.

### Which is updated more often, Expo Go or Runestone Text Editor?

Expo Go ships an update fortnightly, and Runestone Text Editor every 2 weeks. Most recently, Expo Go was updated on October 17, 2026 and Runestone Text Editor on October 16, 2026.

### Which is more popular, Expo Go or Runestone Text Editor?

Expo Go currently peaks at #7 in the App Store charts, and Runestone Text Editor at #26. 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.*