React Native UI libraries for ExpoExpoKit vs gluestack-ui
Two copy-in libraries for React Native: one Tailwind-first and web-friendly, one motion-first for Expo.
At a glance
| ExpoKit | gluestack-ui | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Animated, shadcn-style UI kit for Expo and React Native | Copy-paste components and patterns for React Native, Expo and React |
| How it gets into your app | CLI copies the source into your app (npx @expokit/cli add button); you own the code | CLI copies the source in (npx gluestack-ui init, then add button); core also on npm |
| Styling | React Native StyleSheet with a theme from KitProvider / useKit(); no Tailwind setup | NativeWind v5 (Tailwind v4), or Uniwind on Expo |
| Animation | React Native's own Animated API — Reanimated isn't required | Not stated |
| Runs in Expo Go | Yes — every component runs in Expo Go | Not stated |
| Web | Yes (react-native-web) | Yes — React and React Native; Next.js support in v5 waits on NativeWind v5 for web |
| License | Free items MIT; Pro items under the Pro license (see Terms) | MIT (npm) |
| Price | Free core; Pro is a one-time $12 launch price (regular $29), unlimited projects | Free |
| Size | 68 components, 10 screens, 44 charts, 4 app templates | About 47 components (v5) |
| Charts | Yes — 44 animated charts (expo-charts, MIT, on npm) | Not stated |
| Full screens / templates | Yes — 10 full screens and 4 app templates | Not stated |
Facts about gluestack-ui from its own docs and repository, checked October 2026: github.com/gluestack/gluestack-ui, gluestack.io/ui/docs/home/getting-started/installation, npmjs.com/package/@gluestack-ui/core. Something out of date? Tell us and we'll fix it.
Pick gluestack-ui when
- You share components between a Next.js / React web app and a React Native app.
- Your team standardises on Tailwind classes across web and mobile.
- You want a larger set of basic form and layout primitives.
Pick ExpoKit when
- Your app is Expo-first and you want components that feel native on a phone: springs, haptics and gestures out of the box.
- You don't want a Tailwind / NativeWind setup in your Expo project.
- You want ready charts, full screens and app templates as well as components.
Try ExpoKit in one command
In an existing Expo app, this copies the Button's source into your project. Or scan a QR code and try every component on your phone first.
Every comparison is in one place: ExpoKit vs other React Native UI libraries.
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