OtaKitEAS Update vs Capacitor OTA: which live-update path fits you?
Expo's EAS Update serves React Native; Capacitor OTA serves web-layer apps. A comparison of the two live-update models, their ecosystems, and how to choose based on your stack.
“EAS Update vs Capacitor OTA” is really a question about two different app architectures. Expo's EAS Update is the live-update system for React Native apps built with Expo. Capacitor OTA (via tools like OtaKit) is the live-update model for web-layer apps wrapped natively with Capacitor. You don't usually choose between them for the same app — you choose the stack, and the update system comes with it.
Mental model: EAS Update updates a React Native JS bundle; Capacitor OTA updates a web bundle. Same goal — ship without a store review — different runtimes.
Side by side
| EAS Update | Capacitor OTA (OtaKit) | |
|---|---|---|
| App type | React Native (Expo) | Web app wrapped with Capacitor |
| What updates | RN JS bundle + assets | Web bundle (HTML/CSS/JS) |
| UI model | Native components | Web view |
| Ecosystem | Tied to Expo tooling | Any web framework + your CI |
| Rollback | Yes | Automatic on failed boot + channel roll-forward |
| Pricing | Expo plan tiers | No MAU or bandwidth metering |
When EAS Update is the answer
If you're building in React Native with Expo, EAS Update is the natural, well-integrated choice. It understands RN's bundle format, plugs into EAS Build, and is maintained by the Expo team. There's no reason to look elsewhere for OTA if your app is Expo React Native.
When Capacitor OTA is the answer
If your app is a web app — React, Vue, Angular, Svelte, or anything that builds to static files — wrapped with Capacitor, then Capacitor OTA is what fits. It updates the web layer your app is actually made of, works with any web framework and your existing CI, and isn't tied to a single platform's build service. EAS Update doesn't serve Capacitor apps, so this isn't really a head-to-head for a given codebase.
The deeper choice: React Native or Capacitor?
Since the update system follows the stack, the real decision happens earlier — when you pick the framework. If you have web skills and want one codebase for web and mobile, Capacitor (plus Capacitor OTA) is fast and familiar. If you need maximum native feel and are building from scratch, React Native (plus EAS Update) has a higher ceiling. The full breakdown is in React Native vs Capacitor.
Coming from React Native's retired CodePush and weighing your options? See CodePush and Expo Updates alternatives.
Where to go next
If Capacitor fits your app, start with the setup guide and see the 2026 OTA tools roundup.