Free trial
comparison by the Buoy team

React Buoy vs Flipper

Updated September 16, 2026

Start with the Flipper features your app actually uses. Buoy can provide in-app inspection for supported requests, storage and state. Migrating native plugins, source debugging and crash reporting requires separate choices.

Flipper’s upstream repository is archived

Meta archived the Flipper repository on September 26, 2025. Its README identifies v0.239.0 as the last release with React Native support. Treat Flipper as an existing integration to assess when planning upgrades. Check a community fork separately if you rely on one.

What changed in React Native?

React Native 0.74 removed Flipper libraries and setup from new projects. Its release notes explain how existing apps could retain the integration or integrate the native tool manually. See the React Native 0.74 release notes.

For a current development setup, review React Native DevTools. It includes breakpoints, component inspection and profiling; Network and Performance panels are documented from 0.83. Check the documentation for your version.

Compare the setup you would use

DecisionBuoyExisting Flipper integration
InterfaceIn-app menu; connected Desktop also availableVersion-dependent desktop or browser UI with configured plugins
App setupAccount key, selected packages and tool adaptersNative integration and the plugins your app uses
Inspection coverageInstalled tools and supported transports/storesInstalled plugins and their compatibility
Release useSupported React Native tools require Pro and app-controlled accessReview the exact native integration; do not assume development configuration is suitable

Flipper is an extensible mobile debugging platform; its repository and setup instructions describe its plugin model. A matching tool name does not establish equivalent capture or platform coverage.

A Free Buoy account includes development-build inspection and Desktop at Free limits. Pro adds MCP and paid features. Review plan limits before choosing a workflow. Flutter has separate, debug-only coverage.

Why move app inspection to Buoy?

Buoy gives testers access to supported network, storage and state tools from the app’s floating menu. Developers can connect Desktop and, with Pro, use MCP to inspect and act on configured tools. You can also expose your own test controls to authorized staff.

For repeatable setup, Time Machine saves and restores registered client-state sources together. Keep native debugging in Xcode or Android Studio, and use React Native DevTools for source breakpoints. Buoy’s inspectors cover a different part of that workflow.

Map each task before migrating

  1. List the Flipper plugins and actions your team uses, including native-only work.
  2. For HTTP inspection, check Buoy Network against your transports. It does not capture every native request automatically.
  3. For app storage, check supported storage adapters. A key-value inspector is not a replacement for a database browser.
  4. Use Console for supported captured logs. Keep a dedicated native crash/debugging workflow.
  5. Configure Buoy with the quick start, then reproduce a known request, state change and error before removing old instrumentation.

Is Buoy a drop-in replacement for Flipper?

No. Check the plugins, data sources and actions you need. Buoy requires its own account and integration setup; native debugging and database workflows may need other tools.

Can I use Buoy in an Expo app?

Yes, with supported packages. Expo Go compatibility depends on their native dependencies. Follow the tool requirements and use a development build when needed.

Can I inspect a release build?

Supported React Native tools can run with Pro. Restrict access in your app, authorize privileged backend actions and configure release sync explicitly if connecting Desktop. Flutter remains debug-only.

Set up the inspectors your app needs

Start with a Free account. Follow the quick start for package requirements, account setup and tool integration.

Quick startnpm i @buoy-gg/core

sources

Capability claims on this page come from each vendor's own documentation, read on the date shown. We did not install and run every tool listed.