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comparison by the Buoy team

React Buoy vs Reactotron

Updated September 16, 2026

Choose Buoy when you need inspectors inside the app and app-specific controls for authorized testers. Consider Reactotron for a desktop inspection workflow. Both offer agent access; compare the actions and integrations you need.

What Reactotron offers

Infinite Red describes Reactotron as a free, open-source debugger with network, state, logging and plugin capabilities. See the Reactotron overview. Its React Native quick start configures an app client and loads it behind a development guard.

Reactotron also documents a built-in MCP server for reading debug events and sending commands. Confirm availability in the version you install and review its data-handling settings before connecting an agent.

Compare the workflow

DecisionBuoyReactotron
Primary interfaceIn-app inspectors and connected DesktopDesktop with a connected app client
IntegrationAccount key, selected packages and tool adaptersClient configuration and selected plugins
State and storageTools for supported stores; adapters requiredPlugin-dependent; check your state library and store
Agent accessPro MCP with configured app connectionBuilt-in MCP documented by Infinite Red
ProductionSupported React Native tools with Pro and controlled accessMaintainer guidance recommends development-only use
CostFree account and Desktop at Free limits; paid features on ProFree and open source

Reactotron's production guidance recommends excluding it from release builds. This is a recommendation about use, not proof that connecting a release build is technically impossible. Buoy release support also has conditions: authorize access and privileged actions, and explicitly configure release sync. Flutter tools remain debug-only.

Where Buoy is a better fit

Choose Buoy when the person reproducing a bug needs to inspect data on the phone. A tester can review a captured request, inspect registered storage and change supported state from the floating menu. Desktop remains available to the developer.

Time Machine can save and restore registered storage, supported stores and the Query cache together. That is useful when a test setup spans several libraries. It does not reverse backend changes or capture component-local state. Ask Buoy puts supported tool actions behind an in-app assistant, with Pro and a configured model endpoint. The assistant is in beta.

Reactotron remains a strong choice for a free desktop workflow. It also supports custom commands and state replacement through MCP. Compare those actions with the device workflow and integrations you need from Buoy. See Reactotron’s command list.

Choose based on a real debugging task

Try the same failing request and state change with each candidate. Check which data appears, when capture begins, how much history is retained, and which actions your tester can perform. Repeat on the devices and build types you intend to support.

Start with Buoy's quick start and plan limits, or the Reactotron setup guide. Neither an inspector nor an agent automatically retrieves a customer's past session.

Can I install both?

Evaluate them together in a development build. Overlapping network or console instrumentation may interact; verify capture, app behavior and overhead before adopting both.

Does agent access distinguish Buoy from Reactotron?

Both document MCP access. Compare the available commands, required app integration, data handling and plan requirements instead of assuming only one supports agents.

Is Buoy Desktop paid?

Desktop is included with a Free Buoy account at Free limits. Pro adds MCP, advanced controls, higher limits and supported React Native release use.

Try Buoy with your app

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.