App Center alternatives for mobile beta distribution in 2026

Source: Dev.to

Microsoft’s App Center was a widely used mobile DevOps platform offering CI/CD, beta distribution, and analytics. With the service discontinued in 2025, teams that relied on it need alternative solutions for ad‑hoc distribution of pre‑release Android and iOS apps to testers.

Buildstash

Buildstash provides a simple replacement for App Center’s beta distribution functionality for iOS and Android, while also supporting desktop platforms, XR, game development, embedded systems, and more.

• CI/CD integrations and a simple API for uploading binaries.
• Web uploader that mimics the “App Center style” experience.
• Supports Android APK/AAB and iOS IPA files.
• Distribution options: groups, shareable links, and branded portals that can be hosted on your own site.
• Testers don’t need accounts, making it ideal for external stakeholders (clients, QA vendors).
• Additional features: archival of binaries and QA approval workflows.

Firebase App Distribution

Firebase App Distribution is part of Google’s Firebase ecosystem and enables distribution of pre‑release Android and iOS apps to trusted testers.

• Managed tester groups, email invites, release notes.
• Integrated crash reporting when paired with Firebase Crashlytics.
• Tight Gradle integration for Android, providing a smooth workflow.
• Supports ad‑hoc and enterprise iOS builds (developer handles provisioning and certificates).
• Free tier available, making it attractive for teams already using Firebase services.

Expo Application Services (EAS)

Expo Application Services (EAS) offers build and distribution tooling specifically for React Native and Expo projects.

• CI/CD pipeline for Expo apps.
• Easy sharing of build artifacts with internal testers.
• Ideal for teams already within the Expo/EAS ecosystem.

Applivery

Applivery targets enterprise‑focused mobile distribution, with strong support for Mobile Device Management (MDM).

• Beta testing on unmanaged devices (starting at €49 for 1 user / 3 apps / 300 downloads).
• Over‑the‑air updates and integration with popular CI/CD tools.
• Governance, traceability, and structured testing environments make it suitable for larger organizations.

Appcircle

Appcircle is a comprehensive build platform aimed at enterprise teams.

• Full CI/CD pipeline with build automation, testing, and distribution.
• Distribution module supports ad‑hoc sharing of Android and iOS builds, tester groups, and version history via a web dashboard.
• Positioned as a one‑stop replacement for App Center’s feature set for teams with an enterprise budget.