expo-av is a powerful library within the Expo ecosystem that provides audio and video playback capabilities for React Native applications. It allows developers to easily integrate media playback features, including streaming audio and video, controlling playback, and managing audio sessions. While expo-av is a robust solution for handling media, there are several alternatives that developers can consider for specific use cases. Here are a few notable alternatives:

• expo-media-library is another library within the Expo ecosystem that focuses on managing media assets, such as images, videos, and audio files. While it does not provide playback capabilities like expo-av, it allows developers to access and manipulate media files stored on the device. If your application requires managing media assets, such as selecting and organizing photos or videos, expo-media-library is an excellent choice to complement expo-av.
• react-native-sound is a library specifically designed for playing sound files in React Native applications. It supports various audio formats and provides a simple API for playing, pausing, and stopping audio. If your application primarily focuses on audio playback and you need a lightweight solution without the additional features of video support, react-native-sound is a suitable alternative.
• react-native-video is a widely used library for video playback in React Native applications. It offers a comprehensive set of features for handling video, including support for various video formats, playback controls, and event listeners. If your application requires advanced video playback capabilities, such as streaming, custom controls, or fullscreen support, react-native-video is a strong alternative to consider alongside expo-av.

To see how expo-av compares with expo-media-library, react-native-sound, and react-native-video, check out the comparison: Comparing expo-av vs expo-media-library vs react-native-sound vs react-native-video.