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.

react-native-video is a popular library for playing videos in React Native applications. It provides a comprehensive set of features for video playback, including support for various video formats, customizable controls, and the ability to handle streaming content. With its robust API, developers can easily integrate video playback functionality into their mobile applications, making it a go-to choice for many React Native projects.

One alternative to react-native-video is react-native-video-player. This library builds on top of react-native-video and provides a more user-friendly interface with enhanced features such as built-in controls, full-screen support, and customizable styling options. If you are looking for a solution that simplifies the implementation of video playback while offering a polished user experience, react-native-video-player is an excellent choice. It is particularly useful for developers who want to quickly set up video playback without diving deep into the complexities of the underlying video player.

For a detailed comparison of these two packages, you can visit: Comparing react-native-video vs react-native-video-player.

react-native-sound is a popular library for playing sound in React Native applications. It provides a simple API to load and control audio files, making it easy for developers to integrate sound effects and music into their mobile apps. While react-native-sound is a robust solution for audio playback, there are other libraries available that offer similar functionalities. Here are a few alternatives:

• expo-av is part of the Expo SDK and provides a comprehensive set of tools for handling audio and video in React Native applications. It allows developers to play, record, and manipulate audio and video files with ease. If you are already using Expo for your project, expo-av is a natural choice as it integrates seamlessly with the Expo ecosystem. It supports background audio playback, audio recording, and offers a wide range of features for media management, making it suitable for more complex audio requirements.
• react-native-track-player is another powerful library designed specifically for audio playback in React Native applications. It provides advanced features such as background audio playback, remote control capabilities, and support for audio metadata. react-native-track-player is particularly useful for building music or podcast applications, as it allows for a rich user experience with features like playback controls, playlists, and handling interruptions. If your application requires a more sophisticated audio playback solution, this library is an excellent choice.

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

expo-media-library is a powerful library for managing media assets in React Native applications built with Expo. It provides a simple and efficient way to access and manipulate photos, videos, and other media files stored on the device. With expo-media-library, developers can easily create, read, update, and delete media assets, making it a valuable tool for applications that require media management capabilities. However, there are several alternatives that also provide similar functionalities. Here are a few notable options:

• react-native-camera is a comprehensive library that allows developers to integrate camera functionality into their React Native applications. It provides features such as capturing photos, recording videos, and scanning barcodes. While react-native-camera focuses primarily on camera functionalities, it can be used in conjunction with media libraries to enhance the overall media experience in an app. If your application requires advanced camera features alongside media management, react-native-camera is a great choice.
• react-native-fs is a file system library for React Native that allows developers to read, write, and manipulate files on the device's file system. While it does not specifically focus on media assets, it can be used to manage files, including images and videos, stored in the app's local storage. If your application requires low-level file system access and manipulation, react-native-fs can be a valuable addition to your toolkit.
• react-native-image-picker is a library that provides a simple way to select images and videos from the device's library or capture new media using the camera. It offers a straightforward API for accessing the device's media, making it easy to integrate media selection functionality into your app. If your primary need is to allow users to pick images or videos, react-native-image-picker is an excellent choice.
• react-native-permissions is a library that helps manage permissions in React Native applications. It is essential for accessing media libraries, camera, and other sensitive features on mobile devices. While it does not handle media management directly, it is crucial for ensuring that your app has the necessary permissions to access media assets. If you are working with media libraries and need to manage permissions effectively, react-native-permissions is a must-have.

To see how these packages compare, check out the comparison: Comparing expo-media-library vs react-native-camera vs react-native-fs vs react-native-image-picker vs react-native-permissions.