The default UI stack: stable NativeWind 4.2 (nativewind@4.2.7) on Tailwind 3, with React Native Reusables (RNR) text / button as the kit in src/components/ui/ (src/ui/nativewind4/ before setup). Every preset and the committed tree use it. Pick nativewind5 (RC · Tailwind 4) instead only if you want Tailwind 4 before NativeWind 5 is released. Pull components straight from the RNR registry - components.json already points at @/components/ui. Expo Go works.
When to pick NativeWind 4
NativeWind 4: The default. Stable NativeWind 4.2 on Tailwind 3 with React Native Reusables, biggest component ecosystem, Expo Go OK.
At a glance
- Runs in Expo Go
- Yes
- Files added
- 31
- npm packages
- 6
- Keys to paste
- None
- Included in
- Free, Starter and Pro
Set it up
bun run setup --ui nativewind4Setup copies the module in, installs SDK-matched versions and removes the options you did not pick. Then bun run doctor lists every key still missing, with a link to where you get it. The step-by-step guide is in the NativeWind 4 docs.
NativeWind 4 vs other UI options
| Option | Expo Go | npm packages | Keys to paste | Included in |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NativeWind 4 | Yes | 6 | 0 | Free, Starter and Pro |
| NativeWind 5 | Yes | 6 | 0 | Starter and Pro |
| Tamagui | Yes | 4 | 0 | Starter and Pro |
| Unistyles 3 | Dev build | 3 | 0 | Starter and Pro |
| StyleSheet (plain RN) | Yes | 0 | 0 | Starter and Pro |
Questions
Can I use NativeWind 4 in Expo Go?
Yes. This module runs in Expo Go, so you can try it before you make a development build.
What do I need to set up NativeWind 4 in an Expo app?
Only bun run setup --ui nativewind4. There are no API keys to paste; bun run doctor checks the result.
Does the ReadyNative free tier include NativeWind 4?
Yes. It is the UI option in the free tier, which is MIT-licensed on GitHub. Starter and Pro add the stack picker, EAS store builds and doctor.
NativeWind 4 or NativeWind 5 for Expo?
NativeWind 4: The default. Stable NativeWind 4.2 on Tailwind 3 with React Native Reusables, biggest component ecosystem, Expo Go OK. NativeWind 5: RC · Tailwind 4. NativeWind 5 is still a release candidate; pick it if you want Tailwind 4 today.
NativeWind 4 or Tamagui for Expo?
NativeWind 4: The default. Stable NativeWind 4.2 on Tailwind 3 with React Native Reusables, biggest component ecosystem, Expo Go OK. Tamagui: A typed styling API with variants and a compiler, still JS-only.
NativeWind 4 or Unistyles 3 for Expo?
NativeWind 4: The default. Stable NativeWind 4.2 on Tailwind 3 with React Native Reusables, biggest component ecosystem, Expo Go OK. Unistyles 3: A C++/Nitro engine that re-themes without React re-renders. The fastest, and the only option that needs a dev build.
Which NativeWind 4 version does it install?
For Expo SDK 57: @rn-primitives/slot ^1.5.2, class-variance-authority ^0.7.1, clsx ^2.1.1, nativewind 4.2.7, tailwind-merge ^3.7.0, tailwindcss-animate ^1.0.7. Setup installs Expo packages with expo install, so they match the SDK.
Get it
NativeWind 4 is part of the free tier: clone it on GitHub. Starter and Pro add the stack picker, EAS store builds and doctor.