RC · Tailwind 4. Tailwind 4 classes compiled by react-native-css, as the kit in src/components/ui/ (src/ui/nativewind5/ before setup). NativeWind 5 is still a release candidate, so it is not the default (that is nativewind4, the stable release); pick it if you want Tailwind 4 today and accept an RC. Pure JS, so Expo Go works.
When to pick NativeWind 5
NativeWind 5: RC · Tailwind 4. NativeWind 5 is still a release candidate; pick it if you want Tailwind 4 today.
At a glance
- Runs in Expo Go
- Yes
- Files added
- 29
- npm packages
- 6
- Keys to paste
- None
- Included in
- Starter and Pro
Set it up
bun run setup --ui nativewind5Setup 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 5 docs.
NativeWind 5 vs other UI options
| Option | Expo Go | npm packages | Keys to paste | Included in |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NativeWind 5 | Yes | 6 | 0 | Starter and Pro |
| NativeWind 4 | Yes | 6 | 0 | Free, 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 5 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 5 in an Expo app?
Only bun run setup --ui nativewind5. There are no API keys to paste; bun run doctor checks the result.
Does the ReadyNative free tier include NativeWind 5?
No. It ships in Starter and Pro (one payment, lifetime updates); the free tier uses NativeWind 4 for UI.
NativeWind 5 or NativeWind 4 for Expo?
NativeWind 5: RC · Tailwind 4. NativeWind 5 is still a release candidate; pick it if you want Tailwind 4 today. NativeWind 4: The default. Stable NativeWind 4.2 on Tailwind 3 with React Native Reusables, biggest component ecosystem, Expo Go OK.
NativeWind 5 or Tamagui for Expo?
NativeWind 5: RC · Tailwind 4. NativeWind 5 is still a release candidate; pick it if you want Tailwind 4 today. Tamagui: A typed styling API with variants and a compiler, still JS-only.
NativeWind 5 or Unistyles 3 for Expo?
NativeWind 5: RC · Tailwind 4. NativeWind 5 is still a release candidate; pick it if you want Tailwind 4 today. 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 5 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 5.0.0-rc.0, react-native-css 3.1.0-rc.0, tailwind-merge ^3.7.0. Setup installs Expo packages with expo install, so they match the SDK.
Get it
NativeWind 5 ships in Starter and Pro: one payment, lifetime updates. See pricing or browse every module.