Package comparison
This comparison is for teams deciding whether to stay on react-native-exception-handler or move to react-native-global-exception-handler. It focuses on the practical differences: API shape, TypeScript support, crash simulation, and how well each package fits current React Native workflows. If you already know you are migrating, use the migration guide next; this page is meant to help with the decision itself.
Quick comparison
| Topic | react-native-exception-handler | react-native-global-exception-handler |
|---|---|---|
| JS exception handling | Supported | Supported |
| Native exception handling | Supported | Supported |
| Native options API | Positional booleans | Named options object |
| TypeScript support | Limited | First-class |
| Crash simulation | Not built in | Built in with simulateNativeCrash |
| Modern RN architecture guidance | Limited | Full support |
Why teams switch
- The options object in
setNativeExceptionHandleris easier to read and extend. - TypeScript types make integrations safer in production codebases.
- Built-in crash simulation improves QA and monitoring verification.
- The docs cover new architecture support, release-build behavior, and platform-specific limitations more clearly.
What stays familiar
- The idea of a global JavaScript exception handler does not change.
- Native crash interception still follows the same conceptual model.
- Existing mental models around reporting, restart flows, and fallback UI remain relevant.
What changes during migration
The main code change is usually the native handler signature:
// Legacy package style
setNativeExceptionHandler(handler, true, false);
// react-native-global-exception-handler
setNativeExceptionHandler(handler, {
forceAppToQuit: true,
callPreviouslyDefinedHandler: false,
});
You should also update imports, reinstall pods, and re-test release builds after the switch.
Which package should you choose?
Choose react-native-global-exception-handler if you want:
- better TypeScript support
- cleaner native handler configuration
- built-in crash simulation
- clearer docs for iOS, Android, and new architecture apps
If you are already using the older package, the migration path is documented in Migrating from react-native-exception-handler.