Getting your app into the hands of real users is the only way to find bugs before launch. But email attachments don't work for apps. You need a platform.
Here are the top 7 tools for mobile beta distribution in 2026.
1. TestFlight (iOS only)
The gold standard for iOS.
Pros: Built into iOS. Easy to install. No UDID management for external testers.
Cons: iOS only. Requires Apple Review for external beta.
2. Google Play Console (Android only)
The official way for Android.
Pros: Seamless transition to production. Auto-updates.
Cons: Testers need a Google account. Can be slow to process builds.
3. Firebase App Distribution
Google's cross-platform tool.
Pros: Fast. Free. Works for both iOS and Android. Great CLI integration.
Cons: For iOS, you still need to manage provisioning profiles (UDIDs).
4. BetaDrop
A fast, modern alternative focused on ease of use.
Pros: Instantly collects UDIDs. Generates landing pages for your apps. Supports both OTA iOS and Android.
Cons: Newer platform.
5. AppCenter (Microsoft)
Formerly HockeyApp.
Pros: Enterprise-grade. Good for huge teams.
Cons: UI is getting dated. Microsoft's focus has shifted elsewhere.
6. Diawi
The classic "drag and drop" tool.
Pros: incredibly simple for one-off shares.
Cons: Links expire quickly on the free plan.
7. TestFairy
Focused on recording sessions.
Pros: Videos of what users did before the crash.
Cons: Can be expensive.
Verdict
Use TestFlight and Play Console for your final release candidates. Use Firebase or BetaDrop for your nightly internal builds where speed matters.
