State management is a critical aspect of developing scalable and high-performance React Native applications. For years, Redux has been the dominant choice, offering predictable state handling and a robust ecosystem. However, with the emergence of Recoil, developers now have an alternative that promises simpler and more efficient state management.
As of 2025, the question many developers are asking is: Is Recoil replacing Redux in React Native? In this article, we will compare these two state management libraries, analyze their latest features, and discuss their adoption trends in 2025.
Also know how React Native developers are using AI to enhance mobile apps.
What is State Management in React Native?
State management is the technique used to handle application data that affects the UI and user interactions. React Native provides basic state management through useState and useContext, but as applications grow, these built-in solutions become insufficient.
External state management libraries like Redux and Recoil help maintain application-wide state, making it easier to manage complex data flows and ensure consistency across components.
Redux: The Traditional Powerhouse
Redux, debuted in 2015, is one of the most popular state management frameworks in the React ecosystem. It adheres to a unidirectional data flow model and operates on three fundamental principles:
- Single Source of Truth – The application state is saved in a single, centralized location.
- The state is read-only and may only be updated by dispatched actions.
- Changes are Made with Pure Functions – Reducers determine state updates based on the previous state and actions.
Benefits of Redux
- Scalability: Suitable for large applications with complex state logic.
- Predictability: The centralized store ensures a predictable state structure.
- Strong Ecosystem: Extensive middleware support, including Redux Thunk and Redux Saga for managing side effects.
- Great Debugging Tools: Redux DevTools makes debugging easier with time-travel debugging.
Downsides of Redux
- Boilerplate Code: Requires a lot of setup with actions, reducers, and middleware.
- Performance Concerns: Can lead to unnecessary re-renders if not optimized.
- Steep Learning Curve: Concepts like reducers and middleware can be difficult for beginners.
Recoil: The Modern Challenger
Recoil is a state management library created by Facebook that provides a more flexible and modular approach to managing application state. Instead of a centralized store, Recoil uses atoms and selectors to manage state:
- Atoms: Independent state units that can be shared across components.
- Selectors: Functions that compute derived state based on atoms.
Benefits of Recoil
- Minimal Setup: No need for reducers or actions, making it easier to implement.
- Fine-Grained State Updates: Components only re-render when the specific atoms they subscribe to change.
- Built-In Async Support: Recoil provides seamless handling of asynchronous data fetching.
- Better Performance: Optimized state updates reduce unnecessary re-renders.
Downsides of Recoil
- Still Evolving: While promising, Recoil does not have the same long-term support as Redux.
- Smaller Community: Fewer third-party integrations and tutorials compared to Redux.
- Not a Replacement for Global State: Works best for local component state rather than managing large-scale application state.
Key Differences Between Redux and Recoil
| Feature | Redux | Recoil |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Centralized store with reducers | Decentralized state with atoms & selectors |
| Boilerplate | Requires actions, reducers, and store | Minimal setup with atoms and hooks |
| Performance | May cause unnecessary re-renders | Fine-grained updates reduce re-renders |
| Learning Curve | Steeper due to complex setup | Easier to grasp with React-like approach |
| Middleware Support | Extensive (Redux Thunk, Saga, etc.) | Limited, but async handling is built-in |
| Use Case | Best for large-scale applications | Best for component-level state |
Adoption Trends in 2025
Is Redux Losing Popularity?
Despite its complexity, Redux remains a popular choice in enterprise applications due to its reliability and vast ecosystem. However, many developers are moving towards Recoil for new projects, thanks to its modern approach and ease of use.
Where Recoil is Gaining Ground
- Startups and small teams prefer Recoil due to its faster setup and reduced boilerplate.
- React and React Native developers who favor modern React concepts like hooks and context find Recoil more intuitive.
- Applications requiring fine-grained reactivity, such as real-time collaboration tools, benefit from Recoil’s optimized state updates.
Unique Perspective: The Hybrid Approach – Using Redux and Recoil Together
Instead of choosing one over the other, some developers are leveraging both libraries to optimize state management:
- Use Redux for global state: Manage authentication, user preferences, and other global data.
- Use Recoil for local component state: Optimize performance for UI interactions, forms, and component-level data.
Example: Combining Redux and Recoil
import { atom, useRecoilState } from 'recoil';
import { createStore } from 'redux';
// Redux Store
const initialState = { user: null };
function userReducer(state = initialState, action) {
switch (action.type) {
case 'SET_USER':
return { ...state, user: action.payload };
default:
return state;
}
}
const store = createStore(userReducer);
// Recoil Atom
const themeState = atom({
key: 'themeState',
default: 'light',
});
export { store, themeState };
This hybrid approach helps developers get the best of both worlds – Redux for structured, global state and Recoil for flexible, component-based state management.
Final Verdict: Is Recoil Replacing Redux?
The short answer is no – Recoil is not replacing Redux, but it is providing a compelling alternative for modern applications. The decision should be based on the project’s complexity, team expertise, and performance requirements.
When to Use Redux?
- Large-scale applications with complex data flows.
- Teams familiar with Redux who benefit from its ecosystem.
- Applications requiring extensive middleware and debugging tools.
When to Use Recoil?
- Projects that need a lightweight and modular state management solution.
- React developers who prefer modern React patterns.
- Apps requiring frequent, optimized state updates without re-rendering entire components.
Conclusion
Redux continues to dominate in large-scale applications, while Recoil offers a simpler, more reactive approach for modern projects. As 2025 progresses, more developers are experimenting with Recoil, but Redux remains a staple in enterprise environments.
Ultimately, choosing the right state management library depends on the project’s needs, team experience, and long-term maintainability. If you’re working on a new React Native app, why not try both? A hybrid approach may offer the best balance between flexibility and reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Recoil better than Redux?
Recoil is not necessarily “better” than Redux; it is different. It offers a simpler API and better performance for component-level state, but Redux is more suited for complex, large-scale applications.
Can I use Recoil and Redux together?
Yes! Many developers use Redux for global state management and Recoil for managing component-specific state.
Does Recoil have middleware support like Redux?
Recoil does not have traditional middleware like Redux, but it has built-in async handling that makes managing side effects easier.
Will Redux become obsolete in the future?
Unlikely. Redux is widely used in enterprise applications and has a strong ecosystem. However, newer projects may favor Recoil or alternative state management solutions.
Should I switch from Redux to Recoil?
It depends on your project. If you are building a new React Native app with minimal complexity, Recoil can be a great choice. For larger applications with established Redux infrastructure, migration may not be necessary.
HybridAppBuilders
Latest posts by HybridAppBuilders (see all)
- State Management in React Native: Is Recoil Replacing Redux in 2025? - March 18, 2025
- Mastering UI Design in Flutter with 2025’s Latest Widgets - March 13, 2025
- How Cross-Platform Frameworks Are Reducing Development Costs in 2025 - March 3, 2025