Firebase App Distribution alternative for Android & iOS test builds
Firebase App Distribution is Google's free tool for sending pre-release Android and iOS builds to testers. It fits well if your app already uses Firebase.
Digidropp is for teams that want testers to install from a plain link or QR code without accounts, and want a build on every pull request without setting up an SDK or CLI first.
| Digidropp | Firebase App Distribution | |
|---|---|---|
| How testers install | Open a link or scan a QR code. No account needed. | Testers join through an email invitation or invite link and sign in with a Google account. |
| Setup | Connect a GitHub repo, run one CLI command, or drag and drop a file. | A Firebase project, then upload from the console, Firebase CLI, Gradle plugin or fastlane. |
| Pull request previews | Every PR gets an install link and QR code in a PR comment. | Not built in; possible with your own CI scripting. |
| Stable links | One link per app, per branch and per pull request, always the newest build. | Testers get each new release through the invite and the Firebase tester experience. |
| Checks before install | Signing key, versionCode, permissions, iOS profiles, Play Billing, Google developer verification. | Not a focus of the product. |
| Crash reports and analytics | Not included. | Works alongside Crashlytics and Google Analytics for Firebase. |
| Price | Free during the public beta. | Free. |
When Firebase App Distribution is the better choice
- Your app already uses Firebase, and you want test builds next to Crashlytics.
- You manage testers as named groups invited by email.
When Digidropp is the better choice
- Testers (or clients) shouldn't need an account to install.
- You want a build and an install link on every pull request with no CI to write.
- You want problems like a changed signing key caught before testers hit “App not installed”.
FAQ
Can I use Digidropp and Firebase together?
Yes. Keep Firebase for Crashlytics and analytics, and use Digidropp to share builds. The Digidropp CLI or GitHub Action can upload the same APK your Firebase setup builds.
Do testers need a Google account with Digidropp?
No. They open the install link (or scan the QR code) and tap Install.
Digidropp · Guide · Docs · Alternatives