Comparison
AirBuild vs TestFlight
TestFlight is Apple's free, official iOS beta testing tool, while AirBuild covers iOS and Android ad-hoc distribution with instant public install links (no beta app review), automatic UDID capture, custom branding, and CodePush-style OTA updates — the gaps TestFlight leaves outside the App Store pipeline.
| Feature | AirBuild | TestFlight |
|---|---|---|
| iOS build distribution | Yes | Yes |
| Android distribution | Yes | No |
| Public install link, no beta app review | Yes | Review required for external testers |
| Automatic UDID capture (.mobileconfig) | Yes | N/A — uses Apple IDs |
| External tester limit | Plan-based | 10,000 |
| Build expiry | You choose, or never | 90 days |
| Password-protected / install-capped links | Yes | No |
| Custom branding on install pages | Yes | No |
| Requires a separate tester app | No | TestFlight app required |
| CodePush-style OTA updates (Flutter/RN) | Yes | No |
| Cost | Free tier + paid plans | Free with $99/yr Apple Developer Program |
Which should you pick?
TestFlight is the right call for App-Store-bound iOS apps that want Apple's native pipeline and don't mind beta review delays or the 90-day expiry. AirBuild is the better fit when you need Android too, a link that installs immediately without review, ad-hoc UDID workflows, or OTA code updates alongside binary distribution — or when stakeholders shouldn't need an Apple account at all.
Frequently asked questions
Does AirBuild require testers to install a separate app?
No — AirBuild installs happen in Safari via the standard itms-services flow, so there's no tester-side app like TestFlight's to install first.
Can AirBuild replace TestFlight entirely?
For internal/ad-hoc distribution, yes — uploads, links, UDID capture, and analytics are all covered. For pre-release testing tied to an App Store listing, TestFlight remains the Apple-sanctioned path and many teams run both.
Does TestFlight work for Android builds?
No — TestFlight is iOS/iPadOS only. AirBuild distributes both platforms through the same dashboard, links, and QR codes.