In the React ecosystem, both the Context API and Redux are popular tools for state management, but they serve different purposes and offer distinct advantages. The Context API, built into React, provides a way to share state across a component tree without having to pass props down manually through every level. It's particularly useful for simpler applications or specific scenarios like theme management or user authentication. On the other hand, Redux is a more robust state management library designed for complex applications with large-scale state interactions. It provides a predictable state container with a unidirectional data flow, middleware support, and tools for debugging and testing. While Context API is straightforward and integrates seamlessly with React’s component structure, Redux offers advanced features like action creators, reducers, and a centralized store that can handle complex state logic and asynchronous operations.