If you are interested in the topic of this article, you are probably looking for an inexpensive and quick solution to create a mobile application. Or you are simply interested in the market of modern development technologies. In both cases, we are ready to show popular app builders for Android and iOS. They are designed to develop mobile solutions quickly and cheaply.
Creating mobile applications is not an easy process and usually requires significant financial investment and a lot of time. There are two main ways to create: hand over the project to a freelancer or trust a specialized agency.
According to data from the site freelance.youdo.com, a freelancer will charge from 3000 hryvnias for creating a mobile application. It should be understood that this is the cost for the frontend code — without design and server-side development.
Prices in agencies start from 25,000 dollars — you will receive a full-fledged program with professional design.
If you do not like either option — let's consider an alternative.
An app builder for Android and iOS is a platform that allows you to create a mobile solution on your own without any development experience.
There are currently many such services. A search for “best online mobile app builder for Android free” will yield a number of options; let's look at the most popular ones.
Appy Pie
The platform allows you to create solutions for Android and Apple devices without coding in just a few simple steps. The builder enables you to add in-app purchases and ads, integrate with social networks, create messaging capabilities, and other useful features.
As a result, you will get a hybrid application not only for Android and iOS but also for Windows Phone and Blackberry.
Appery.io
Apperly is a cloud-based app builder for Android and iOS. It features a visual editor where you can drag and drop and edit elements. Additionally, the platform has ready-made plugins that are easy to connect. There is also the option to create your own plugin.
Working with Appery.io will cost from $60/month.
IBuildApp
IBuildApp has many templates for different types of businesses: restaurants, taxis, medicine, etc. Each template can be transformed according to your wishes. After implementation, you will have the opportunity for promotion. This solution is an Android app builder, as well as products for iOS.
The cost starts from $55.
AppMachine
AppMachine works on drag and drop technology — that is, you can build your product by dragging different blocks. It has many features and the ability to integrate with social networks. Products on AppMachine are hybrid, for Android and iOS.
The price is from $49 per month.
In addition to the products we have reviewed, there are also many other builders; we focused on the most popular ones. They make creating apps for Android and other platforms a reality even for someone without development skills.
At first glance, this seems like the perfect solution. But is it suitable for everyone?
Builders have a number of downsides:
- Slow app performance. The servers of these companies are located in other countries, and poor internet quality will affect the app's speed.
- The app will be instantly disabled if you do not make a payment or violate any rules, which threatens the loss of users and positions in app stores.
- Price increases. The service can increase the cost of services at any time. Additionally, the amount will grow along with the dollar exchange rate — usually, these services accept payment in foreign currency.
- Impossible to refine. The app's functionality cannot be expanded; everything works within the framework of the implemented themes and plugins. To keep users engaged in the app and for the Play Market and App Store to rank it highly, the app needs to be constantly updated. This is not possible with a builder.
- Poor design quality. You cannot create a professional design with a builder, and the templates are easily recognizable and can be used in hundreds of similar apps.
- Dependency on the service provider. With such an app, you cannot switch to another developer if you are dissatisfied with the service.
If you entrust the development of the app to a professional company, a whole team of specialists will work on your project. As a result, you will receive a full-fledged app with a unique design and will not be dependent on a third party — the provider.
