Years ago, mobile app development was reserved for developers and large organizations with big tech budgets.
But today, mobile app development software makes it possible for people of all skill levels to build apps for a wide range of potential use cases.
These tools have transcended the market and made app development more accessible to the masses.
But finding the right app development solution for your needs can feel like a tall task, especially if you’ve never been through this process before.
And fortunately, we’ve already done all of the heavy lifting for you.
After extensive research and testing, we narrowed down the top mobile app development tools on the market today:
Appy Pie
Best For Simple Apps
Develop an app in three simple steps with no coding. With plans starting at just $18, it’s a popular choice for DIY users.
The Best Mobile App Development Software Options to Consider:
- Appy Pie – Best software for simple mobile apps
- BuildFire – The most powerful no-code software
- Appian – Best for enterprise low-code development
- Appery.io – The best for hybrid apps and PWAs
- BiznessApps – Best for small businesses
When it Makes Sense to Invest Into Mobile App Development Software
Mobile app development software is for everyone and it’s being utilized across thousands of different industries to prove it.
Apps can be used for such a wide range of potential use cases. But face it some people will never care about easy mobile app development. So make sure you understand what you would need an app for before you consider this type of software.
Businesses can use app development software to improve the mobile experience for their customers. Large organizations commonly use these tools to create apps for internal purposes like HR, remote employee communication, and business process management.
Even entrepreneurs and solo users can invest in a mobile app development tool if they have a new idea or want to start a business from scratch.
If you want to build an app without hiring a complete development team, it’s time to start evaluating mobile app development software.
#1 – Appy Pie Review — Best Software For Simple Mobile Apps
Appy Pie
Best For Simple Apps
Develop an app in three simple steps with no coding. With plans starting at just $18, it’s a popular choice for DIY users.
Appy Pie is another popular choice in the no-code development category. With Appy Pie, anyone can create an app, regardless of their technical skill level.
If you’re looking to create a simple app for iPhone and Android devices without coding, Appy Pie will be a top choice to consider. Just choose a template, add your features, and publish—it’s that easy.
In addition to mobile apps, the software can be used to build websites, chatbots, graphics, and task automations.
Here’s a look at some of the features you can include in your Appy Pie mobile app:
- Push notifications
- Integrated photos and videos
- Integrated social media functionality
- Navigation and step-by-step directions
- Customer loyalty programs
- Coupons and discounts
You’ll also benefit from app analytics, multilingual support, and publishing assistance.
With 7+ million people worldwide using Appy Pie for app development, this is arguably the most popular choice on the market today for DIY users.
Plans start as low as $18 per month. Try it free for 7 days.
#2 – BuildFire Review — The Most Powerful No-Code Software
BuildFire
Most Powerful No-Code Software
Businesses and individuals alike can use BuildFire to create apps for iOS, Android, and PWA without writing a single line of code. Limitless functionality and exceptional customer support.
BuildFire is one of the most popular and versatile mobile app development solutions on the market today. This robust software can be used to create any type of app—no coding required.
More than 10,000 apps have been built using BuildFire’s platform. It’s trusted by big-name companies like PayPal, Cisco, Travelers, Pandora, and other industry leaders.
The software has an intuitive user interface that’s easy for anyone to use, regardless of your technical skill level. But don’t let its simplicity fool you; BuildFire’s platform is powerful and virtually limitless.
Adding a new feature is as simple as installing an extension from the BuildFire marketplace. What makes BuildFire stand out from other no-code platforms is that it’s also developer-friendly. The BuildFire SDK makes it possible for you to create custom functionality for your app.
BuildFire can be used to create apps for such a wide range of potential use cases. Popular examples include:
- Ecommerce apps
- Internal employee communication apps
- Gym and fitness apps
- Educational apps
- Content, podcasts, and media apps
- Event apps
- Apps for religious organizations
- Business workflow apps
The list goes on and on. Whether you’re an entrepreneur with a big idea or a large organization that wants to improve an internal process, BuildFire has a solution for everyone.
You’ll also benefit from exceptional customer support. With BuildFire Plus, you can essentially get a strategic partner for the planning, design, and development of your app. The BuildFire team will help you with everything from competitive analysis and wireframing all the way through the publishing process and post-launch support.
If you want to build an app for iOS, Android, and PWA, simultaneously without writing a single line of code, look no further than BuildFire.
The app development platform starts at just $159 per month. Try it free for 14 days.
#3 – Appian Review — Best For Enterprise Low-Code Development
Appian
Best For Enterprise Low-Code Development
Large organizations and IT teams rely on Appian for BPM. Build the application once, it’s available from any device.
Appian is an enterprise low-code development platform. Its primary purpose is to create apps for business process management (BPM).
Unlike a no-code solution, Appian does require some technical knowledge to operate. But enterprises with an in-house IT team should have no problem using this software.
Appian provides instant mobility. So even if you’re building internal applications for web apps, you’ll automatically have them available for mobile devices without any extra time, effort, or resources.
Just build your application once, and it works natively on any device. Making changes to your app is easy as well, and it will automatically be updated across all platforms.
Other top features and benefits of Appian include:
- Visual development tools
- Drag-and-drop building functionality
- Highly secure and scalable
- Ability to track, analyze, and adapt to changes
- Quick development time
- Automated workflows
- Instant deployment
For those of you who want to create a mobile app to improve internal business processes, Appian should be a top choice to consider.
To get started, register for a 14-day free trial.
#4 – Appery.io Review — The Best For Hybrid Apps and PWAs
Appery.io
Best For Hybrid Apps and PWAs
Low-code cross-platform development tool for mobile apps, web apps, and PWAs. The software comes with built-in team collaboration features.
Appery.io is an all-in-one solution for web apps, mobile apps, and PWAs (progressive web apps).
Over the past decade, 10,000+ apps have been published using this low-code, multi-purpose development tool. Here’s a closer look at the app development process with Appery.io:
Like other low-code platforms, you will need some technical knowledge to properly create an app using Appery.io. Let’s highlight some of the features that make this software rank so high on our list:
- Cross-platform development
- Simple and powerful low-code tool
- MBaaS (mobile backend as a service)
- Visual development tools
- Simple deployment
- Administrative tools
Appery.io makes team collaboration easy as well. So your developers, designers, business users, and even customers can help contribute to your development project in real-time.
Plans start at just $25 per month. The entry-level plan comes with one developer seat and the ability to create two apps. Sign up and try Appery.io free for 14 days.
#5 – BiznessApps Review — Best For Small Businesses
BiznessApps
Best For Small Business
Small business owners can use this DIY app builder to create an app without coding. Simple drag-and-drop building tool for iOS, Android, and PWA.
BiznessApps is an app development tool marketed towards small businesses.
This drag-and-drop app builder makes it easy for business owners to create an app without having to worry about writing code or hiring a developer.
The software is an all-in-one solution for native iOS apps, native Android apps, and PWAs. It’s trusted by restaurants, real estate businesses, schools, health & beauty businesses, community organizations, and businesses in the music industry.
Here’s a brief overview of the features and benefits offered by BiznessApps:
- Intuitive design
- Easy-to-use content management platform
- Mobile ordering
- Customer loyalty programs
- Messaging and communication features
- Reviews
- Third-party integrations
BiznessApps has a ton of built-in features, as well as premium add-ons for you to consider. All of these make it easy for you to add functionality and extend the capabilities of your small business mobile app.
Plans start at just $99 per month.
Methodology For Choosing The Best Mobile App Development Software
As I mentioned before, there is an overwhelming number of mobile app development platforms on the market today. Finding the right option for you and your business can be tough if you don’t know what to look for.
I’ve identified the top features and considerations to keep in mind as you’re shopping around. These are the factors that you need to evaluate:
Technical Ability
The first thing you need to do is assess your technical skill level.
There are solutions out there built for people with no coding skills. These tools typically have a friendly user interface and simple design features. They can best be compared to website builders (but for mobile apps).
Other tools are made for people who know how to code. For example, you might have an IT team with web development skills. There are platforms out there that allow those users to create apps using web languages like HTML, JavaScript, and CSS.
App Type
What type of app do you want to create?
For example, all platforms don’t necessarily support ecommerce apps and internal business process apps. A platform that supports simple small business apps may not support gaming apps or augmented reality apps.
The easiest way to determine if the software in question can be used to develop your app is by evaluating its portfolio. Take a look at other apps that have been built on the platform you’re considering. Does it have apps in your category on that list? If not, you should probably look elsewhere.
Publishing and Distribution
How will you get your app into the hands of the end-users?
Are you developing an iOS app for the Apple App Store? Android app for the Google Play Store? Both? What about PWAs (progressive web apps)?
Not every tool supports native, hybrid, and web apps.
Furthermore, you should consider how those apps will be published to the respective app stores. This process can be tough, and the last thing you want after all of your hard work is to get rejected. Some platforms provide publishing assistance and handle all the process for you. But with other tools, you’ll be on your own.
Budget
The cost to develop an app will vary, depending on a wide range of factors. Your development method and app complexity play a significant role in this price.
For example, if you’re just creating a simple calculator app as a small side project, it will be much cheaper than an app attempting to be the next Facebook, Uber, or Tinder.
The more features you add, the more expensive your app will cost. You should also consider the ongoing costs after your app is built. Are the ongoing maintenance costs bundled into your monthly fee? Do you need to manage your own servers on the backend? Or is this included in your service?
Make sure you take the time to understand the full cost of your app, not just the lowest advertised price on the platform’s homepage.
Limitations
Some platforms are really easy to use but might restrict you with the features and customization capabilities.
For example, there are tools out there known as “cookie-cutter app builders.” These are exactly what they sound like. You can essentially take pre-built apps and turn different functions on or off. This might be fine for smaller apps, but you’ll likely run into some restrictions as you grow.
If you have big aspirations or complex needs, choose a platform that offers limitless capabilities. What if there is an app feature that’s not currently available through the software you’re using? Does that platform give you the ability to create what you need? Or will you be out of luck?
Support
Customer support is another vital yet often overlooked aspect of mobile app development software.
Creating an app isn’t always easy. If you’ve never done this before, you’re likely going to have some questions along the way. How will you get those questions answered? Does your subscription come with support?
As previously mentioned, the app publishing process would fall into this category as well. Some solutions even have a development team that can build the app for you or add custom functionality to your app.
Appy Pie
Best For Simple Apps
Develop an app in three simple steps with no coding. With plans starting at just $18, it’s a popular choice for DIY users.
Summary
Which mobile app development software is the best?
It depends on several factors. The recommendations and reviews in this guide contain something for everyone. Whether you’re an entrepreneur with a big idea or an existing business that wants to improve an internal process, you can find what you’re looking for in this article.
Just use the methodology described above to help narrow down your options.