Top 20 App Building Platforms

Whether you are talking about customer apps or mobile enterprise apps, choosing the right mobile development platform is not an easy or quick process.

With such a vast offering of application development platforms, it is easy to lose track. Adopting app development software depends on the goals of your business, the resources you have, and your budget.

This carefully curated list sheds light on the top 20 app development platforms along with their features, advantages, and pricing. You can go through them and choose the one that suits your needs. 

Top 20 App Building Platforms

Here is the list.

1. Back4App

Back4App is an open-source backend-as-a-service solution that allows developers to build modern and extensible applications seamlessly.

The platform that lets you build apps at a global scale and deploy them faster. It also enables you to create relational data models in mere minutes and perform queries through REST, SDKs, or GraphQL in a server-less platform.

With Back4App’s intuitive software solution, you can focus on creating, optimizing, and customizing applications at a flat pricing structure across global cloud provider’s regions. 

Features

• Relational database queries and schema

• Real-time queries

• Push notifications

• Verification emails

• Cross-platform SDKs

• Scalable multi-region hosting

• Geo-queries

• Third-party authentication

• GraphQL and RESTAPIs

• Business logic through cloud functions

• Automatic backup routine

Advantages

• Works with open-source technology

• Integrate GDPR compliance with your applications at a lower price

• Shared and dedicated hosting

Pricing

A free plan is available.

Shared Hosting

• Solo plan- $4 /app/month
• Basic plan- $15 /app/month
• Standard plan- $40 /app/month
• Pay-as-you-go plan- $80 /app/month

Dedicated Hosting

• Silver plan- $200/month
• Gold plan- $320/month
• Platinum plan- $800/month

2. BuildFire

BuildFire is a do-it-yourself ‘codeless’ application development software for all kinds of organizations, right from startups to big enterprises. It is an agile and scalable platform that supports 10,000 applications.

It is a powerful player in the application-building market and offers many free and paid options, including pre-built plugins to build and deploy apps.

Features

• Drag-and-drop design editor

• Source control

• Reporting or analytics

• Feature-rich library

• Compatibility testing

• Visual interface

• Deployment management

• Debugging

• Prototype creating

Advantages

• Easiest application building

• Amazing social networking features

• Advanced app development option

Pricing

• Growth plan- $159/month
• Business plan- $299/month
• Enterprise plan- $424/month
• BuildFire white-label reseller plan- $1500/month

3. Backendless

Backendless is a VADP – Visual app development platform that intuitively creates, manages, and scales applications. It offers a codeless application builder, highly scalable application programming services, and a server-less backend for your web and mobile application requirements.

Its APIs are structured and implemented to offer complete support for custom business logic, messaging, data persistence, and user management.

Features

• Cloud code- API services, cloud code timers, and API events handlers

• Backendless database

• Caching

• User management

• Rea-time data

• Pub or Sub messaging

• Geo-location

• Codeless

• Security

Advantages

• Backendless comes up with a range of analytics and management tools.

• Backendless brings the entire list of backend app-building services in one place, including deployment management, mobile development, source control, data modeling, and debugging.

• Provides auto-generated and extensible APIs that are easy to manage and use.

• It offers fast and effective support to developers.

Pricing

• Springboard plan- $0 per month 
• Cloud 9 plan- $25 per month 
• Cloud 99 plan- $99 per month

4. Firebase

Firebase is a proprietary BaaS solution, which was initially launched in 2012 as a Real-time database.

After two years, Google acquired this platform and helped it ramp up into a next-generation application development solution. And now, this Google-backed software aids the easy building of powerful apps by spinning up your backend without regulating servers and effortlessly scaling to support millions of Firebase users.

Firebase extensions help developers release and monitor applications in less time and with much lower effort through simplified testing, tracking, and troubleshooting.

Features

• Built-in security

• A/B testing

• Campaign segmentation

• Web notifications

• Ready-made API

• Email and password

• Device targeting

• Mobile alerts

• Google Cloud Storage-backed file storage

• Real-time data

• Analytics and reporting

Advantages

• Fast and safe hosting

• Extensive and reliable databases

• Free multi-platform Firebase authentication

• Free use of Firebase dynamic links

• Google analytics

• Improve app quality through testing services

• Increment in revenues with application indexing API

Pricing

• Free Tier
• Usage-based pricing

5. Appery.io

Appery.io is a low code platform that allows developers to build mobile, web, and progressive web apps. Applications developed with Appery.io are compatible with all platforms and popular devices.

Appery.io allows developers to integrate the existing back-end with their applications and instantly import and use back-end services in the application builder.

Appery.io’s drag-and-drop design editor makes it an intuitive platform for experienced app makers and beginner app creators.

Features

• App development and deployment

• Push notifications

• Templates

• Premium support

• Collaboration management

• App tester

• Drag-and-drop

• Cloud-based architecture

• Tutorials and guidelines

Advantages

• It is suitable for non-programmers and programmers.

• Well-versed app developers can build apps from the already available source code while newbies get comprehensive tutorials and guidelines to guide them through the app development process.

• It facilitates application backup with all the pricing plans.

• It supports advanced app development and customization.

• This is completely a cloud-based architecture. 

Pricing

• Beginner’s plan- $25/month
• Pro plan- $70/month (paid annually) and $99/month (paid monthly)
• Team plan- $135/month (paid annually) and $200/month (paid monthly)
• Ultimate pan- $500/month (paid annually) and $600/month (paid monthly)

6. BiznessApps

BiznessApps allows developers to create apps with shorter lines of code. It works amazingly in reducing the complications inherent in the app development process. It lets you build native Android and iOS applications.

There is no need to be a tech whiz or a wizard programmer with BiznessApps. It offers an intuitive drag-and-drop editor, a conveniently accessible Google font library, and ready-made templates application builder.

It has a simple design engine that makes app-building fun and productive.

Features

• Drag-and-drop design editor

• Pre-built design templates

• Push notifications

• E-commerce

• Location-based services

• Adding your HTML code

• Loyalty features

• RSS feed options

• Social media integration

• Newsletter tool

Advantages

• BiznessApps offers fast and friendly chat and email support.

• It provides step-by-step guidelines.

• Apart from integration with Magento and Shopify, you can build menus, product catalogs, and in-app checkouts.

• The cherry on top is that BiznessApp’s payment system allows fee-free transactions until you cross the mark of $50,000 in sales. 

Pricing

• Standard- $300/month
• Gold- $360/month
• Platinum-$400/month

7. AppMakr

AppMakr is one of the most popular and most used online app development platforms.

It enables developers to build applications through easy steps; developers do not need to be skillful coders to build an app with AppMakr.

This cross-platform app builder builds applications compatible with Windows, Android, and iOS platforms. Moreover, it provides paid and free accounts to its developers.

Users can build with basic features with a free account, whereas to integrate their apps with customizations and advanced features, they have to buy paid packages.

Features

• WYSIWIG simulator

• Customized HTML code

• Premium support

• Monetization

• RSS options

• App testing

• Multi-language support

• Ad support

• Reseller program

• Push notifications

• E-commerce

Advantages

• The WYSIWIG simulator enables you to gain access to real-time app development processes and results.

• The platform walks every user through the steps of app creation that involve adding texts, HTML elements, videos, and audio with the help of understandable guidelines.

• The premium packages offered by this platform allow users to monetize their applications.

Pricing

• Free trail- Available
• Mobile website- Free
• App basics- €1/ month
• App pro- €14/ month
• Reseller- €34/ month

8. Sellmyapp

SellMyApp offers an excellent application interface to developers to build and manage apps easily with top-quality features and templates.

Also, it is one of the first marketplaces for purchasing and selling app source code. SellMyApp’s marketplace attempts to enrich and push the app developer community to innovate by providing a comprehensive range of options, opening them to new income streams as an app developer besides building apps.

Features

• Everything comes installed with the project

• Includes complete documentation

• Unity 3D

• The project is optimized for both Android and iOS devices

Advantages

• Newbies, as well as medium-range app developers, can purchase quality-tested app source codes from this platform.

• This marketplace has an experienced team of app developers who can efficiently perform code customizations, such as generating graphics and usability that are required to build apps with the best possible results.

• SellMyApp promises to accomplish projects with clarity regardless of their size. 

Pricing

• Single app license- $49
• Multiple app license- $99
• Reskin and launch service- $699

9. GameSalad

GameSalad is a free-to-use, web-based, and on-premise game development tool that aids developers in building two-dimensional games, assign behavior functions, import graphics, etc.

This no-code, drag-and-drop game creation approach helps with game design, digital media creation, and programming concepts. In addition, GameSalad powers a testing tool, In-App Previewer, to enable testing game logic and behavior sets.

Also, game designers get the freedom to show creativity while designing game apps through GameSalad-powered complex behavior library.

Features

• Support Amazon, iOS, Windows, and Android marketplace

• Monetization and social features options

• In-hand technical support

• Display ads wherever you want

• Drag-and-drop coding software

• Supports Amazon’s Game Circle

Advantages

• Easy-to-use UI 

• Extremely advanced color scheme

• Cross-platform publishing available for Mac desktop, ebook readers, and Windows 8

• Create, manage, and publish HTML5, iPad, iPhone, and Android games

• In-App Previewer to preview behavior sets and game logic

Pricing

• A free plan is available
• A basic plan worth $17 /month
• A pro plan worth $25 /month

10. AppInstitute

AppInstitute is a fast application development and deployment tool. Its intuitive app maker helps you develop mobile applications quickly and without coding.

It features a drag-and-drop design editor that makes app-building an incredibly convenient task. In addition, a wide range of pre-built templates provides simplicity in designing applications while enabling native app features

Features

• Full brand control

• Rich media

• Drag-and-drop application builder

• Calendar and booking system

• Online payments

• Loyalty programs

• Geo listings

• Push notifications

• Social media integration

Advantages

• Update app content conveniently 24*7

• Send targeted messages and unlimited push notifications to application users

• No lock-in period- you may cancel anytime

• Increase sales with an in-app store

• Improve online presence 

• Encourage repeat business with coupons, stamp cards, and in-app loyalty programs

Pricing

• AppBuilder- $42/month
• AppBuilder pro- 466/month
• AppBuilder pro plus- $84 /month
• Reseller- From $340/month

11. Parse

Parse is an extensively used open-source app backend development framework that enables developers to capitalize on application development by reducing the effort required in creating an app.

It is a complete application stack- developers can deploy this stack and develop enterprise-grade applications even without being a tech whiz or a pro app developer.

As a result, it is a valuable platform for fast and cost-effective application development.

Features

• Spreadsheet like database

• Create or expose GraphQL and REST APIs

• Push notifications

• Email notifications

• Notifications in real-time

• File system

• Multiple SDKs

• User management

• Data modeling

• ACLs and CLPs to manage API permission

Advantages

• Parse can automate tasks that include app SDK backend integrations, loggings, data modeling, API exposure, push notifications, and more.

• Speedy app development

• A software app development project

• Users can focus better on important coding activities while Parse manages the backend and frontend

Pricing

Free to download.

12. Kuzzle

An industry-leading application development platform for mobile, IoT, or web applications, Kuzzle is the preferred choice of many renowned enterprises.

This open-source backend solution includes a multi-protocol API, a set of plugins, a scalable server, and an administration controller that offers advanced functionalities to developers like geo-fencing, Pub/Sub, and blazing fast search.

Features

• Control access or permissions

• Fine-grained policy management

• Rigid security

• On-premises deployment

• Scale horizontally

• Geo-indexing and geo-fencing

• Power IoT applications

• Real-time Pub or Sub

• Real-time query subscription

• Plugins

Advantages

• Concentrate on the app development process as everything else including the backend gets managed when you get the Kuzzle services

• The plugin services make your application live from the starting day as these plugins have pre-written codes that you just need to implement.

Pricing

• A free community plan
• Hosting from $1200 per month

13. iBuildApp

With iBuildApp’s application maker, it is only one application that it takes to draw the attention of your potential customers.

There will be no limitation on the number of clients to use your app. iBuildApp’s app-building system is filled with pre-built templates and features. Developers can use them any time to edit and update their application with a few clicks and in mere minutes.

Features

• Deployment management

• Visual modeling

• Testing management

• Drag-and-drop editor

• Design-templates

Advantages

• Easy to learn, adapt, and use

• It provides over 1000 design templates

• It supports application development for multiple organizations like Healthcare, Event Planning, College, Radio Station, Schools, Restaurant Management, etc.

• It facilitates easy integration with Google Maps, Audio player, Zapier, etc.

Pricing

• Company plan- $395 per month
• Business plan- $59.40 per month
• Corporate plan- $7500 per year

14. Fabapp

Fabapp allows developers to build, manage, deploy, and alter applications without coding. It is an intuitive app builder that develops an application that customers love. It promotes app scalability and user engagement.

It helps bring your business into the palms of your prospects. With a few strategic clicks, you can infuse group functionalities on your smartphone’s screen and start shaping and operating the app.

Features

• Drag-and-drop design editor

• Push notification

• Scheduling

• Dashboard

• GPS

• Product catalog

• SMS notification

Advantages

• Create smartphone apps with Fabapp’s easy & intuitive UI. You don’t need coding techniques.

• Its simplified editor enables you to seamlessly add functionalities using drag & drop, and write what you need to make your app one of a kind.

• With its CRM dashboard, assess user info, send personalized messages, and much more. It is available for both smartphones and desktops.

Pricing

See website for pricing.

15. Zoho Creator

Zoho Creator is an open-source low code platform that allows rapid development and deployment of mobile and web apps.

You no longer have to write endless lines of code to create an application. Instead, you can drag-and-drop features to customize your app in your way. Zoho’s powerful app-builder helps you develop applications that scale.

It also allows you to build, share, and manage the database on a cloud through intuitive database management software.

Features

• Drag-and-drop application builder

• Data visualization

• Multi-language support

• Integration and API

• Secure access control

• Customer management

Advantages

• Create as many applications as you want to with less effort and time

• Create insightful reports

• Uncompromising security

• Connect your organizational data and collaborate across development teams

• Gain immediate access to mobile applications

Pricing

Check website for details.

16. AppSheet

AppSheet is a fast app maker that offers a seamless platform to build custom iOS and Android applications.

With or without prior coding experience, anybody can develop applications by directly importing data from cloud storage services, spreadsheet software, and databases and deploying them in mere minutes.

Also, it provides a complete interactive emulator, making it convenient for developers to preview their applications in real-time.

Features

• Codeless application development

• Pre-deployment

• GPS and maps 

• Data changes tracking

• App customization

• Branding and customization

• Responsive design

• Data import

• Security filters

• Email notifications

• App deployment

Advantages

• Covers a complex logic with no coding requirement

• Ubiquitous system or data access on device, time, and place

• Intuitive design and deployment without IT knowledge or in-depth database

• Allows import of data from various sources, such as Google Sheets and SQL

• Working on multiple platforms

• Easy customization of apps with advanced features

Pricing

• Starter plan- $5 /user/month
• Core plan- $10 /user/month
• Enterprise standard plan- Request a quote

17. AWS Amplify

AWS Amplify is a comprehensive set of tools that makes it convenient to build, manage, and implement scalable AWS-powered mobile applications.

With AWS Amplify, developers can seamlessly provision and regulate the application backend while gaining access to an intuitive framework to integrate the mobile backend with web, iOS, and Android frontend conveniently.

In addition, AWS Amplify automates the release process of applications, allowing developers to deliver app features faster.

Features

• Authentication

• APIs

• Datastore

• Manage users

• Storage, interaction, monitoring

• Push notification

• Custom domain

• PubSub

• Artificial intelligence/machine learning prediction

Advantages

• Use CLI and Amplify UI’s simple workflows to build a scalable backend with data, authentication, and storage

• Use Amplify library to connect existing and new AWS resources seamlessly

• Use Amplify UI to manage app content without an AWS account

• Host web apps and static websites with a Git-based workflow through Amplify console

Pricing

• A free tier that expires after the twelfth month of your free AWS tier term 

• A pay-as-you-go service that offers various sites and a public SSL certificate with no extra cost. This static web hosting plan charges $0.023/GB stored /month and $0.15 /GB served.

18. App code

App Code is an innovative and intelligent IDE that facilitates more precise code analysis and navigation.

This integrated app development platform has been exclusively designed for macOS or iOS development. AppCode’s cross-platform app builder reinforces all code modification functions and editing, including syntax highlighting, refactoring analysis, completion, and navigation.

It merges a range of programming languages and exhibits seamless collaboration with CocoaPods, Jira, Subversion, Git, Perforce, and Reveal.

Features

• Smart editor

• Run and debug

• Code generation and refactoring

• Unit testing

• Editor customization

• Xcode support

• Search and navigation

• Integrations

Advantages

• Simplify development of applications through the integration of development environment with an in-depth knowledge of the app code structure

• Offer a comprehensive range of tools so that developers can execute their ideas swiftly

• Provides a customizable user-interface

Pricing

• A free trial is available

• Basic pack- $199 per user (first year), $159 (second year), and $119 (third year onwards)

• All products pack- $649 per user (first year), $519 (second year), and $389 (third year onwards)

19. AppMachine

Deploy AppMachine and build your applications within minutes. Without coding.

Build native as well as web apps faster with AppMachine’s cross-platform app builder. With AppMachine, it is affordable and easy to build apps. It offers several integrated DIY software comprising pre-coded building blocks, skin selection options, and design features to enhance productivity.

Features

• User-friendly application builder

• Drag-and-drop features

• Convenient publishing

• Live application review

• Auto submits to App Store and Play Store

• Free sign-up

• Monthly subscriptions

Advantages

• The app-building platform is designed powerfully with a simplicity that does not scare newbies. 

• Offers free sign-ups and app monetization.

• Once you build the app, you can preview it on various platforms using the preview button on the top right of the screen.

Pricing

• Plus app plan- $49
• Pro app plan- $69
• Reseller bundle plan- $99 (3 pro apps)
• Reseller bundle xl- $300 (30 pro apps)

20. GoodBarber

GoodBarber is an amazing development tool for building community apps, news apps, and business apps. It has monetization features. It also has features for user authentication. 

GoodBarber is a PWA platform built on the firm foundation of Angular 4.0 that specifically helps organizations by improving their visibility in Search Engines through SEO. These PWAs do not require any installations and are compatible with multiple platforms. 

Features

• Powered by Google

• Add-ons store

• Full DNS management

• Multi-testing

• Instant previews

• IP protection

• SSL and custom domain

Advantages

• Create PWAs, native, and web apps

• The benefit of a thirty-day free trial, no card needed

• Build an application in twenty-eight different languages

• Benefit from some of the best app-building features in the market

Pricing

• Standard plan- 25 €/month
• Full plan- 48 €/month
• Premium plan- 96 €/month

Conclusion

Building an application that draws potential customers towards your business is indeed a tough task, especially in the current scenario of cut-throat competition.

In this facet, a decision to build your own app with the ideal app development platform will surely aid you in achieving your organizational goals. However, remember to choose a platform according to the vital parameters to get the best return on your investment.

FAQ