Top 10 App Development Platforms

The significance of having an application is increasing for both businesses and non-profit organizations. However, most of these companies hesitate to proceed with a complex coding project in this regard. That’s why the demand for app development platforms is growing day by day.

It is seamless to build applications by using cloud-oriented code-free or low-code platforms. Data synchronization, drag and drop editors, APIs, IDE, and templates are also features associated with these app development platforms.

Withal, read this article thoroughly to explore these best app development platforms in detail.

Top 10 App Development Platforms

A worldwide survey of Statista anticipates that mobile app revenues will reach 935.2 billion USD by 2023. This revenue figure was only 97.7 billion USD in 2014.

Therefore, if these statistics inspire you to build an application, but you don’t have expertise in scripting, then you should consider the following options.

This guide shares one of the best app development platforms with their core features, advantages, and pricing descriptions.

1. Back4App

Back4App is a backend as a service app development platform that allows businesses to create apps with great efficiency. With this low-code backend solution, developers just need to focus on the frontends of their application projects because Back4App takes the responsibility of server-side operations.

Features

Easy Integration — Whether you want to develop a web or mobile application, it is easy to integrate with Back4App. This app development platform also catechizes and gathers relational data through REST & GraphQL APIs and various SDKs, including iOS, Android, JavaScript, Flutter, etc.

Live Query — This feature empowers the coders to store, inquire, delete, and synchronize application data spontaneously.

Email & Push Notifications — Advanced applications prefer to go with email and push notification options. In this regard, businesses can use Back4App’s dashboard to send push notifications and deliver emails to their users.

Fast CDN — The content delivery network of this app development platform enables businesses to upload and deliver their files anytime, anywhere in the world. This property also ensures fast and secure file hosting and delivery.

Advantages

Here are the advantages of Back4App.

Auto-Scaling

Most businesses face scaling issues when they develop an application on low-code platforms. However, Back4App offers auto-scaling that permits businesses to extend their operations with great ease. Surely, you shouldn’t worry about the forthcoming growth needs of your application.

Accelerated Backend Development

The quick backend development of Back4App doesn’t only facilitate building and launching applications in less time. But in actuality, this feature also gives many indirect advantages to clients. Indeed, it shortens the time to market and raises productivity.

Open Source

Most businesses prefer open-source app development platforms because it is easy to build applications with available resources. Similarly, open-source is also advantageous because available resources help identify any bug or error in the app.

Reasonable Platform

Another benefit of using Back4App is its affordable plans. It provides both monthly and annual solutions under its shared and dedicated categories. In addition, you can also pick a pay-as-you-go plan when you use this low-code platform.

Pricing

This app development platform offers a free plan if you are thinking of going with 10k monthly requests and need one app subscription with a 1 GB data transfer.

Luckily, to experience its free plan, businesses don’t have to comply with the credit card condition. On the other hand, if we talk about the ‘Shared’ monthly plans, then you will find the following 4 options.

• Basic ($25/month)
• Standard ($50/month)
• Pay As You Go ($100/month)

Moreover, the monthly charges of the ‘Dedicated’ category begin at $250/month and offer unlimited limitless requests, 1 TB data transfer and a 40 GB database. By the way, developers can also consider their annual plans to get exciting discount deals.

2. Firebase

Firebase is another app development platform that allows businesses to build both web and mobile applications.

As it is a Google acquired platform, that’s why developers trust it a lot to build backends of their applications. Around 21,972 developers claimed on StackShare that they use Firebase.

Furthermore, Instacart, Alibaba Travels and Twitch are popular tech giants that use Firebase.

Features

Databases — Firebase grants two types of databases to its users. The first one is the Real-time database. This is a NoSQL database that enables users to sync, gather and inquire data within no time. The second database is Cloud Firestore that is basically a more advanced product of this app development platform. Cloud Firestore enables the developers to create serverless applications with great data safety properties.

Remote Config — This characteristic of Firebase permits coders to personalize, test and update applications with complete control.

Secure Hosting — It doesn’t matter from where a developer is building or launching an application. With Firebase, he can host them securely. In this regard, Firebase provides SSD back hosting and free SSL certificates.

Cloud Storage — With Google’s backing, it is robust to gather and deliver content using Cloud Storage. It is also beneficial in case a user loses internet connectivity. After regaining connectivity, it resumes the upload or download from the same point where the user left it.

Advantages

Here are the advantages of Firebase.

Free Platform for Newbies

Although Firebase becomes a paid platform when you exceed certain limits. However, it is still one of the best free app development platforms for newbies and people with fewer coding abilities.

Multi-Platform Authentication

Login or signup authentications are considered vital for modern applications, mainly for security purposes. So, if you want to build an application with powerful multi-platform authentication properties, you must consider Firebase. Probably, it is one of the basic benefits of using this app development platform, among various other options.

Machine Learning and Testing Capabilities

Another advantage of utilizing Firebase is its ML and testing capabilities. Surely, you can benefit while labelling images, detecting faces, barcode scanning and recognizing images using Firebase ML Kit. In the same token, the app testing characteristics of Firebase also improves the quality of applications.

Pricing

Firebase confers two types of plans. The first one is the ‘Spark Plan’ that is free with particular limits.

The second plan is the ‘Blaze Plan’ which comes with a pay as go policy. You can calculate these charges by using ‘Blaze Calculator’ at the official site of Firebase.

3. Appy Pie

Appy Pie is one of the best no-code app development platforms that is headquartered in Virginia, United States.

This platform is being used to build chatbots, mobile applications, live chats and task automation. Because of its worth-using features and services, around 7 million businesses are utilizing this platform.

Features

Intuitive App Builder — The interface of Appy Pie is easy to use. You can easily test, launch and update your application with Appy Pie.

Block Architecture — Appy Pie is definitely a suitable option for non-coders. Businesses can use its block architecture properties to develop custom apps without scripting. However, it is important to pick the right block in this regard.

Offline Synchronization — Appy Pie builds fast and light applications and grants offline capabilities to deliver content with efficiency.

Workflow Automation — It is seamless to automate the business applications by using all-in-one integration tools. Without any issue, businesses can assemble their apps for workflow automation. More than 300 apps are available at Appy Pie to connect with clients’ apps.

Advantages

Here are the advantages of Appy Pie.

Cost-Effective Platform

Either you are a startup or a business and looking for a cost-effect app development platform, then you must acknowledge Appy Pie. First of all, you wouldn’t have to pay thousands of dollars to developers annually. Secondly, you can easily personalize your app by using drag and drop features and achieve sales goals.

Gold Standard Security

Gold standard security is another appealing advantage of using Appy Pie. Especially if you use Appy Pie Plus, then you can get safety against cyber-attacks, leaks and losses.

Reduces the Development Time

This platform also decreases the development time because enterprises don’t have to spend time on coding. This less development time leads to a dominant reduction in GTM (Go to Market) duration.

Hands-On Publishing

Among various advantages of Appy Pie, businesses shouldn’t ignore its hands-on publishing benefit. Yes, enterprises can’t only build no-code apps here but can also instantly publish apps on platforms like Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

Pricing

The ‘Basic’ plan of Appy Pie charges $16/month and provides an ad-free experience. The pricing of its ‘Gold’ and ‘Platinum’ plans are $36/month and $60/month, respectively. Moreover, non-commercial users can also get a 7 days free trial with Appy Pie.

4. Backendless

Backendless is one of the most credible serverless and codeless backend app development platforms.

This visual app development platform is equally suitable for large-scale enterprises and SMEs. Its API services, push notifications and UI builder made the development, administration and deployment of applications very easy.

Features

RealTime Data Updates — This feature allows users to update data in real-time on the client and server-side. Moreover, these updates also occur instantly on various app associated platforms.

User Management — User management property enables the app users to register or login on to any application with great ease.

Pub/Sub Massaging — The subscription and publishing application programming interfaces permit the users to subscribe or publish any content. It can be delivered from users to users or users to groups.

Caching — With caching characteristic of Backendless, developers can gather data in-memory cache to improve application speed.

Customization — To provide more advanced customization features, it offers three types of Cloud Code. API Event Handlers, Cloud Code Timers and API Services are these Cloud Code structures.

Advantages

Here are the advantages of Backendless.

Free Solution for Startups

Although Backendless offers 2 paid plans but its plan with the name of ‘Springboard’ is entirely free for startups and small businesses. Therefore, most SMEs or startups prefer Backendless because of its free solutions.

Secure Visual & Codeless Solution

Convenient files using permissions and multi-tiered systems provide invulnerable data security to Backendless users. Another benefit of this platform is its codeless properties where you can visually develop your applications.

Pricing

Backendless offers three kinds of pricing packages. The first one is ‘Springboard’, where businesses can access limited databases, security and general features without paying anything. The second plan is ‘Cloud 9’, and it starts from $25/month. The third plan starts from $99/month, and it is known as ‘Cloud 99’.

5. Heroku

Heroku is a cloud app development platform that was originally founded in 2007.

It is known for its platform as a service (PaaS) and container as a service (CaaS) properties. Around 13 million applications have been developed by using this platform.

Features

Heroku Runtime — In a tiny container, this feature deals with everything that needs to run your application. This entirely managed runtime environment includes properties like load balancing, configuration, logging and orchestration etc.

Heroku Redis — Heroku Redis is one of the best data stores that comes with an instantaneous log stream and CLI plugin.

Heroku Postgres (SQL) — This product of Heroku facilitates the developers with database forking, uncomplicated scaling, convenient setup and much more.

App Metric — App metric characteristics of Heroku allow businesses to know how users respond to their applications. In this regard, they monitor every single statistic, including app traffic, CPU loads and flaws.

Advantages

Here are the advantages of Heroku.

User-Friendly Integration

The best part of Heroku is its easy-to-use dashboard that a basic developer can use. It is also a beneficial option if you are looking for a simple platform to develop a cloud application. You can also call it a primary solution for startups or newbie coders.

Secure & Free to Use

Heroku doesn’t only give great importance to the app’s security but also assures its users about customer’s data security. On the other hand, another advantage of using Heroku is its free tier. Yes, its ‘Free & Hobby’ plan is entirely free for MPVs, non-commercial apps and personal projects.

Pricing

It offers 4 types of pricing models. ‘Free & Hobby’ is the first model that is free to use for non-commercial purposes.

‘Production’ and ‘Advanced’ are the next two plans that start from $25/month and $250/month respectively. You can go with the ‘Enterprise’ package for custom pricing, where you will have to contact the sales team.

By the way, you can also get help from its ‘Guided Estimator’ and ‘Unguided Estimator’ at the pricing page of Heroku.

6. Zoho Creator

Businesses or individuals who want to build applications without any previous scripting experience should try Zoho Creators. With this app development platform, you can create a custom application without hosting and maintenance worries.

Enlyft data presents that companies with revenues of 1 million to 1,000 million are using Zoho Creator. Among these companies, 24% are big enterprises, 43% are small, and 32% are medium-sized companies.

Features

Drag and Drop Elements — It is not only easy to build an application with Zoho Creators, but you can also speed up your development procedure by using drag and drop elements.

Web & Mobile Dashboards — You can monitor the performance of your application by using both web and mobile devices. Yes, Zoho Creator provides both mobile-ready and web dashboards.

Multi-Device — Businesses can also launch their applications in various languages and devices when they create an app with Zoho Creator.

Advantages

Here are the advantages of Zoho Creator.

Save Money & Time

Zoho Creator is the right platform for building a business application without investing lots of money and time. With normal internet using skills, any of your team members can design an app on Zoho Creator. You don’t need to hire custom app developers in this regard. In addition, it also builds, deploys and launches apps 10x faster than the conventional app development platforms.

Pricing

Zoho Creator offers two pricing plans. One is ‘Professional’ where users would have to pay $25/month, and the second is ‘Ultimate’ that charges $400/month. Withal, it is important to know that Zoho Creator charges annually. You can also pick a 15-days free trial opportunity without using a credit card if you want to test their services.

7. Apple CloudKit

This is another great BaaS app development platform that could be a good choice to create web, tvOS macOS and watchOS applications. Apple launched it in 2014 to update and gather all information in iCloud.

Features

User-Friendly Dashboard — To inspect each element of your application, CloudKit grants you an easy-to-use dashboard.

Databases — This app development platform provides shared, private and public databases. Businesses can use these databases according to their app’s demands.

Automated Sync — You can benefit from the automated sync feature of Apple CloudKit for all types of applications.

Advantages

Here are the advantages of CloudKit.

Accelerate the Development Process

If you are willing to design an application with good speed and don’t want to bear the server-side and infrastructure worries, then Apple CloudKit should be your first choice. Especially if you are going to build iOS applications.

Uncomplicated Solution

To start a project with CloudKit, you don’t have to perform complex tasks like making setups and installing libraries. You just need to sign up there and can begin your app development tasks.

Pricing

CloudKit grants 2 pricing options. With 10 requests, 100 MB database and 10 GB storage, it is free to use CloudKit. However, you can also select pay as you go plan where you just need to pay for the resources you are practicing.

8. DigitalOcean App Platform

DigitalOcean App Platform is the right solution if you are looking for a fully managed option. This platform is commonly used to deploy, create, administer and launch web apps, APIs and static websites.

Features

Smooth & Rapid Development — The visually rich properties of this app development platform give a simple and quick app building experience.

SSL Certificates — DigitalOcean also provides SSL certificates to both web applications and static sites that can safeguard the projects from DDoS attacks.

Advantages

Here are the advantages of DO App Platform.

Fully Managed Solution

It is an entirely managed platform where businesses need to emphasize their core competencies. DigitalOcean App Platform takes care of all other things, including operating systems, runtimes, databases and infrastructure.

Highly Scalable & Cost Efficient

DigitalOcean App Platform is definitely a highly scalable solution where you can easily extend the resources when your app grows. Furthermore, it is also a cost-efficient solution, mainly if you extend projects horizontally or vertically.

Pricing

DigitalOcean App Platform offers 3 plans. The ‘Starter’ package is entirely free, the ‘Basic’ plan begins with $5 monthly charges, and the ‘Professional’ model opens with a monthly fee of $12.

9. BuildFire

BuildFire is a worth-using app development platform that doesn’t demand any code. This solution is considered best to create eCommerce, fully custom, fitness, educational, employee communication and event apps.

Features

RealTime App Development — BuildFire comes with a ‘click & edit’ feature that allows users to build and update applications in real-time.

Plugins — This platform offers 150 plugins that enable businesses to develop apps with great ease.

Advantages

Here are the advantages of BuildFire.

Advanced Development

With BuildFire, you will find numerous advanced DIY app development functionalities that are hard to find on other platforms. Its smart navigation and social media sharing characteristics are also beneficial for modern applications.

Pricing

This no-coding app development platform is comparatively expensive compared to the competitors. Its monthly charges start from $159.

10. AppGyver

It is a pioneer no-code app development platform that was launched in 2010. AppGyver joined the app industry with an aim to make codeless solutions popular among businesses and individuals.

Features

Quick API Integration — Although this platform grants several pre-designed API integration solutions, you can integrate any advanced API.

500+ Components — You will find more than 500 building blocks when you build an app with AppGyver.

Advantages

Here are the advantages of AppGyver.

Publish Apps on Numerous Devices

This platform is very supportive when it comes to launching an app. It takes only a few steps to publish an app on mobile, TV, desktop and other operating systems.

Pricing

Businesses and coders with less than $10 million in revenue can utilize this platform for free of cost. Signup is also free at this app development platform.

Conclusion

This article provides a detailed overview, features and benefits of the best app development platforms. Hopefully, this guide will aid you in making the right decision about selecting app development platforms for your app project.

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