The 7 best app development companies (you haven’t thought about)

Choosing the perfect platform to build your dream app can be a daunting task.

First, you need to consider whether you want to build your app through an app development company or an app builder. They each have their own benefits. Choosing one will affect how you build your app, how much it costs‌ and how long it'll take to launch.

Once you've worked out which platform works best for your business requirements, the next question arises — which is the best platform on the market right now?

Well, no more wondering!

In this article, we'll help you decide between app development companies and app builders. We've also listed the 7 best platforms to turn your app ideas into reality.

First, let's understand what app development companies are. 👇

What are app development companies?

App development companies are firms that design, build‌ and maintain apps for various platforms such as web and mobile. They manage the entire lifecycle of an app, from conceptualising and designing a user-friendly interface to coding, testing‌ and launching the product. They ensure that your application meets all functional requirements.

Although mobile app development companies manage the whole app development process, they aren’t without their drawbacks.

Cons of working with app development companies

Let’s look at some of the cons working with app development companies and why you might want to consider app builders instead. 👇

1 - Cost

Traditional app development can be expensive, especially for custom features and ongoing maintenance. Whereas app builders typically offer a more cost-effective solution with predictable pricing models.

2 - Time to market

Mobile app development companies often need significant time to create an app from scratch, which can delay your go-to-market strategy.

App builders, on the other hand, allow for quicker deployment since they use pre-built components that can be easily customised.

3 - Flexibility and control

Working with app development companies often means you're not directly involved in the build process, which can lead to misunderstandings about your vision.

App builders provide more direct control over the development process, enabling you to make instant adjustments.

4 - Technical dependency

With traditional app development, you're reliant on the technical expertise of the development team for updates and troubleshooting.

App builders empower you to make updates and manage your app with minimal technical knowledge.

5 - Scalability issues

Sometimes, scaling an app developed by a traditional app development company can be complex and costly if the architecture wasn't designed for growth.

App builder platforms are generally built to be scalable, allowing you to expand more seamlessly as your user base grows.

Ultimately, app builders accelerate the app development process and make it more flexible, allowing you to launch robust apps that go to market faster.

7 best (alternative) app development companies

Now that we know the problems with working with mobile app development companies and why app builders are a good choice, let's look at some of the best options.

The table above lists all the best options available on the market right now. Let's learn more about each option in detail. It is to be noted that all the information stated is correct as of writing this article in June 2024.

1 -Builder.ai: best all-in-one app development company

Builder.ai is an AI-powered app development company that takes care of the entire app development process from idea, to prototype, to build. We also help our customers launch and maintain their apps, giving them the best chance of achieving long-term success.

It's quick to build cost-effective apps with Builder.ai and you don't need to code.

Builder.ai bridges the gap between app development agencies and no-code app builders as we offer a fully managed service, meaning there's zero learning curve and no drag-and-drop dread. You can also build sophisticated, custom functionality with Builder.ai, in comparison to the rigid templates used by some no-code app builders.

So how does this happen?

All you need to do is simply share your idea, and you can get tailor-made apps with 650+ features to choose from as well as infinite customisation options.

When you work with Builder.ai, your app development cost is finalised in a Buildcard, which lists every feature that makes up your app. Because this process is handled up front, you receive a guaranteed pricing plan for your app project, meaning there are no nasty surprises down the line.

What’s more, you keep your code once your two-year payment plan is complete, making it easy to add new core features to meet emerging customer needs and scale your app.

Finally, the platform offers a free app maintenance service for the first year of your project, making sure your app and website stay up-to-date, bug-free and secure.

Pros

• 3.6 Trustpilot rating
• Can build web, mobile and desktop apps
• No vendor lock-in
• Keep your code
• Guaranteed costs
• Limitless customisation
• One year free of Studio One
• 650+ features
• Lego-like building blocks and human-assisted AI help to speed up the development process

Cons

• No free option
• Not for technical entrepreneurs
• Premium pricing

Our verdict

Because Builder.ai offers mobile and web apps, you can cater to all kinds of users.

Where the platform really comes into its own, though, is in the freedom it affords its customers. As there's no vendor lock-in, plus you Keep your code, you’re not tied to the platform.

This gives you the flexibility to change providers if needed, which could save you lots of time, effort and money in the long run, even if initial costs seem higher.

And while there's also no free option to test drive the platform, Builder Studio is a great option for non-technical entrepreneurs hoping to establish and scale their businesses.

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2 - AppMachine: best app development company for beginners

AppMachine is a cloud-based mobile app builder. On the platform, you can design and publish native iOS and Android apps using the drag-and-drop user interface.

AppMachine is a beginner-friendly platform and you don’t need training to use it. AppMachine’s smooth navigation and intuitive interface make it easy to use, even if you don’t have extensive technical skills to create apps.

What's more, you can simply connect your data from Excel or Google Sheets with the platform and it can turn your data into app screens.

Although the platform is beginner-friendly, it's better suited for straightforward and simple mobile app projects. AppMachine is less suited for desktop or web apps, and on the platform, you might face limitations in terms of customisation and functionality.

For instance, if you want a unique feature with specific functionality, AppMachine’s pre-built modules may not be able to meet your requirements. Meanwhile, its range of integrations could be too narrow for those looking for scalability.

AppMachine offers two mobile app plans coming in at $63/month (Professional) and $159/month (Agency). The former doesn’t include dedicated support and you’ll need to pay an additional $10/month to remove AppMachine’s branding from your app.

Pros

• 3.1 Trustpilot rating
• User-friendly interface
• Ease of previewing and testing the app
• Transform data into an app
• Wide range of templates

Cons

• Only 35+ pre-coded, snap-together building blocks
• Limited design customisation
• Unique specifications need help from customer support

Our verdict

If you're looking for a mobile-friendly app development company with a wide range of modules, then AppMachine could be a good choice.

However, if you want your app to work on different platforms, have unique core features and customization options and scale with your business, then AppMachine may not be the best fit for you.

3 - BuildFire: best app development company for social media integration

BuildFire is a popular app development company that empowers users to create mobile applications for Android and iOS platforms. The platform offers a wide variety of pre-built template options that help you build functional as well as aesthetically pleasing apps.

BuildFire has a click-and-edit app maker that's easy and intuitive to use. You can easily customise features and see changes on the screen in real-time.

The platform offers seamless social media integration through plugins. For example, the BuildFire marketplace allows you to connect your app with third-party platforms, like YouTube or Vimeo, and share your existing content.

BuildFire’s pricing is on the premium end of the spectrum, starting at $100/month and going up to $499/month. The $100/month plan is fairly basic and doesn’t offer advanced features like in-app purchases, app access codes and app analytics. More robust functionality is available, starting from $349/month.

Pros

• Click-and-edit app maker
• Wide variety of templates
• Easy integration of social media handles

Cons

• 2.4 Trustpilot rating
• Premium pricing plans
• Vendor lock-in

Our verdict

If you're willing to pay more for an app with little customization options, then BuildFire might be a good choice for you.

However, if you want to avoid vendor lock-in and own your app’s code, it's better to look somewhere else.

4 - Bubble.io: best app development company for complex functionalities

Bubble.io is a flexible no-code app builder that allows you to make responsive, functional apps.

The platform uses its own visual programming language that can be used for creating full-fledged multi-user apps. As a result, you can drag-and-drop templates, place elements according to your preference and quickly create working prototypes.

As for plugins and integrations, Bubble.io excels, offering an extensive range that helps you create business apps with complex functionality.

This said, Bubble.io has a steep learning curve, especially if you want to add advanced features. You might find the platform overwhelming, which could leave you scrambling for training material and tutorials.

Bubble.io offers three pricing plans that depend on monthly workload units (WU). Monthly workload units are a metric that Bubble.io calculates to quantify how much work the platform does for your app (‌database operations, web interactions and workflows).

There's a $29/month starter plan with 175K WU, a $119/month growth plan with 250K WU and a $349/month team plan with 500K WU. If you overrun your monthly WU, then you have to pay $0.30 per 1K WU.

Pros

• Extensive plugin ecosystem
• Responsive design
• Rapid prototyping
• Cheaper starting plan

Cons

• 1.9 Trustpilot rating
• Steep learning curve
• Vendor lock-in
• Complex pricing plan

Our verdict

If you're looking to roll out your first idea and don’t want to spend too much, Bubble.io might be the right platform for you.

But if you need a more scalable app, then Bubble.io can be very expensive, meaning other options may better suit your needs.

Bubble.io has vendor lock-in, which makes it challenging to migrate your app to another vendor if it no longer meets your needs. And while you don't need coding skills to use the platform, you'll need to spend some time upskilling before creating your app.

5 - Adalo: best affordable app development company

Adalo is a drag-and-drop, no-code app builder with a longer learning curve.

You can create nicely designed apps relatively quickly if you know what you're doing and are familiar with the platform. This is because Adalo requires a database for external sources and API knowledge on your part so you can import data from external sources.

When it comes to functionality, Adalo is a powerful platform and offers hundreds of pre-built templates as well as many external integrations.

Adalo offers some of the most affordable packages in the app development industry, with a free package for anyone who wants to get started on the platform and a $200/month plan for enterprises. What's more, is that the platform keeps the app ownership with you and doesn't claim anything.

Pros

• Affordable packages
• Wide variety of pre-built templates
• Drag-and-drop functionality
• External integrations

Cons

• 3.2 Trustpilot rating
• Steeper learning curve
• Limited core features in cheaper subscriptions

Our verdict

Adalo is an affordable app builder platform. You’re likely to get more value from the platform if you have some technical knowledge and are willing to spend time learning the platform. Non-technical people, however, will find the platform more challenging to use.

6 - Google AppSheet: best app development company for internal enterprise use cases

Google AppSheet is a little different from the other platforms on this list. That’s because it won’t turn your business idea into an app and is more focused on enterprise use cases.

Instead, it transforms data into fully functional mobile apps like project trackers, shift management solutions, task managers and more.

Once you upload your data, AppSheet leverages Artificial Intelligence to build your app using the rows and columns of your data files. It also adds screens to view your data and create forms for data entry.

So if you have existing data sources like Google Sheets, Salesforce and Excel, you can easily make a mobile app without having to code.

However, this platform isn’t suitable for creating SaaS or ecommerce apps. By contrast to Builder.ai, Google AppSheet has a very high dependency on data sources and requires high technical expertise to build even simple apps.

Pros

• Suitable for enterprise use cases
• Transforms raw data into a ready-to-use app
• Leverages Artificial Intelligence

Cons

• Technical expertise needed
• Can’t make complex applications like ecommerce or SaaS apps
• Highly dependent on data sources
• Vendor lock-in

Our verdict

If you want to build a basic app that can help you and your team automate data, then Google AppSheet is a great platform. However, if you have an app idea for your business and want to share it with the world, look elsewhere.

7 - Zoho Creator: best app development company for automation

Zoho Creator is a low-code platform that allows you to build mobile apps. The platform offers a template library and a drag-and-drop user interface so that you can design, develop and run business software.

One place where Zoho Creator excels is that it allows enterprises to create single-use tools with automation features. This helps them digitise their business processes and better manage data, projects and content.

That said, Zoho has a steep learning curve. You have to learn Deluge, Zoho’s scripting language and learn the intricacies of the platform, especially if you want to add advanced features. For that, you’ll either have to invest time to train yourself for the platform or get help from third-party experts.

Another drawback of Zoho is its difficulty in creating complex applications. This is because customising an app is clunky and requires you to have strong UX /UI design and product management skills.

Zoho’s pricing can also be rigid. For example, if a couple of features you need aren’t included in your pricing plan, you’ll need to switch to a more expensive plan.

Lastly, Zoho Creator operates on a vendor lock-in model. This means if you fail to pay the subscription fee, you won’t be able to use your app, while migration will also be complex.

Pros

• 4.3 Trustpilot rating
• Drag-and-drop interface
• Wide range of third-party integrations
• Ready-made templates
• Provides security, data and users controls

Cons

• Steep learning curve
• Setup and manage integrations yourself
• Complicated to build complex apps
• Vendor lock-in
• Rigid pricing

Our verdict

Zoho Creator is a low-code platform. If you have the technical knowledge and want to DIY your project, Zoho Creator can be a great app development company for you.

However, if you’re a non-technical person, you might find using the platform a bit challenging and should look for platforms with no technical skills required.

Conclusion

While app development companies offer extensive services, they often involve higher costs, longer development times‌ and less flexibility.

On the other hand, app builders provide a more affordable, faster‌ and user-friendly alternative, making them an attractive option for those looking to quickly launch and easily manage their apps.

So, if you’re looking for enterprise-grade applications that your team can use internally, then look no further than Google AppSheet. It’s a straightforward platform that doesn’t cost much.

If you’re a small business owner on a shoestring budget, can spend time training and scalability isn't one of your prime requirements, then AppMachine and Adalo should be your choices.

If you're looking to DIY your app project and are looking for a platform that also supports workflow automation, then look for Zoho Creator.

However, if you're looking for an all-in-one app builder that bridges the gap between app development companies and no-code app builders while making your app-building super easy, offering limitless customisation and advanced features, complete transparency in development and pricing and hassle-free maintenance, then check out Builder.ai.

With Builder.ai, you can build your dream app for any use case without having to write even a single line of code. We specialise in creating scalable apps for entrepreneurs, small businesses and enterprises from the ecommerce, IT, finance, healthcare and hospitality industries.

With us, you're the owners of the code of your app, we just build it for you.

If that sounds good to you, book a demo below 👇

Want to start your app project with us?

Book a demo

Speak with one of our product experts today.

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Disclaimer: The content of this article is provided for informational and promotional purposes only and is derived from publicly available data and industry sources. The views and opinions expressed herein represent those of the author alone and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Builder.ai. This content is intended to offer insights and is not a definitive statement on the part of Builder.ai. Readers are advised to consider the promotional nature of the article and to exercise their own judgment in interpreting the author’s perspectives. Builder.ai accepts no liability for any actions taken based on the information provided or for any consequential, special, or similar damages, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.