[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_post_title title=”off” author=”off” date_format=”M j Y” categories=”off” comments=”off” featured_image=”off” admin_label=”Post Date” module_class=”post-date” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” meta_font=”Nexa Bold||||||||” meta_text_align=”center” meta_text_color=”#000000″ meta_font_size=”48px” meta_line_height=”1.2em” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_post_title][et_pb_text module_class=”timer_d” _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Helvetica||||||||” text_text_color=”#2ea0d2″ text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
<\/span> 12<\/span> min read<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_post_title meta=”off” featured_image=”off” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”Nexa-Bold|800|||||||” title_text_align=”left” title_text_color=”#000000″ title_font_size=”48px” title_line_height=”1.2em” meta_font=”Nexa Regular||||||||” meta_text_align=”left” meta_text_color=”#2ea0d2″ meta_font_size=”15px” meta_line_height=”1.6em” title_font_size_tablet=”42px” title_font_size_phone=”36px” title_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_post_title][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.9.7″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” max_width=”1280px” module_alignment=”center” global_module=”5436″ saved_tabs=”all” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_post_title title=”off” meta=”off” admin_label=”Feature Image” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”Nexa Bold|700|||||||” title_text_align=”left” title_text_color=”#000000″ title_font_size=”48px” title_line_height=”1.2em” meta_font=”Nexa Regular||||||||” meta_text_align=”left” meta_text_color=”#2ea0d2″ meta_font_size=”15px” meta_line_height=”1.6em” title_font_size_tablet=”42px” title_font_size_phone=”36px” title_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_post_title][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” max_width=”1280px” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Helvetica||||||||” text_text_color=”#26282d” text_font_size=”18px” text_letter_spacing=”0.03em” text_line_height=”1.8em” header_2_font=”Helvetica Bold||||||||” header_2_text_color=”#26282d” header_2_font_size=”50px” header_2_line_height=”54px” header_3_font=”Nexa Bold||||||||” header_3_text_color=”#26282d” header_3_font_size=”24px” header_4_font=”Nexa Bold||||||||” header_4_text_color=”#26282d” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n While anyone can have a great idea for a mobile app<\/a>, most of those ideas won\u2019t ever see the light of day.<\/p>\n After all, building an app can feel like a daunting task, which is what prevents most people from taking the next step.<\/p>\n There are a lot of moving pieces involved, like designing and coding the app, which can take a considerable amount of time<\/a>.<\/p>\n Fortunately, there are a wide variety of mobile app platforms and builders that minimize or remove many of the obstacles involved in creating an app.<\/p>\n In this article, we\u2019ll review the best mobile app development platforms and how to decide if you should use one.<\/p>\n An app development platform, also called an app builder<\/a>, is software that allows anyone to quickly build, test, and even deploy mobile apps.<\/p>\n All of the development tools are in one place and are geared towards building Android or iOS applications<\/a>.\u00a0.<\/p>\n Some of these app development platforms specialize in native app development while others focus on cross-platform application development<\/a>. PRO TIP:<\/strong> There are a ton of app builders out there offering such a wide range of features, so how do you pick the best one?<\/p>\n Photo Credit: mobilefirstplatform.ibmcloud.com<\/a><\/p>\n While picking the best app software largely depends on what your specific goals and needs are, let\u2019s take a look at a few of the most popular and reputable platforms in the market today.<\/p>\n Bizness Apps<\/a> is geared towards small business owners in various industries who are looking to create a native iOS or Android application without knowing how to code.<\/p>\n It comes with out-of-the-box templates, an easy drag and drop design, and it offers team services if you need more hands-on help building your app.<\/p>\n Here are more highlights:<\/p>\n Zoho Creator<\/a> is a top choice for low-cost and low-code app builders, with a starting price of only $10.<\/p>\n This is an ideal solution for entrepreneurs with little coding or technical skills. They also offer customer support via phone, email, or live chat.<\/p>\n It\u2019s easy to use and comes with a drag-and-drop interface so you can click and move components and features around with ease.<\/p>\n Here are some more highlights:<\/p>\n Essential Studio<\/a> by Syncfusion offers a suite of 1,600 UI components and frameworks that can be used in Visual Studio Code for developing desktop, web, and mobile applications.<\/p>\n This is a platform geared towards developers who can use the libraries provided by Essential Studio in .NET environments to build high-quality applications.<\/p>\n Here are some more highlights:<\/p>\n OutSystems<\/a> is a modern and complete full-stack app development platform that uses AI-assisted tools and automation so developers can create a full range of mobile applications.<\/p>\n You can build workflows, data models, logic, and perfect user interface interactions. Additionally, OutSystems offers a free edition designed for one developer to create and manage small applications with users and comes with a 2GB database.<\/p>\n Here are some more highlights:<\/p>\n Claris FileMaker<\/a> is a low-code mobile app building solution that\u2019s both powerful and flexible.<\/p>\n You can build a mobile app with their built-in templates, intuitive graphical UI, and drag-and-drop design while harnessing the power of the cloud to immediately deploy an application that can work on any platform.<\/p>\n Claris FileMaker helps businesses streamline workflows and use automated processes to accelerate their business.<\/p>\n Here are some more highlights:<\/p>\n So how do you decide if you should use a mobile app development<\/a> platform?<\/p>\n Let\u2019s start by looking at the pros and cons so you can have a better idea of what you\u2019re getting by using an app builder as well as what you\u2019re giving up.<\/p>\n There\u2019s such a wide range of app builders<\/a> in the market that are tailored for a variety of needs, including skill level.<\/p>\n For non-technical users, app building platforms like Buildfire, AppyPie, and AppMakr allow users to create mobile apps without writing any code. These platforms usually have drag-and-drop interfaces and pre-built templates that users can customize to fit their needs.<\/p>\n They also typically have built-in features such as push notifications, analytics, and user management that users can easily add to their apps.<\/p>\n For developers, platforms like Appcelerator, PhoneGap, Xamarin, React Native, Ionic, and Flutter, offer more advanced features and capabilities. They require a certain level of technical expertise and programming skills, but provide more control and flexibility over the final product.<\/p>\n Again, app builders will vary in what they offer, and so you can also expect the cost to vary as well.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re on a tight budget, it\u2019ll be easy to find app development platforms that are affordable and cost-effective. Normally, building an app from scratch or without the help of an app builder can cost thousands of dollars.<\/p>\n The fact that there is such a variety of these app builders is itself a great perk because it means that there are software and tools that cater to people with a variety of needs.<\/p>\n With a little research, you can find an app builder that will help you with your specific goals.<\/p>\n No matter what app-building platform you choose to use, chances are,it\u2019s going to produce a fairly generic app<\/a>.<\/p>\n These app builders typically come with pre-made app templates (some offer the ability to modify the code and add customization), which means there\u2019s going to be many apps out there that look and feel exactly like yours.<\/p>\n You can expect the design, like fonts, coloring, and graphics, to also be average and generic.<\/p>\n When using app building software, you\u2019re limited to the features that the platform offers, so you can only do so much.<\/p>\n If you want to have unique features or expand your set of features to go beyond what the app builder offers, you\u2019ll have to start over again.<\/p>\n <\/p> Mobile apps often offer all kinds of integrations, like calendar integrations<\/a>, APIs, and other third-party services.<\/p>\n With app builders, you\u2019ll be limited to what they offer and nothing else.<\/p>\n Most app building platforms are proprietary, and so if you use it and then decide to go to another platform or elsewhere, you won\u2019t be able to transfer the content.<\/p>\n Whether or not you should use mobile app development platforms really depends on what your goals are.<\/p>\n App builders are a great solution for many since they\u2019re easy and fast to use, require little-to-no coding skills, and are low-cost.<\/p>\n <\/p> But as you can see from the previous section, these benefits come with a cost.<\/p>\n So who are these platforms most suited for?<\/p>\n You should use app development platforms and app builders if:<\/p>\n <\/p> There are certain situations where it might be a bad idea to use an app builder rather than coding an app from scratch:<\/p>\n PRO TIP:<\/strong> If you\u2019re still unsure whether or not you should use an app development platform, you may be wondering if there are any alternatives.<\/p>\n You can purchase an app template, which comes with pre-packaged code, and either customize it yourself or hire someone to customize it for you.<\/p>\n <\/p> Another option is to team up with a developer who can handle the technical aspects of your app project, like coding the app, while you focus on other aspects, like design and marketing<\/a>.<\/p>\n You can find freelancers from all over the world<\/a>who can build your app within your budget.<\/p>\n And if you have some extra investor cash<\/a>, you can hire an agency who can create a custom mobile app that will set your app apart from what the app builders produce.<\/p>\n If you have time on your hands, learning some basic coding skills<\/a> is invaluable, especially if you have great app ideas <\/a>frequently.<\/p>\n Best of all, just some basic coding skills will open the doors for what\u2019s possible when building an app than if you had no coding experience at all.<\/p>\n With a little coding knowledge<\/a>, you can still use app development tools to help build your app without having to build it completely from scratch.<\/p>\n Learning how to code will help give you this kind of technical know-how.<\/p>\n <\/p> Just like any other piece of software, mobile app development platforms have their upsides and they have their downsides.<\/p>\n Ultimately, it\u2019s up to you to decide which route to take and what you\u2019re willing to compromise for the benefits that come with app development software.<\/p>\n Still feeling unsure? We\u2019re here to help.<\/p>\n Our Simple Starter<\/a> package is designed for those who are just starting out and includes exactly what you need for the development of your mobile app.<\/p>\n Our simple approach includes a technical writeup that turns your app idea into into a blueprint, wireframing to bring your technical writeup to life, and target user analysis\u2014all of which will bring clarity to your project and turn your app idea into a concrete plan.<\/p>\n Have you built an app before? What app building tools have been successful for you?<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_comments _builder_version=”4.11.4″ _module_preset=”default” form_field_background_color=”#FFFFFF” form_field_focus_background_color=”#FFFFFF” header_font=”Helvetica||||||||” header_text_align=”left” title_font=”Helvetica|700|||||||” title_text_align=”left” title_text_color=”#2ea0d2″ title_font_size=”25px” title_line_height=”1.2em” meta_font=”Helvetica||||||||” meta_text_color=”#000000″ body_font=”Helvetica||||||||” body_text_align=”left” body_font_size=”16px” body_line_height=”1.6em” form_field_font=”Helvetica||||||||” form_field_text_align=”left” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#2ea0d2″ button_bg_color=”#FFFFFF” button_border_color=”#2ea0d2″ button_font=”Helvetica||||||||” button_use_icon=”off” button_alignment=”right” text_orientation=”left” border_width_bottom=”1px” border_color_bottom=”#e5e5e5″ border_radii_fields=”on|5px|5px|5px|5px” border_width_all_fields=”1px” border_color_all_fields=”#c6c6c6″ global_module=”5439″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” button_bg_color__hover=”#2ea0d2″ button_bg_enable_color__hover=”on” button_border_color__hover_enabled=”off|hover” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” button_text_color__hover=”#FFFFFF”][\/et_pb_comments][et_pb_text disabled_on=”on|on|on” admin_label=”Up Next” _builder_version=”4.9.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Helvetica|||on|||||” text_text_color=”#9e9e9e” text_font_size=”20px” width=”100%” max_width=”50%” module_alignment=”left” custom_margin=”-50px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”off|desktop” custom_padding=”50px||||false|false” custom_css_main_element=”float: left;||margin-bottom:0px !important;” disabled=”on” global_module=”6525″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Up Next<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_post_title title=”off” date=”off” categories=”off” comments=”off” featured_image=”off” disabled_on=”on|on|on” admin_label=”Author” module_class=”author-bottom” _builder_version=”4.9.7″ _module_preset=”default” meta_font=”Journal||||||||” meta_text_align=”right” meta_text_color=”#0ab1db” meta_font_size=”35px” width=”100%” max_width=”50%” module_alignment=”right” custom_margin=”0px|40px|0px|0px|true|false” custom_css_post_title=”float: right;||margin: 0px !important;||margin-right: 40px !important;” disabled=”on” global_module=”5440″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_post_title][et_pb_sidebar area=”et_pb_widget_area_2″ show_border=”off” disabled_on=”on|on|on” _builder_version=”4.9.7″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|700|||||||” header_text_color=”#000000″ header_font_size=”0px” header_line_height=”1.1em” body_font=”Helvetica Bold|700|||||||” body_text_align=”left” body_text_color=”#000000″ body_font_size=”35px” body_line_height=”1.2em” custom_margin=”-20px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” disabled=”on” global_module=”5442″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_sidebar][et_pb_text admin_label=”Read Time” module_class=”timer_d” _builder_version=”4.11.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Helvetica||||||||” text_text_color=”#26282d” text_font_size=”20px” custom_margin=”0px||50px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||50px||false|false” border_width_bottom=”1px” border_color_bottom=”#e5e5e5″ global_module=”6522″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Up Next<\/p>\n\t\t![\"\"](\"https:\/\/architsingh.com\/webioticnew\/wp-content\/uploads\/Iso6-Webiotic.jpg\")
<\/p>\nTable of Contents<\/h3>\n
\n
Chapter #1: What is an App Development Platform?<\/h2>\n
Common App Development Platform Features<\/h4>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/architsingh.com\/webioticnew\/wp-content\/uploads\/Features-Webiotic-e1619543238546.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Some are cheap and easy to use while others are pricier and have steeper learning curves but are more powerful and robust.<\/p>\n
While an app development platform may sound like a great solution to building an app, just be aware of both the pros and cons to determine if it\u2019s the right fit for your particular project.<\/p>\nChapter #2: Top Mobile App Development Platforms<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/architsingh.com\/webioticnew\/wp-content\/uploads\/App-Builder-Webiotic.jpg\")
<\/p>\n2.1 Bizness Apps<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/architsingh.com\/webioticnew\/wp-content\/uploads\/BiznessApps-Webiotic.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/architsingh.com\/webioticnew\/wp-content\/uploads\/Iso1-Webiotic.jpg\")
<\/p>\n2.2 Zoho Creator<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/architsingh.com\/webioticnew\/wp-content\/uploads\/ZohoCreator-Webiotic.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\n
2.3 Essential Studio<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/architsingh.com\/webioticnew\/wp-content\/uploads\/EssentialStudio-Webiotic-2024x1227.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/architsingh.com\/webioticnew\/wp-content\/uploads\/Iso2-Webiotic.jpg\")
<\/p>\n2.4 OutSystems<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/architsingh.com\/webioticnew\/wp-content\/uploads\/Outsystems-Webiotic.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\n
2.5 Claris FileMaker<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/architsingh.com\/webioticnew\/wp-content\/uploads\/Claris-FileMaker-Webiotic.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/architsingh.com\/webioticnew\/wp-content\/uploads\/App-Stages-Webiotic.jpg\")
<\/p>\nChapter #3: Pros and Cons of App Building Platforms<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/architsingh.com\/webioticnew\/wp-content\/uploads\/Iso3-Webiotic.jpg\")
<\/p>\n3.1 Pros<\/h3>\n
All Skill Levels<\/h4>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/architsingh.com\/webioticnew\/wp-content\/uploads\/Best-App-Development-Platform-NoCode-Webiotic.jpg\")
<\/p>\nLow-Cost<\/h4>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/architsingh.com\/webioticnew\/wp-content\/uploads\/Webiotic_Blog_Article_Popular_CrossPlatform_App_Developers_Cost.png\")
<\/p>\nVariety<\/h4>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/architsingh.com\/webioticnew\/wp-content\/uploads\/Webiotic_Blog_Articles_App_Mobile_App_Strategy_Customer_Journeys-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\n3.2 Cons<\/h3>\n
App Builders Can Be Generic<\/h4>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/architsingh.com\/webioticnew\/wp-content\/uploads\/Best-App-Development-Platforms-Templates-Webiotic.jpg\")
<\/p>\nLimited to the Features Offered<\/h4>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/architsingh.com\/webioticnew\/wp-content\/uploads\/Demo-Apps-Webiotic.jpg\")
<\/p>\nLimited Integrations<\/h4>\n
Bound to the Platform<\/h4>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/architsingh.com\/webioticnew\/wp-content\/uploads\/Iso5-Webiotic.jpg\")
<\/p>\nChapter #4: Should You Use App Builders?<\/h2>\n
Benefits of Mobile Apps And Why You Should Use Them<\/h4>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/architsingh.com\/webioticnew\/wp-content\/uploads\/App-Benefits-Webiotic-e1619541435412.jpg\")
<\/p>\n4.1 Who App Builders Work Best For<\/h3>\n
\n
Ways to Build an App<\/h4>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/architsingh.com\/webioticnew\/wp-content\/uploads\/Alternatives-Webiotic-e1619541694278.jpg\")
<\/p>\n4.2 When You Shouldn\u2019t Use App Builders<\/h3>\n
\n
It’s important to consider the specific requirements of the app and the goals of the project before deciding whether to use an app builder or not.<\/p>\n4.3 App Development Platform Alternatives<\/h3>\n
Buy a template<\/h4>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/architsingh.com\/webioticnew\/wp-content\/uploads\/Costs-Webiotic.jpg\")
<\/p>\nPartner with a developer<\/h4>\n
Hire a freelancer or agency<\/h4>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/architsingh.com\/webioticnew\/wp-content\/uploads\/Best-App-Development-Platforms-Hourly-Webiotic.jpg\")
<\/p>\nBuild it yourself<\/h4>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/architsingh.com\/webioticnew\/wp-content\/uploads\/Iso4-Webiotic.jpg\")
<\/p>\nTypes of Mobile Apps<\/h4>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/architsingh.com\/webioticnew\/wp-content\/uploads\/App-Types-Webiotic-e1619541473571.jpg\")
<\/p>\nFinal Thoughts<\/h2>\n
![](\"https:\/\/architsingh.com\/webioticnew\/wp-content\/uploads\/danny.png\"\/)
Danny<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
![](\"https:\/\/architsingh.com\/webioticnew\/wp-content\/uploads\/night-out-app-header-webiotic.jpg\"\/)
<\/a><\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t![](\"https:\/\/architsingh.com\/webioticnew\/wp-content\/uploads\/danny.png\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/architsingh.com\/webioticnew\/wp-content\/uploads\/grey_calender_002-1.png\")
[\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_class=”fixed-image” _builder_version=”4.9.7″ _module_preset=”default” z_index=”4″ custom_margin=”-30px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_module=”6228″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” max_width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/architsingh.com\/webioticnew\/wp-content\/uploads\/newsletter_bg.png” title_text=”newsletter_bg” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” position_origin_a=”center_left” z_index=”3″ width=”100%” max_width=”35%” custom_css_main_element=”position: absolute;||width: 100%;||height: 100%;||top: 50%;||left: 0;||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_class=”form-section” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0)” background_enable_image=”off” background_size=”contain” background_position=”center_left” z_index=”5″ width=”100%” max_width=”100%” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” background_last_edited=”on|phone” background_enable_image_phone=”off” global_module=”6229″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row disabled_on=”on|off|off” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” max_width=”100%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” scroll_scaling=”0|50|50|100|70|100|85%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/architsingh.com\/webioticnew\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/heart.png” title_text=”heart” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Your inbox wants some love.” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Nexa Regular||||||||” text_text_color=”#010101″ text_font_size=”48px” text_orientation=”center” text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”28px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n