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Planning to build an app in 2025 but unsure about the app builder cost? If you’re a small business owner or startup founder, budgeting for an app builder can feel overwhelming. This guide simplifies it all—from upfront fees to hidden costs—so you can make smart, budget-friendly decisions without surprises. Let’s dive in and get you on the right track!
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What is an app builder?
An app builder is an online tool that helps you build and publish mobile applications without code writing. Through easy drag-and-drop features and available templates, you can create a functional app without any delay-no tech skills required! The importance of app builder is indicated through 3 points:
- Driving digital transformation: App builders help organizations in their aim to digitalize by making the creation of apps intended to streamline their operations, engage customers, and start in new technologies, such as AI and IoT, easier.
- Empowering non-tech users: Make it easier for anyone with little coding skills to create applications, enhancing development time by reducing dependency on the commercial developer.
- Fostering innovation: App development in an agile environment helps businesses adjust quickly to new market changes, keep up with customer requests, and stay competitive.
Factors influencing app builder costs
Knowing what drives app builder pricing helps you plan, prioritize, and avoid surprises. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Licensing and subscription models
Understanding subscription options helps you balance cost and flexibility.
- Monthly vs. annual plans: Monthly plans offer flexibility and lower upfront costs, great for short-term needs. Annual plans are typically cheaper overall, making them ideal for long-term use.
- One-time payments: Some platforms let you pay once for lifetime access. While it saves on recurring costs, you might miss out on updates and new features.
Features and customization
Picking the right features and customization options ensures you’re not overpaying for extras you don’t need.
- Basic vs. advanced features: Standard packages cover the basics, but extras like analytics, user logins, or API integrations may cost more.
- Customization needs: Custom designs or features can drive up costs, especially if you need external developers or designers.
Scalability and user limits
Scalability is key for long-term success, but it can impact costs as your needs grow.
- Growing user base: Many app builders charge more as you add users or create more apps. Thus, you should choose a plan that matches your growth expectations.
- Scalability costs: Upgrading plans to handle growth often comes with extra fees, so it’s wise to factor these into your long-term budget.
Breakdown of app builder cost
Grasping the app builder cost is essential for making smart decisions when developing mobile apps. Here’s a closer look at the key components that shape these expenses:
Cost category | Description | Estimated cost range | Estimate time |
Initial setup costs | |||
Onboarding fees | Training sessions and initial consultations | $100 – $2,000 | 1 – 2 weeks |
Initial configuration costs | Customizing templates and integrating features | $1,000 – $5,000 | 2 – 4 weeks |
Ongoing maintenance costs | |||
Update and support fees | Regular updates, bug fixes, and customer support | 15% – 25% of initial development cost annually | Ongoing (monthly/annually) |
Hosting and server costs | Monthly fees for hosting services | $20 – $500+ per month | Ongoing (monthly) |
Additional features and integrations | |||
Cost of integrations | Fees for integrating third-party services (e.g., payment gateways, CRM) | $500 – $10,000+ | 1 – 3 weeks |
Additional feature costs | Costs for advanced features like push notifications or analytics | $1,000 – $5,000 | 1 – 4 weeks |
Initial setup costs
These are the expenses needed to get your app up and running:
- Onboarding Fees: Many platforms charge for training, consultations, and setup support. Expect these fees to range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the level of assistance.
- Configuration Costs: Tailoring the app to your business needs—like customizing templates, setting up user accounts, and integrating features—can cost between $1,000 and $5,000, depending on complexity.
Ongoing maintenance costs
Keeping your app secure and functional requires regular maintenance:
- Update and Support Fees: Regular updates, bug fixes, and customer support typically cost 15–25% of the initial development expense per year.
- Hosting and Server Costs: Hosting fees vary based on app size and traffic. Basic apps may cost $20 per month, while larger apps with high traffic can run into hundreds of dollars monthly.
Additional features and integrations
Adding advanced functionalities can enhance your app but also drive up costs:
- Integration Costs: Connecting to third-party services like payment gateways or analytics tools can cost between $500 and $10,000, depending on complexity.
- Feature Enhancements: Advanced tools like push notifications or analytics can add $1,000 to $5,000 per feature, depending on your needs.
Comparing costs of different app builders
No-code app builders
No-code app builders allow users to create applications without any coding knowledge. Below are some popular no-code platforms along with their pricing structures.
App Builder | Starting Price | Key Features |
Bubble | $29/month | Core features, API integrations, custom domain integration. |
Adalo | $45/month | App actions included, easy to use for mobile apps. |
Retool | $12/month | Focused on internal tools, per external user pricing. |
Builder.io | $24/month | Visual editor for web apps, good for e-commerce. |
Appsmith | $40/month | Open-source platform, ideal for building internal tools. |
Plasmic | $49/month | Design-focused, great for landing pages and marketing sites. |
Low-code app builders
Low-code app builders offer a balance between ease of use and flexibility, allowing users to incorporate some coding when necessary. Here are examples of popular low-code platforms:
App Builder | Starting Price | Key Features |
Microsoft power apps | $10/user/month | Integration with Microsoft services, business applications. |
OutSystems | Pricing upon request | Enterprise-level features, high scalability options. |
Custom development vs. app builders
When comparing the costs of custom development with app builders, several factors come into play:
Aspect | Custom development cost | App builders cost |
Cost | $20,000 – $250,000+ (depending on complexity) | $12 – $60/month (subscription-based) |
Development Time | 3 to 12 months (or longer for complex apps) | Days to weeks (depending on app complexity) |
Customization | Extensive customization options available | Limited to platform capabilities and templates |
Maintenance costs | Ongoing support and updates can range from 15% to 25% of initial cost annually | Typically included in subscription fees |
Technical expertise required | Requires skilled developers and project management | No coding skills required; user-friendly interfaces |
Scalability | Highly scalable based on business needs | May require higher-tier plans as user base grows |
Ideal use cases | Complex applications needing unique features and integrations | Quick deployment for MVPs or simpler applications |
FAQs
How does the cost of an app builder compare to custom development?
App builders are a much cheaper option compared to custom development. While hiring developers for a custom app can cost anywhere from $20,000 to over $100,000, app builders start as low as $12–$60 per month. They’re perfect for smaller budgets or businesses wanting to create a quick MVP (Minimum Viable Product).
What are the long-term cost implications of using an app builder?
- Subscription fees: App builders come with ongoing subscription costs, which can add up over time.
- Scaling costs: As your app grows and you need to support more users or add new features, scaling fees may apply.
- Future growth considerations: While app builders save money upfront, ensure the platform you choose can grow with your needs without becoming too expensive.
How much does it cost to develop an AI app?
The cost of developing an AI-powered application can range widely depending on the complexity and features required:
- Basic AI app: $30,000–$60,000 (e.g., simple chatbots or recommendation engines).
- Average AI app: $60,000–$150,000 (e.g., features like natural language processing or image recognition).
- Complex AI app: $150,000–$500,000+ (e.g., deep learning models or real-time machine learning).
How much is an eCommerce app?
- Basic eCommerce app: $10,000–$50,000 (simple functionality, smaller catalogs).
- Advanced eCommerce app: $50,000–$250,000+ (complex features like payment gateways, custom design, and large product catalogs).
How much does it cost to build an app prototype?
Creating a prototype involves research, wireframes, and basic functionality, costing between $5,000 and $15,000.
How much does it cost to develop an app yourself?
If you’re thinking about creating the app yourself, no-code platforms like Bubble or Adalo are a budget-friendly option. With these, you’ll mainly pay for subscription fees, making them ideal for simple apps—though it may take some time to learn the ropes.
Here’s a breakdown of costs based on complexity:
- Simple apps: Basic features cost $10,000–$60,000, depending on the platform and functionality.
- Medium complexity apps: More features and interactivity range from $60,000–$150,000, with 3–6 months of development.
- Complex apps: Advanced designs and extensive functionalities can exceed $300,000, requiring significant time and resources.
What is the cheapest way to build an app?
There are some smart strategies to keep costs low while still delivering a quality product:
- Use no-code/low-code platforms: Platforms like Buildfire or Apps Builder let you create apps for as little as $10 to $150 per month, perfect for those without coding experience.
- Cross-platform development: Frameworks like React Native, Flutter, or Ionic allow you to build one app for both iOS and Android, saving time and money.
- Start with an MVP: Focus on a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) with essential features only. This lowers initial costs and lets you gather user feedback before further investment.
- Leverage open-source tools: Use open-source frameworks to avoid pricey licensing fees while maintaining flexibility.
- Adopt agile development: Agile practices emphasize quick delivery of high-impact features, reducing costs through efficient, iterative development.
- Hire budget-friendly agencies: Partner with affordable app development agencies for competitive pricing and professional quality, often a better option than hiring full-time developers.
To wrap up, understanding app builder cost in 2025 helps you make an informed, economical choice. With the right planning, you can create a powerful app without overspending. Take your time to evaluate your needs and select a platform that fits your budget and future growth. Ready to build your app the smart way?