Did you know that technology has made it easy for you to bring your app business idea to life? With the best mobile app development platform, you can easily develop mobile apps that can function on iOS, Android, or both.
However, with the intense competition in the mobile app development platform industry, it’s important that you consider certain factors before making your decision. Doing this will help improve the success of your app development business.
In this article, we will explain what a mobile app development platform is, and we will tell you the factors you should consider when choosing the best mobile app development platform for your app. Also, we will list the best mobile app development platforms for 2024.
What Is A Mobile App Development Platform?
A mobile app development platform is a software program that has various tools for developing mobile apps. These platforms help non-developers and developers to develop apps for different operating systems like iOS, Android, and Samsung OS.
6 Benefits Of Mobile App Development Platforms
Below are some benefits of using a mobile app development platform to develop a mobile app:
- Mobile app development platforms offer better security
- They have tools for testing and debugging apps
- For some platforms, expertise isn’t required
- The majority of mobile app development platforms allow integration with cloud-based services
- Some platforms make it possible to develop apps that can function on multiple operating systems
- Mobile app development platforms have pre-built features that can help make the development process easy
What Are The Things To Consider Before Choosing A Mobile App Platform?
Before deciding on the mobile app platform that’s best to use for developing your mobile app, you’ll have to consider a few things:
- Cost: Know your budget. Don’t rush to choose without considering the amount you have to spend. Check the pricing plans of various mobile app development platforms and choose the platform that fits your budget.
- Robust Security Features: Your users’ privacy should always be your priority. Therefore, the mobile app development platform you choose should have security features like data encryption and safe login options, including passwords, PINs, or patterns.
- Third-Party Integration: Ensure that you choose a mobile app platform that supports third-party integrations like payment, calls or maps.
- Flexibility: For your app to constantly stay relevant, you’ll need to adjust it to fit future trends and meet your audience’s needs. This process will require on-demand or routine maintenance.
So, make sure that you choose a platform that can support your app’s growth and offers tools that can meet your needs.
- Cross-platform Support: Pick a mobile app development platform that supports both Android and iOS. This is because cross-platform is the most popular framework used for app development.
- Ease of Use: You wouldn’t want to spend days trying to understand how to make use of a development platform. So, when making your choice, go for a platform that’s easy to use.
9 Best Mobile App Development Platforms in 2024
Now, you have an idea of the various things to consider before choosing a mobile app development platform. You can now go ahead to check out the best mobile app development platform available on the market.
1. NativeScript
NativeScript is a cross-platform software that can be used to build native apps for iOS and Android platforms. This app was originally produced by Progress and was released publicly in 2015. NativeScript source code is written in JavaScript, TypeScript, Angular, or Vue.js.
Key Features
- Language flexibility
- Compatibility Testing
- Debugging
- Deployment Management
- Single code base
- Software Development
- Source Control
Pricing plan
Free
Free Trial
Yes
2. Flutter
This mobile app development platform was created by Google to build beautiful and high-performance apps that work on both iOS and Android. Flutter has pre-built UI components that can be used as building blocks for your mobile app interface.
It also provides various tools that can be used to develop the backend of a mobile app. With Flutter, you can integrate your mobile app with cloud-based services, and tools for storing data.
Key Features
- Hot reload: for building UIs and rectifying bugs faster in real time
- Single codebase
- Rich widgets
- Built-in support for internalization: allows apps to be translated into different languages
- Testing and debugging tool
- Firebase crashlytics: allows developers to check for errors and crashes in real-time
Pricing plan
Free, but for added features, you’ll be required to pay
Free Trial
Yes
3. Unity
Unity is a popular cross-platform for developing 2D, 3D, and augmented reality games, as well as apps for architecture, entertainment, and film purposes.
The code for this platform is written in C++ and C#. Additionally, Unity has a thriving community where users can learn, share ideas, and easily get help.
Key Features
- Unity Editor
- Drag and drop feature
- Robust XR tools
- Issue tracker: allows you to identify bugs in your project
Pricing plan
Unity has three plans with different prices. These plans include:
| Student and Hobbyist | Individuals and teams | Enterprise and Industry |
| Students: Free | Unity Pro: $2,040 per year | Contact the team |
| Personal: Free | ||
| Unity Learn: Click here |
Free Trial
30-day free trial for its paid plan
4. React Native
This mobile development platform was created by Meta. It is an open-source platform that helps in the development of apps for iOS, macOS, Windows, Android, and the Web using the React library and JavaScript.
Additionally, React Native has been used by popular companies like Skype and Airbnb to develop their apps. This is because it offers effective solutions for mobile app development. Also, it saves cost and time while developing an app on MVP(minimum viable product).
Key Features
- Code reusability
- Debugging and testing tools
- Native-like performance
- Hot reload
- Native modules integration
Starting Price
$19
Free Trial
No
5. Mobile Angular UI
Mobile Angular UI is a software that is used for developing hybrid apps. To provide users with a better mobile experience, the platform relies on large libraries like fastclick.js and overthrow.js.
Key Features
- Toggle switch
- Dropdowns
- Navbars
- Scrollable areas
Starting Price
Free
Free Trial
Yes
6. Xamarin
Xamarin is an open-source and cross-platform created by Microsoft to develop Android and iOS apps. This mobile app development platform relies on .NET and C#. Xamarin offers various tools for testing and debugging. It also allows integration with cloud-based services like Microsoft Azure.
Key Features
- Code reusability: allows sharing of codes across various platforms
- Code editing
- Refactoring
Starting Price
$25 per month
Free Trial
Yes
7. BuildFire
This is a mobile app development platform that helps to develop apps for Android and iOS platforms. BuildFire is mostly used by businesses, organizations, individuals, resellers and developers. For this platform, there are no codes required to develop an app.
Key Features
- BuildFire Marketplace
- Monetization feature
- Customize user login
- Third-party integration
- Drag and drop UI
Pricing plan
BuildFire has different pricing plans. These plans include:
- BuildFire App Development platform(MVP: $100 per month if billed quarterly, Growth: $189 per month if billed quarterly, Starter: $349 per month if billed quarterly, Standard: $499 per month if billed quarterly)
To view more of BuildFire’s plan, click here.
Free Trial
14-days free
8. Ionic Framework
Ionic is an open-source development platform that helps to develop apps that function in different operating systems and progressive web apps. Its source code is written in HTML, JavaScript, and CSS.
Ionic focuses on front-end interaction, and it allows integration with Angular and Cordova. Additionally, Ionic is easy to use and learn.
Key Features
- Cloud-based services integration
- Pre-designed UI components
- On-device hot refresh
- Editor tool
- App store publishing
Pricing plan
Ionic has different pricing plans including Standard: $4199 per month if billed annually. For its Enterprise SDK and Superapp SDK plan, you’ll have to contact the team.
Free Trial
No
9. MobiLoud
MobiLoud is a WordPress plugin that can be used to develop apps for iOS and Android devices. This plugin allows you to convert your website into native apps. It also allows you to publish the app on the Apple App Store and Google App Store.
Additionally, MobiLoud allows white labeling within the app. It also allows you to customize your apps with a custom color scheme, logo, and splash screen.
Key Features
- Performance monitoring
- Mobile advertising
- External link embedding
- Push notifications
- Apply custom code
Pricing plan
MobiLoud has three pricing plans.
| Startup | Growth | Corporate |
| $350/ month | $650/ month | $950/ month |
Free Trial
No
10. OutSystems
OutSystems is your number one low-code app development platform. It helps to develop mobile and web applications that function on-premises, in the cloud, and in hybrid environments.
Additionally, OutSystems requires little to no hand coding, speeding up the development process. It also has drag-and-drop capabilities that allow users to create user interfaces without coding.
Key Features
- Offline data synchronization
- Push notifications
- Seamless integrations
- Distribution platform
Pricing plan
| Single App | Multiple Apps | Large App Portfolio |
| Free | $1,513/ month if billed annually | Contact team |
Free Trial
Yes
Conclusion
Regarding mobile app development, various platforms can help speed up the process. However, these platforms have different features that are made specifically for certain projects. So, to make the right choice, you’ll have to consider certain factors.
Doing this will help you choose a platform that suits your budget and aligns with your app goal. Remember, solving your audience problem is your major goal. So, don’t hesitate to try out any of the platforms we’ve listed above.
The Best Mobile App Development Platform: FAQs
1. How Much Money Does It Cost To Develop An App?
The cost of developing a mobile app varies depending on your app type, complexity, platform, and region. However, the estimated cost of creating a simple mobile app is $5,000-$50,000.
2. Can I sell My Own App?
Definitely! Selling your mobile app is one of the many ways to make money from app development. You can sell your app on popular marketplaces like Flippa, Transferslot, and Sellsideprojects.
3. What Are The Two Main OS Platforms For Mobile Apps?
The main OS platforms for mobile phones are iOS and Android.
4. Do Apps Make Profit?
Yes, but this depends on how effective your monetization strategy is and how well you market your app.
