10 Best App Building Software in 2024

The demand for mobile applications continues to surge across various sectors, from retail and healthcare to education and finance. Businesses recognize the necessity of having a strong mobile presence to engage customers, streamline operations, and enhance brand visibility. The challenge, however, lies in the complexity and cost associated with traditional app development. App building software offers a solution by providing tools and platforms that simplify the creation of mobile applications, regardless of coding expertise.

This article presents a curated list of the top 10 app building software platforms available in 2024, designed to empower businesses and individuals to create compelling mobile experiences. We will examine the key features, pricing, and ideal use cases for each platform, providing a comprehensive guide to help you choose the right app development solution. This guide offers insights into platforms enabling efficient application design, testing, and deployment.

Why is App Building Software Needed?

The current landscape of mobile application development presents several challenges for businesses aiming to establish a strong mobile presence. Developing native applications traditionally requires specialized coding skills and significant time investment, creating a barrier to entry for many organizations. These barriers include the growing need for cross-platform compatibility, the complexity of user interface design, and the increasing expectations for personalized user experiences.

• High Development Costs: Hiring experienced developers or outsourcing app development can be expensive, especially for small businesses or startups with limited budgets.

• Time-Consuming Process: Traditional app development can take months or even years, delaying time to market and hindering the ability to respond quickly to changing market demands.

• Technical Complexity: Coding and debugging can be challenging, requiring specialized knowledge and skills that many businesses may not possess.

• Cross-Platform Compatibility: Developing separate apps for iOS and Android platforms can be resource-intensive and require maintaining multiple codebases.

• Maintenance and Updates: Keeping apps up-to-date with the latest operating system versions and security patches can be an ongoing challenge.

App building software addresses these challenges by providing intuitive interfaces, pre-built templates, and drag-and-drop functionality, simplifying the app creation process and enabling businesses to develop mobile applications quickly and cost-effectively. These platforms democratize app development, making it accessible to a wider range of users, including those without extensive coding experience.

Key Features to Look For

Selecting the right app development platform requires careful consideration of the features that align with your specific project requirements and technical expertise. Below are five critical features to evaluate when choosing app building software.

Drag-and-Drop Interface: A user-friendly drag-and-drop interface allows users to easily create app layouts and functionality without writing code. This feature is particularly beneficial for non-technical users and accelerates the app development process.

Pre-Built Templates: Pre-designed templates provide a starting point for app development, saving time and effort in designing the user interface and core functionality. These templates can be customized to fit specific branding and business requirements.

Cross-Platform Compatibility: The ability to develop apps that run seamlessly on both iOS and Android platforms is crucial for reaching a wider audience. Cross-platform compatibility eliminates the need to maintain separate codebases, reducing development costs and time.

Integration Capabilities: App building software should offer integration with popular third-party services and APIs, such as payment gateways, social media platforms, and marketing automation tools. These integrations enhance the functionality and user experience of the app.

Customization Options: While pre-built templates are helpful, the ability to customize the app’s design, functionality, and branding is essential for creating a unique and engaging user experience. App building software should offer a range of customization options, including custom code support for advanced users.

Benefits of App Building Software

App building software offers numerous advantages for businesses and individuals seeking to create mobile applications efficiently and cost-effectively. These platforms empower users to develop apps without extensive coding knowledge, accelerating the development process and reducing costs.

Reduced Development Costs: App building software eliminates the need to hire expensive developers or outsource app development, significantly reducing the overall cost of creating a mobile application. The availability of pre-built templates and drag-and-drop interfaces further minimizes development time and resources.

Faster Time to Market: By simplifying the app development process, app building software enables businesses to launch mobile applications more quickly, allowing them to capitalize on market opportunities and gain a competitive edge. The ability to rapidly prototype and iterate on app designs accelerates the development cycle.

Increased Agility: App building software empowers businesses to respond quickly to changing market demands and user feedback by enabling them to easily update and modify their mobile applications. The ability to make changes without extensive coding knowledge enhances agility and responsiveness.

Enhanced User Engagement: By providing tools to create engaging user interfaces and personalized experiences, app building software helps businesses attract and retain mobile app users. Features such as push notifications, in-app messaging, and social media integration enhance user engagement and drive app adoption.

Democratization of App Development: App building software makes app development accessible to a wider range of users, including those without extensive coding experience. This democratization of app development empowers businesses and individuals to bring their ideas to life and create mobile applications that meet their specific needs.

What Are the Top App Building Solutions?

Appy Pie – Best for Small Businesses

Appy Pie is a cloud-based mobile app builder that allows users to create applications for Android, iOS, and progressive web apps (PWAs) without any coding knowledge. It is particularly well-suited for small businesses looking to establish a mobile presence quickly and affordably. Appy Pie’s strength lies in its ease of use and comprehensive feature set, making it an accessible solution for non-technical users.

Appy Pie offers a wide range of features, including drag-and-drop functionality, pre-built templates, and integration with various third-party services. Users can easily create apps for e-commerce, restaurants, education, and other industries. The platform also supports push notifications, in-app purchases, and social media integration. Implementation is straightforward, with a user-friendly interface that guides users through the app creation process.

Beyond the basic features, Appy Pie provides advanced functionalities such as augmented reality (AR), artificial intelligence (AI), and Internet of Things (IoT) integration. The platform also offers robust analytics to track app performance and user behavior. Appy Pie’s intuitive design and extensive feature set make it a powerful tool for businesses looking to create engaging mobile experiences.

Appy Pie distinguishes itself from other app builders through its focus on affordability and ease of use. Unlike BuildFire, which targets larger enterprises with more complex needs, Appy Pie is designed for small businesses with limited budgets and technical expertise. While Adalo offers more advanced customization options, Appy Pie provides a simpler and more streamlined app creation process.

Key Features:

• Drag-and-drop interface for easy app creation
• Pre-built templates for various industries
• Push notifications for user engagement
• In-app purchases for monetization
• Social media integration for increased visibility

Pricing:

Starting at $16/month

Free plan: Available with limited features

Basic: $36/month

Gold: $60/month

Platinum: $84/month

Best For: Small businesses and startups looking to create mobile apps quickly and affordably without coding knowledge.

BuildFire – Best for Enterprise-Level Applications

BuildFire is a robust platform designed for building sophisticated mobile applications for businesses of all sizes, but excels with enterprise clients needing scalable solutions. It offers a balance of ease of use and advanced customization options, making it suitable for both non-technical users and experienced developers. BuildFire’s strength lies in its ability to create feature-rich apps with custom functionality.

BuildFire provides a comprehensive set of tools for building native iOS and Android apps, as well as PWAs. The platform includes a drag-and-drop interface, pre-built templates, and a library of plugins to extend app functionality. Users can add features such as e-commerce, social networking, and location-based services. Implementation involves selecting a template, customizing the design, and adding features using the drag-and-drop interface.

In addition to its core features, BuildFire offers advanced capabilities such as custom code integration, API access, and white-labeling options. The platform also provides robust analytics and reporting to track app performance and user engagement. BuildFire’s flexibility and scalability make it a powerful tool for building complex mobile applications.

BuildFire stands out from other app builders with its focus on enterprise-level features and customization options. Unlike Appy Pie, which is geared towards small businesses, BuildFire is designed for larger organizations with more complex app requirements. While Adalo offers similar customization options, BuildFire provides a more comprehensive set of features and a more scalable architecture.

Key Features:

• Drag-and-drop interface for easy customization
• Pre-built templates for various industries
• Custom code integration for advanced functionality
• API access for third-party integrations
• White-labeling options for branding

Pricing:

Starting at $159/month

Growth: $159/month

Business: $299/month

Enterprise: Custom pricing

Best For: Businesses of all sizes looking to build feature-rich mobile applications with custom functionality and scalability.

Adalo – Best for Database-Driven Apps

Adalo is a no-code platform that allows users to build native mobile and web applications with a focus on database-driven functionality. It’s a strong choice for those needing to create apps that manage and display data, such as directories, marketplaces, and internal tools. Adalo’s visual interface and data integration capabilities make it a versatile option for various use cases.

Adalo provides a drag-and-drop interface, pre-built components, and a robust database system. Users can easily connect to external data sources and create custom data models. The platform supports features such as user authentication, data filtering, and search functionality. Implementation involves designing the user interface, connecting to a database, and configuring data interactions.

Beyond its core features, Adalo offers advanced capabilities such as custom actions, integrations with third-party APIs, and the ability to publish apps to the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. The platform also provides analytics to track app usage and user behavior. Adalo’s focus on database-driven functionality makes it a powerful tool for building data-intensive applications.

Adalo differentiates itself from other app builders with its emphasis on database integration and custom data models. Unlike Appy Pie, which is more focused on simple app creation, Adalo provides a more robust database system and more advanced data management capabilities. While BuildFire offers similar customization options, Adalo provides a more intuitive interface for working with data.

Key Features:

• Drag-and-drop interface for easy app creation
• Robust database system for data management
• Custom data models for flexible data storage
• Integration with third-party APIs for extended functionality
• Native app publishing to app stores

Pricing:

Starting at $45/month

Free plan: Available with limited features

Starter: $45/month

Professional: $65/month

Business: $200/month

Best For: Businesses and individuals looking to build database-driven mobile and web applications without coding.

Bubble – Best for Complex Web Applications

Bubble is a visual programming platform that allows users to build complex web applications without writing code. It is well-suited for creating sophisticated applications with custom logic, workflows, and integrations. Bubble’s flexibility and scalability make it a powerful tool for building a wide range of web-based applications.

Bubble provides a drag-and-drop interface, a visual workflow editor, and a robust database system. Users can create custom user interfaces, define complex workflows, and integrate with various third-party services. The platform supports features such as user authentication, data validation, and scheduled tasks. Implementation involves designing the user interface, defining workflows, and connecting to a database.

In addition to its core features, Bubble offers advanced capabilities such as custom code integration, API access, and the ability to deploy applications to custom domains. The platform also provides robust analytics and monitoring to track application performance and user behavior. Bubble’s flexibility and scalability make it a powerful tool for building complex web applications.

Bubble distinguishes itself from other app builders with its focus on building complex web applications with custom logic and workflows. Unlike Appy Pie, which is more focused on simple app creation, Bubble provides a more robust workflow editor and more advanced customization options. While Adalo offers similar database integration capabilities, Bubble provides a more flexible and scalable platform for building complex web applications.

Key Features:

• Drag-and-drop interface for easy app creation
• Visual workflow editor for defining custom logic
• Robust database system for data management
• API access for third-party integrations
• Custom code integration for advanced functionality

Pricing:

Starting at $29/month

Free plan: Available with limited features

Starter: $29/month

Growth: $119/month

Team: $349/month

Best For: Businesses and individuals looking to build complex web applications with custom logic and workflows without coding.

Zoho Creator – Best for Business Process Automation

Zoho Creator is a low-code platform that enables businesses to build custom applications to automate business processes. It is part of the Zoho suite of applications and integrates seamlessly with other Zoho products. Zoho Creator’s strength lies in its ability to streamline workflows and improve efficiency.

Zoho Creator provides a drag-and-drop interface, pre-built templates, and a powerful scripting language. Users can create custom forms, reports, and workflows to automate tasks such as data entry, inventory management, and customer relationship management. The platform supports features such as user authentication, data validation, and email notifications. Implementation involves designing the user interface, defining workflows, and connecting to data sources.

In addition to its core features, Zoho Creator offers advanced capabilities such as custom code integration, API access, and the ability to deploy applications to mobile devices. The platform also provides robust analytics and reporting to track application performance and business outcomes. Zoho Creator’s focus on business process automation makes it a valuable tool for organizations looking to improve efficiency and productivity.

Zoho Creator differentiates itself from other app builders with its emphasis on business process automation and its integration with the Zoho ecosystem. Unlike Appy Pie, which is more focused on simple app creation, Zoho Creator provides a more robust workflow engine and more advanced integration capabilities. While BuildFire offers similar customization options, Zoho Creator provides a more streamlined interface for building business applications.

Key Features:

• Drag-and-drop interface for easy app creation
• Pre-built templates for business applications
• Powerful scripting language for custom logic
• API access for third-party integrations
• Mobile app deployment for on-the-go access

Pricing:

Starting at $25/user/month

Standard: $25/user/month

Professional: $35/user/month

Enterprise: Custom pricing

Best For: Businesses looking to automate business processes and improve efficiency with custom applications.

Glide – Best for Converting Spreadsheets into Apps

Glide is a no-code platform that allows users to turn Google Sheets and Excel spreadsheets into mobile apps and websites. It’s an excellent option for those who already manage data in spreadsheets and want to create a user-friendly interface for accessing and interacting with that data. Glide’s simplicity and speed make it a popular choice for creating internal tools and data dashboards.

Glide provides a visual interface that automatically generates an app based on the structure of the spreadsheet. Users can customize the app’s design, add components, and define data relationships. The platform supports features such as user authentication, data filtering, and search functionality. Implementation involves connecting to a spreadsheet, customizing the app’s design, and publishing the app.

Beyond its core features, Glide offers advanced capabilities such as custom actions, integrations with third-party APIs, and the ability to deploy apps to mobile devices and websites. The platform also provides analytics to track app usage and user behavior. Glide’s focus on converting spreadsheets into apps makes it a unique and valuable tool for data-driven organizations.

Glide distinguishes itself from other app builders with its unique ability to turn spreadsheets into apps. Unlike Appy Pie, which is more focused on general app creation, Glide provides a more streamlined interface for working with spreadsheet data. While Adalo offers similar database integration capabilities, Glide provides a simpler and more intuitive way to create apps from spreadsheets.

Key Features:

• Automatic app generation from spreadsheets
• Customizable design and layout
• User authentication for secure access
• Data filtering and search functionality
• Mobile and web app deployment

Pricing:

Starting at $32/month

Free plan: Available with limited features

Starter: $32/month

Professional: $99/month

Business: $249/month

Best For: Businesses and individuals looking to turn spreadsheets into mobile apps and websites quickly and easily.

AppGyver – Best for Free, Professional-Grade Apps

AppGyver, now part of SAP, is a no-code platform that allows users to build professional-grade mobile and web applications for free. It offers a comprehensive set of features and customization options, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced developers. AppGyver’s strength lies in its ability to create complex applications without any coding knowledge.

AppGyver provides a visual development environment, a drag-and-drop interface, and a library of pre-built components. Users can create custom user interfaces, define complex workflows, and integrate with various third-party services. The platform supports features such as user authentication, data validation, and push notifications. Implementation involves designing the user interface, defining workflows, and connecting to data sources.

In addition to its core features, AppGyver offers advanced capabilities such as custom code integration, API access, and the ability to deploy applications to mobile devices and web browsers. The platform also provides robust analytics and monitoring to track application performance and user behavior. AppGyver’s commitment to providing a free, professional-grade platform makes it a valuable tool for organizations of all sizes.

AppGyver differentiates itself from other app builders with its focus on providing a free, professional-grade platform. Unlike Appy Pie, which charges for its services, AppGyver is completely free to use. While BuildFire offers similar customization options, AppGyver provides a more accessible and affordable platform for building complex applications.

Key Features:

• Visual development environment for easy app creation
• Drag-and-drop interface for customization
• Pre-built components for rapid development
• API access for third-party integrations
• Free to use for professional-grade applications

Pricing:

Free

Best For: Businesses and individuals looking to build professional-grade mobile and web applications for free.

OutSystems – Best for Enterprise-Grade Low-Code Development

OutSystems is a low-code platform designed for building enterprise-grade applications with complex requirements. It’s a powerful solution for organizations that need to develop scalable, secure, and highly customized applications. OutSystems’ strength lies in its ability to accelerate development while maintaining control over the application architecture.

OutSystems provides a visual development environment, a drag-and-drop interface, and a comprehensive set of tools for building web and mobile applications. Users can create custom user interfaces, define complex workflows, and integrate with various third-party services. The platform supports features such as user authentication, data validation, and push notifications. Implementation involves designing the user interface, defining workflows, and connecting to data sources.

In addition to its core features, OutSystems offers advanced capabilities such as custom code integration, API access, and the ability to deploy applications to cloud and on-premises environments. The platform also provides robust analytics and monitoring to track application performance and user behavior. OutSystems’ focus on enterprise-grade low-code development makes it a valuable tool for organizations with complex application requirements.

OutSystems distinguishes itself from other app builders with its focus on enterprise-grade low-code development. Unlike Appy Pie, which is more focused on simple app creation, OutSystems provides a more robust and scalable platform for building complex applications. While BuildFire offers similar customization options, OutSystems provides a more comprehensive set of tools and a more structured development environment.

Key Features:

• Visual development environment for easy app creation
• Drag-and-drop interface for customization
• Enterprise-grade security and scalability
• API access for third-party integrations
• Cloud and on-premises deployment options

Pricing:

Custom pricing

Best For: Organizations with complex application requirements looking for an enterprise-grade low-code development platform.

Mendix – Best for Collaborative App Development

Mendix, another Siemens company, is a low-code platform that facilitates collaborative app development, particularly suited for enterprise environments. It allows business and IT teams to work together on creating applications rapidly. Mendix’s strength lies in its model-driven approach and ability to handle complex business logic.

Mendix offers a visual development environment, a drag-and-drop interface, and a comprehensive set of tools for building web and mobile applications. Users can create custom user interfaces, define complex workflows, and integrate with various third-party services. The platform supports features such as user authentication, data validation, and push notifications. Implementation involves designing the user interface, defining workflows, and connecting to data sources.

In addition to its core features, Mendix offers advanced capabilities such as custom code integration, API access, and the ability to deploy applications to cloud and on-premises environments. The platform also provides robust analytics and monitoring to track application performance and user behavior. Mendix’s emphasis on collaborative app development makes it a valuable tool for organizations with cross-functional teams.

Mendix differentiates itself from other app builders with its focus on collaborative app development and its model-driven approach. Unlike Appy Pie, which is more focused on simple app creation, Mendix provides a more robust and scalable platform for building complex applications with cross-functional teams. While BuildFire offers similar customization options, Mendix provides a more structured development environment and better support for collaboration.

Key Features:

• Visual development environment for easy app creation
• Drag-and-drop interface for customization
• Collaborative app development tools
• API access for third-party integrations
• Cloud and on-premises deployment options

Pricing:

Custom pricing

Best For: Organizations with cross-functional teams looking for a low-code platform that facilitates collaborative app development.

Thunkable – Best for Educational App Creation

Thunkable is a no-code platform designed for building mobile applications with a focus on education and accessibility. It provides a simple and intuitive interface, making it suitable for students, educators, and beginners. Thunkable’s strength lies in its ease of use and its ability to create cross-platform applications.

Thunkable provides a drag-and-drop interface, pre-built components, and a block-based programming language. Users can create custom user interfaces, define simple workflows, and integrate with various third-party services. The platform supports features such as user authentication, data validation, and push notifications. Implementation involves designing the user interface, defining workflows, and connecting to data sources.

In addition to its core features, Thunkable offers advanced capabilities such as custom code integration, API access, and the ability to deploy applications to mobile devices. The platform also provides robust analytics and monitoring to track application performance and user behavior. Thunkable’s focus on education and accessibility makes it a valuable tool for learning about app development.

Thunkable differentiates itself from other app builders with its focus on education and accessibility. Unlike Appy Pie, which is more focused on commercial app creation, Thunkable provides a more accessible and affordable platform for learning about app development. While BuildFire offers similar customization options, Thunkable provides a simpler and more intuitive interface for beginners.

Key Features:

• Drag-and-drop interface for easy app creation
• Block-based programming language for visual coding
• Pre-built components for rapid development
• API access for third-party integrations
• Free to use for educational purposes

Pricing:

Starting at $13/month

Free plan: Available with limited features

Starter: $13/month

Pro: $67/month

Business: $200/month

Best For: Students, educators, and beginners looking to learn about app development and create simple mobile applications.

App Building Software Comparison

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the top solutions.

How to Choose the Right App Building Software

Selecting the appropriate app building platform is crucial for the success of your mobile application project. Consider the following factors to make an informed decision.

Assess Your Specific Needs: Define the purpose of your app, target audience, and desired features. Identify the specific problems your app will solve and the value it will provide to users. Understanding your needs will help you narrow down the options and choose a platform that aligns with your goals.

Evaluate Integration Requirements: Determine which third-party services and APIs your app needs to integrate with, such as payment gateways, social media platforms, and marketing automation tools. Ensure that the app building software offers the necessary integrations or provides API access for custom integrations.

Consider User Experience: Choose a platform with a user-friendly interface and intuitive design tools. The platform should allow you to create engaging and visually appealing user interfaces that enhance the user experience. Consider the learning curve and the availability of tutorials and support resources.

Check Scalability Options: If you anticipate your app growing in popularity and usage, choose a platform that offers scalability options to accommodate increased traffic and data storage. Ensure that the platform can handle a large number of users and transactions without performance degradation.

Review Pricing Models: Compare the pricing models of different app building software platforms and choose one that fits your budget. Consider the cost of subscription fees, add-ons, and usage-based charges. Look for platforms that offer free trials or free plans to test the software before committing to a paid subscription.

Test with Free Trials: Take advantage of free trials offered by app building software vendors to test the platform and ensure that it meets your needs. Use the trial period to explore the features, build a prototype app, and evaluate the user experience.

Read Reviews & Case Studies: Research reviews and case studies of different app building software platforms to gain insights into their strengths and weaknesses. Read feedback from other users and learn about their experiences with the platform. Look for platforms with positive reviews and a track record of success.

App Building Software Best Practices

To maximize the effectiveness of app building software and ensure the success of your mobile application project, follow these best practices.

Start with Clear Requirements: Define the goals, objectives, and target audience for your app. Create a detailed specification outlining the features, functionality, and design requirements.

Involve Key Stakeholders Early: Collaborate with stakeholders, including developers, designers, and business users, throughout the app development process. Gather feedback and incorporate it into the app design and functionality.

Plan for Proper Training: Provide adequate training to users on how to use the app effectively. Create tutorials, documentation, and support resources to help users learn the app’s features and functionality.

Monitor Adoption Metrics: Track key metrics such as app downloads, user engagement, and retention rates. Use analytics to identify areas for improvement and optimize the app’s performance.

Leverage Automation Features: Utilize automation features offered by app building software to streamline development tasks and reduce manual effort. Automate tasks such as data entry, testing, and deployment to improve efficiency.

Maintain Data Quality: Ensure the accuracy and consistency of data used in the app. Implement data validation rules and cleansing procedures to prevent errors and maintain data integrity.

Schedule Regular Reviews: Conduct regular reviews of the app’s performance, functionality, and design. Identify areas for improvement and implement updates to enhance the user experience and address any issues.

Your Next Mobile Application

Selecting the right app building software is a pivotal step towards creating a successful mobile application. Platforms like AppGyver offer robust, free solutions, while others like BuildFire cater to complex enterprise needs. By carefully evaluating your specific requirements, desired features, and budget, you can identify the platform that best aligns with your goals.

Whether you’re aiming to streamline internal processes with Zoho Creator or create a data-driven app with Adalo, the tools discussed here empower you to bring your vision to life. Embrace the capabilities of app building software and take the next step in creating engaging and impactful mobile experiences for 2025 and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is app building software?

App building software, also known as no-code or low-code development platforms, provides tools and interfaces that allow users to create mobile applications without extensive coding knowledge. These platforms often feature drag-and-drop interfaces, pre-built templates, and visual programming environments.

How much does app building software cost?

The cost of app building software varies widely depending on the platform and the features offered. Some platforms offer free plans with limited functionality, while others charge monthly or annual subscription fees. Enterprise-grade solutions may have custom pricing based on the specific needs of the organization.

Can I build native apps with app building software?

Yes, many app building software platforms allow you to build native mobile applications for both iOS and Android. These platforms typically compile the app into a native format that can be deployed to the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

Do I need coding experience to use app building software?

No, most app building software platforms are designed to be user-friendly and do not require coding experience. These platforms provide visual interfaces and drag-and-drop functionality that allow users to create apps without writing code.

What types of apps can I build with app building software?

You can build a wide range of apps with app building software, including e-commerce apps, social networking apps, business process automation apps, and data-driven apps. The capabilities of the platform will determine the types of apps that can be created.

How long does it take to build an app with app building software?

The time it takes to build an app with app building software depends on the complexity of the app and the user’s experience with the platform. Simple apps can be created in a matter of hours or days, while more complex apps may take weeks or months to develop.