Top Tools / December 13, 2022
StartupStash

The world's biggest online directory of resources and tools for startups and the most upvoted product on ProductHunt History.

33 Best Mobile App Development Tools

Around the world, the mobile revolution is reaching its pinnacle. Mobile apps are what make mobile phones so convenient. It enables you to carry out your daily chores with ease and attentiveness. Since the demand for mobile apps is at an all-time high, it goes without saying that the supply for mobile app development tools is extremely high as well.

In this list of top tools, we have gathered 33 of the best mobile app development tools for you to choose from.


1. BuildFire

BuildFire combines high-end custom development with a simple, intuitive DIY platform to provide the best of both worlds. The drag-and-drop UI is simple and attractive, making it simple to create your own applications.

Key Features:

  • The click and edit technology makes it so simple to create apps that you'll feel like a pro right away.

  • Develop your own plugin using the BuildFire SDK for highly customised or unique functionality.

  • If your app requires bespoke functionality, the BuildFire SDK allows you to build strong functionality using a serverless architecture.

Cost:

Packages start at $53 per month.

Platform:

Android and iOS.


2. Corona Labs

Corona Labs is a cross-platform framework for quickly developing apps and games for mobile and desktop platforms. That means you can build your project once and have it published to a variety of devices, including smartphones and tablets.

Key Features:

  • Corona is a totally free and open-source application.

  • Allows you to create games in a fraction of the time with Corona.

  • It has been tailored to take use of hardware-accelerated features, resulting in excellent game and app performance.

Cost:

This tool is available for free.

Platform:

Android and iOS.


3. Alpha Software

Alpha Software is a single development and deployment environment for mobile and web apps, with discrete "no-code" and "low-code" components. Business users and developers can use the Alpha TransForm no-code product to turn any form into a mobile app in minutes, taking full advantage of the smartphone's capabilities.

Key Features:

  • Use REST services to connect to all SQL and no-SQL databases.

  • Data permanence, flexible conflict resolution, huge storage capacity, fine-grained control of write conflicts

  • Building business information dashboards for your users is simple thanks to tightly integrated analytics and charting features.

Cost:

Prices start at $99 per month.

Platform:

Android and iOS.


4. Pusher

Pusher is a tool that sends out push notifications. It works with the majority of popular programming languages and frameworks. Flexible, scalable, and simple-to-use bidirectional hosted APIs. It constructs and maintains sophisticated infrastructure so you can quickly implement real-time functionality for your users.

Key Features:

  • Pub/Sub Messaging Flexibility

  • Authentication and access control

  • The webhooks functionality allows you to receive real-time updates on the activity of your system's users.

Cost:

Packages start at $49 per month.

Platform

Android and iOS.


5. Quick Base

Quick Base is an application development platform that brings together business and IT teams by allowing problem solvers of any technical experience to collaborate to build an ecosystem of apps that is safe, secure, and long-lasting.

Quickbase enables citizen creation at scale across one common platform, allowing organisations to expedite the continual innovation of unique processes.

Key Features:

  • Teams can use the low-code platform to continuously upgrade their most sophisticated business applications without the costs of traditional deployment, maintenance, or development.

  • Within one unified platform, instantly connect data, link your systems in real-time, and orchestrate automated activities using basic business logic.

  • Updated applications can be rolled out in real time with no downtime.

Cost:

Packages start at $600 per month.

Platform:

Android and iOS.


6. Airship

Airship can be used by developers for push notifications to send relevant, tailored, in-the-moment messages. It's an effective method for boosting user engagement.

Key Features:

  • Web alerts should be optimised.

  • Push Notifications with No Limits

  • Deep Linking is possible with unlimited in-app messaging.

Cost:

You can request a quote on their website.

Platform:

Android and iOS.


7. Appsheet

Appsheet can be used by anyone to create powerful iOS and Android apps directly from their own data sources. Data can be collected from a variety of places, including Box, Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive, and Smartsheet, among others.

Key Features:

  • For faster, actionable insights, gather data from the field more efficiently.

  • Capture and display geographic or indoor location data across devices automatically.

  • Create apps with the power of machine learning without the need for data scientists.

  • Move data and alert teams across the enterprise automatically.

Cost:

Prices start at $5 per user per month.

Platform:

Android and iOS.


8. Buddy

Buddy enables for changeset-based deployments that are smooth. App deployment automation is now easier than ever thanks to a large range of specific, pre-configured actions and services. Buddy is the best choice if you're seeking for a solution that will build, test, sign, and publish your Android app in a single click.

Key Features:

  • Pipelines of delivery with no limits

  • Environment for High-Performance Construction

  • Configuration is simple using the GUI and YAML.

  • Docker support that is second to none

  • Continuous Deployment for GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, and other popular platforms

Cost:

Prices start at $35 per month per user.

Platform:

Android


9. TrackVia

TrackVia is a low-code solution that can replace spreadsheets, old databases, and complex enterprise systems. With improved efficiency, speed, and ease, track, control, and automate important business processes or operational operations.

Key Features:

  • Owing to its robust APIs, you can easily drag-and-drop your apps into any of your existing systems.

  • Flexible web and mobile cloud platform that works on any device, in any location, even if you are offline.

  • You'll be guided by your very own application development expert as you begin creating your app.

Cost:

You can request a quote on their website.


10. Kobiton

Kobiton offers powerful Continuous Testing and Mobile/IoT DevOps. You can also avoid bugs by testing beforehand, enhance your mobile app with several integrations and features.

Key Features:

  • Run a complete device lab with local on-premise, private cloud, and public cloud devices.

  • On a real device, you can try all of the gestures you need. Simply and naturally tap, slide, and scroll on a cloud device.

  • Combine internal devices with Kobiton cloud devices on one platform to expand your testing capacity and tailor your mobile test cloud.

Cost:

Packages start at $500 per year.

Platform:

Android and iOS.


11. Fliplet

Fliplet is used by high profile clients including Accenture, Socotec and Colgate to build customized apps like marketing apps, training apps, sales enablement apps, and internal communication apps.

Fliplet provides a drag-and-drop interface allowing non-technical individuals to create their own custom apps, relieving IT of the burden of app content and infrastructure maintenance.

Key Features:

  • Use prefab components from their library or develop your own.

  • Provides drag-and-drop prefab components that are likely to satisfy 90% of your needs.

  • Security, user analytics, data connectors, cross-device interoperability, and OS updates are all properly taken care of.

Cost:

Packages start at $9.90 per month.

Platform:

Android and iOS.


12. GeneXus

GeneXus is a one-of-a-kind platform that collects user needs and develops applications for current and future technologies without requiring new technology knowledge.

Key Features:

  • With Low-Code, you can create user experiences that are tailored to your business while also protecting your business knowledge, modelling applications, business processes, and business rules.

  • Connect your development process to the world's most comprehensive business information matrix.

  • Ensure seamless integration and delivery of content across platforms, apps, and experiences.

Cost:

You can request a quote on their website.

Platform:

Android and iOS.


13. OutSystems

OutSystems is a modern application platform that allows you to substantially accelerate the creation of your most critical applications while simultaneously providing unrivalled flexibility and efficiency. You can address your most pressing digital transformation concerns with solutions that have a positive impact across the board.

Key Features:

  • Automatic software generation based on artificial intelligence.

  • Once you've created your model, you can use it to produce code for a variety of platforms

  • With the largest number of databases supported on the market, you'll have the most flexibility.

Cost

You can request a quote on their website.

Platforms:

Android and iOS.


14. Xcode

Xcode is a revolutionary new programming language for Cocoa and Cocoa Touch that, when combined with the Xcode tools, transforms programming into a fun and interactive experience.

Key Features:

  • Create new requests, see a queue of pull requests waiting for your approval, and inspect, build, and test results created locally or by Xcode Cloud rapidly.

  • Comments made by your peers on code during review appear inline within the code editor, along with the reviewer's name and avatar.

  • The bottom bar is constantly visible and displays essential information such as line and column numbers, as well as immediate access to compare different versions of code.

Cost:

This tool is available for free.

Platform:

iOS.


15. JamF

JamF provides a famous Apple experience to millions of consumers. Using our platform to integrate allows you to design simple workflows, solve complicated challenges, and provide unique value to your consumers.

Key Features:

  • Even if developers have never operated an Apple device before, the online Training Catalog provides a crash course for them.

  • Allows you to easily configure Wi-Fi, email contracts, and the calendar.

  • Allows you to set up VPN using your own profiles.

  • Support is available via email and chat.

Cost:

You can request a quote on their website.

Platform:

iOS.


16. Android Studio

Android Studio has a highly handy implementation editor for Android developers. Shortcuts for coding and designing are available in Android Studio, and the layout designer makes it simple to use, reducing coding time.

Key Features:

  • ConstraintLayout allows you to create sophisticated layouts by linking constraints from one view to other views and guidelines.

  • Examine the contents of your app APK file for ways to reduce the size of your Android app, even if it wasn't created with Android Studio.

  • Install and run your apps more quickly than on a real device, and test out different setups and features.

Cost:

This tool is available for free.

Platform:

Android.


17. Swiftic

Swiftic is a tool for creating iPhone apps. It offers a simple interface that anyone can use to create an app. It offers a lot of features that make the app both helpful and appealing to the eye.

Key Features:

  • Add content from Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and other sites to keep your app up to date.

  • Utilize emails, QR-enhanced stickers, and online tools to encourage customers to use your app.

  • Learn how to improve your app by observing how people interact with it.

Cost:

Packages start at $39 per month.

Platform:

iOS.


18. AppCode

AppCode includes a number of useful integrations, such as a CocoaPods manager and built-in Reveal support, among others. AppCode may be a significant asset for your company in addition to the benefits it gives to developers.

Key Features:

  • With an IDE that analyses your surroundings and comprehends your project, you can code quickly.

  • AppCode makes it simple to run and debug your projects.

  • Explore a database's content, read and alter data, run queries, and perform other database-related tasks.

  • Benefit from AppCode's extensive interaction with third-party tools such as CocoaPods, Reveal, and others.

Cost:

Packages start at $199 per year.

Platform:

iOS.


19. AppWatch

AppWatch, produced by Attify, is a cloud-based mobile security solution that helps customers protect their apps from being hacked. It earns users' trust while also ensuring the app's security.

Key Features:

  • AppWatch examines the mobile application for over 50 different checks in order to uncover all potential flaws.

  • AppWatch also detects and analyses any third-party libraries or ad SDKs that are utilised in the programme.

  • Each of the discovered security problems is double-checked using several ways to guarantee that there are no false positives.

  • You can create bespoke reports with different descriptions, logos, and comments, for example.

Cost:

You can request a quote on their website.

Platform:

Android and iOS.


20. Xamarin

Xamarin is a mobile app development platform that enables developers to smoothly create native iOS, Android, and Windows apps. Xamarin is an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) that uses Visual Studio Tools to create native mobile apps.

Key Features:

  • For 75 percent or more of app code, use the same language, APIs, and data structures across all mobile development platforms.

  • On Windows, use Visual Studio, a full-featured and versatile IDE.

  • Tools, cloud services, support, and training are all available.

  • Create sophisticated, cloud-based mobile apps that scale as your user base expands.

Cost:

This tool is available for free.

Platform:

Android and iOS.


21. Ionic

Ionic is an open-source framework that allows developers to combine many web technologies like Javascript in their applications. The mobile app developer can use these technologies to create a unique user interface and include user-friendly features for their target audience.

Key Features:

  • The app, which is built on the Ionic framework, can be used on a variety of platforms.

  • Developed with current web APIs and dependable, standard web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript (like Custom Elements and Shadow DOM).

  • Pre-designed components, typography, interactive paradigms, and a beautiful basic theme are all included in the Ionic application.

Cost:

This tool is available for free.

Platform:

Android and iOS.


22. ReactNative

React Native combines the greatest features of native development with React, a top-of-the-line JavaScript toolkit for creating user interfaces.

You can use either a little, or a lot. You can utilise React Native in your existing Android and iOS projects right now, or you can start from scratch and build a brand new app.

Key Features:

  • Employ Native platform APIs

  • No matter which platform you’re designing for, you can use the features such as View, Text, and Image, that map to the platform's native UI building blocks everywhere.

  • Wrap existing native code and interface with native APIs.

Cost:

This tool is available for free.

Platform:

Android and iOS.


23. Mobincube

Mobincube is a fantastic app interface that allows users to create any type of mobile app. Developers can design apps for a variety of purposes, including business, education, entertainment, health, and more.

Key Features:

  • Create mobile stores to increase sales.

  • On-the-fly updates are possible with online material.

  • In order to develop your app, you need learn from your users.

  • Add big datasets and pick how the data will be displayed.

Cost:

Packages start at $45 per year.

Platform:

Android and iOS.


24. MobiLoud

MobiLoud is a WordPress plugin that allows businesses of all kinds to create native iOS and Android mobile applications. It works with WordPress websites to convert them into native mobile apps, which users can then publish on the Apple App Store and Google Play.

Key Features:

  • Boost engagement with a native mobile user experience.

  • You can launch apps that are equally as good as those from major brands in under two weeks using MobiLoud, for a fraction of the cost.

  • Your app is a direct channel to your most valuable fans via push notifications.

Cost:

Packages start at $160 per month.

Platform:

Android and iOS.


25. LongRange

LongRange mobile app builder is based on two fundamental principles: the mobile app design and support process must have a short Time-to-Market and a reasonable Cumulative cost – both of which are critical for IBM I development sites constrained by limited budgets, "never enough" time, and ever-present resource constraints.

Key Features:

  • LongRange Studio is used by developers to write programmes and snap them into the application schema.

  • The programme determines the screen layout and data information displayed on a mobile device by the LongRange mobile app.

  • Developers can add HTML apps, pages, and sites as part of a composite application by using web views.

Cost:

You can request a license after 45 days of free trial.

Platform:

Android and iOS.


26. Ninox

Ninox can be used to build a wide range of applications, including event management, invoicing, customer relationship management (CRM), task management, and meeting management. Users can also invite peers to collaborate, and they can manage the rights assigned to each collaborator.

Key Features:

  • Drag and drop forms, charts, and reports to rapidly arrange them.

  • All of your data is in one place, in a smart workspace, with no need for communication.

  • Ninox works on all of your devices, whether or not they have internet access.

Cost:

Packages start at $40.

Platform:

iOS.


27. Qt

Qt empowers you to create a stunning experience for your worldwide clients. Intuitive user interfaces are out on the market faster than ever before, helping to shape the greater competitive advantage that customers see. Applications can run anywhere, at any time, on all of their screens with the power of Qt.

Key Features:

  • Enables your team to deploy a single codebase across all supported platforms with common APIs.

  • Makes it simple to adapt to the newest UI paradigm adjustments required by touch devices and tablets

  • Qt will not only help you fulfil your short schedule, but it will also drastically reduce the amount of maintainable code.

Cost:

Packages start at $329 per month.

Platform:

Android and iOS.


28. Sencha

Sencha is a mobile app creation firm that makes it easy for developers to create web apps for desktops, tablets, and smartphones.

Sencha minimises the cost and complexity of developing and delivering enterprise apps across different device types because to its long-standing dedication to web technologies.

Key Features:

  • Ext JS is a JavaScript framework that allows programmers to create online applications for any modern device.

  • Sencha's GRUI is a modern enterprise-grade grid solution for React UI with over 100 fantastic data grid features.

  • GWT is a Java framework that allows developers to create feature-rich web apps for any modern device. It offers high-performance components that may be customised completely.

Cost:

You can purchase a license for $1295.

Platform:

Android and iOS.


29. Kendo UI

Kendo UI is a modern client-side development solution that includes an end-to-end mobile app development solution. It provides extremely modular app development solutions that adhere to the latest web standards.

Key Features:

  • Add complex JavaScript components to your existing or new designs quickly and easily.

  • With just a few lines of code, you can add complex components like data grids, charts, schedulers, and calendars.

  • Changing frameworks and beginning new projects will not necessitate a new licence or a steep learning curve.

Cost:

Packages start at $999 per developer.

Platform:

Android and iOS.


30. Onsen UI

Onsen UI has a large number of UI components that are specifically developed for mobile apps. It includes tabs, a side menu, stack navigation, and a variety of other elements including lists and forms. Onsen UI's animations have been fine-tuned and optimised to work across a wide range of devices.

Key Features:

  • Using technologies such as Javascript, HTML, and CSS, experience streamlined development with zero-time setup.

  • A wide range of UI components created specifically for mobile apps.

  • Onsen UI's animations have been fine-tuned and optimised to work across a wide range of devices.

Cost:

This tool is available for free.

Platform:

Android and iOS.


31. Firebase

Firebase is yet another powerful option for mobile app development. It has clients for the web, iOS, OS X, and Android. It can greatly save development time while also avoiding the need to interact with servers and data storage. Some of their clients include DupLingo and Wattpad.

Key Features:

  • Google Cloud Storage provides file storage.

  • To create highly scalable apps, treat data as streams.

  • There are few risks of data loss because data is mirrored and backed up to several secure locations.

Cost:

You can request a quote on their website.

Platform:

Android and iOS.


32. Vuforia

Vuforia is a software development kit majorly for Augmented Reality. It enables the creation of Augmented Reality-based apps. It recognises and tracks pictures and 3D objects using computer vision technologies.

Key Features:

  • Recognize and monitor a larger number of items

  • It is capable of quickly recognising a wide range of common images, objects, and settings.

  • Make virtual buttons for the app to view and respond to.

Cost:

You can request a quote on their website.

Platform:

Android and iOS.


33. Alpha Anywhere

Using Alpha Anywhere, business-level mobile and Web applications can be developed and deployed offline. Using it, business applications can be developed for Web and mobile platforms. Instantly create mobile apps without any coding knowledge. Use a built-in programming language to create further features. Using no-code or low-code environments, enable both non-developers and developers to swiftly create complex offline-capable mobile apps and digital forms.

Key Features:

  • Integration with databases and record-keeping systems that is flexible and strong.

  • Top-rated offline that provides offline database and content lookup in addition to offline data recording. Additionally, Alpha Anywhere allows you total control over how disputes are resolved.

  • Open architecture with full stack and standards-based programming.

  • Simple cloud deployment with security, redundancy, and scalability.

Cost:

Alpha Anywhere package starts at $30 Per User Per Month.


Things to Consider When Choosing a Mobile Development Tool

Platform

Android, iOS, and Windows are the most popular mobile operating systems. To succeed in the mobile market, remember that mobile app development is focused on the Mobile OS that the company intends to deploy its product on. Because of their large market share, most businesses target Android and iOS platforms for their operations.

Features

The functionalities vary depending on whether the app is for Android or iOS. When you choose cross-platform app development, device-specific capabilities become critical for your mobile app's smooth operation. Make sure you choose a tool which will enable you to have all your desired features incorporated into your app.


Conclusion

Developing an app for your business will greatly improve the impression your customers have of you. Don't be afraid to test out one of these 32 mobile app development tools. Most of them provide a free version, trial, or demo, so there's no need to commit until you're certain that's the tool you want to use.


FAQs

What Are Mobile App Development Tools?

The entire process flow involved in building software for mobile devices, such as smartphones and other hand-held devices, is known as mobile application development.

Mobile app development tools are the platforms that provide you with these set processes and procedures.

When Should You Consider Using Mobile App Development Tools?

Not only have smartphone and tablet sales surged, but the number of mobile apps downloaded has also climbed dramatically. Mobile apps offer a one-of-a-kind opportunity to engage with an altogether new type of customer: one who is always connected to the Internet and the global commerce arena.

So if you want your brand to succeed, you should definitely consider using mobile application development tools.

What Are the Benefits of Mobile Apps?

  • Loyalty can be built.

  • Increase your visibility by reinforcing your brand.

  • Make yourself more accessible

Can I Build an App Without the Knowledge of Coding?

An app development tool is required to construct a mobile app without coding. These are tools that come with pre-programmed templates and functionality for editing and customising your app.

You don't have to code the features in app development tools because they're already pre-programmed. You may also create completely unique mobile apps because you can modify the style, content, and functions.

Which Is the Best Coding Language for Mobile Apps?

When it comes to mobile app development, the Java programming language is the favored choice. Java is the most used programming language in the world, according to search engines. Java is now owned by Oracle.

Who Uses Platforms for Mobile Development?

The target market for these items is mobile developers and development teams, as the product's name could imply. Because most mobile development platforms demand at least some, if not intermediate, programming expertise in mobile development languages, only developers may use this software. Use a low-code or no-code development platform instead if you want to create an app but lack much or any coding knowledge.

Why Use Platforms for Mobile Development?

By combining all essential features and functions into a single offering, mobile development platforms assist in streamlining the mobile development process. With just one piece of software, everything from planning to UI/UX design to testing can be completed.

Time savings – Developers will probably spend a lot of time switching between software to work if they use many pieces of software to cover the mobile development lifecycle. To ensure that every piece of software is running the most recent version of the program or the most recent code modifications, they could also need to check their code integrity with every changeover.

Cost savings – By employing a mobile development platform, organizations can cut labor expenses because developers using these platforms have to spend less time learning and moving between tools to construct a mobile app. Businesses can save money on both upfront and subscription software expenditures by using a single platform instead of a variety of separate software solutions.

33 Best Mobile App Development...
StartupStash

The world's biggest online directory of resources and tools for startups and the most upvoted product on ProductHunt History.