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The Best App Maker and Development Solutions of 2022

By
Simone Johnson
,
business.com Staff
| Updated
Feb 04, 2022

Our team has compared the best app maker software and services for 2022. See up-to-date comparisons, reviews and prices for the top-rated programs.
Best Low-Cost App Maker
Zoho Creator
Insight charts
Offline mobile access
Automated payment and approvals
Best App Maker for Small Businesses
Bizness Apps
No developer required
Loyalty program
24/7 email support
Best Software for Quick App Creation
Appy Pie
No setup fees
Coupon/discount features
Unlimited user access
Best for Flexible App Design
GoodBarber
No coding required
Interface customization
Option to add articles and videos
Our team has compared the best app maker software and services for 2022. See up-to-date comparisons, reviews and prices for the top-rated programs.

The Best App Maker and Development Solution Comparisons

App creation software allows you to create consumer- and employee-facing apps without becoming a master coder. To help you find the best solution for your business, we evaluated more than 50 programs. In our research, we examined the different software's pricing, features like customer engagement and content customization, flexibility, and ease of use to determine the value and quality of each app maker. These qualities led us to choose Zoho Creator, Bizness Apps, Appy Pie and GoodBarber as the best app makers.

How We Decided
Our team spends weeks evaluating dozens of business solutions to identify the best options. To stay current, our research is regularly updated.
52
Considered
16
Researched
4
Selected

Compare Our Best Picks

  Zoho Creator Bizness Apps Appy Pie GoodBarber
Unlimited app downloads Users can buy as many applications as needed Based on # of purchased app credits Yes Yes
Customer engagement options Personalized computer portal Loyalty programs Coupon features Automatic rewards
Coding required Low-code platform None None None
Popular social media integrations Facebook and LinkedIn Instagram and YouTube Twitter, Instagram and Facebook Social media sharing option

Reviews

Zoho Creator: Best Low-Cost App Maker

Zoho Creator integrates with PayPal, QuickBooks, Salesforce and Zapier.
It offers 50 ready-to-use apps.
Zoho doesn't offer live support on the weekends.

Zoho Creator is our choice for best low-cost app maker because its starting price is just $10 per month, yet it gives users everything they need to create a mobile app for their businesses. It's also easy to use, with a drag-and-drop interface that allows you to click, move, and add features and content to your app easily.

Bizness Apps: Best App Maker for Small Businesses

Bizness Apps has customer engagement tools that small businesses can use to increase revenue and customer loyalty.
Bizness Apps offers more than 70 templates to help small businesses create attractive, high-quality apps, regardless of industry.
Users can only get in contact with Bizness Apps through email or contact form.

Bizness Apps is the best app maker for small business because it gives small businesses in various industries the tools they need to build native iOS and Android apps for iPhones, iPads and Android devices, as well as progressive web apps – no coding needed. Its drag-and-drop design engine and ready-made templates make it easy to use, and it offers design team services if you need someone to build an app for you. Bizness Apps also serves small mobile app businesses that create apps for clients.

PRICING

Although Bizness Apps is pricier than some of the other app makers we evaluated, it has plans for both individual users and resellers who create apps for clients. Here's what they cost:

Individual Plan

  • Monthly cost: $99. This plan includes monetization options, loyalty programs, reviews, and third-party integrations like Instagram, YouTube and Mailchimp.

  • Optional services: Starting at $750. For an extra cost, the company's designers will build a branded app for your business.

  • Additional costs: Publishing your app in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store costs extra. Apple charges $99 per year for an Apple Developer account, a one-time submission fee of $199, and $25 per app update. Google charges a one-time fee for $25 to set up a Google Developers Account.

Reseller Plans

  • Standard plan: $300 per month. This plan comes with 24/7 email support, a reseller dashboard, app analytics, app onboarding and access to a quarterly virtual user conference.

  • Gold plan: $360 per month. In addition to everything in the Standard plan, this plan includes phone support, white-label marketing materials, location-based push notes and a signature feature.

  • Platinum plan: $400 per month. In addition to the Gold plan features, this plan includes promotional materials for your app, access to Bizness Apps' Partner Success Program, a digital marketing assessment, customer and ROI data, a reviews feature, app and website design services, free iOS submissions, free private app store submission, and free app updates.

FEATURES

Bizness Apps offers some cool features that you can integrate with your app, and a lot of flexibility in creating a native iOS app, a native Android app, or even a progressive web app if you prefer to go that route.

It's well suited for retail outlets and restaurants, with static landing pages that look impressive. For busy restaurant and retail shop owners with limited staff and time, it is possible to create an impressive, professional-looking app with the features your customers want relatively quickly.

If you own a restaurant, you can post your menu in your app and allow your customers to place their orders and pay through the app, or you can offer a convenient way for customers to reserve a table. Retailers, meanwhile, can capitalize on in-app sales and add a loyalty feature for customers.

Another aspect where Bizness Apps shines for these types of small businesses is its ability to help customers reach you once they've downloaded your app. GPS directions can help customers find their way to your physical location, and they can dial phone numbers listed in your app with the one-touch calling feature. This makes it incredibly easy for your customers to connect with you.

Here are a few more of Bizness Apps' noteworthy features:

  • Templates: Bizness Apps offers more than 70 templates you can choose from, many of which are specifically suited for several different industries. Choose your template carefully, because once you start building your app, you can't change templates without starting all over again. Bizness Apps gives you three choices for the layout of your app, which is fewer than other app makers we evaluated offer.

  • Viewing options: The platform offers helpful viewing options so you can see what your app will look like on smartphones and tablets. You can get a sense of your app's appearance through the software, or you can send it to your smartphone so you can see firsthand what it will look like.

  • Content import: One nice feature Bizness Apps offers is the ability to add content from your website by simply entering the URL into the content management system.

  • Integrations: Multiple integrations are available with Bizness Apps, including Grubhub and iMenu360 for restaurants, Shopify and Magento for e-commerce retailers, PayPal and Stripe for payment processing, and Mailchimp and Constant Contact for email marketing.

  • Customer engagement tools: Bizness Apps has several features that help you connect with your customers, including a loyalty feature to give your customers a convenient in-app way to track the rewards points they've earned, a "fan wall" forum that your customers can use to chat about your business, a "call us" feature that your customers can use to call your business with a tap on the app, and a "tell friend" feature that allows your customers to share your app with their friends.

EASE OF USE

Bizness Apps works across multiple platforms, offers a wide selection of templates, and includes several tools for content creation and marketing. We were impressed by the fact that even if you don't have coding knowledge or expertise, you can create an attractive app with this software.

While the system is relatively easy to learn and use, adding content is a more complex process with Bizness Apps than it is with other app builders. When you add features and then preview the changes, you need to religiously save your page every time you make a change, or you'll lose your work.

Also, the creation and submission process, while never overly difficult, involves more steps than other app makers in our reviews require. All in all, there is a higher learning curve for the Bizness Apps interface.

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

Bizness Apps provides thorough information on its site to help users learn how to create an app and understand the features available to them. You can watch video tutorials and read e-books, case studies, and blog articles to learn more about creating apps and an app company. If you need help using the software, you can contact the company by email or through its support ticket feature. However, the company doesn't offer support by phone or live chat, so it takes a while to get in direct contact with someone who can help you.

More

Appy Pie: Best Software for Quick App Creation

Appy Pie offers 24/7 access to premium support services through live chat, email and phone.
You can access data and insights for your with Google Analytics.
Appy Pie's basic plan does not offer in-app Messenger or polling options, which can be useful features to increase customer engagement.

A giant in the app creation space, Appy Pie is the best software for quick app creation because it offers affordable, quick, code-free app creation. It provides specialized templates for different app types based on your industry and use case that make building programs a breeze. It also offers the Small Business App Builder, which is geared specifically to SMB owners who want apps that they can easily customize.

PRICING

App makers can get expensive, but Appy Pie keeps its cost at an affordable rate for a range of quality options. After you take the service for a spin with the seven-day free trial, you can choose from three paid plans:

  • Basic: $18 per app, per month. You can create an Android app on this plan. It includes 10,000 push notifications a month, unlimited app editing and 5,000 app downloads. Customer support for this plan is available by email.

  • Gold: $36 per app, per month. You can create an Android app on this plan as well. It comes with 25,000 push notifications and 10,000 app downloads per month. Customer support is available through email and chat.

  • Platinum: $60 per app, per month. You can create Android and iOS apps on this plan. It supports 75,000 push notifications and 50,000 downloads per month. You can reach customer support by email, live chat and phone.

  • Additional costs: When you publish an app, the Google Play Store charges a one-time $25 fee, and the Apple App Store charges an annual $99 developer fee. Add-on features are also available.

FEATURES

Appy Pie doesn't skimp on features for building your program. Templates are arranged by category, and there are also themed templates to choose from, for a total of more than 100 options. Appy Pie provides templates for an excellent range of businesses, so only users with extremely specific branding requirements need to pay for the Premium subscription level.

Appy Pie's preview function is one of the best among app makers, showing you exactly how your app looks on both phones and tablets for the respective app stores. This feature helps you create an app that functions correctly across multiple platforms. As you add new features, such as a Twitter feed, you see the changes to your app in real time.

Apps made with Appy Pie also integrate easily with major CMS platforms, like WordPress and Joomla. You can also pull content directly from your existing company site, which is a quick and fantastic way to create a consistent design without much fuss.

Here are a few more features that Appy Pie provides:

  • App promotion: You can promote your app by sharing it on social media or using Appy Pie's email marketing tool.

  • Geotargeted push notifications: You can use this feature to send alerts or emails to specific users. This software offers a more advanced geotargeting tool than many others – it allows you to send notifications for a specific area or period of time.

  • Analytics: Appy Pie offers its own analytical tools, but it also lets you integrate your app with Google Analytics to evaluate how well it's performing and identify areas you can improve. Between both analytical tools, you receive a more in-depth analysis of your app's performance than you would with most other app-building software.

EASE OF USE

For small businesses wanting to create an app quickly and inexpensively, Appy Pie is an excellent choice. It allows you to create a free custom app with a drag-and-drop interface that's blissfully simple to use.

Appy Pie is built with ease of use in mind. You never need to add source code, and if your business has a website, you can pull content directly from your site into the app builder by simply inputting the URL. This feature not only improves the user experience but helps you create an app version of your site quickly and easily.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

Appy Pie is easy to use, but in case you have trouble with it, the company offers numerous support options. You can access video tutorials about specific tools directly from the application. The company's website also has a searchable knowledgebase with FAQs and tutorials. If you need more in-depth help, be aware that the subscription tier you select determines the type of support you get.

More

GoodBarber: Best for Flexible App Design

GoodBarber allows you to plug in videos, audio and maps to make your application a more engaging experience for the user.
You don't need any technical knowledge to create an app with GoodBarber.
If you cancel your subscription to GoodBarber, your app will no longer function.

GoodBarber is our choice for the best flexible app design program thanks to its vast selection of templates, above-average creation tools and customer engagement opportunities. It offers Android and iOS native apps as well as progressive web apps (PWAs), which you can create with zero coding experience. It has an intuitive user interface with a great selection of tools and an affordable price. 

PRICING

GoodBarber offers businesses multiple options for creating modern, eye-catching native apps for Android and iOS or PWAs. It offers three subscription tiers for the Classic plan:

  • Standard: $25 per month, billed annually. In this plan, you receive one PWA with 200GB of storage, push notifications, and unlimited bandwidth and number of pages.

  • Full: $48 per month, billed annually. In addition to the features in the Standard tier, this plan includes one Android native app. You also have access to advanced add-ons, unlimited downloads and the ability to make the app available on Google Play.

  • Premium: $96 per month, bill annually. In addition to the features in the Full tier, this plan includes one native app for iPhone and one native app for iPad. It gives you the option to make your apps available in the App Store.

  • Additional costs: Some features cost extra, such as add-ons for loyalty cards ($8 per month), club cards ($4 per month) and couponing ($6 per month). Also, if you want to white-label your app, it costs an extra $40 per month.

GoodBarber offers a 30-day free trial without requiring a credit card number, so you won't be automatically charged if you choose not to continue working on the platform.

FEATURES

Before you create an app, you choose the industry your app fits best. GoodBarber's categories include restaurants and nonprofits. You receive the same wide selection of themes and backdrops no matter which industry you select.

Using GoodBarber's theme builder, you can edit any backdrop to create your own unique interface look, which you can then apply across your whole app in just a few clicks. The interface is aimed at introductory users, so coding is not necessary.

There are eight sections of content management in this app builder, giving you a platform to input and edit articles, videos, photos, audio, maps, forms and calendars for your business's app. GoodBarber also integrates with most web content management systems, so you can link your app to your website to get updated content.

GoodBarber distributes your native app in the Google Play Store regardless of the pricing plan you choose. On the iOS Premium plan, it distributes it in the App Store for you. It also lets you remove the GoodBarber logo and add your own. Your app will be capable of indexing by search engines, and GoodBarber also offers monetization options to advertise your app online.

EASE OF USE

Despite the many features and options, GoodBarber is intuitive to use. The instant preview function is located on the side of the screen, while options such as header, menu and content tools are available in a designated sidebar.

You can customize their app a la carte with add-ons from GoodBarber's catalog. Installation in your app is immediate and requires no technical knowledge. Once installed, the add-on integrates perfectly with any features you've already installed. Popular add-ons include the loyalty program, live audio and video, and SMS and monetization options.

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

It's important for application builders to offer a reliable way for users to seek help and ask questions. You can reach GoodBarber for support through an email form, once you've specified the type of problem you're experiencing.

In our testing, it took the company a few days to email us back, and not all of our questions were answered. Also, the company doesn't offer phone assistance, which can be an issue for users who have a complicated issue to explain or simply prefer speaking to a live person about their concerns.

More

App Creation Software Pricing

App creation can be affordable with a template service. Many no-code app builders offer free trials or free versions, and nearly all offer a money-back guarantee for a certain period of time. In general, the more you pay for service, the more features you will have to create a professional-looking app.

Here's a basic price range and what you can expect to get with app-making software. Note that the monthly fee of most apps is billed annually. If you prefer to pay monthly, not annually (and if the service will let you; not all do), you can expect to pay more per month.

  • Free to $15 a month: Template-built apps are available for $15 a month or less. Subscriptions at this level often remove advertisements and are compatible with one platform (i.e., either Android or iOS).

  • $30 a month: This is the minimum subscription level we recommend for most SMBs. In this monthly price range, most app software companies offer cross-platform designs that run on both Android and iOS, an ad-free experience, and decent app distribution.

  • $50 to $150 a month: Most software app companies have an upper tier that falls within this range. Such subscription levels typically include full cross-platform designs that can run on any operating system (including on Amazon devices), access to all major app stores, additional editing capabilities and add-on features.

  • More than $150 a month: Only a few app software companies offer subscriptions at this service level, but those that do often include premium features like the ability to create internal and external apps, manage multiple apps in one place, access advanced admin controls, and extra security.

  • If you go the route of custom app creation (through a service), your best bet is to request price quotes from multiple providers.

Other Fees

In addition to the monthly subscription price, other fees may apply. Both Apple and Google charge a fee if you offer your native app on the App Store or Google Play Store. You'll have to register as a developer through Apple, and it charges a $99 developer fee each year. Google charges a $25 one-time fee, meaning you won't have to pay this again if you submit another app to Google Play. If you charge consumers for your app, Google and Apple take a 30% cut of your sales after your app is published.

Other fees come from the app makers themselves. Some charge a review fee if you submit an app to the App Store. Not all platforms charge this fee – for instance, GoodBarber offers iOS review functionality for free – so talk to the app maker you're considering about its app review policy. Also, even though you're paying subscription, review, and other potential fees, some platforms state they're not responsible if Apple or Google rejects your app. So, you could spend a lot of time and money developing an app that is ultimately rejected.

If you create a progressive web app, app developer fees, review fees, and the like don't apply, which is one of the appealing aspects of PWAs.

One final issue to be aware of is that many app builders deactivate your app if you cancel your subscription to their service. Some companies store your app for a certain time in case you choose to reactivate it, but, again, this policy varies from service to service. Ask the companies you're strongly considering about their cancellation policies, and factor this into your decision.

Negotiation Tips

Negotiation isn't really a factor for entrepreneurs who go the app builder software route, because pricing is a fixed subscription fee based on the features you want for your app. However, if you want to hire an app-making service, do these three things before you commit to a company:

  • Create a comprehensive list of features you want your app to have. Include details like which platforms it needs to work on and other programs or apps it needs to integrate with.

  • Request price quotes from at least three different app-creation companies.

  • If your business has any unusual requirements, like specific security needs or apps that work together in a suite, include that information in your pricing request.

It's likely the service will suggest additional features. To stay on track and budget, don't be afraid to ask the developer how difficult it may be to add those features later. In many cases, designers and developers are simply offering you every option they have, many of which can be incorporated later if you require additional functionality as your user base grows. You don't want to include too many extra features when you first launch your app and overpay for your end product.

Buying Guide

Key Features for App Maker Software

When deciding which software program will help you build the best app, pay attention to four areas: content creation, distribution, customer engagement and customer support.

Content Creation 

The best mobile app builder interface is a matter of personal preference. Some are clean and simple; others are packed with features. Most interfaces use drag-and-drop functionality, but some do not.

Pick an interface that feels right to you – one that doesn't overwhelm you with features or, conversely, frustrate you with its lack of tools. Many companies offer a free trial, which allows you to test the software and see if it delivers what you're looking for.

Most app generators advertise that anyone can use them – even if you don't have any programming experience. Most of the programs we reviewed are pretty easy to understand, and a novice without any coding experience can build a decent app with them. If you have programming experience or specific imaging needs, though, you may want an app builder that allows you to input and manipulate code.

Distribution (OS Compatibility) 

Make sure the app creator you choose can generate cross-platform iterations. This means that you design the app, and the software translates it for iOS, Android or Windows platforms. Verify the compatibility you want with the mobile app builder you choose.

Customer Engagement Tools

The end goal of creating an app, of course, is to get it into the hands of consumers who will download it and consistently use it. It is your responsibility as the app creator to keep your app relevant and make it a permanent fixture on your customers' phones or tablets.

If you have more than just a landing page, an RSS feed will be your best friend. Content published on your desktop site will transfer directly to your app.

Customers expect push notifications as a rule, so app-designing programs now focus on more efficient means of reaching an audience. Push notifications are now geotargeting marketing tools. Based on your app analytics, you can send notifications to people in a certain region or a particular operating system. The market has advanced so quickly that geotargeting is already commonplace in the app industry. It's all part of helping you find the most receptive audience.

Help and Support 

When you're learning how to use app creation software, customer service is important. The app makers we evaluated all maintain extensive knowledgebases with tutorials, answers to frequently asked questions and online manuals.

Most of these companies list an email and phone number so you can contact their technical support teams. Some services offer live chat to put you in direct contact with a technical support agent.

App Maker FAQs

How do app makers work?

Mobile app builders, which live in the cloud, are designed for small screens and support the two major cross-platform mobile operating systems. These services charge monthly subscription fees, but they are much cheaper overall and inherently more flexible than hiring a developer to create and maintain a custom app for you.

What should small business owners consider before buying an app creation program?

Small business owners wanting to make an app should ask themselves some questions. What is the best technology to create a mobile app for your business? How much will it cost? Can you make an app on the program even if you don't have any coding skills?

There are two primary routes available to you. You can either purchase a subscription to app software that allows for no-code, template-style app design and quick deployment, or you can hire an app-creation service for a truly custom design.

What are progressive web apps?

You might have heard of progressive web apps, and their popularity will surely grow over the next few years. A PWA is simply a mobile app delivered through the web; it's a website that displays as an app, allowing you to give your users an app-like experience through a web browser. Visitors to your site will be prompted to install your PWA, which shows up as an icon on the home screen of the user's phone. A PWA looks and feels like a native app, but without sapping your data plan or space on your phone.

What's the difference between a native mobile app and a progressive web app?

A native mobile app doesn't require the internet to function once a user downloads it. It also lives on one platform, usually either iOS or Android. This tends to provide a smoother, potentially more profitable experience.

On the other hand, progressive web apps, which are HTML5 websites functioning as mobile apps, don't require users to download them from an app store. A PWA also shares some characteristics with native apps, allowing users to download the web app to their mobile device if they prefer.

What are the benefits of a PWA?

PWAs display seamlessly on all devices – desktops, smartphones and tablets – and they load far more quickly than native apps. Because they use HTML5, they are almost universally compatible as well. You can also send push notifications to consumers, which is a great way to keep your target audience engaged. You can bypass the developer fees to Apple and Google, and you don't have to deal with the frustration of submitting an app to both companies.

What are the disadvantages of a PWA?

Not all web browsers support PWAs, though the major ones do (Chrome, Safari, Firefox and Edge). Also, PWAs can be buggy, both on Android and iOS. For instance, they sometimes have support issues on Android, and iOS doesn't support notifications or shortcut prompts on users' home screens. iOS devices comprise an estimated 50% of the mobile market – that's a big market that can't use your PWA. If your app isn't available in the App Store or Google Play Store, consumers may have a hard time finding you. The transition is also slow, as many consumers haven't caught on to using PWAs.

If you need an app for iOS or simply can't afford to miss out on that market, go with a native app. If your app is pretty simple and straightforward, or you simply want to be on the cutting edge, consider going with a PWA. Consumers are getting choosier about the apps they download and install, and the appeal of PWAs is growing.

Community Expert Insights

App builders can boost your business to new heights by strengthening your mobile presence and consumer engagement. Sherry Mae, chief marketing officer of Tankarium, found Appy Pie to be a reliable program, especially for beginners.

"The software's unique selling proposition is that it can create apps quicker than its competition," Mae told business.com. "As a business owner, the saved time equates to additional revenue – something that all businesses want."

Like many business owners, Mae wasn't interested in spending hours to create an application. She wanted something easy to use and uncomplicated. Quality and quick customer support was important to her as well. She found Appy Pie intuitive to use, and the company's technical team responded promptly to all her queries.

For Max Harland, CEO of Dentaly, ease of use was also an important factor in an app builder. Because he runs a digital business that relies heavily on technology, a personalized app that caters to his company's needs is integral to his operations. 

"Our pick is Zoho Creator, primarily because of the wide variety of available app templates," Harland said. "The software is beginner-friendly, feature-rich, and intuitive so that beginners can create a professional-looking app from scratch without any help from experienced developers."

Like Mae and Harland, Ruggero Loda, founder of Running Shoes Guru, reviewed the app builder JMango360. Like Mae and Harland, he wanted a program that wasn't highly technical or complex, so he looked for an app creator that doesn't require coding and integrates well with other programs. With JMango360, he was able to make design changes after his app was published and had no trouble maintaining the back end of his program.

"JMango360 had the perfect combination of DIY and support for my team," Loda said. "This is why I use the platform. It's easy to use, it integrates into the e-store I'm building, and it requires no extra work from myself or my team."

Methodology

To narrow down the best app builders, we researched more than 50 reputable companies that have been in business for several years and are backed with positive customer reviews. After surveying their various subscription tiers, we focused on the mid-tier subscription plans, which usually offer enough tools for creating, distributing and marketing a small or midsize business's app. Based on the features in these plans, we narrowed our pool down to 16.

Next, we built our trial apps. We tested the customization features of each app builder, checking for industry-specific themes. We also checked whether you can add your own images and logos to your app. (Not every platform we tested provides a high level of customization, but most allow you to upload your own logo without paying extra fees.)

The next phase of our testing involved scrutinizing the tools each app builder offers that let you add content to your app, which brought us to our four best picks.

What to Expect in 2019

What's on the horizon for app creation software? Experts predict higher adoption rates among small businesses, primarily out of necessity. Millennial consumers want to interact with businesses via app or chat rather than on the phone or a non-mobile-friendly website. As millennials increase their earning power, SMBs have to consider the way they communicate with the highly tech-dependent generation, and apps are part of that for both millennial customers and employees. 

SaaS app creation companies will continue to court SMBs by adding easy integration options to their feature offerings and by fine-tuning the drag-and-drop interface that's become popular for no-code app creation.

Mona Bushnell contributed to the research, reporting and writing of this review.

Simone Johnson
business.com Staff
Simone Johnson is a business.com and Business News Daily writer who has covered a range of financial topics for small businesses, including on how to obtain critical startup funding and best practices for processing payroll. Simone has researched and analyzed many products designed to help small businesses properly manage their finances, including accounting software and small business loans. In addition to her financial writing for business.com and Business News Daily, Simone has written previously on personal finance topics for HerMoney Media.
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