Best 5 Strategies For Low Cost Mobile App Development

Mobile app development and app development in general is not cheap. There are a lot of factors to consider and it can be just a headache to create your dream app with limited funds.

This guide will show you five strategies for low cost mobile app development. Follow these tips to get a quality app without burning through your budget.

What is the cost of mobile app development?

The cost of creating a mobile app can vary widely depending on its complexity. Here’s a breakdown to give you a general idea:

• Simple apps: These can range from $10,000 to $60,000. They typically have basic features and a straightforward user interface.
• Average complexity apps: These cost between $60,000 and $150,000. They may have more features and user engagement elements.

It’s important to remember that these are just estimates. The cost of an app development project can also vary based on the platform and complexity. The final cost of your app will depend on several factors, such as the specific features you want to include, the development team’s location and experience, the platform you want to build for (Android, iOS, or both), and android app development.

Why is it important to keep low cost mobile app development?

Keeping the cost of mobile application development low is critical for several reasons:

• Budget constraints: Many startups and small businesses operate on limited budgets. High development costs can quickly drain resources, leaving little room for other essential areas such as marketing.
• Risk Reduction: The mobile app market is highly competitive and there’s no guarantee of success. Reducing development costs helps lower the financial risk if the app does not perform as expected or fails to gain traction.
• Faster ROI: By keeping costs low, companies can achieve a faster return on investment (ROI). Lower up-front costs mean the app needs to generate less revenue to break even, which can be especially beneficial in the early stages of the app’s lifecycle.
• App pricing: Lower development costs can allow companies to price their apps more competitively or offer them for free.
• Innovation and experimentation: Lower costs allow for experimentation and innovation. Businesses can test new ideas or features without fear of unsustainable costs.
• Resource allocation: Savings on development costs can be reallocated to other critical areas.

Strategies to follow for low cost mobile app development

There are a lot of strategies you can consider while trying to achieve low cost mobile app development. A well-structured app development process is crucial in achieving cost efficiency. I will not go into values that you should change or consider in your mobile app development, but rather technical aspects that you can change to significantly lower the cost. Here are the strategies you can consider:

1. Consider Low Code tools for Mobile app development

There are quite a few low code mobile app development tools you can choose from that even allow for native app development. Low code tools are great that if you have some coding knowledge you can add additional code to the app to overcome the limitations of low code tools.

Here are a few tools you can consider:

Mendix

Mendix provides a powerful low-code platform to speed application development. It allows organizations to efficiently build and deploy applications with AI and rich integration capabilities.

Key Features:

• AI-Powered Development: Mendix uses AI to assist in development, making the process faster and smarter. AI services and custom ML models are integrated for building sophisticated applications.
• Complete Cloud Choice: Mendix supports single-click deployment to any cloud, ensuring high availability and security for applications.
• Governance by Design: The platform includes built-in DevOps and governance tools. Enterprises can set up custom guardrails for compliance.
• Data Integration: Mendix ensures data consistency and security across projects. It allows integration with other data sources and third-party services using out-of-the-box connectors.

Appsmith

Appsmith is an open-source developer tool that helps businesses build internal applications and mobile apps like dashboards, admin panels, and more to improve their day-to-day operations.

Key Features:

• Data Integration: Appsmith allows you to connect to any database, SaaS tool, or API. You can query data using SQL or the built-in query builder.
• UI Building: Use over 45 customizable widgets to create responsive UIs. No need for HTML or CSS.
• Code Customization: Write JavaScript directly within Appsmith. Extend functionality, customize UIs, or implement conditional logic.

• Git-Based Control: Sync to a git repository. Use the same dev workflows, commit changes, review pull requests, and deploy with CI/CD.
• Library Import: Import custom JavaScript libraries for advanced capabilities like PDF generation, CSV parsing, and more.

2. Consider No Code tools for Mobile app development

If you are looking for low cost mobile app development no code tools can be very beneficial. Tools like Bubble and Flutterflow are cheap and easy to use. They are especially useful if you do not have any coding knowledge.

Here are some tools that you can consider to make your mobile app development much cheaper:

Flutterflow

FlutterFlow is a visual development platform that allows you to create mobile and web applications without writing code. It uses a drag-and-drop interface to build your app’s user interface (UI), and it generates the code behind the scenes. This can significantly speed up the development process, especially for those unfamiliar with coding languages.

Key Features:

• Visual App Building: FlutterFlow’s drag-and-drop builder allows users to design apps with ease. Over 80 Flutter Widgets and 170 pre-designed components make app creation up to 10 times faster.
• Data Integration: FlutterFlow supports Firebase, enabling real-time data connection. Users can also integrate any third-party API or their backend.
• Responsive Design: Create apps that look great on any device. FlutterFlow ensures your app adapts to various screen sizes and resolutions seamlessly.
• Localization: Translate your app into multiple languages with a single click. FlutterFlow uses Google Translate to make localization quick and easy.
• Deployment: Deploy your app to iOS, Android, and the web from a single platform. FlutterFlow simplifies the process, reducing time and effort.

Bubble.io

Bubble is a full-stack no-code platform. Design, develop, and launch applications without code. Suitable for beginners and enterprise teams.

Key Features:

• App Creation: Design powerful products without writing code. Build and launch applications seamlessly.
• Full-Stack Functionality: Implement full-stack functionality with ease. Bubble handles both front-end and back-end logic.
• Built-In Database: Scale your application using Bubble’s built-in database. Manage your data effortlessly.
• Collaboration Tools: Work with others on your application. Share and collaborate in real time.
• Native app development coming very soon!

3. Consider AI tools for Mobile app development

If you want to create mobile applications with the cheapest and put in the least effort, you can do it with some AI tools. Although you have to understand that these tools can create very basic applications with mostly limited customization, it is possible.

Here are some AI tools you can consider for low cost mobile app development:

Builder.AI

Builder.ai is a multi-purpose app development platform. It provides custom app solutions without the need for coding skills. The platform uses AI to build apps quickly and cost-effectively, delivering high-quality results for businesses of all sizes.

Key features:

• Builder Studio: Custom app development tailored to your specific needs. Work with product experts to manage your project from start to finish.
• Studio Store: Ready-to-go app packages for selling online. Includes all essential features with no profit-sharing.
• Builder Enterprise: Fast app development for enterprises with transparent pricing and unlimited customizations. Bypass internal teams and maintain total project visibility.
• Builder Cloud: Save on cloud hosting with smart usage recommendations. Ensure cost-effective cloud management.
• Builder Now: Turn your app idea into a working prototype quickly. Share it with teams and investors for feedback.

Glideapps

Glide is a platform that allows organizations to create custom applications without coding. It integrates with existing data and tools, allowing for efficient and customized software solutions. It also has a lot of AI capabilities, so it is a mix of no code and artificial intelligence.

Key Features:

• Data Integration: Glide connects with spreadsheets and databases, ensuring your data is always up-to-date.
• Multi-Device Deployment: Apps designed with Glide adapt to any device, providing a consistent user experience.
• Workflow Automation: Create complex workflows that automate tasks and update your data in real-time.
• Cost Efficiency: Consolidate your software tools into one platform, reducing unnecessary expenses.
• User-Friendly Design: Glide’s apps are visually appealing and easy to use, enhancing team engagement.

Key AI Features:

• Text Generation: Automatically create emails, product descriptions, and summaries.
• Image to Text: Extract text from images, such as manuals or receipts.
• Data Conversion: Turn unstructured data into structured formats like dates and numbers.
• Audio to Text: Convert audio recordings into text instantly.

4. Outsource Strategically: Hire a No Code/Low Code agency

Another option you can consider is hiring an expert No Code or Low Code agency. Creating your app from scratch and hiring app developers can be quite expensive.

No Code and Low Code agencies offer a more affordable project price for companies and individuals and can get all the complicated features launched even with such tools.

There are a lot of such agencies out there, so I have listed a few you can contact that can make your project a reality cheaper, more efficient, and much faster than traditional development:

Idea Link

Idea Link is a tech company specializing in digital transformation through custom software and native app development, focusing on a No Code and Low Code approach. Their services include:

• Custom Software Development: Building enterprise software, MVPs, SaaS, internal systems, and web apps within 4-12 weeks.
• Native App Development: Creating iOS and Android apps quickly.
• Product Design: Providing complete Figma designs and clickable prototypes to visualize the software.
• Analysis & Scoping: Defining necessary features, database diagrams, user stories, and flows to streamline development.
• Business Efficiency & Operational Tool Development: Crafting tools tailored to improve business efficiency and support unique operational needs.
• Digital Product (SaaS) Development: Developing scalable iOS, Android, web apps, and MVPs to empower entrepreneurial visions.
• AI Product Development: Implementing practical AI solutions and automation to improve business growth.

Minimum project price: $10,000.

Low Code Agency

LowCode Agency is a tech company specializing in cost-effective, fast-to-market custom software development using no-code and low-code platforms. Their services include:

• Apps for Business: Creating custom apps to improve productivity and efficiency.
• Business Automation with AI: Connecting and automating data and processes to reduce errors.
• MVP Development: Developing innovative, user-centric MVPs that validate ideas quickly and set the stage for scalable growth.
• Web Design: Crafting visually appealing and functional websites.

Minimum project price: $10,000.

5. Plan Smart and Focus on Core Features

When it comes to keeping mobile app development costs under control, there’s no better strategy than planning and prioritizing.

The first step in smart planning is to clearly define the primary purpose of your app. What problem does it solve for the user? What are the key features that will attract and retain users? By identifying the core purpose, you can prioritize features that directly support it.

One of the best ways to implement these types of actions in your app development is to develop an MVP.

5.1 Consider creating an MVP

An MVP is a stripped-down version of your app with just the core features needed to validate your concept with real users.

Here are a few reasons why it’s a good idea:

• Validates market demand: An MVP helps determine if there is a demand for the app. It allows developers to test the app idea with real users and gather feedback.
• Reduces development costs: Developing a full-featured app can be expensive. By focusing on core functionality, an MVP minimizes initial costs and allows for a more efficient allocation of resources.
• Improves time to market: An MVP allows developers to release the application quickly.
• Receive user feedback: Early user feedback is invaluable. An MVP provides real user insights that can guide further development.
• Reduces risk: By testing the core concept early, developers can identify potential issues and challenges, reducing the risk of failure when the full product is launched.
• Focuses on core functionality: An MVP encourages developers to push for the most important features.

Final thoughts

Cost-effective mobile app development is important for startups and small businesses. Many operate on tight budgets, and high development costs can quickly drain resources.

There are some strategies you can follow that can provide you with low cost mobile app development. Keep in mind that these are just suggestions and may not work for every business goal.

Using low-code and no-code tools can reduce the cost of mobile app development. Tools such as Mendix, Appsmith, Bubble, and Flutterflow allow for efficient app creation without extensive coding. These platforms make it easier to build apps, so it’s faster and cheaper.

You can aso outsource to agencies that use no-code/low-code. They can build apps quickly and efficiently.

In the end, it mostly depends on how much resources you have: can you hire mobile app developers? Will you try to build the mobile app yourself? What is your budget? Do you have the money to hire traditional mobile app development services?

Hopefully, this article has helped you choose the optimal strategy that will align with your business. And you will know how to proceed with low cost mobile app development.