14 Best Free Mobile App Development Software in 2024 (2024)

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Published : April 12, 2024

Last Updated: April 19, 2024

Key Takeaways:

Mobile app development software allows you to create software for smartphones and other mobile devices.
Open-source mobile app development software offers benefits such as lower hardware and development costs, unlimited support, high-quality software, and regular updates.
Popular free and open-source mobile app development software includes AppMySite, Apache Cordova, Appy Pie, Flutter, Ionic, Xamarin, and more.

With people spending 90% of their mobile time using apps, they have evolved from a luxury into an essential business tool. Mobile apps provide companies with a direct channel to engage customers, cultivate brand loyalty, and drive revenue, yielding conversion rates three times higher than mobile websites.

However, building Android and iOS apps is not only time-consuming but also expensive. This is where open-source mobile app development software comes in. These tools empower creators to build or modify apps according to their specific needs without financial constraints.

In this article, we will examine free mobile application development software, its benefits, and the best free app development software.

Pro-tip

When exploring free and open-source mobile app development software, carefully prioritize your project's requirements and evaluate if it has an active community, as it ensures access to helpful resources and expertise. Additionally, consider the software's cross-platform compatibility to ensure your app can reach a wider audience.

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What Are Free Mobile App Development Software?

Free and open-source mobile app development software provides developers with a comprehensive set of tools and frameworks to build apps without the financial burden of proprietary solutions.

These free app development software often come with robust features comparable to their paid counterparts, such as integrated development environments (IDEs), code editors, debugging tools, and testing frameworks. Additionally, many open-source projects foster active communities that contribute to continuous improvement and offer comprehensive documentation and support resources.

How We Select & List Softwares?

Our selection of these Free Mobile App Development Software is based on thorough research and analysis. We have listed these softwares based on usability and satisfaction score that include features, ease of use, customer support, ratings, and number of reviews from SoftwareSuggest. Our goal is to help businesses select the right softwares that can help them optimize their business processes.

14 Best Free Mobile App Development Software

Whether you’re looking for Android app development tools, iOS app development software, or a platform that supports all, this list includes the best app development software. Let’s get started.

Application Name	Features
AppMySite	Categorize products smartly, Sync your website & app menu
Apache Cordova	Operates on multiple operating systems, Native APIs
Appy Pie	Unlimited app editing, Push notifications
Flutter	Native performance, Tooling, language, and extensions
Ionic	Cordova plugin, Command Line Interface
Xamarin	Close development deadlines, Shared codes
Buildfire	Single sign-on, In-app purchases
Felgo	Auto-adapting UI, Database and user authentication
Appcelerator	Hyperloop, Immediate support for new OS releases
Mobincube	Monetization, Embed web
LongRange	Embed existing web pages, Native features
Qt	Version control, Project & build management
Alpha Anywhere	Cross-platform, native-like UI, Rich media capture and storage
Sencha Ext JS	Code minification, Production build generation

1. AppMySite

AppMySite is a DIY, no-code app maker tool known for simplicity and speed. It is suitable for building both native and web-view business apps and supports endless use cases. Developers can create feature-rich apps for any website or industry. AppMySite’s intuitive app-builder guides users as they design their apps, customize screens, and add features and functionalities with point-and-click options. Anyone can develop enterprise-level apps in minutes and deploy them on the app stores.

Features

Color palette
Interactive layout
Categorize products smartly
Sync your website & app menu
Auto-populate blogs from the website
WordPress custom post & taxonomy support
Integration with WooCommerce

Pros

Easy-to-use interface and streamlined app development process
Supports both iOS and Android platforms– thereby widening the app’s reach
Provides various templates and customization options for custom app design

Cons

Steeper learning curve for users unfamiliar with the platform
Relatively limited community support compared to other mobile development apps

2. Apache Cordova

Apache Cordova is a popular free mobile app development software that allows you to create hybrid applications. With Apache Cordova, the developer doesn’t necessarily need to know mobile programming languages. Instead, they can get started with languages like CSS, HTML, and JavaScript for app creation software. In fact, it allows you to create apps that will work for multiple platforms with a single codebase to reach the maximum audience.

Features

Integrates with various libraries
View and manage changes in the app
Operates on multiple operating systems
Native APIs
Robust backend support

Pros

Offer cross-platform development capability, enabling easy code reuse
Seamless integration with popular web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
Access to native device features through plugins– enhancing app functionality

Cons

Performance limitations due to dependency on web technologies
Occasional compatibility issues across different devices
Less optimal performance compared to fully native apps

3. Appy Pie

Appy Pie is one of the best open-source mobile app development software. It is a no-code app builder that aims to make mobile app development affordable and accessible to anyone with an internet-connected device. This powerful yet reasonably priced platform allows anyone to create an app in minutes. Its simple and easy-to-use drag-and-drop interface makes the entire process enjoyable and rewarding. The platform provides app users with hundreds of features, design options, and templates.

Features

App distribution
Unlimited bandwidth and hosting
Unlimited app editing
Push notifications
App analytics
App submission support

Pros

A low-code platform that allows users with limited coding experience to build apps
Quick app development with drag-and-drop features and pre-built templates
Supports multiple platforms– including iOS and Android

4. Flutter

Flutter is free mobile app development software best suited for hybrid apps. Developed by Google, Flutter is one of the most popular app development software written in Dart, C, and C++.

Flutter enables you to create applications for mobile, web, and desktop from a single codebase. What’s more, you don’t have to restart the application when testing your project. It offers the Hot Reload functionality, which makes the whole development process stress-free and optimized.

Features

Hot reload
Cross-platform development
Widget library
Native performance
Tooling, language, and extensions
IDE and Firebase support
Rendering engine

Pros

Rich UI toolkit with customizable widgets for creating visually appealing apps
Fast development with hot reloading– enabling real-time code changes
High-performance and native-like experience on multiple platforms

Cons

Steeper learning curve, especially for developers new to Dart and the Flutter framework
Limited availability of third-party libraries and packages compared to more established frameworks

5. Ionic

Ionic is another free mobile app development software mostly preferred for creating hybrid apps. It allows you to build applications for various platforms, including Android, iOS, and web, using a single codebase.

What’s more, it offers intuitive UI components that accelerate the app development process. Besides, it can be deployed virtually anywhere. Ionic boasts over 120 native device features, predefined elements, and a large community of developers.

Features

Cross-platform app development
Modern web APIs (Custom Elements and Shadow DOM)
Cordova plugin
Command Line Interface
Standalone web component library
Ion-ripple effect

Pros

Offer cross-platform development using web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
Extensive library of pre-built UI components for faster and easier app development
Seamless integration with Angular and other popular frameworks

Cons

Performance limitations due to dependency on web technologies
Inconsistent user experience across different devices
Relatively slower rendering speed compared to fully native apps

6. Xamarin

Xamarin is a free and open source mobile app development application founded by Microsoft in 2011. It is a set of tools that enables developers to build apps for various operating systems, including Windows, Android, and iOS — all in one programming language.

One of the reasons why Xamarin is quite popular is that it uses the C# programming language. Besides, using the Xamarin Test Cloud, you can automatically test apps on around 2,000 real mobile devices.

Features

Native multiplatform support
Close development deadlines
Shared codes
Wearable support
Platform-specific code bindings

Pros

Cross-platform development with shared codebase, saving time and effort
Easy access to native APIs– resulting in high-performance
Seamless integration with Visual Studio, besides strong community support

Cons

Steeper learning curve for developers– especially those new to C# and the Xamarin framework
Large app size due to the inclusion of the Mono runtime
Limited access to certain platform-specific features and functionalities

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7. Buildfire

Buildfire is another of the best free low code app builder and mobile app development software on our list. It offers a robust set of tools for building apps for Android and iOS. It is well-known for its high-end custom development capabilities and easy, intuitive DIY platform.

What’s more, it currently supports more than 10,000 apps and is flexible enough to scale as your business starts to grow. You can’t ignore the simple and functional drag-and-drop UI either, as it makes it easy to build the app quickly.

Features

No coding required
Interactive emulator
Single sign-on
In-app purchases
Shopify integration
Personalized push notifications

Pros

Low-code platform– allowing users to create apps without coding skills
Extensive library of pre-built plugins and features for faster app development
Customizable app templates and designs to suit different business needs

Cons

Limited flexibility for advanced customization
Reliance on Buildfire’s ecosystem limits integration with external systems
Higher cost for premium features and advanced functionality

8. Felgo

Felgo is a free mobile app development software that allows you to create apps for iOS, desktop (Windows and Linux), and Android devices. Using a single codebase, you can create an application for different operating systems. It was ranked first as the most time-saving framework, easiest to learn, and best support system as compared to the other 40 leading tools. Besides, it’s a great system for developing game apps as it supports 3D objects, too.

Features

QML hot reload
APIs and tooling
Native plugins
Auto-adapting UI
Database and user authentication
Localization

Pros

Powerful development framework with cross-platform capabilities
Extensive documentation and support– making it beginner-friendly
Built-in components and tools for game development

Cons

Limited community and smaller user base compared to other mobile development apps
Has a less comprehensive library of pre-built UI components compared to some other frameworks
Poor scalability scope for large-scale and complex applications

9. Appcelerator

Appcelerator is a leading mobile app development software that offers both paid and free versions. It enables developers to build a native mobile app using JavaScript, a popular scripting language.

Furthermore, you need fewer lines of code to develop apps as it allows for the reuse of codes across different platforms. The software supports multiple operating systems, including Windows, iOS, Android, and browser-based HTML5 applications.

Features

DE and Titanium SDK
App designer
Hyperloop
Immediate support for new OS releases
Visual designer

Pros

Allow cross-platform development with a shared codebase using JavaScript
Facilitate rapid app development with pre-built modules
Access to native APIs for enhanced app functionality and performance

Cons

Limited access to platform-specific features and functionalities
Occasional performance issues due to the interpretation of JavaScript code
Steep learning curve for developers new to JavaScript

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10. Mobincube

Mobincube is a web-based application that enables users to create apps with no prior knowledge of any software programming language. It comes with a robust set of tools that lets you create mobile stores, customize every little detail, develop your own advanced functionalities, and more. Besides, it has an excellent app interface, and you can use the software to create any kind of app — entertainment, health, educational, and more.

Features

Visual interface
App templates
Online shop
Monetization
Embed web
Google Maps integration

Pros

Low-code platform– allowing users to create apps without coding skills
Wide range of pre-built templates and customization options for app design
Supports multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, and progressive web apps

Cons

Limited customization scope for apps with unique requirements
Dependency on Mobincube’s ecosystem limits integration with external systems
Poor scope for implementing complex functionality and custom features

11. LongRange

LongRange is a native mobile application development tool that uses Cobol, CL, and RPG. It does not require one to know HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. It enables swift mobile application development and a short maintenance process. It comes with functionalities such as commands, form views, and navigation tabs.

Features

Native apps using CL, COBOL, or RPG
Embed existing web pages
Native features
Reusable codes
Multiple deployment options

Pros

Supports mobile app development for IBM I (AS/400) systems
Simplifies the development of modern and user-friendly interfaces for IBM i systems
Offers native-like performance and offline capabilities for a seamless user experience

Cons

Limited platform compatibility as the framework focuses specifically on IBM i (AS/400) systems
Requires knowledge of RPG or COBOL languages for backend integration
Relatively limited resources compared to more mainstream mobile app development frameworks

12. Qt

Qt’s cross-platform framework allows you to design, develop, and deploy mobile applications cost-effectively for different types of portable, handheld iOS, Android, and Windows devices. The free and open-source platform provides a comprehensive and conducive development environment for delivering excellent user experiences. The time-honored and stable solution was initially used for developing software for Windows and Mac.

Features

AI-enabled IDE
Sophisticated code editor
Version control
Project & build management
Qt Device emulator
Qt Quick compiler

Pros

Cross-platform framework with a wide range of supported platforms, including desktop and embedded systems
Powerful UI development tools and comprehensive libraries for creating visually appealing apps
Supports multiple programming languages, including C++, Python, and JavaScript

Cons

Steeper learning curve, especially for developers new to the Qt framework
Limited access to platform-specific features compared to more native-focused frameworks
Requires additional effort for UI customization to achieve a platform-specific look and feel

13. Alpha Anywhere

Alpha Anywhere provides no-code and low-code environments for rapidly developing and deploying cross-platform web and mobile apps. It uses HTML and JavaScript to create apps that are also offline-capable. It is known as a comprehensive solution that supports mobile app development and desktop, web, and SaaS application development. It also comes with a massive library of tutorials that can speed up the app development process.

Features

Low-code platform
Built-in data integration
Cross-platform, native-like UI
Rich media capture and storage
Robust API for integrating with databases

Pros

Rapid app development platform with a no-code/low-code approach
Supports cross-platform development and integration with various APIs
Offers offline capabilities and enterprise-grade security features

Cons

Limited flexibility for complex and highly customized app requirements
Dependency on Alpha Anywhere’s ecosystem limits integration with external systems
Relatively limited resources compared to more widely adopted frameworks

14. Sencha Ext JS

Sencha Ext JS uses an MVC-based JavaScript framework to create highly responsive mobile applications that can elevate customer satisfaction. It facilitates the rapid design, development, and management of cross-platform, data-intensive applications compatible with all Android, iOS, and Windows devices. Mobile apps created with Sencha Ext JS have boasted excellent business intelligence features that fuel data visualization and analytics.

Features

Low-code editor
Scaffolding
Code minification
Production build generation
UI asset kit
End-to-end testing solution

Pros

Robust framework for building web and mobile applications with a single codebase
Rich UI components and extensive theme support for creating visually appealing apps
Comprehensive data package and built-in tools for data management and integration

Cons

Steeper learning curve– especially for developers new to the Sencha Ext JS framework
A commercial license is required for certain features and extended support

What Are the Key Features of Free Mobile App Development Software?

The key features of best free app development software include customizability, cross-platform compatibility, interoperability, and testing tools. Let’s look at them.

Customizability: Open source gives full access to modify the source code, enabling unlimited customization possibilities to perfectly fit your project needs.
Cross-platform compatibility: These tools’ cross-platform capabilities let you develop apps that work seamlessly across iOS, Android, and other mobile operating systems.
Security and transparency: The publicly available source code undergoes scrutiny from a global community of developers, promoting transparency and making it easier to identify and address potential security vulnerabilities.
Interoperability: Open-source tools often integrate well with other open-source technologies, enabling developers to build comprehensive solutions by combining various components and libraries.
Testing and Debugging Tools: Comprehensive testing frameworks, code analysis, and debugging utilities help check apps for quality assurance and enable efficient troubleshooting.
Documentation and Resources: Many open-source projects maintain comprehensive documentation, tutorials, and knowledge bases to support developers in understanding and effectively using the software.

What Are the Benefits of the Best Free Mobile App Development Software?

There are several advantages to using free mobile app development software, including lower hardware and development costs, global support, and regular updates. Let us look at them in detail.

1. Lower Hardware Costs

Free mobile app development software is often designed to be lightweight and versatile, which can contribute to reduced hardware requirements compared to other platforms. This also means you can utilize old or cost-effective hardware for your mobile app development needs.

2. Reduced Development Expenses

Another benefit of using a free mobile app development tool is that the platform is free of cost and does not include any licensing fee. Open-source software allows you to install and uninstall the mobile app development platform multiple times. You can also access it from any location without worrying about monitoring or tracking license compliance.

3. Access to Unlimited Support

Free mobile app development tool is typically supported by thriving online communities. This grants you access to unlimited support and maintenance from diverse sources without any added expense should you encounter any issues during development.

4. High-Quality Software

In addition to being cost-free, open-source mobile app development software is often of exceptional quality. Since the source code is readily available, it is well-designed and requires minimal modifications. This allows you to save time during app creation and focus on other crucial aspects.

5. Continuous Updates

Once an app is released, the developer community continuously contributes to improving it. Regular updates mean developers can quickly tweak and enhance features, keeping pace with users’ evolving needs. This continual improvement, driven by collaborative communities, ensures apps remain relevant and user-friendly, fostering long-lasting satisfaction.

What Is the Purpose of the Best Free Mobile App Development Software?

The best open-source mobile app development software serves a clear purpose: to empower developers with free, versatile tools for creating high-quality applications. These platforms offer a cost-effective alternative, enabling efficient app development without the burden of licensing fees.

Free mobile app development software promotes innovation through open collaboration, providing access to a wealth of resources and support from vibrant developer communities. In fact, the best open-source mobile app development software aims to streamline the app creation process by focusing on flexibility and ease of use.

Conclusion

The open-source community has revolutionized mobile app development by providing a wealth of free and powerful software tools. From versatile IDEs and code editors to robust testing frameworks and extensive documentation, these open-source solutions offer a comprehensive and cost-effective approach to building high-quality mobile apps.

Which free mobile app development software do you use often and why? Let us know in the comments section below!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are app development software free?

Although not all mobile app development software is free, open-source tools are usually free of cost.

What is the best free mobile app development software??

There are several best free mobile app development software in the market currently. Some of them include Apache Cordova, Appy Pie, Felgo, Ionic, Buildfire, Xamarin, and so on.

What are the challenges in open-source mobile app development software

Despite its advantages, there are certain drawbacks to using open-source mobile app development software. These include a lack of security, intellectual property issues, a lack of warranty, and poor developer practices.

How to identify the right best free Android app development software?

The right free Android app development software is one that provides 100% support of features, has a clear app update path, provides complete access to hardware-related features, unlimited customer support, and is highly secure and responsive.

Rohit Rajpal

Rohit Rajpal is an accomplished writer and data enthusiast passionate about unraveling the intricacies of information and data. With a deep understanding of the subject matter, Rohit strives to simplify complex concepts and make them accessible to readers. Rohit’s expertise in the field and his knack for clear and concise communication make his blog an invaluable resource for those seeking clarity in the data-driven world.