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How To Build a No-Code Mobile App in 2022

7 min read

By Laura Boyle

If you’ve got a great idea for an app but lack the programming knowledge to build it yourself, you’re in luck. There are dozens of fantastic DIY app-building platforms that can help you bring your idea to life, many of which are designed for people with no coding experience whatsoever.

Modern app-creation software is remarkably user-friendly and versatile. Whether you’re looking to create an app for internal business use, to sell a product or service, promote a blog, or just for fun – your ideal no-code mobile app builder is out there.

The only problem is that there are so many different platforms to choose from. Costs, compatibility, development time and features vary wildly from one app builder to the next, so how do you know which one platform is right for you? In this article, we’ll list our top ten no-code mobile app builders (in no particular order), complete with pros, cons, and prices.

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Why Choose a DIY App Builder?

Building a customized app can be an extremely expensive project if you go down the traditional route of hiring a professional mobile app developer. Plus, there is no guarantee you’ll find the right person for the job. There is always a risk that you’ll spend thousands of dollars on the project yet end up with an app that isn’t fit for purpose. Choosing to take the DIY route will undoubtedly save you money and mean you’re in total control of your app build, from start to finish.

Another huge advantage to DIY app building is the development time. Many platforms allow you to create a basic version of your product in as little as half an hour, whereas outsourcing to a professional developer can take weeks, months or even years.

The earliest DIY app building platforms were undeniably limited in what they could achieve, but that is no longer the case. Now, users can often choose from dozens of templates, sophisticated customization options and advanced features akin to those of professionally built mobile apps.

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Mobile Roadie

Mobile Roadie was formed in 2009 and is one of the better-known app builders in this list. This platform is said to be so easy to use, that anyone can build their own iOS or Android app in around 15 to 20 minutes. Mobile Roadie also boasts a powerful and intuitive content management system, which enables fast, efficient updates to your app’s content.

Pricing starts at $499 with an additional $29 a month for hosting.

Pros
  • Supports all media types
  • Allows you to send push notifications
  • Highly customizable layout options
  • App Store submission guidance
Cons
  • Ecommerce options are limited
  • No live chat feature
  • Expensive compared to other app builders
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Appery.io

Appery.io is a robust, cloud-based app building platform known for its ease of use and great customer support. Users benefit from flexible customization options to accommodate those completely new to app building and those with existing coding skills. If you’d like to try your hand at low-level coding, this might be the app builder for you. Appery.io supports both iOS and Android.

Appery.io offer a range of pricing options, starting at $25 a month for beginners and $70 a month for a pro-level plan.

Pros
  • No hardware requirements or software to install
  • Fast and easy app deployment
  • Tutorials included
Cons
  • No refund option if you’re not satisfied
  • Not suitable for web development
Screenshot: Appery.io

Appy Pie

Appy Pie is another cloud-based app builder that is compatible with windows, iOS and Android. Unlike many similar tools, Appy Pie has a basic free version with no monthly subscription (though you will need to deal with ads). The appointment scheduler makes Appy Pie a great option for salons, fitness professionals, spas, and other similar service providers.

Pricing starts at $36 for basic, $72 for gold, and $120 for premium.

Pros
  • No hardware requirements or software to install
  • Has a push notification function
  • Appointment scheduler
  • Has a free option
Cons
  • Not the most intuitive design
  • Limited customization options
  • Limited advanced features
Screenshot: Appy Pie

GoodBarber

GoodBarber is one of the most versatile and design-focused app builders in our list. Each category of app comes with numerous content integration choices, including social networking, calendar ad audio-visual media. It also has a dedicated eCommerce feature. This builder is compatible with both iOS and Android.

Pricing starts at $25 a month for their standard plan and $96 a month for their premium plan.

Pros
  • Wide range of templates
  • Highly customizable
  • Impressive range of features
Cons
  • Pay extra for some features
  • Publishing an iOS app can be expensive
  • Only offer yearly subscriptions
Screenshot: GoodBarber

App Machine

App Machine launched in 2013 and have so far aided in the creation of over 200,000 iOS and Android apps. They have an impressive range of navigable sample apps, designed to show users what is possible with the builder and to provide inspiration. It also comes with tutorials which demonstrate how to combine features to create different types of app, like travel or eCommerce apps.

Pricing starts at$49 a month for their Plus plan, and $69 a month for their Pro plan.

Pros
  • Free trial option which includes premium features
  • 92 templates to choose from
  • Easy to use
Cons
  • Does not support web apps
  • Not all visible features are available
Screenshot: App Machine

GameSalad

GameSalad is a fantastic tool for any non-programmer looking to try their hand at game building. It can only be used to build very simple games and in that respect, is not the best option for professional game developers. Users do not need coding skills or any experience with 3D design.

Pricing starts at $325 a year.

Pros
  • Easy to use
  • Tutorials for beginners
  • Active user community
Cons
  • No access to underlying code makes debugging a challenge
  • Not suitable for professional work
  • Expensive
Screenshot: GameSalad

BiznessApps

Android and iOS app builder BiznessApps has been used to create more than 500,000 apps since their inception. This platform is a great choice for businesses of all niches due to the wide range of industry-specific features it includes. BiznessApps is perfect for startups, as they offer fee-free transactions until you surpass $50,000 of sales via the app.

Prices are per app and start at $99 a month.

Pros
  • Excellent customer support
  • Wide range of industry-specific features
  • Fee-free transactions for eCommerce sales
Cons
  • Customizing templates can be tricky
  • Expensive plans
  • Pay per app
Screenshot: BiznessApps

Shoutem

The fifth version Shoutem app builder is easy to use and suitable for a variety of different types of apps. This builder is great for people with no programming experience but does provide access to code for those who want it. Shoutem is a great all-rounder for most businesses, though it does have limited eCommerce options.

Pricing for their Android only plan starts at $49 a month. The Standard and Professional plans start at $79 a month, and $149 a month respectively (both plans support iOS apps).

Pros
  • Exceptionally clear layout
  • Variety of customization options
  • New features continually added
Cons
  • Some original features now not available
  • Only available in English
  • Basic package not suitable for iOS
Screenshot: Shoutem

Appian

Appian is a business app development platform suitable for iOS, Android and web app development. Appian is widely considered to be harder to use than other mobile app builders, so it may not be appropriate for beginners. This platform comes with an impressive range of features suitable for any sized business in finance, healthcare, real estate and dozens of other niches.

Pricing starts at $90 a month. Free trials are available.

Pros
  • Unusually quick development time
  • Suitable for various industries
  • Enterprise-grade app builder
Cons
  • Slow publishing time
  • Steep learning curve
  • Limited user interface options
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Adalo

Adalo is suitable for complete beginners and is renowned for being easy to use. The platform is suitable for iOS, Android and web-based apps. They offer fewer customization options than other builders in this list, so the scope for creativity is limited. Adalo offers no access to code but in this respect, it is ideal for non-programmers.

Pricing starts at $50 a month for the Pro plan or $200 a month for the Business plan. They also offer a free version.

Pros
  • Free version
  • Great for beginners
  • Active community forum
Cons
  • Expensive business-level plan
  • Limited feature versatility
  • Limited customization options
Screenshot: Adalo

About the Author

Author

Laura Boyle is an expert writer and researcher with over a decade of experience producing high-value marketing collateral in the fields of medicine, business, and finance. Laura is also the Co-Founder of UK-based copywriting agency Black & Gold, where she works as a lead writer, creating branded content for clients all over the world. In her spare time, Laura can be found bingeing on good food and great books – usually at the same time.

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