With the advent of open source mobile app development software, interactive mobile apps can be developed without breaking a sweat.
Mobile app development is a lucrative career option and the demand for novel apps is on the rise. Moreover, even people with limited technological expertise are using mobile app building software to make android apps.
So, if you are also interested to know how you can start building an Android app, here you are. In addition, we will tell you everything about the best software for developing android apps.
Open source mobile apps are those applications whose source code is available for third party developers to view and modify. Also, users can add on certain specific features by altering the source code of such apps made using android app development software.
Open source apps are available for several operating systems such as Android, Windows, iOS and Linux. Additionally, the major benefits associated with such apps are reduced cost of maintenance, enhanced technical adaptability and stable performance.
Mobile apps designed using app development software for android are categorised as follows:
Native apps are those apps which are developed for a specific operating system by using specific programming languages. For example, apps developed for iOS in objective C, Android in Java, Windows in C# using the best android app development software.
Hybrid apps are written in Javascript and HTML and run in a browser within the app known as WebView. Moreover, hybrid apps have the advantage that you only have to maintain a single codebase thus saving time and resources. Also, Hybrid Apps are comparatively easier to scale as compared to Native Apps.
As the name suggests, web apps can be accessed from a browser and need not be downloaded like native apps. Therefore they do not occupy any storage space on your device. These apps are coded using CSS, HTML5 and Javascript language.
Besides this, progressive web apps have been developed which makes traditional web apps more interactive and provide them the ability to send push notifications.
| App Development Software | Cross-Platform | Native Access | Community Support | Ease of Use | Licensing Model | Pricing |
| PhoneGap | Yes | Yes | Active | Moderate | Open Source | Starts at $21 per month per user |
| Buildfire | Yes | Yes | Strong | Easy | Freemium | Starts at $100 per month and it is built quarterly |
| NativeScript | Yes | Yes | Active | Moderate | Open Source | Free to use |
| AppMySite | No | No | Growing | Easy | Freemium | Starts at $65 per month per user |
| Flutter | Yes | Yes | Booming | Moderate | Open Source | Free to use |
| Felgo | Yes | Yes | Active | Easy | Proprietary | Free for personal use |
| Appy Pie | Yes | No | Expansive | Easy | Freemium | Starts at $85/app yearly |
| Appcelerator | Yes | Yes | Moderate | Moderate | Open Source | Starts at $99 per user per month |
| Mobincube | No | No | Limited | Easy | Freemium | Starts at $520 per month |
| Ionic | Yes | Yes | Strong | Moderate | Open Source | Starts at $4199 per month |
| Xamarin | Yes | Yes | Active | Moderate | Open Source | Available on request |
| Qt | Yes | Yes | Active | Moderate | Open Source | Starts at $300 per month per developer |
We list below the top free mobile app development software which can help design the Android mobile application of your dreams:
PhoneGap is an open source mobile app development software through which users can design their own apps using languages such as Javascript, CSS, etc.
Pricing of PhoneGap Open Source Mobile App Builder: The paid plan of this software starts at $21 per month per user.
Types of Apps You Can Create: PhoneGap free android software is best for creating Hybrid apps.
BuildFire is one of the best software for developing android apps even if you have no knowledge of coding. It helps develop android apps online for different fields such as ecommerce, educational apps, events, podcasts and much more.
Pricing of Buildfire App Development Software for Android: The paid plan starts at $100 per month and it is built quarterly.
Types of Apps You Can Create: BuildFire android development software is most suitable for native apps and progressive web apps.
NativeScript is one of the top-rated open source mobile app development software which supports creating apps for android and iOS devices using the same codebase.
Pricing of NativeScript App Development Software: NativeScript free mobile app development software can be used free of cost.
Types of Apps You Can Create: NativeScript online app builder is suitable for making native apps.
AppMySite is a user-friendly app builder that requires no coding knowledge. It is famous for its simplicity and quickness. This tool allows users to create both native and web-view apps, making it versatile for various purposes.
With AppMySite, you can build feature-rich apps for any website or industry, as it supports endless use cases. The intuitive app builder guides users through the process of designing their apps, customizing screens, and adding features and functionalities with simple point-and-click options.
Pricing: AppMySite offers a free plan, in which you can build a demo app only. The paid plan starts at $65 per month.
Types of Apps You Can Create: Web to app, Shopify to app, WooCommerce to app, Android App, iOS app and much more.
Develop an android app online free with Flutter android app development software, which has been created by Google. Moreover, what makes Flutter one of the best software to develop android apps is that you can make mobile and desktop compatible apps using a single codebase.
Pricing of Flutter: Flutter, one of the best software for developing android apps is free to use.
Types of Apps You Can Create: Flutter software is suitable for creating hybrid apps and for android open source apps.
Felgo open source mobile app development software can be used for creating apps compatible with android, iOS, windows and Linux systems. Felgo free app development software is also used for creating 3D games.
Pricing of Felgo Open Source Mobile App Builder: Felgo software is free for personal use.
Types of Apps You Can Create: Felgo free android software is suitable for designing game apps and native apps.
Appy Pie aims to make technology accessible and affordable for everyone by offering a no-code app builder with the power of AI. This powerful platform allows anyone with an internet-connected device to create an app quickly and at a reasonable price.
The user-friendly drag-and-drop interface makes the entire process quite easy. With hundreds of features, design options, and templates, Appy Pie offers plenty of choices to customize your apps.
Pricing: You can create a demo app for free with Appy Pie. However, if you want to publish it on the Play Store, you have to buy a plan. The paid plan starts at $85/app yearly.
Types of Apps You Can Create: You can build apps for Restaurant, Business, Shopping and many more.
Appcelerator open source android app builder supports seamless creation of mobile apps by making use of the code reusability feature. Appcelerator open source mobile app development tool lets you build apps using JavaScript, which is compatible across multiple operating systems.
Pricing of Appcelerator App Development Software: Appcelerator software to make android apps is free to use for single developers. The price of its Pro version suitable for businesses starts from $99 per user per month. Pro version offers crash analytics and extensive app modules.
Types of Apps You Can Create: Appcelerator android app development software is suitable for creating native and web apps.
Develop an android app online free with Mobincube, which has an easy to use and interactive interface. With Mobincube android app development software, you can develop different types of apps such as business, games, educational, health based, etc.
Pricing of Mobincube: Mobincube offers a free version. It also offers a premium version whose price starts from $ 520 per month. Its premium version offers monetization options and adds free apps.
Types of Apps You Can Create: Mobincube free app development software is suitable for designing native apps and web apps.
Ionic open source mobile app development software lets you design mobile apps for several platforms such as windows, android and iOS using a single codebase. Ionic app development software free version is also suitable for building interactive, cross platform apps.
Pricing of Ionic App Development Software for Android: Ionic software to make android apps offers a free version for beginners. It also offers the standard plan for developers whose price starts from $4,199 per month. The paid version includes features such as publishing apps from cloud dashboard and email support.
Types of Apps You Can Create:Ionic open source android app making software is used for designing hybrid apps.
Xamarin Android Development Software is developed by Microsoft and offers a robust testing mechanism which rectifies code errors instantly. With Xamarin you can build functioning mobile apps for iOS and android using C# and .NET.
Pricing of Xamarin Open Source App Builder: Xamarin free mobile app development software can be used without paying any charges. But if you need to publish and market your app, the paid plan is available on request.
Types of Apps You Can Create: Xamarin mobile app development platform free version can be used to create native mobile apps.
Qt is an online android app builder that can be used to code mobile apps once and then they can be used anywhere. Through Qt, one of the best software to make android apps, you can design interactive apps that work seamlessly on different devices and operating systems.
Pricing of Qt: Qt’s paid plan starts at $300 per month per user.
Type of Apps You Can Create: You can use Qt open source mobile app development tool for developing native and web apps.
The best free mobile app building software offers several benefits, including cost-effectiveness, ease of use, flexibility, and a wide range of features. Here are some of the benefits to look at:
The top free mobile app development platform eliminates the need for expensive licensing fees, making it budget-friendly for individuals and small businesses. You can allocate your financial resources towards other crucial aspects of app development, such as marketing or user experience enhancements.
These tools often have active user communities that provide a wealth of resources, including forums, tutorials, and plugins. You can tap into the collective knowledge and support of the community, accelerating your development process and troubleshooting issues effectively.
Free mobile app building software offers features for rapid prototyping, enabling you to quickly create and test app concepts. This facilitates agile development, allowing you to gather user feedback early, refine your ideas, and make necessary adjustments without major expenses.
Many free app builder tools support cross-platform development, allowing you to write code once and deploy it on multiple operating systems. It helps reach a broader audience with your app by targeting both iOS and Android users without doubling your development efforts.
These tools often offer extensive customization options, letting you tailor your app as per the exact specifications. It enables you to create unique and feature-rich applications that cater to specific user needs or industry requirements.
Free app builder software is built on open-source principles that provide transparency and allows you to modify the source code. You can have greater control over your app’s development, security, and scalability, reducing the reliance on proprietary solutions.
Open source mobile app development platform, free and paid, offers a range of features that empower developers to create innovative and cost-effective mobile applications. Here are the key features of open source app builders:
Here are a few important factors to consider when selecting any free app building software:
We examined the availability of development tools, libraries, and frameworks that come bundled with or complement the software. A rich set of tools and libraries can expedite development and enhance the functionality of your apps.
We assessed the availability of documentation, tutorials, forums, and other educational resources created by the software community. Comprehensive resources facilitate learning and problem-solving, reducing the learning curve for developers.
We investigated how well the software integrates with other technologies, services, and APIs, such as cloud platforms or third-party plugins. Strong integration capabilities enable you to extend your app’s functionality and connect it to a wide range of services.
We examined the security and privacy features offered by each software to ensure your app and users’ data are well protected. Robust security measures are essential to safeguard sensitive information and maintain user trust.
We considered the overall reputation and feedback from the software’s user community, including user reviews and ratings. A positive community reputation is a strong indicator of a reliable and effective development tool.
We assessed whether the software supports cross-platform development, allowing you to write code once and deploy it on multiple platforms. Cross-platform support can significantly reduce development time and effort, making it easier to target various devices.
We checked how customizable and extensible the software is, allowing developers to tailor it to their specific project requirements. Customization and extensibility empower you to adapt the software to your unique app development needs and preferences.
Open source app development software is an online app builder whose source code can be changed by a developer. Below we have listed some prominent steps on how to use open source, free app development software for Android app creation:
After selecting android app development software, choose a suitable name for your app that not only resonates with your company’s brand but also aims to build an easy recall value in the mind of the users.
In addition, by using an open source mobile app development software, you can design a customized layout for your target audience, providing them with a unique user experience.
Moreover, with open source mobile app building software, you can design a customized layout for your target audience to increase their user experience.
Further, this step involves adding suitable features to your android open source app depending upon the target audience.
Once the app interface designed using android development software is ready and it has all the necessary features encoded, it’s time to test it for bugs and other operational issues.
After all bugs have been removed, publish it on respective app stores. But only publishing is not enough. You should make use of the right marketing tools to promote your app developed using free app development software so as to increase its visibility and download numbers.
Develop open source android apps free by choosing the best performing app builders. We list some important factors to keep in mind:
Reseller Option: The chosen open source application development software to make android apps should provide the option of reselling.
Push Notifications: The best open source mobile development software for developing android apps should provide push notifications so that customers receive all alerts related to your app.
Geo-targeting: This feature is useful if your apps cater to customers spread across different geographical locations.
Integration with Social Media Platforms: Free mobile app development software should offer integration with the company's social media platforms so that customers can interact with your app on Facebook and Instagram and you can better market your app.
The best online android open source app builders, which do not require coding are Buzztouch, Mobile Roadie, Andromo app maker, Jmango and App Yourself.
Several software options for free app development include PhoneGap, Flutter, Felgo, and Xamarin. These tools offer no-cost options to create mobile applications.
Android itself is an open-source operating system, but the tools used for Android app development can vary. Some app development software, like Flutter and Xamarin, have open-source components, while others may be proprietary.
You can create a mobile app for free using app development platforms like Appy Pie, which offer no-code or low-code solutions for beginners. Open-source tools like Flutter and Xamarin also provide free development options.
Yes, many app-building software options offer free plans or trials that do not require a credit card for registration. However, some features may be limited to free versions.
App builders offer free plans to attract users and showcase their platforms. They often provide limited features or monetize through premium plans, ads, or other revenue streams.
Yes, beginners can create apps for mobile and tablets using no-code or low-code app development platforms like Appy Pie, which do not require extensive coding knowledge.
Yes, you can build apps without coding using no-code app development platforms like Appy Pie, which allow you to create apps using visual interfaces and predefined components.
App builders typically prioritize security, but the level of security may vary between platforms. It's important to review the security features and practices of the specific app builder you choose and follow best practices to enhance security.
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