12 Best Free and Open Source Mobile App Development Software in 2024

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.

What Are Open Source Mobile 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.

How Are Current Mobile Apps Categorised?

Mobile apps designed using app development software for android are categorised as follows:

• Native Apps

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

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.

• Web 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.

12 Best Free and Open Source Mobile App Development Software in 2024

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:

1. PhoneGap

PhoneGap is an open source mobile app development software through which users can design their own apps using languages such as Javascript, CSS, etc.

Features of PhoneGap App Development Software Free

• Easy integration: Moreover, PhoneGap, one of the best android app development software, supports integration with different libraries necessary for designing the app.
• Make and view changes: In fact, using PhoneGap free mobile app development software, you can incorporate changes at different stages of app development and view them.
• Compatible with different OS: Phone gap, counted amongst the best software to make android apps, works equally well on mobile devices and desktops.
• Cloud compilation: Additionally, with PhoneGap open source app builder, there is no hassle of maintaining SDKs as compilation happens in the cloud.
• Third party tools: Further, you can use a third-party tool developed by the PhoneGap community to test and debug your code.

Pros and Cons of PhoneGap

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.

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2. BuildFire

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.

Features of BuildFire Open Source Mobile App Development Tool

• Enhanced Dashboard: Moreover, with BuildFire’s dashboard, you can visually monitor changes made to your app and add features to it.
• Plugins: Build-fire open source app development software offers its own plugins as well as the option of creating custom plugins to improve your app’s functionality.
• Different monetization options: Further, the open source mobile development tool lets you send targeted push notifications to specific customers or entire groups.
• Push notifications: BuildFire lets you send targeted push notifications to specific customers or entire groups.
• Compatible with different OS: Additionally, BuildFire, one of the best mobile app building software can be used to develop apps for iOS and android devices.

Pros and Cons of BuildFire

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.

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3. NativeScript

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.

Features of NativeScript Free App Development Software

• App creation using different languages: NativeScript allows the creation of native mobile apps through JavaScript, Vue.js, angular, etc.
• Extensible: This software lets you reuse SDKs, plugins and templates for the creation of mobile apps as well as open source android apps.
• Community support: In addition, NativeScript has a functioning community which offers support and services for app development.
• Tutorials: Also, you will find many online tutorials that will help learn the basics of mobile app development useful for developing android open source apps.
• Device specific UI: NativeScript, one of the best android app development software, lets you create apps whose interface adapts as per the user’s screen or device.

Pros and Cons of NativeScript

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.

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4. AppMySite

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.

AppMySite Features

• No-Code Development: AppMySite offers a no-code app development platform that is compatible with all CMS platforms and industries, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
• Live Preview Screen: Users can monitor each stage of design and development through a live preview screen, ensuring full control and transparency.
• Advanced Features: AppMySite supports a plethora of features including chat functionality, push notifications, and monetization options, allowing for versatile app customization.
• Managing apps seamlessly: AppMySite’s user-friendly interface simplifies app management. You can easily add new features, update settings, and create new app builds.
• Sync in real-time: If you have a website, you can seamlessly convert your website into an app and seamlessly transfer all data in real time.
• Team Collaboration: The platform facilitates team collaboration by enabling the creation of enterprise-level workspaces for efficient app development and management.

AppMySite Pros and Cons

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.

5. Flutter

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.

Flutter App Development Software Free Features

• Hot reload: Flutter app development software for android offers customizable widgets to quickly build an app interface.
• Flexible UI: Flutter’s UI supports end user customization, quick rendering and enhanced designs.
• Native performance: Flutter android development software designs apps for both iOS and android, keeping the difference in OS performance intact.
• Guidance from developers: Additionally, video tutorials are available from Google to help you with each stage of app development on Flutter.
• Flutter community: Flutter community provides all required sources for easing your app making journey.

Pros and Cons of Flutter

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.

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6. Felgo

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.

Features of Felgo Mobile App Development Software Free

• Easy to use interface: Felgo’s easy to use interface lets you design flexible apps with a lot of features.
• Hot reload: Additionally, this feature of Felgo free mobile app development software helps in quick development of your applications.
• Use in browser without SDK: Felgo, the best software to make android apps, can be used with your web browser without the need for installing SDK.
• Third party services: Felgo open source app builder lets you add third party native integrations quickly, circumventing the issue of framework integration.
• Build and publish apps from cloud: Moreover, with Felgo cloud build, you can build, publish and distribute apps from the cloud.

Pros and Cons of Felgo

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.

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7. Appy Pie

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.

Appy Pie Features

• No-Code App Development: Create business apps effortlessly using text or voice input, eliminating the need for coding.
• AI-Powered App Curation: Get tailored app suggestions based on your chosen category, thanks to AI-driven feature selection.
• Cross-Platform Compatibility: Develop custom apps for both Android and iOS, ensuring broad accessibility. Additionally, enjoy seamless third-party integrations through APIs for enhanced functionality.
• Faster Time to Market: You can accelerate your app development process, reducing the time it takes to launch your applications.
• Third-Party Integrations: Seamlessly connects with several third-party services and enhances the app functionality through APIs.

Pros and Cons of Appy Pie

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.

8. Appcelerator

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.

Features of Appcelerator Open Source App Development Software

• API builder: Using Appcelerator’s API builder, you can create apps for native or web clients.
• Push notifications: Appcelerator open source application development software provides location based and time-based push notification.
• Real time mobile analytics: This open source mobile development software provides real time mobile analytics for apps built on its platform or through native SDKs.
• Drag and drop interface: Appcelerator’s drag and drop interface makes it easier for beginners to develop apps.
• Viewing changes: You can view all changes made through a single window by using this best open source mobile app building software.

Pros and Cons of Appcelerator

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.

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9. Mobincube

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.

Features of Mobincube App Development Software for Android

• Drag and drop interface: You can easily design apps using Mobincube’s drag and drop interface.
• High level customization: With Mobincube’s customization option, you can design your app’s interface and even use preset templates.
• No limits on downloads: Mobincube android development software provides unlimited downloads for your app once it is published across app stores.
• Monetizing your apps: Helps in monetizing your apps by placing ads in them.
• Third party integrations: Supports easy integration with third party utilities.

Pros and Cons of Mobincube

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.

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10. Ionic

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.

Features of Ionic Open Source Mobile App Development Software

• Reusable UI: The interface of apps made using Ionic have the same degree of interactivity across platforms with the option of reusing UI components.
• Build apps at a faster pace: With Ionic free mobile app development software, you can develop apps quicker and also test them at a faster pace.
• Integration with frameworks: Ionic development software for mobile free version integrates well with Angular, Vue and Javascript
• Extended library: Ionic’s library offers more than 100 plugins for building apps with different functionalities.
• Enhanced support services: Ionic, the best software to make android apps, offers dedicated support and unique solutions that are tailor made for each customer.

Pros and Cons of Ionic

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.

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11. Xamarin

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.

Xamarin App Development Software Free Features

• Developing cross platform apps: Xamarin allows you to build cross platform apps with a shared native interface.
• Make use of Microsoft ecosystem: Through Xamarin free app development software, you can benefit from Microsoft’s services and components.
• Tutorials and videos: Xamarin, one of the best android app development software, offers a host of online tutorials for beginners to get a hang of its interface.
• Single shared codebase: By using Xamarin Forms, an open source framework, you can design apps with a shared codebase.
• Community support: Xamarin community of developers offers support and resources for app development.

Pros and Cons of Xamarin

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.

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12. Qt

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.

Features of Qt Mobile App Development Software

• Design studio: Qt open source mobile app builder offers a design studio through which designs from Photoshop can be imported.
• 3D studio: Qt’s 3D studio provides a powerful workflow for designers and developers.
• Diverse set of libraries: Qt free android software offers an extensive set of libraries that is useful for platform specific app development.
• Writing minimum code: With Qt, you need to write the minimum code with easy to use IDEs and APIs.
• Efficient maintenance: It provides an efficient app management mechanism by periodically adding new utilities.

Pros and Cons of Qt

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.

Benefits of Using Best Free Mobile App Building Software

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:

• Cost Efficiency

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.

• Community Support and Resources

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.

• Rapid Prototyping and Testing

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.

• Cross-Platform Compatibility

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.

• Flexibility and Customization

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.

• Open-Source Advantages

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.

Key Features of Open Source Mobile App Development Software

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:

• Community Support: Open source mobile app development software is backed by a vibrant community of developers who share knowledge and contribute to the software’s improvement. This fosters collaboration and problem.
• Cross-Platform Compatibility: These tools enable developers to build apps that work seamlessly on multiple platforms, such as iOS and Android, using a single codebase. This reduces the development time and costs.
• Extensive Libraries and Plugins: Open source mobile development software often comes with a rich ecosystem of libraries and plugins that accelerate development by providing pre-built functionalities, such as UI components, APIs, and integrations.
• Third-Party Integrations: These tools often support integrations with popular third-party services and APIs, simplifying the process of adding essential functionalities like social media sharing, payment gateways, and analytics.
• Regular Updates: Active open source projects receive regular updates and maintenance from the community, ensuring compatibility with the latest mobile platforms, devices, and SDKs.
• No Vendor Lock-In: Developers are not tied to a specific vendor or proprietary technology, reducing the risk of vendor lock-in and allowing greater project independence.

How Do We Select the Best Free and Open Source Mobile App Building Software?

Here are a few important factors to consider when selecting any free app building software:

• Development Tools and Libraries

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.

• Community Documentation and Resources

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.

• Integration Capabilities

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.

• Security and Privacy Features

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.

• Community Feedback and Reputation

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.

• Cross-Platform Development Support

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.

• Customization and Extensibility

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.

Steps to Create Android App Free with Open Source App Development Software

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:

1. Select a viable name for your app

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.

2. Customization in app design

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.

3. Adding features

Further, this step involves adding suitable features to your android open source app depending upon the target audience.

4. Rigorous testing

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.

5. App publishing and promotion

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)