There are generally two ways companies develop an app now – custom app development vs app builders.
Not until a few years back, there was only one real way to make an app. Companies either had to hire a team of developers or look for companies offering custom app development services.
This system still works. Companies continue to hire agencies offering custom development options and build their own teams of developers as well.
Why do companies hire agencies and developers to build apps? The answer is quite simple. Building an app is a long and complex process. It takes a lot of engineering and design talent to create a reasonably good app.
A task of such a scale naturally requires the deployment of significant technical resources. The need for developers and custom app development companies is thus obvious.
The need to build a mobile app is fairly obvious. There is a growing preference on the user side for mobile apps. A study shows that online mobile users spent 87% of their sessions on apps and 13% on web browsers. This study was conducted back in 2017. The scales could only have tipped further on the side of mobile apps with an increase in smartphone usage.
Companies today thus, must think about starting their own mobile app. The only question is how. Custom app development is an avenue that companies generally consider. However, the emergence of mobile app builders has changed the scenario.
What are mobile app builders?
App builders are tools that automate a large part of a typical app development process. Generally, those using app builders do not need to know coding to build an app using them. The entire purpose of these tools is to above all simplify the process of creating an app.
There is no shortage of iOS and Android app builders in the market. Many tools offer users a path to get a native app without coding.
The benefits of mobile app builders
Whenever there are two options, it is wise to weigh up both the pros and cons of each. The following points discuss the benefits of using a mobile app builder.
- No-code app making – Most app builders enable users to create an app without coding. This is a major plus point for many small businesses that cannot afford to hire a custom app development company.
- Drag and drop use – A drag and drop app builder refers to a tool that allows users to simply pick and choose the elements they want on their app. These tools generally work as long forms people fill online. Users keep adding the details they want to see on the app. The app builder then integrates each detail into the app build.
- Low cost – Custom app development is very expensive because of the high-grade engineering and design talent needed. Online app makers generally offer subscriptions to users that only cost a small fraction of custom development.
- Fast turnaround time – Even making a simple eCommerce app can take six months at the very least. Mobile app builders literally shorten the process to a matter of a few hours.
The list of pros here can go much beyond the four points covered here. It all depends on the app builder users choose.
Choosing the app maker will naturally mean that users will get access to a greater number of advantages. Users even have the option of using a mobile app builder for no-code app development. Such tools essentially allow users to build, personalize, and preview their app at no cost.
The drawbacks of using app builders
There are a few drawbacks to using app builders as well. Some of them are covered here –
- Lower customizability – App builders generally do not offer the same level of customizability as what is found in custom app development. This is partly because app builders are still an emerging trend. Their customization features are still growing, but they are not at par with custom app development.
- Integration with third-party tools – Companies generally integrate their apps with several analytics platforms. Custom-built apps can be designed to integrate with such tools. However, apps built using online app creators generally lack the ability to integrate with any given third-party tool.
What is custom app development?
Custom app development refers to the process of creating mobile apps from scratch using multiple programming languages.
Unlike app builders, custom app development does not allow simple drag and drop functionality. Each feature and element is built from the ground up.
The need to use programming languages brings app developers into the fold. Companies looking for custom-built apps either need to hire a team of developers or bring the best app developer agency in California into the mix.
The benefits of custom app development
Custom app development comes with its own set of both pros and cons. Some of the benefits are given in the points below –
- High customizability – In custom development, app developers build an app from scratch. Every screen and feature they create comes at the direction of the client. Thus, companies can direct developers to build an app that meets their exact vision.
- Adding top draw features – Custom development enables companies to demand any features that can attract their target audience. While app makers come with a given set of features, custom development enables companies to ask for any feature they like.
- Co-opting prevailing trends – New trends generally force companies to change in every field of work. Custom development allows companies to add features based on prevailing trends and above all stay ahead of the competition.
The drawbacks of custom app development
There are many drawbacks to custom development. The following points turn the spotlight to some of them.
- High cost – As mentioned previously, custom app development is generally expensive. Creating a half-decent app requires a whole host of engineering and design talent. These resources however do not come cheap.
- Longer turnaround time – Custom development takes a lot of time. Building an app from scratch means that developers have to write many thousands of lines of code. A long turnaround time is not a feasible option for every company.
- Complexity – App development is fairly complex as it involves the use of multiple programming languages. Even the best app developers struggle from time to time to develop new features. This in stark contrast to mobile app creators.
The trifecta of cost, time, and complexity excludes small businesses from turning to custom app development.
Custom app development vs Mobile app builders – A comparison
We discussed many pros and cons of both custom app development and app builders. Here is a tabular summary of some of the important points covered.
| Factors | Custom app development | Mobile app builders |
| Cost | Very expensive because of the inherent need for engineering and design talent | Costs a small fraction of custom app development |
| Turnaround time | Can take anywhere between 3-9 months | Users can create an upstanding app with a few hours of intensive work |
| Complexity | Overly complex as it involves the use of programming languages | Generally, involves the use of no-code platforms with drag and drop features |
| Accessibility | Only accessible to companies with vast resources | Accessible to all companies above all serious about bringing an app to market |
| Customizability | Offers high-grade customizability features that generally allow the addition of powerful features | Offer a limited but growing set of customizability features |
In conclusion
This piece provides a complete breakdown of the question of choosing between custom app development vs app builders. Readers must carefully study the points made in the article and make an informed choice.
