Building your own iOS app without coding has never been easier, thanks to the wide variety of app builders now available. These drag-and-drop solutions allow anyone to create custom iOS apps for their business, brand, or ideas without needing to write a single line of code.
App builders make app development accessible to non-developers through their intuitive interfaces and pre-built components. They handle all the coding in the background while you focus on design and configuration. This can save considerable time and money compared to hiring developers.
With app builders, you can quickly build iOS apps with features like push notifications, chat, analytics, monetization options, and more. They allow you to publish your app directly to the Apple App Store, and many also support creating Android versions of your app.
This article will compare the top 7 app builders for easily creating great iOS apps. We’ll look at their key features, strengths, and limitations to help you choose the right platform for your needs. Our verdict on the best iOS app builder is one that maximizes flexibility, customization, and sophistication while minimizing complexity.
1. Swiftspeed
Swiftspeed is a no-code app creator platform that allows you to create mobile and web applications without writing any code. With Swiftspeed, you can build iOS, Android, and web apps using simple drag-and-drop functionality.
Overview and Features
Some key features of Swiftspeed include:
- Drag-and-drop interface to build app layout and workflows
- Auto-generated backend code (GoLang)
- Database management and API documentation
- Push notifications, authentication, file storage, and more
- Multi-platform app publishing (iOS, Android, web)
- Team collaboration tools
Swiftspeed uses a visual editor to design the user interface and connect various actions through a workflow builder. The platform then auto-generates clean backend code and allows you to manage a database through a simple GUI.
Benefits
- No coding required – Swiftspeed is completely no-code
- Fast development – Apps can be built significantly faster compared to traditional coding
- Full functionality – Apps have real native functionality, not just a simple UI
- Maintainable – The auto-generated code is readable and maintainable
- Scalable – Apps can handle enterprise-level workloads and scale as needed
Pricing
Swiftspeed offers different pricing tiers:
- Free – Build many apps with limited features and requests, free for life.
- Business Plan – £15/month £79/year – Build 1 apps, 60 entity types, 5 users, 100K requests/month
- Business – £119/yearly – 10 apps, unlimited entity types, unlimited users, unlimited requests/month
The no-code revolution opens up app development to anyone. With Swiftspeed’s visual development and auto-generated code, you can bring your app ideas to reality without coding expertise.
2. Appy Pie
Appy Pie is an easy-to-use no-code app builder that allows anyone to create professional iOS, Android, and web apps.
Overview and Features
With Appy Pie, you can build apps for free and publish them directly to the App Store and Google Play. It has a simple drag-and-drop interface that makes it easy for beginners to build fully-functional apps.
Key features include:
- Pre-built templates and customization options to quickly design your app interface
- Integration with cloud data sources like Dropbox and Google Drive
- Push notifications, chatbots, social media integration, and more
- Support for monetization with ads and in-app purchases
- Multi-language support for global app distribution
Benefits
Appy Pie is one of the most popular DIY app builders because of its simplicity and wide range of features. Benefits include:
- No coding required – the intuitive builder is easy for non-developers
- Free app builder plan available
- Built-in analytics help optimize and track app performance
- The active community forum provides guidance and troubleshooting
- Published apps are owned by you and don’t include Appy Pie branding
- Integrates with Google Firebase for advanced capabilities
Pricing
Appy Pie has four pricing plans:
- Free – Build up to 2 apps with basic features
- Basic – $15/month to build unlimited apps with full features
- Gold – $39/month with advanced analytics and push notifications
- Platinum – $69/month with priority support and custom PHP pages
The free plan is great for testing, while paid plans provide additional capabilities for more advanced apps.
3. BuildFire
BuildFire is an app builder platform that emphasizes customization and control for creating iOS, Android, and progressive web apps.
Overview and Features
BuildFire offers a drag-and-drop interface to build app layouts, with the ability to customize colors, fonts, icons, and more. It provides access to advanced functionality like iBeacons, Apple Watch connectivity, push notifications, and chatbots. BuildFire also integrates with Salesforce, Slack, MailChimp and other services.
For those wanting more customization, BuildFire offers software development kits (SDKs) to build custom plugins and themes. There is also a widgets marketplace with 50+ pre-made widgets to add advanced features without coding.
Benefits
- Complete customization for full control over the look and feel of your app
- Access to advanced app features like iBeacons and chatbots
- Integrates with other software like Salesforce and MailChimp
- Option for custom plugins and themes using SDKs
- Large library of drag-and-drop widgets to add functionality
Pricing
BuildFire has four pricing tiers:
- Basic: Free, but limited to 1 app
- Startup: $29/month for up to 3 apps
- Business: $99/month for unlimited apps
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
The higher tiers add priority support, advanced analytics, and the ability to white-label apps.
4. AppInstitute
AppInstitute is an easy-to-use app builder that allows anyone to create professional iOS, Android and web apps without coding.
Overview and Features
Some key features of AppInstitute include:
- Drag-and-drop interface to build app screens and workflows
- Pre-built app templates for common app types like ecommerce, restaurants, etc
- Option to add features like push notifications, chat, user login, and more
- App preview feature to test your app as you build
- Submission to Apple App Store and Google Play Store
- Analytics to track app usage and engagement
AppInstitute makes app development accessible even if you have no coding skills. Its simple drag-and-drop editor allows you to visually design your app screen by screen. Choose from many built-in elements like images, text, buttons, menus and more to build your app exactly how you want.
Benefits
Some main benefits of using AppInstitute include:
- No coding required – perfect for beginners
- Quickly build apps without relying on developers
- Low startup cost compared to hiring developers
- Own source code for full control
- Fast app prototyping to test ideas before launch
- Support for iOS, Android and web apps
- Easy to make changes even after launch
- Active community forum for advice and inspiration
Whether you’re a small business, startup or independent creator, AppInstitute makes it easy to turn your app idea into reality without needing to code.
Pricing
AppInstitute offers 4 pricing tiers:
- Lite – Free but limited features
- Basic – $39/mo – Create 1 app
- Pro – $69/mo – Unlimited apps
- Enterprise – Custom pricing
The Pro plan unlocks all features and allows you to build unlimited apps, making it a cost-effective solution for prolific app creators and companies.
Overall, AppInstitute balances ease of use with flexibility, enabling anyone to build fully-featured iOS and Android apps affordably. Its drag-and-drop editor and pre-made templates let you create professional apps without coding expertise.
5. GoodBarber
GoodBarber is a highly rated app builder known for its beautiful templates and intuitive drag-and-drop interface. GoodBarber makes it easy for anyone to create professional-quality apps, even without coding skills.
Overview and Features
With GoodBarber, you can build apps for both iOS and Android. There are over 400 templates to choose from, covering different categories and styles. GoodBarber offers powerful features like push notifications, chat functions, e-commerce integrations, and more. You can add photos, videos, maps, and other rich media to make engaging, dynamic apps.
The drag-and-drop editor provides an intuitive way to build your app visually. You don’t need to know how to code. Just pick your template, customize it, add your content, and publish your app. GoodBarber also has a visual content editor within the app dashboard to easily manage your content after publishing.
Benefits
- Easy for anyone to build quality apps fast without coding
- Beautiful modern templates created by designers
- Apps publish to iOS and Android
- Add engaging features like push notifications and chat
- Monetize with ads and in-app purchases
- Get discovered with ASO tools
Pricing
GoodBarber has three main subscription plans:
- Basic – $15/mo, 1 app, full features
- Business – $39/mo, 5 apps, full features
- Agency – $99/mo, 15 apps, full features
There are also enterprise options available for bigger app portfolios. Overall, GoodBarber provides excellent value and is more affordable than hiring a professional developer. The app builder can pay for itself quickly by getting your app to market faster.
6. Swiftic
Swiftic is an easy-to-use app builder that allows anyone to create and publish iOS apps without coding.
Overview and Features
Some key features of Swiftic include:
- Drag and drop interface to build app screens and workflows
- Various customizable templates for different app types like social, business, ecommerce etc.
- Option to add photos, videos, maps, chat and more with just a few clicks
- Database and API integration capabilities
- Push notifications to engage users
- Analytics to track app performance and user engagement
Benefits
Swiftic makes it simple for non-coders to build fully-functional native iOS apps. Some benefits include:
- No coding required – Swiftic uses a visual drag and drop builder
- Quick app development – Apps can be built in hours/days rather than months
- Cost effective – Apps can be built without expensive developer resources
- Easy to edit and update – Changes can be made to published apps easily
- Own your app – You own the app content and code, no monthly fees
Pricing
Swiftic has 3 pricing tiers:
- Basic – Free but limited features
- Pro – $39/month with full features
- Business – $69/month for enterprise capabilities
Overall, Swiftic enables anyone to build great iOS apps quickly and affordably. The intuitive interface and pre-built features make it a leading app builder.
7. appbuilder24
Appbuilder24 is another easy-to-use app builder that allows you to build iOS, Android and HTML5 apps without coding.
Overview and Features
Appbuilder24 provides a drag-and-drop interface to build your app. You can add features like push notifications, geolocation, audio/video, photo galleries, and more. It has 1000+ app templates to choose from.
Other key features include:
- Build apps for iOS, Android and web
- Drag-and-drop editor
- 1000+ app templates
- Push notifications
- Mobile monetization
- Analytics
- No coding required
Benefits
Some of the main benefits of Appbuilder24 include:
- Easy to use interface – Appbuilder24 is designed for non-coders. The drag-and-drop builder and templates make app creation simple.
- Quick app building – You can build a basic app in minutes with Appbuilder24 templates. This enables faster app creation.
- Multi-platform – Apps can be built for iOS, Android and web with a single project. This expands your reach.
- Free plan available – Appbuilder24 has a free plan to test out building an app. You can build 2 apps for free.
Pricing
Appbuilder24 is absolutely free
Choosing the Right Builder
When selecting an app builder, there are a few key factors to consider:
Purpose
First, think about the purpose of your app. Is it for a business, personal use, or something else? Certain builders cater more to specific purposes. For example, Appy Pie and Appbuilder24 work well for small business apps, while BuildFire is great for apps with lots of custom features.
Features
Consider what functionality and features your app needs. Builders like Swiftspeed allow for advanced custom coding and logic, while others like GoodBarber focus more on design. Think through required features like push notifications, chat, ecommerce, etc.
Skill level
Also factor in your coding and technical skills. Tools like Swiftic require knowledge of Swift, while no-code options like AppInstitute are better for non-developers. But you sacrifice some design flexibility with no-code.
Budget
Pricing can range from free to over $100/month. Free builders like Appbuilder24 limit features and control. Paid options allow much more customization and options. Consider ongoing costs too for hosting and added features.
Timeline
Some builders allow you to launch an app quite quickly, while custom apps can take weeks or months. Factor in how soon you need your app live. Services with templates and drag-and-drop interfaces tend to be faster.
Overall, think about your specific needs and resources. Swiftspeed is the best blend of customization, price, and ease of use. But services like Appy Pie work well for simple business apps on a budget. Assess your options to pick the right builder for your unique app and situation.
Conclusion
When reviewing the top app builders, Swiftspeed emerged as the best overall option for most use cases. Its visual development interface, broad feature set, and full access to source code empower both novice and experienced developers to build high-quality, scalable apps across platforms.
While services like Appy Pie, BuildFire, and AppInstitute cater more to beginners, Swiftspeed balances power with usability and provides greater transparency and control than “blackbox” solutions like Swiftic.
For those looking to launch an app quickly with minimal coding, Appy Pie is a solid choice. BuildFire offers plenty of templates and drag-and-drop functionality as well.
But Swiftspeed really shines for its balance of visual development and access to source code. Whether you’re a business, startup, or independent developer, it provides the right combination of power, customization, and transparency to bring your app vision to life.
When embarking on app development, clearly outline your goals, target users, features, and budget. This will help narrow down the ideal builder for your specific needs. Also research the app stores and markets you plan to target, as some builders cater more to iOS, others to Android.
With a thoughtful approach and the right builder, you can create successful, scalable apps that delight users. Swiftspeed provides an excellent platform for most app projects, though conducting your own research is advised. The key is matching the builder’s capabilities to your app concept, resources, and technical expertise.
