Nowadays, offering a seamless mobile experience has become essential. As more customers turn to mobile shopping, having a dedicated mobile app for your Shopify store can significantly boost engagement, improve customer loyalty, and increase conversions.
People are using mobile applications on their smartphones and tablets for extended periods of time, as the use of mobile devices continues to rise. Approximately 97% of Americans own a cellphone of some type, and 85% own a smartphone, according to Pew Research.
As a result, companies from all over the world have started to move from the print and distribute pamphlets and brochures to the mobile world in order to more easily connect with their target market. Let's go through this article for further details and choose the best fit for your Shopify store.
How to build a Shopify mobile app?
The question is: how should you go about building one? Let's explore two primary methods: building from scratch and using a mobile app builder, and how to choose the right approach for your Shopify project.
When you want to develop a mobile app, you can choose between two main methods: Build from Scratch (building from scratch) or Build by Mobile App Builder (using an app building platform). Here are the approaches and comparisons between these two methods:
Build from the scratch
Creating a Shopify mobile app from scratch involves custom development, where a team of skilled developers builds the app according to your specific requirements. This method offers unmatched flexibility and allows for unique features and integrations that align perfectly with your brand.
That means developing the app from the ground up, including design, programming, testing, and deployment. This is the traditional approach and requires a development team with programming and design skills.
However, it requires a substantial budget, technical expertise, and time. The development process typically involves defining the app's functionality, designing a user-friendly interface, coding for both iOS and Android platforms, and extensive testing before launch.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
- High Customization - Performance and Security - Scalability |
- High Cost - Long Development Time, especially for complex apps. - Requires Specialized Skills |
Build by Mobile App Builder
For those looking for a quicker, more affordable solution, using a Shopify mobile app builder is an excellent alternative. Mobile app builders are pre-designed platforms that allow merchants to create a mobile app without needing extensive coding knowledge.
They come with drag-and-drop interfaces, customizable templates, and built-in integrations with Shopify, making the process straightforward and accessible to non-developers.
App builders usually include essential e-commerce features like push notifications, real-time sync with your Shopify store, and payment gateway integrations. Moreover, many offer extensive customization options, allowing you to modify the design and layout to reflect your brand's identity.
Though less flexible than a custom-built app, this method can launch your app in a fraction of the time and at a fraction of the cost, making it ideal for businesses with tighter budgets or those that need a fast turnaround.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
- Cost and Time Efficient - User-Friendly - Easy Updates and Maintenance |
- Limited Customization - Performance and Security - Dependence on the Platform |
Which method fits your Shopify project?
Choosing between building a custom app from scratch or using a mobile app builder depends on your Shopify store's specific needs, budget, and timeline.
- Build from Scratch:
If your business requires advanced features, custom integrations, or a fully personalized user experience, and you have the resources to invest in long-term development, a custom-built app is the better option. This approach is ideal for large-scale stores or brands with unique requirements that cannot be easily met with a pre-made solution.
- Mobile App Builder:
For smaller businesses or stores looking to get their app up and running quickly without breaking the bank, a mobile app builder is a practical choice. It’s perfect for those who want to enhance their mobile presence without the complexity of custom development. App builders also work well for businesses that prefer a plug-and-play solution with less maintenance.
Ultimately, the method you choose should align with your project's goals, ensuring you can deliver a seamless mobile experience that enhances customer satisfaction and drives growth.
Top 15+ Shopify Mobile App Builder for your online business
Currently, there are a thoudsands of Shopify Mobile App Builders that have reasonable prices and awesome features. Let's break down in detail to find the best one to go with!
#1. Shopney - Mobile App Builder
Shopney allows merchants to develop iOS and Android applications for their businesses. It is a mobile app maker for Shopify. With the help of ready-made templates, businesses may create apps that sync with their store's data automatically. It has many integrations, limitless push notifications, and other helpful features.
Highlight features:
- Perfect product merchandising with various theme (layout) options in PDP and PLP
- Personalized shopping experience & real-time connection with in-app live chat.
- Rich integration suite with top Shopify apps. Bring along your must-have apps.
- One-of-a-kind customer support from get go. Work with people want you to grow!
- Smart tools, insights and tactics to get app installs. We know how it's done!
Rates: 5.0/5.0 (997 reviews)
Pricing:
There are four paid plans, each coming with a 30-day free trial:
Plan | Silver | Gold | Platinum | Enterprise subscription |
---|---|---|---|---|
Pricing | $119/month | $239/month | $499/month | $999/month |
#2. Hulk Mobile App Builder
Every business needs to have a unified mobile experience, and making an app has never been easier than with a fully responsive system for building apps. Create your own mobile app quickly and easily without any coding knowledge.
By leveraging the Hulk Mobile App Builder, merchants can optimize customer loyalty and streamline browsing, leading to improved customer retention rates.
Highlight features:
- Real-time push notifications and insights for your mobile store.
- The app is fully compatible with the iOS and Android operating systems.
- Fully mobile interactive dashboard that doesn't require advanced coding skills.
- Deep linking integrations for Google Analytics and Facebook.
- The Mobile App Builder provides a single-page checkout for your store.
Rate: 5.0/5.0 (107 reviews)
Pricing:
Hulk Mobile App Builder for Shopify offers 4 plans for every specific requirements, starting from $0, includes:
Plan | Free | Basic Plan | Pro Plan | New Global Plan |
---|---|---|---|---|
Pricing | Free | $79/month | $149/month | $299/month |
#3. Vajro
Vajro is one of the most popular Shopify app for both iOS and Android. Store owners may select from four pre-built themes and alter the app appearance with ease using an intuitive builder. It offers a variety of widgets, like countdown clocks and product videos, in addition to standard functions.
When it comes to scheduling push notifications depending on user activity, including unique offers, and configuring them, the app developer provides business owners with a variety of alternatives. Varjo further assists business owners in streaming live sessions through the app, enabling customers to revisit the broadcasts.
Additionally, Vajro comes with an analytics dashboard that provides data on installs, user segments, top-selling goods, and other things.
Highlight features:
- Build native iOS and Android mobile apps with a simple drag-and-drop builder
- Send unlimited mobile app push notifications to specific customer segments
- Integrate your existing tech stack with one-click mobile app integrations
- Host live sessions on your mobile app and Facebook to drive more sales
- Our customer support helps you 24/7 to build your mobile app
Rates: 4.9/5.0 (1801 reviews)
Pricing:
Varjo offers 4 pricing plans. Merchants can try out any option with a 60-day free trial:
Plan | Starter | Core | Premium | Plus |
---|---|---|---|---|
Pricing | 89$/month | 224$/month | 449$/month | 889$/month |
#4. Evlop
Evlop's no-code mobile app builder effortlessly creates high-converting Android & iOS apps that enhance customer shopping experiences and boost sales.
Regardless of the size or kind of their shop, companies can easily construct Android and iOS mobile apps using Evlop. It offers a ton of capabilities like real-time sync, limitless push alerts, deep customization, and streamlines the process of creating mobile apps.
Highlight features:
- Effortless app design with click-and-drop, no coding needed.
- Enhance sales with targeted push notifications for customers.x
- Easy wishlist and quick cart for a streamlined shopping experience.
- Multi-language and multi-currency support for global reach.
- Customization using our templating engine EDL (similar to Liquid for website)
Rates: 4.9/5.0 (79 reviews)
Pricing:
Plan | Free | App Accelerator | App Escalator |
---|---|---|---|
Pricing | 0$ | 99$/month | 249$/ month |
#5. MobiLoud
MobiLoud is a WordPress plugin that enables businesses of all sizes to create native mobile applications for iOS and Android devices.Users may publish their native mobile applications on Google Play and the Apple App Store by integrating it with WordPress websites.
Performance tracking, push alerts, integrating external links, login and subscriptions, mobile advertising, offline access, and analytics are some of the features offered by the MobiLoud.
✅ Pros:
- Easy to use and saving time;
- The manufacturer helps users with the initial installation.
❌ Cons:
- Unable to change the publisher name on the app store;
- Not a ton of flexibility on some app functionality;
- Little slow to load and some users find that problematic - especially when using the app on a cellular network.
Pricing:
MobiLoud offers 2 pricing plans:
Plan | Growth plan | Corporate plan |
---|---|---|
Pricing | $449/month | $849/month |
#6. Tapcart
Tapcart, which is used by over 7000 Shopify companies, allows store owners to expand their website into the mobile app market. With the help of an easy-to-use platform with lots of flexibility, they can simply design an app that is consistent with their identity.
Highlight features
- Build and launch native iOS & Android mobile apps in weeks.
- Send unlimited, cost-free push notifications for instant reach and revenue.
- Offer a premium, load-free shopping experience with a mobile shopping app.
- Add advanced features and connect your existing Shopify integrations and plugins
- Get responsive customer support and a dedicated account manager.
✅ Pros:
- Aesthetically professional-looking interface and store designs;
- Available developer tools;
- Automation features.
❌ Cons:
- Expensive Subscription plans;
- Limited custom blocks and plugins;
- Requires a high monthly fee.
Rates: 4.8/5.0 (464 reviews)
Pricing:
TapCart offers 3 pricing plans:
Plan | Core | Ultimate | Enterprise |
---|---|---|---|
Pricing | $200/month | $400/month | $1,000/month |
#7. Plobal Apps
Plobal Apps guarantees that as it assists in the creation of a native mobile app, you will witness a rise in sales and conversions.
Users can automatically notify app users through push notifications. Additionally, the Apple Pay integration makes it possible for users to have a speedier, more seamless shopping experience when they wish to buy something. They may automatically sell in a variety of currencies as well.
Highlight features:
- Custom, no-code mobile app. Match the look and feel of your Shopify store
- Advanced integrations. Connect your existing Shopify integrations and plugins
- Unlimited push notifications. Convert abandoned carts, offer discounts, and more
- Growth through analytics. Track in-app data and learn more about your audience
- Get 24/7 support. Shopify mobile app experts to build and manage your app easily
Rates: 4.8/5.0 (399 reviews)
✅ Pros:
- Easily to use;
- Real-time syncing on Shopify store;
- Integration of marketing images into push notifications for enhanced personalization.
❌ Cons:
- High price plans;
- Unsuitable for large stores.
Pricing:
Plan | Growth | Essential | Enterprise |
---|---|---|---|
Pricing | $199/month | $499/month | $1,199/month |
#8. OneMobile
OneMobile ‑ Mobile App Builder allows companies to effortlessly build and launch their own iOS and Android mobile app for their Shopify store. They can develop a professional-looking app in just thirty minutes with OneMobile’s extensive selection of the best mobile app themes available in the market and simple modification possibilities.
With features like announcement bars, countdown clocks, and limitless push alerts, users can increase sales. OneMobile also provides easy connections with marketing and analytics platforms so store owners can monitor and enhance the performance of their app.
✅ Pros:
- Affordable pricing and comprehensive features;
- User-friendly interface;
- Responsive customer support .
❌ Cons:
- High price plans;
- Unsuitable for large stores.
Pricing:
Plan | Free | Starter | Growth |
---|---|---|---|
Pricing | 0$ | 29$/month | 99$/ month |
#9. Appmaker
Before submitting their website to the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store, customers may quickly and simply edit the mobile app version just using Appmaker. Better still, it automatically synchronizes your mobile app with the user's website.
Using drag-and-drop blocks, anybody can create stunning applications with Appmaker, the DIY-native app builder, and then publish them on the Google Play Store and App Store. Additionally, Appmaker makes it simple for users to send push alerts to their customers, which encourages them to complete purchases using the mobile app for their Shopify store.
✅ Pros:
- Easy to use;
- App design is customizable;
- Solid sync with your Shopify backend.
❌ Cons:
- Limited template;
- Can’t convert your existing plugins/apps/themes;
- Not as many integrations as other app builders;
- High price.
Pricing:
Plan | Pro | Plus |
---|---|---|
Pricing | $1000/month (3 months free with annual subscription) | $2000/month + 1% success fee |
#10. MageNative
Drag and drop editor for creating applications for your shop is provided by MageNative Mobile App Builder. Real-time adjustments are made while data is automatically extracted from Shopify.
Several currencies and languages, including those written from right to left, are supported by MageNative (albeit not in all subscription levels). You may employ AI-based product suggestions, add social login options, and set up an infinite number of push alerts. You may also be able to use in-app chat, out-of-stock tags, abandoned cart notifications, and other features, depending on your plan. Augmented reality is a unique feature that MageNative offers to make shopping more engaging.
✅ Pros:
- Affordable pricing;
- Responsive and professional developers;
- Supports in-app wish list;
- Available common payment gateways.
❌ Cons:
- Limited themes and banner designs;
- Requires time and effort;
- Basic plan doesn’t support app integrations.
Pricing:
Plan | Basic | Pro | Pro+ |
---|---|---|---|
Pricing | $79/moth | 149$/month | 249$/ month |
#11. Mowico
Businesses can create a mobile app for their Shopify store quickly and easily with Mowico which works well with both iOS and Android devices. After the system has synchronized their data, businesses may add and modify the features of the app using a drag-and-drop editor.
Among the main features of Mobile App Builder - Mowico are wish lists, gift notes, discounts, and push alerts. It also permits the integration of delivery tracking, augmented reality shopping, and a native e-wallet for payments. Furthermore, Mowico guarantees to include whatever feature store owners may ask for for their company.
✅ Pros:
- Good price;
- Easy to use.
❌ Cons:
- Not made specifically for Shopify stores;
- There is an additional fee for customization for any integrations or custom features.
Pricing:
Plan | Startup | Growth | Enterprise |
---|---|---|---|
Pricing | $69/month | 349$/month | Discuss |
#12. Apptile
Merchants can quickly create a distinctive mobile app experience for their brand using Apptile. They can increase client retention and conversions using this software.
Create aesthetically beautiful smartphone apps without knowing any code or design. AI-driven customization, flawless product merchandising, engaging content experiences, and automatic push alerts may wow their consumers. With a few clicks, customize each page of their native iOS and Android app. Get prompt assistance from worldwide app specialists.
✅ Pros:
- Easy to build;
- Beautiful and modern design;
- AI-powered personalization for customer experience;
- Automatic push notifications;
- Global support from application experts;
- Easily integrates with your favorite Shopify apps and automations.
❌ Cons:
- Limited information available on pricing and plans;
- Dependence on external reviews for specific feature performance;
- Might require some learning curve for first-time users.
Pricing:
Plan | Free | Plus | Enterprise |
---|---|---|---|
Pricing | 0$ (5% success fee may apply) | 600$/month | 1,200$/ month |
#13. Venn Apps
With Venn Apps, any Shopify store can be seamlessly converted into a feature-rich mobile application. With its feature-rich feature set and user-friendly platform, organizations can create customized iOS and Android applications without knowing any code.
For instance, merchants may improve the dynamic functionality of their business by combining the app with their preferred Shopify plugins. The app has a 5-star rating, which attests to its dependability and adaptability.
✅ Pros:
- Easy-to-use platform;
- Coupled with a set of comprehensive features.
❌ Cons:
- Expensive cost for all plans.
Pricing:
Plan | Essential | Pro | Enterprise |
---|---|---|---|
Pricing | $499/month | 999$/month | 1,999$/month |
#14. AppOkart‑ Mobile App Builder
Appokart is a drag-and-drop mobile app builder for eCommerce stores that is simple to use and requires no coding.
With no coding knowledge needed, Appokart is a mobile app builder that lets you create stunning native Android and iOS apps from your Shopify store. With Appokart, owners of eCommerce stores can quickly and easily turn their Shopify store into a mobile application.
Highlight features:
- Push Notification: Send automatic push notifications for those abandoned carts.
- Real-Time Preview: Check the design change you made to your app in real-time.
- Drag and Drop: Add or remove design elements simply by dragging and dropping.
- One Click Check-Out: Allow your customers to place an order with the minimum tap
- Advanced Analytics: Get detailed insight and see how your business is performing
Rates: 5.0/5.0 (59 reviews)
Pricing:
Plan | Mobile AppPreview | Full Featured Plan |
---|---|---|
Pricing | Free | 49$ |
Final thoughts
Building a Shopify mobile app is a strategic move to boost customer engagement and drive sales in today’s mobile-first world. Whether you choose to build from scratch or leverage a mobile app builder, the key is selecting the approach that best fits your business’s unique needs, budget, and goals.
In the end, both options can deliver a high-quality mobile app for your Shopify store. The decision boils down to what your business needs today and where you plan to grow in the future. Whether you’re building from the ground up or opting for a mobile app builder, investing in a Shopify mobile app is a powerful step towards meeting customer expectations and staying be on top of the Shopify e-commerce competition.