Prototype · $5k–$15k
Best for testing a core interaction or presenting a realistic flow. It may use sample data or a narrow backend. It is not automatically ready for production users or app-store release.
What does a mobile app cost to build?.
For early planning, a prototype may fall around $5,000–$15,000, a focused mobile MVP around $15,000–$40,000, and a connected multi-role product around $40,000–$100,000+. These are illustrative AppX planning bands, not market averages or a quote.
Discuss your productCurrency: USD. The range changes with platform strategy, backend depth, integrations, user roles, offline behavior, security, content, and release requirements.
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What the work requires
Focused MVP · $15k–$40k
Usually one main user role and one complete journey, with authentication, a practical backend, analytics, essential states, and release preparation for iOS and Android.
Connected product · $40k–$100k+
Multiple roles, admin operations, payments, real-time behavior, hardware features, offline sync, or several external systems add product and engineering work.
The expensive part is often uncertainty
A clear workflow can make a complex product tractable. Unresolved rules, late integration discoveries, and a growing release boundary create more cost than visual polish alone.
A useful starting scope
Make the responsibility visible.
- Write the one complete mobile journey
- List device features and integrations
- Separate prototype from production needs
- Include backend and operational interfaces
- Reserve time for device and store review
Questions before the workClear answers
Clear answers
make better briefs.
Are these fixed AppX prices?
No. They are broad planning bands in USD. A quote requires a specific scope, assumptions, responsibilities, and release target.
Does the cost include iOS and Android?
A focused cross-platform scope can include both. Native apps, platform-specific behavior, or separate release requirements may change the estimate.
What ongoing costs should we expect?
Provider fees, hosting, support, monitoring, store accounts, content, compliance work, and product iteration continue after the initial build.