10 Open Source Mobile App Development Software in 2023

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 open source mobile app development 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.

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 list 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 a unique user experience.

Moreover, with an open source mobile app development software, you can design a customized layout for your target audience, providing them a unique user experience.

3. Adding features

Further, this step involves adding suitable features to your android open source app depending upon the target audience, by making use of a software to make android apps.

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.

10 Best Free and Open Source Mobile App Development Software in 2023

We list below the top free mobile app development software which can help design the Android mobile application of your dreams:

• PhoneGap
• Buildfire
• NativeScript
• Flutter
• Felgo
• Appcelerator
• Mobincube
• Ionic
• Xamarin
• Qt

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

• It allows creation of a single code useful across different platforms
• PhoneGap, one of the best mobile app development software, supports quick testing of your code

Cons

However, some users might find PhoneGap’s interface to be less interactive.

Pricing of PhoneGap Open Source Mobile App Builder: Additionally, PhoneGap software to make android apps is free to use.

Types of Apps You Can Create:PhoneGap free android software is best for creating Hybrid apps.

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

Buildfire 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 group.

• Compatible with different OS

Additionally, Buildfire, one of the best open source mobile app development software can be used to develop apps for iOS and android devices.

Pros

• It helps you to track downloads across platforms
• Buildfire app development software offers robust SDKs to support high level of customization

 Cons

Buildfire android app development software offers limited and generic app templates.

Pricing of Buildfire App Development Software for Android: Moreover, the price of Buildfire online app builder starts from ₹11897.57 per month.

Types of Apps You Can Create: Further, Buildfire android development software is most suitable for native apps and progressive web apps.

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 creation of native mobile apps through JavaScript, Vue.js, angular etc.

• Extensible

This software lets you reuse SDKs, plugins and templates for 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

• NativeScriptopen source mobile app development software executes faster as compared to its competitors.
• It supports cross platform integration

 Cons

However, the frequent updates offered by free mobile app development software makes it tough to get used to a single version.

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.

4. 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 app 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

• Flutter offers customizable widgets and is useful for developing open source android apps.
• You have the option to bookmark useful API docs.

 Cons

Although, Flutter lacks accessing device-oriented APIs like GPS, proximity sensor, Bluetooth, etc.

Pricing of Flutter, The Best Android App Development Software

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.

5. 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 a helpful platform 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

• Felgo, regarded as one of the best mobile app development software, is suitable for beginners
• It helps in finding bugs in your code quickly

Cons

Felgo has a steep learning curve, especially for the creation of complex apps.

Pricing of Felgo Open Source Mobile App Builder

Felgo free mobile app development 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.

6. Appcelerator

Appcelerator online 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 development software.

Pros

• This software supports creation of dynamic animation
• It lets you adopt third party native libraries

Cons

With a new version upgrade, users might have to rewrite code for some of their projects.

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 ₹14890.67 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.

7. 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 looks 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

Mobincube helps in monetizing your apps by placing ads in them.

• Third party integrations

This software supports easy integration with third party utilities.

 Pros

• It offers a high degree of customization for open source android apps.
• Mobincube uses enhanced push notifications to keep users aware of updates in your android open source app.

Cons

The process of adding updates to existing apps is a time taking process.

Pricing of Mobincube, the Best Android App Development Software

Mobincube free mobile app development software offers a free version.

It also offers a premium version whose price starts from ₹263.04 per month. 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.

8. 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 mobile app development software 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

• Ionic app development software offers multiple integration options.
• With Ionic android app development software, it is simpler to use native features

Cons

Ionic does not offers hot reloading.

Pricing of Ionic App Development Software for Android

Ionic software to make android apps offers a free version for beginners.

It also offers the professional version for developers whose price starts from ₹3142.76 per month. Professional 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.

9. 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

• Xamarin is a high performing software as it is developed by Microsoft.
• Using Xamarin free mobile app development software, you can develop truly native apps.

Cons

Xamarin is not suitable for users looking to develop gaming apps.

Pricing of Xamarin Open Source App Builder

Xamarin free mobile app development software can be used without paying any charges.

Types of Apps You Can Create: Xamarin mobile app development software free version can be used to create native mobile apps.

10. 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, the Best 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

Qt open source mobile app development tool provides an efficient app management mechanism by periodically adding new utilities.

Pros

• Qt open source mobile app development software provides a number of add-ons such as charts and 3D objects
• The software provides quick support in case of grievance.

Cons

Users new to the world of app development might find Qt’s process a bit complex to understand.

Pricing of Qt, the best Android App Development Software

Qt’s developer’s license fee is ₹295568.63 per annum.

Type of Apps You Can Create: You can use Qt open source mobile app development tool for developing native and web apps.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Business communication apps on Android have even surpassed the user engagement on social and entertainment apps!