Suppose you are interested in developing a mobile app for your company. Perhaps it’s a store app, a game, or something that allows your customers to interact with you. But then comes a huge question: Should you develop a custom mobile app or a template-based mobile app? Most people are confronted with this same dilemma. Every choice has its price and advantages. Some are quicker, while others are more distinctive. Some are less expensive, while others are more expensive but provide you with more control. Therefore, this blog will explain the difference between a custom and template-based Android app development cost, which makes it easy to comprehend.
The Custom Android App Development Cost
A custom mobile app is like a cake that is baked specifically for you. You get to decide on the shape, the flavor, the colors, and all the trimmings. It is all done from scratch.
When you create a custom app for your company, the app is designed exactly as you prefer. Developers and designers code, create screens, and implement the features you request. Therefore, you can include whatever you desire—games, custom buttons, forms, maps, videos, or tools. But the iOS app development cost takes a tremendous amount of time and money to get it all done.
What Is a Template-Based Mobile App?
Now imagine a cake mix. It is in a box. You simply do what the instructions say and voilà—you have a cake! You can perhaps put sprinkles or icing on it, but you can’t really alter it much.
That’s how a template app works. You begin with a pre-designed one. You can tweak some colors, insert your logo, and insert basic features like a menu or contact form. But you can’t change much. These apps are quick and inexpensive to create, but they’re not original.
What’s the Cost Difference Between Custom App & Template App?
Now, let’s discuss the Android app development cost. This is where things get interesting!
How Much Is a Custom Mobile App?
Custom apps are more expensive because you’re creating everything from scratch. You might have to hire an entire team, such as:
- A designer
- A developer
- A tester
- A project manager
Depending on the size and complexity of your app, the cost is anywhere from $20,000 to $150,000 or more. Therefore, it takes three to nine months to complete. If you need lots of special features, the cost can be even more.
How Much Does a Template-Based App Cost?
Template apps are half the price. You can develop a basic app for $500 to $5,000. Some companies have even introduced month-by-month options, such as $30 to $300 monthly. These are much quicker to develop—perhaps in a matter of days or weeks!
Custom Design Looks Better, But Costs More
If you want your app to be unique and have your brand colors and logo in it, a custom app is the way to go. Therefore, you can include fun animations, nice buttons, and a just-right layout.
With a template app, you can only implement minor changes. Most other apps will look pretty much like yours. If you don’t mind a simple look, it works perfectly well. But if you want your app to be distinct, custom is the answer. However, keep in mind that the iOS app development cost will increase.
Features add More Power and More Price.
Do you want your app to do something special, like track orders, send alerts, use maps, or connect to your website? Then, you’ll need a custom mobile app. These features take time to build, so they increase the price. A template-based app usually includes basic features, like:
- A homepage
- Contact form
- Social media links
- Push notifications
But if you require anything sophisticated, such as a customer login feature or a payment system, it may not be an option—or will cost extra.
The Costs That Never End with Updates and Maintenance
Once your app is up and running, you’ll have to maintain it. Occasionally, something breaks, or new phones arrive that require special patches. For apps developed to order, it costs you to pay a programmer to maintain everything. This can be between $1,000 and $10,000 annually.
With template apps, the updates come with the subscription. The company behind the app repairs bugs and introduces new functionality automatically. Therefore, this is convenient and cheap to keep running.
Quick or Sluggish Speeds?
Template apps are quick. You can get your app up and running in days or weeks.
Custom apps are slow. It can take months to develop, test, and deploy.
If you need to get your app to customers fast, templates are the way to go. But if you’re doing a large project and have time, custom is the way to go.
Choose What Suits Your Needs
Deciding between a template app and a custom app depends on your needs, budget, and schedule, as the Android app development cost is dependent upon it. If you need something quick and inexpensive, use a template mobile app. If you need something robust, unique, and lasting, spend money on a custom mobile app. Whatever you decide, keep this in mind: A good app should make your business grow and simplify life for your users. Want to create an app for your company? Start small, dream big, and scale smart with Apex Web Studios. Hire them now.