Insight

App development costs: What to expect in 2024

Anthony Main

Founder

May 13, 2024

published

Have you ever wondered how much it really costs to bring your app idea to life? If you’ve crafted a wonderful app idea but have no idea what it would entail to make it a reality, then you’re in the right place.

The short answer is it ultimately depends on whether you want to opt for an out-of-the-box or bespoke solution, each comes with its own pros and cons (and price ranges!).

Apps can range anywhere from £10,000 to £500,000, so let's dive into the world of app development costs and explore your options…

The big question: Out-of-the-box or bespoke?

Out-of-the-box solutions are like the fast food of the app world. They're pre-built, ready to go, and designed to satisfy common business cravings. But that doesn’t mean they’ll necessarily meet your idea's needs.

They are often more affordable and quicker to implement compared to bespoke applications. However, they may lack customisation options and may not fully align with your specific business requirements.

It’s also worth noting that you’re creating a relationship with the business that will be supplying the app, this is important as they own intellectual property (IP), therefore the app won’t be an asset within your business.

This also means that you’re reliant upon their developers to fix any issues and your requirements may not be their most urgent priority.

On the other hand, bespoke applications from The Distance are tailor-made to suit your unique business needs. We offer a higher level of customisation and flexibility, allowing you to incorporate features and functionalities that are essential to your business operations or user requirements.

Although bespoke applications may be a bigger investment and a longer development process initially, they provide a more tailored solution that can make your business stand out from your competitors.

Let’s dive into the pros and cons of each solution so you can weigh up what works best for your business.

Out of the box: The quick and easy route?

Pros:

Cost Effective - They have generally lower upfront costs compared to bespoke solutions.
Quick deployment - Ready-made features and functionalities allow for quicker implementation.
Minimal technical expertise required - They’re more suitable for businesses without extensive technical knowledge.

Cons:

Lack of customisation - Limited ability to tailor the app to specific business needs.
Limited scalability - It may not accommodate future growth or changing business requirements.
Potential for generic user experience - Less opportunity to create a unique user interface or user experience.
Dependency on the supplier - You’re reliant upon the supplier to resolve issues at their own pace and unfortunately don’t have control of the platform.

Bespoke: Tailor-made for success?

Pros:

Customisation - Tailored to meet specific business requirements and objectives you’re looking for.
Scalability - Can be designed to accommodate future growth.
Unique user experience - Allows for the creation of a distinct and branded user interface.
Intellectual Property - If you work with the right partner you will own the intellectual property of the application.

Cons:

Higher cost - Typically involves higher upfront costs in comparison to out-of-the-box solutions.
Longer development time - Custom development requires more time to design, develop, and test.
Technical complexity - Requires expertise in app development and may involve more technical challenges.

Price Comparisons

When it comes to the cost of building an app, there are various factors that need to be considered, such as discovery requirements, features, integrations, and maintenance costs.

Discovery requirements play a crucial role in determining the overall cost of app development. If your business has a clear understanding of their app’s purpose and requirements, then you may need less discovery work, which reduces development costs.

However, if your business needs extensive discovery work to define your app’s scope and features, then costs may end up higher.

On average, bespoke app development tends to be more expensive than out-of-the-box solutions. However, the cost can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the project and the level of customisation required.

It’s worth considering whether you require a team onshore or offshore too, which can also affect costs.

Be sure to weigh the pros and cons of each option carefully and consider your business’s long-term goals and budget constraints. By focusing on the problem your app solves and thinking long-term, you can justify which is worth the investment in app development.

Remember, an app is not just a digital product, but an investment in the future success of your business.

So how much does an app actually cost?

The cost of app development varies depending on various factors, including the type of solution, discovery requirements, and long-term goals.

By understanding the differences between out-of-the-box and bespoke solutions and carefully evaluating your business needs and budget, you can make an informed decision that will benefit your business in the long run.

For us to deliver an application, the cost can vary from £75,000 to £500,000 depending upon all these factors. It is also worth considering the ongoing support, maintenance and potential changes you would want to make in the future based on your user needs.

If you would like a better idea of the actual price we’d need to discuss your app idea and its goals, get in touch today!

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