The 30 Best Mobile App Developers in San Francisco

Looking for a mobile app developer in San Francisco?

You might think this is like looking for a needle in a haystack. After all, San Francisco is (still) the global epicenter of cutting edge technology - especially when it comes to software development.

Mobile app developers here are often trailblazers, setting global standards. With the dense concentration of tech giants and startups, choosing a developer in SF requires serious attention and research.

Before we get into our roundup, here are a few important factors to consider when choosing a San Francisco app developer:

  • Experience & Portfolio: Review past projects to gauge the agency's expertise and whether they truly walk the walk
  • Tech Stack: Ensure they're proficient in relevant technologies and platforms relevant to your project (React native / Swift / Flutter etc)
  • Client Testimonials & Reviews: Past client experiences are crucial for understanding the agency's work quality and ethics

There are also a few important red flags to be aware of. Even in America's technology capital, there are low quality and dishonest companies which you should steer clear of. Here are some signs:

  1. Too Good to Be True Pricing: Extremely low prices might indicate compromising on quality or hidden costs
  2. Lack of Transparency: If they're hesitant to share detailed project plans or strategies, be cautious
  3. Outdated Portfolio: Absence of recent work might indicate they're not up-to-date with current trends and technologies

What is the Process of Working with a San Francisco App Developer?

Each agency has a slightly different process and system for onboarding. Usually though it starts with a discovery phase in which the scope, goals, and process is defined. The next stage will involve creating mock ups, wireframes, and finalizing the UX of the app and development roadmap.

After this, you should be all set. The app will be developed, tested, and finally deployed. If you choose the right app developer, they'll also handle ongoing updates and maintenance work.

How much will it cost, and how long will it take?

You'll notice in our roundup below that many app development agencies in San Francisco (and elsewhere) have minimum project sizes. This really is usually a minimum though, for the most simple apps they typically build. Developers are not cheap, especially in San Francisco where even juniors are often on $100k+.

With that said, here is a rough ballpark:

  1. Simple Apps: Basic features, limited functionality; a few weeks to 2-3 months. Costs can range from $10,000 to $50,000.
  2. Medium Complexity Apps: More advanced features like payment integrations, custom UI, and back-end support; 3-6 months. Costs vary between $50,000 to $150,000.
  3. High-end, Complex Apps: Multi-platform support, high-level interactivity, complex back-end; 6 months to over a year. Starting at $150,000, can go upwards of $500,000.

Choosing an app developer in San Francisco

As we've seen, choosing the right app developer isn't always straightforward.

To help you out, we've made this roundup of the 30 best app developers in. At the end, we're also going to introduce our own app development service, and show you how it's almost definitely a better option for your business.

We chose the agencies below by researching the options on directories like Clutch, and evaluating them on criteria like:

  • Mobile app development focus
  • Portfolios & past projects
  • Reputation and client reviews

We used our own expertise and experience in app development projects to make these recommendations, and we feel confident that each  agency listed is capable, competent and professional.

Let's get started on the roundup, before looking at the best alternative to mobile app development agencies - MobiLoud.

webkeyz
Experience Design Agency
Project Size
$
20000
-
$
50000
Hourly Rate
$
49
-
$
99
/hr
"The webkeyz team was prompt in hitting project milestones." By Associate Director, Food & Beverage Firm
StartupLandia
Where the dream of tech is still alive.
Project Size
$
5000
-
$
10000
Hourly Rate
$
49
-
$
99
/hr
"Back when AirBnb was a seedling on Rausch Street and the sub-prime bubble had just burst, we got bitten by the startup bug. A decade later, a ridiculous volume of software projects (some wins, some losses) and a literal ocean of pour-over coffee, we have learned a few things about the early stage software game"
Retronyms Labs
We combine design, engineering, and strategy to br
Project Size
$
75000
-
$
100000
Hourly Rate
$
100
-
$
149
/hr
"Retronyms Labs is a San Francisco based full-service Design, Development & Engineering firm that has been in business since 2007. Our founders have over 50 years of combined Software & Hardware Engineering experience and our diverse team offers a unique & intimate level of commitment to all of our clients across a wide range of verticals"
Exygy
Software for the World's Leading Changemakers
Project Size
$
50000
-
$
75000
Hourly Rate
$
150
-
$
199
/hr
“They’re always very responsive. I really enjoyed working with them" By TRX Training
ApexLab
End-to-end, stress-free digital product delivery
Project Size
$
5000
-
$
10000
Hourly Rate
$
49
-
$
99
/hr
"Their cooperative building style was very welcome." By CEO & Founder, Modwalla
Zazmic Inc
Build something different
Project Size
$
5000
-
$
10000
Hourly Rate
$
25
-
$
49
/hr
"They know the tools and are very customer focused." Patrick O'Leary, Founder & CEO, Boostr
Cheetah Agency
We're Reimagining Everything.
Project Size
$
50000
-
$
75000
Hourly Rate
$
250
-
$
300
/hr
"The commitment to quality was palpable, not only in the final deliverables but also in the processes they followed."
Kin + Carta
A global digital transformation business
Project Size
$
10000
-
$
20000
Hourly Rate
$
150
-
$
199
/hr
"They have a strong culture, they add value, and they have strong experience and commitment to human-centered design." By CIO, Nonprofit Health Insurance Provider
Britelite
Design. Build. Experience.
Project Size
$
1000
-
$
5000
Hourly Rate
$
100
-
$
149
/hr
"We tell stories through a unique digital lens and produce campaigns that are authentic, engaging, and memorable"
WLCM App Studio
Top US App Design and Development Agency
Project Size
$
-
$
Hourly Rate
$
49
-
$
99
/hr
"WLCM has been more than just a developer. They believe in our business, and care about our success." By Co-CEO, Brella
AKQA
We exist to create the future with our clients.
Project Size
$
10000
-
$
20000
Hourly Rate
$
49
-
$
99
/hr
"We architect, design and deliver iconic experiences, services and products that improve people’s lives. Our multidisciplinary team has been involved in some of the most groundbreaking projects across multiple industries"
Robosoft Technologies
Simplifying lives through digital experiences
Project Size
$
50000
-
$
75000
Hourly Rate
$
100
-
$
149
/hr
"They are skilled developers that are flexible and friendly to work with." By Product Design, Photo Book Company
Geekbears
Design & Development of Web & Mobile Business Apps
Project Size
$
50000
-
$
75000
Hourly Rate
$
49
-
$
99
/hr
"They have a wonderful design team and we are extremely happy with the results so far." By CEO, Evolve United
Grio
Transforming Brilliant Ideas into Killer Apps
Project Size
$
20000
-
$
50000
Hourly Rate
$
150
-
$
199
/hr
"The team is competent, timely, and consistently doing what’s right for their customer." By Senior Director, Late Stage Startup IT Company
AppTecHub
Hire web & mobile app developers at $2399/mo flat
Project Size
$
5000
-
$
10000
Hourly Rate
$
25
-
$
49
/hr
"They've made my work much easier in developing the app and addressing my issues." By Co-Founder, Autowash Today
Get It Built
Here to help you go from whiteboard to launch.
Project Size
$
10000
-
$
20000
Hourly Rate
$
150
-
$
199
/hr
Website
Third Party
"Get It Built is a software development agency founded by a Stanford Computer Science graduate with experience working in big tech, founding a venture-backed startup, and working as an independent freelance developer. We build web and mobile apps for early-stage entrepreneurs, small businesses, and corporate clients"
Techlexity
Develop awesome blockchain products
Project Size
$
10000
-
$
20000
Hourly Rate
$
25
-
$
49
/hr
"Overall I believe the team did a great job." By CEO, Job Matching Platform
Awsmd
Data Driven UI UX and Development Agency
Project Size
$
10000
-
$
20000
Hourly Rate
$
49
-
$
99
/hr
“Their project management is quite strong.” By Head of Operations, Medpoint
Koderspedia
Blockchain, Software and Mobile Applications
Project Size
$
10000
-
$
20000
Hourly Rate
$
25
-
$
49
/hr
"Koderspedia makes sure they meet my needs and address my concerns every step of the way." By Jerry Gomez, owner, Stadis
ArcTouch
We create lovable apps ❤️ and digital experiences.
Project Size
$
50000
-
$
75000
Hourly Rate
$
49
-
$
99
/hr
“ArcTouch’s UI/UX design is great, and they’ve developed a delightful app that users enjoy.” By Director, Global Digital Experiences, McCormick & Company
Trango Tech
Driving Change Through Technology
Project Size
$
10000
-
$
20000
Hourly Rate
$
49
-
$
99
/hr
"They were very accommodating when we had other priorities as a small business." By Mary Carlson, Owner & CEO of ITR Training Institute
Appstem
Transform complex problems into digital solutions
Project Size
$
50000
-
$
75000
Hourly Rate
$
150
-
$
199
/hr
"Their design work is great, but the biggest thing for us is their effective communication." By IT Manager, JetSuite
SideLabs
We build beautifully crafted applications.
Project Size
$
10000
-
$
20000
Hourly Rate
$
100
-
$
149
/hr
"We’re a small but nimble shop. We work quickly and flexibly. Our sprint-based pricing allows you to continuously build the most important features of your product. So you’re always one step ahead"
Siddhi Infosoft
500+ Clients From Startups to Fortune 500
Project Size
$
5000
-
$
10000
Hourly Rate
$
25
-
$
49
/hr
"The team was always asking questions to make sure things were correct." By Owner, 3C Publications LLC
Roonyx‍
We turn ideas into your user desired apps
Project Size
$
10000
-
$
20000
Hourly Rate
$
49
-
$
99
/hr
"We were impressed that the team had highly specialized experts who could address and implement our requests." By Darya Sharunenko, Product Owner at Ibisse FZC-LLC
BlueRocket
Build It Right
Project Size
$
-
$
Hourly Rate
$
150
-
$
199
/hr
"From the beginning, Blue Rocket made me feel incredibly comfortable. They asked great questions, and offered fantastic insight into all aspects of the product" By Brendan Zugibe, Founder, Soulsend
Zazz
Possibilities Re-imagined
Project Size
$
20000
-
$
50000
Hourly Rate
$
49
-
$
99
/hr
"Zazz was proactive in ensuring that the developed product met the quality standards and was free of bugs or errors." By Founder, Smile and Company
SwensonHe
The founder's firm. We guide, build, invest.
Project Size
$
20000
-
$
50000
Hourly Rate
$
100
-
$
149
/hr
"They’re the epitome of professionalism." By Digital Media Manager, The Lumistella Company

So there you have it, the 28 best app developers in San Francisco. It's a pretty impressive selection with a lot of technical talent and experience. However, there are other options you should consider before going with one of these agencies.

The key question - do you even need them?

As we're about to explain, probably not.

Do you really need a  app development agency?

As we've seen, there are plenty of app developers in . They'll be happy to chat about your project and are all capable of building what you want - providing you have the budget and are open to a few compromises.

These app developers have their downsides though. For a start, as you can see, they aren't cheap.

The average comes in at $100 per hour, so even to build a fairly simple set of apps you're looking at $50k+. They also tend to be busy with work, and even if they can start working on your apps right away - it'll most likely be 3-6 months to get a first version shipped (minimum). Throughout the process you'll need to work closely with them, checking in on work and communicating with the team.

This is all worth it, of course, to get great apps. But is it necessary?

No - not if you already have a website, online store, or web app.

MobiLoud: More Affordable (and Effective) than any App Developer

If you already have a working app for the web, you don't need a  app development agency to build you iOS and Android apps from scratch. You can save tens of thousands of dollars - and months of waiting - by using MobiLoud.

MobiLoud converts your existing website, online store, or web app into native mobile apps in just weeks, for a fraction of the cost of an agency.

There's no long wait times, no six-figure invoices, and no need to compromise on your apps' features and functionalities. MobiLoud apps:

  • Allow you to reuse everything from your website or web app (all features, plugins, integrations)
  • Blend the best of the web with the best of native app technology
  • Require minimum time and zero technical skill to manage

Compared to a  app development agency, using MobiLoud can easily save you 90% of the cost and months of effort.

We can build you any kind of app, so long as you have an existing website or web app to provide the content. We've built thousands of apps over the years, for:

And pretty much any other vertical you can think of!

Our model is affordable and manageable for even small startup businesses, while remaining powerful and scalable enough for a global brand. Take a look at some of our app examples and case studies.

It doesn't matter whether you're located in  or anywhere else. Our global team are always just an email (or a call) away to support your business.

Ready to learn more? The process starts with a no-strings demo, where one of our team will explain the entire process to you.

Let's get your brand on the app stores.....

Book a Demo Call Today

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