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MobiLoud and Appbrew are two popular options for Shopify stores to create mobile apps without investing in lengthy and costly development projects.
Both offer alternatives to building custom native apps, but they differ in approach and features.
Here’s a closer look at MobiLoud and Appbrew, and why MobiLoud is often considered the best alternative for Shopify merchants looking to launch a mobile app.
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Both MobiLoud and Appbrew enable Shopify store owners to build branded mobile apps quickly and without coding.
However, they follow different methods to create your app. Here are the key distinctions.
Appbrew:
MobiLoud:
MobiLoud is the best choice for Shopify stores aiming for a seamless app conversion that preserves all website features and integrations without requiring manual rebuilding or extra management.
If you compare Appbrew to other drag-and-drop Shopify app builders or custom development, it stands out as a flexible choice.
Appbrew offers extensive customization options, with over 100 integrations for popular marketing, analytics, and conversion rate optimization Shopify apps, plus built-in push notifications.
Their “Pro” plan provides a turnkey solution for building apps, with a moderate pricing structure.
Some integrations, such as Klaviyo and advanced features, are included in their Enterprise plan, which may affect the overall cost depending on your needs.
MobiLoud follows a different path by converting your Shopify store into a mobile app through a fully managed service.
Rather than providing just a software platform, MobiLoud handles the entire process, ensuring your app retains all the features that make your website successful.
Everything from your theme design, Shopify apps, to custom code is integrated seamlessly into your mobile app.
This approach offers more upside with less operational effort, as your app mirrors the proven website experience.
The result combines the best of custom development and app builders, with a managed service that costs approximately the same as platforms like Appbrew.
MobiLoud is used by notable brands including Tobi, Sleefs, and John Varvatos.
These brands appreciate the managed service model and the flexibility to include any features or integrations in their apps.
“We wanted a solution that could enable push notifications, and MobiLoud does that. We couldn’t find another company that could offer the same features at the same price point, same time to market, and make it as easy as MobiLoud could.”
- Svend Hansen, Product Owner at Bestseller
Let’s explore the reasons why top brands prefer MobiLoud for their Shopify app.
Appbrew requires you to build your app inside their platform using blocks and templates.
This means you need to replicate your site’s design and features manually.
Meanwhile, your Shopify website already has a mobile-friendly design that converts well.
MobiLoud uses your existing website codebase, converting it directly into an app without rebuilding.
App builders like Appbrew use templates and blocks, which set boundaries on design and functionality.
While Appbrew offers more customization than some builders, it still works within a predefined framework.
MobiLoud imposes no design limits. Your app matches your website’s design exactly, including any custom features.
“With our original app we were a little bit limited. We worked with what we had, but being able to replicate our design is part of the reason why we're with you guys.”
- Jaime Schuster, CEO at Sleefs
App builders require integrations with third-party Shopify apps to be supported within their platform to work in your app.
Appbrew supports over 100 integrations, with 25 included on their standard plan.
Some key features like Klaviyo integration, mobile tracking, subscriptions, and social logins are available only on higher-tier plans.
Stores relying on niche tools or custom-built features may find these unsupported in block-based builders.
MobiLoud supports all Shopify apps, custom code, and features from your website without restrictions.
Appbrew uses the Shopify Storefront API to sync data between your app and website.
This API works well in many cases but has inherent limitations that can affect customizations or conversion optimization tweaks.
"None of the app builders let us use our custom sort order due to API limitations which is a massive problem for conversion."
- David Cost, VP of eCommerce & Marketing at Rainbow Shops
MobiLoud does not rely on Shopify’s API. Your app displays your website content directly.
Website updates go live in your app immediately, and you can make any changes without API restrictions.
MobiLoud is also platform-agnostic, allowing for migration or custom web features that reflect in your app.
App builders reduce the need for coding but still require you to build, maintain, and update your app separately from your website.
They handle app store submission but leave the rest of the management to you.
MobiLoud provides end-to-end service, including configuration, quality assurance, app store submission, and ongoing updates.
This saves you time and ensures your app stays in sync with your website without extra work.
“You gave us the directions, but also helped us get approved, and what to do and how to do it. I love how impactful you are to my brand with no heavy uplift on our end from a design and cost perspective. The customer service is everything.”
- Haven Prescott Jr, CEO at SYN•DI•CATE
Appbrew is a leading no-code Shopify app builder, offering broad customization and over 100 integrations without success fees.
It uses a block-based system where you create your app by assembling templates and blocks.
For Shopify stores seeking an app without rebuilding or managing a separate platform, and with the support of a dedicated team, MobiLoud is the best alternative.
MobiLoud has published thousands of apps for hundreds of Shopify stores, delivering apps fully synced with their websites and featuring all their Shopify apps and customizations.
Let’s build your app! Get in touch and book a free consultation to see why MobiLoud is the right choice for your business.
Let's get started. Request your free app preview to see your store as a mobile app, or book a consultation to discuss how MobiLoud can drive results for your business.
