Appy Pie vs Shoutem: App Builder Comparison

Appy Pie and Shoutem are popular platforms for businesses that want to build apps quickly for various use cases. Both let you arrange and build your app using pre-built DIY templates that you can edit, tweak, and customize.

But which is the best option for building your app? And are these app builders the top choices on the market today?

We explore these questions in the post ahead.

What is Appy Pie?

Appy Pie is a DIY tool that allows anyone to create a mobile app using an online app builder. You can customize and tweak it as much as you like. You can publish it to the App Stores and make updates through their interface, all without writing code.

There are a wide range of app templates available, such as:

• Restaurant app builder
• Church app builder
• Small business app builder
• Real estate app maker

You don't need to write any code, making it suitable for non-technical site owners who want to create a mobile app.

If you have an idea for an app, it's worth checking if Appy Pie offers a template that fits.

Template-based app builders rely on pre-set layouts, which means customization is within the scope of their available designs.

Appy Pie's Key Features

1) Accessible App Builder

Appy Pie provides an intuitive app builder.

You go through drag-and-drop builders, text editors, and menu selectors to determine the app’s design and style.

When you’re satisfied, you can publish the app. Appy Pie assists with publishing to app stores for their 'Platinum’ customers, though you can publish under your own account regardless.

After your app is live, Appy Pie offers tools for ongoing management, including:

• Sending push notifications (with volume limits)
• Monetizing via ad network integration
• Connecting with shopping carts and payment gateways
• Viewing analytics data

Appy Pie offers a solid range of features for building an app yourself.

2) AR / VR App Builder

Appy Pie includes an AR/VR app builder feature.

This uses the device camera and includes functions like an AR Scanner and 3D Object Positioning. For creating apps with AR/VR elements, Appy Pie provides templates for Android and iOS. On their website, they state you can create an AR/VR app in 10 minutes.

Appy Pie Pricing

Appy Pie offers four pricing tiers.

Their most popular plan, Platinum, costs $60/mo.

• Includes 25,000 push notifications per month
• Supports 2,000 downloads per month
• Offers unlimited bandwidth
• Supports in-app advertising
• Appy Pie assists with first-time app store submissions

No plan offers unlimited push notifications or app downloads; usage beyond limits incurs overage fees.

To remove Appy Pie branding, an add-on package is available at double the subscription cost.

Appy Pie Reviews

Here are some excerpts from public customer reviews of Appy Pie.

• Gayland, a business owner, commented that “the software is surprisingly easy to use and overall the features are easy to use regardless of your experience level.”
• Joel, a self-employed IT specialist, described Appy Pie as “very user-friendly.”
• Some customers noted that the process involves working within the templates provided.
• Don, a Marketing Assistant, mentioned “no way to make it your own or make it unique unless their custom team builds your app which could run thousands of dollars.”
• Others appreciated the features, like one reviewer who said: “Like a completely professional app and they provide lots of capabilities and amazing features like IAP, Appointment, CRM connectivity and more.”
• Khurram, a Digital Marketing Specialist, said customer support is “Good….. most of the time they provide solutions within twenty-four hours and the team has good technical knowledge.”
• Angie, a self-employed coach and trainer, noted that “Technical/customer service is polite and does their best but once in a while, there is a definite language barrier.”
• Selena, owner of an E-Learning business, shared: “They didn't help me when they answered the phone... I and my computer engineer had a very difficult time understanding what they were saying.”

Overall, reviewers generally find Appy Pie useful as a DIY app builder platform.

‍Please visit Capterra to read the full reviews and more.

Alternatives to Appy Pie

There are several other app builders available if you want to create your own app via a DIY platform. These include:

• GoodBarber
• Mobincube
• Shoutem

Let's look at Shoutem and how it compares to Appy Pie.

What is Shoutem?

Shoutem offers tools and templates that let non-coders build their own apps using a drag-and-drop interface.

Shoutem Key Features

1) Easy-to-Use App Designer

Shoutem's App Designer lets you select pre-built elements and arrange them to customize both visual elements and app functionality.

This helps you put together a good-looking app without coding skills. Like Appy Pie, you can preview your app in real-time while building.

Shoutem's app templates have a modern look, and apps we tested run smoothly. You can create apps for eCommerce, content sites, loyalty programs, events, and more.

If you have a specific app idea suited to one of their templates, Shoutem is worth considering.

2) Whitelabel Reseller Program

If you're an agency or freelancer building apps for clients, Shoutem offers a fully whitelabeled dashboard for your clients to manage their apps.

Shoutem also provides premium customer support including a dedicated account manager.

Shoutem Pricing

Shoutem supports both Android and iOS, with three pricing tiers based on requirements:

• Android only: $49/mo (paid annually) / $59/mo (paid monthly) – Includes automated app publishing and push notifications.
• Standard: $79/mo (paid annually) / $99/mo (paid monthly) – Adds iOS support, analytics, notification center, and user management.
• Professional: $149/mo (paid annually) / $179/mo (paid monthly) – Includes data importers and advanced extensions like Social and Loyalty features.

Additionally, Shoutem Pro offers hands-on help setting up your app for $1,499 or $2,499.

Shoutem Reviews

Here are some highlights from reviews on Shoutem’s Clutch profile.

• Users appreciate the platform’s features without excessive complexity.
• D. Marsden, an entrepreneur, stated: “Shoutem had everything I needed. They’ve made a product that’s advanced but isn’t mind melting.”
• Another IT professional wrote: “The Shoutem team is blazing fast and very competent. We've had a great experience.”
• Kevin Convey, a professor, praised customer service: “I have never worked with a software company where the customer service and the support was so good.”
• Jerry Smith, a web developer, said: “Shoutem meets my needs for a fraction of the cost of what I'd have to spend to get this type of custom-developed app.”

Shoutem provides a solid app building solution appreciated by its users.

Shoutem Alternatives

There are several other app builders targeting a similar market that use pre-built templates.

If you’re interested in this type of app builder, here are five competitors:

• Appy Pie
• Goodbarber
• BuildFire
• Appmaker
• BiznessApps

These platforms offer DIY app building with templates, so they’re worth exploring if that fits your needs.

Wrapping Up: Appy Pie vs. Shoutem

Both app builders provide various templates to help you quickly create a mobile app for multiple use cases.

They have positive customer feedback and offer affordable pricing plans for budget-conscious users.

That said, app builders rely on pre-made templates and require you to build the app yourself using drag-and-drop tools.

If you prefer not to build your app yourself, MobiLoud offers a done-for-you solution. Our team builds your custom app, publishes it to the App Stores, and manages ongoing updates and maintenance.

MobiLoud’s pricing starts at $399/mo plus setup fees ($850 Startup, $1,500 Growth, custom Corporate plans). While higher than Appy Pie and Shoutem, MobiLoud covers all the technical work and maintenance.

This saves you significant effort in building and maintaining your app, and avoids the need to manually replicate site updates in your app.

MobiLoud also lets you build a higher-quality app without the limits of template-based builders.

Read more about MobiLoud here.

The main consideration is that MobiLoud converts existing websites into mobile apps. If you want to build an app from scratch, platforms like Appy Pie or Shoutem remain suitable options.

Experience your store as a mobile app, free of charge. Request your custom preview at app.mobiloud.com or book a demo to speak with an expert about your best next steps.