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Want to build a mobile app for your ecommerce site?
In this guide, we’ll compare MobiLoud and Unbound Commerce – two solutions for turning an existing ecommerce site into iOS and Android apps, without a large investment in a fully native app.
We’ll break down how they compare and why MobiLoud is often the best alternative for ecommerce brands looking for speed, reliability, and ease of maintenance. MobiLoud converts your website into a mobile app, serving hundreds of stores with over 200 reviews averaging 4.8/5, and supporting brands like Bestseller, Vero Moda, Jack & Jones, John Varvatos, and Estee Lauder.
We’ll cover cost, speed to launch, technical approach, and long-term upkeep so you can choose the right platform for your business in 2025.
Bottom Line: Unbound Commerce uses Flutter and APIs to build a custom app that syncs with your website. MobiLoud packages your existing site inside native app shells; this approach provides real-time syncing and easier maintenance.
Unbound Commerce builds native apps from scratch using Flutter, a cross-platform framework.
Your ecommerce site connects to the app through APIs, and the user interface is a separately coded experience.
This approach allows for tailored designs and features, but updates to your website typically require corresponding updates in the app, which involves coordination with developers and ongoing maintenance.
MobiLoud takes a different approach by packaging your existing website inside native app shells for iOS and Android.
The app mirrors your website exactly, adding native navigation, push notifications, and other app-specific features.
Since the app is powered directly by your website, any updates or new features you add to your site appear instantly in your app without additional development work. This results in faster launches and easier maintenance.
Bottom Line: MobiLoud provides a branded, fully functional app at a fraction of the cost and time of a custom build, with lower ongoing overhead.
Unbound Commerce operates on a custom development model. Their team builds an app with Flutter that connects via APIs to your site. The upfront cost is a one-time build fee, generally in the five-figure range, plus ongoing support fees around $500 per month.
The build process usually takes six to eight weeks, and future updates or site changes often require developer involvement, leading to additional costs and longer turnaround times for new features or design updates.
MobiLoud emphasizes speed and simplicity. With setup fees starting at $1,500 and monthly plans from $549, you can have your app live in about four weeks.
Because your app is powered directly by your website, there’s no need to duplicate content or development efforts. Any changes to your site automatically update in your app, lowering both initial and ongoing costs and enabling your team to move faster without relying on external developers.
For most ecommerce brands, speed, simplicity, and low maintenance are key. Here’s why MobiLoud stands out:
MobiLoud apps are powered directly by your website.
Every product addition, content update, or new marketing feature is instantly reflected in your app.
No need to duplicate work or wait for developer updates. If it works on your site, it works in your app right away.
Unbound Commerce relies on custom code and APIs.
While this offers flexibility, APIs can require maintenance when your ecommerce platform or third-party tools update.
MobiLoud’s approach keeps your website as the single source of truth, reducing potential issues and simplifying upkeep.
Unbound Commerce’s custom builds typically take six to eight weeks or longer.
MobiLoud can have your app live in as little as two to four weeks at a lower cost.
This means you start generating returns sooner without the upfront capital of a full custom build.
With Unbound Commerce, you manage your website and their native app separately.
Changes to your site need to be mirrored in the app, often requiring developer support, which can delay updates and increase costs.
MobiLoud removes this friction: manage your website as usual, and your app stays up to date automatically, allowing fast iteration without external help.
MobiLoud is more than software; it’s a fully managed service handling everything from the initial build and quality assurance to app store submissions and ongoing updates.
You also receive strategic support on push notifications and app growth, letting your team focus on marketing and sales instead of technical app management.
Bottom line: Unless your business requires highly specialized native app features, MobiLoud offers a faster, more reliable, and easier-to-maintain solution. It’s ideal for ecommerce teams focused on growth without extra operational complexity.
If bespoke native-only features are critical, Unbound Commerce may be suitable.
For most ecommerce brands seeking speed, reliability, and low maintenance, MobiLoud is the clear choice.
Both Unbound Commerce and MobiLoud deliver quality ecommerce apps, but their approaches and long-term effects differ.
Unbound Commerce offers deep customization and fully native code, with higher costs, longer timelines, and more complexity when updating your website.
MobiLoud focuses on speed, simplicity, and low maintenance — delivering a branded, revenue-driving app in weeks while keeping it perfectly synced with your existing site.
You get essential native features like native navigation UI, custom onboarding screens, and push notifications, with a faster path to ROI.
For ecommerce brands wanting to move quickly and minimize operational overhead, MobiLoud is the best alternative.
Getting your ecommerce app live with MobiLoud is fast and straightforward:
Ready to see your store on the App Store and Google Play? Get your free preview, or book a consultation today and start turning mobile visitors into loyal, repeat customers.
