- Why Should You Choose Flutter for App Development?
- What is the Cost of Flutter App Development?
- Factors Affecting the Flutter App Development Cost
- App Complexity
- App Category
- UI/UX Design
- Tools and Licensing
- Server Space
- Development Team Location
- Development Resources
- Experience of Flutter App Developers
- App Release in Stores
- Update and Maintenance
- Discovery Phase: An Integral Constituent to Consider
- Real-World Examples of Flutter Apps with Timeline and Cost Breakdown
- How to Reduce and Optimize Your Flutter App Development Budget?
- Minimize Your App Functionalities
- Follow an Agile Approach
- Start with an MVP
- Outsource Your Requirements
- How Can Appinventiv Help You with Flutter App Development?
- FAQs About Flutter and its Development Cost
Released in 2017, Flutter has gained immense popularity in the hub of cross-platform frameworks. It is an open-source mobile SDK used to develop native-looking iOS and Android apps from a single codebase.
Being one of the most ideal platforms for mobile app development, Flutter offers a plethora of benefits to businesses. This open-source framework has redefined the way we develop mobile applications, maximizing business possibilities to reach their target audience.
According to Statista, Flutter has been the most popular mobile app development technology for four consecutive years, used by developers globally to build flexible apps that are accessible through a large number of devices.
With the continuously growing demand for Flutter as a cross-platform mobile app development, entrepreneurs often have one question, “how much does Flutter app development cost?”
Let’s uncover all the essential aspects needed to build a Flutter app, helping you get an in-depth understanding of how much it costs to develop a Flutter app. But first, let’s know what is flutter app development and why should you choose this framework.
Why Should You Choose Flutter for App Development?
Flutter is a powerful, open-source UI framework that enables developers to create natively compiled applications for mobile, web, and desktop from a single codebase. Here are some of the most compelling reasons that answer why Flutter is an excellent choice for app development:
- Flutter allows for cross-platform development using a single codebase, reducing development time and costs. It ensures consistent performance and appearance across iOS, Android, web, and desktop applications.
- By enabling cross-platform development with a single codebase, Flutter reduces the need for separate development teams, making it a cost-effective solution for businesses looking to launch their apps on multiple platforms simultaneously.
- Flutter’s hot reload feature allows developers to see changes instantly without restarting the app. This speeds up the development process and simplifies to experiment with new features.
- Choosing Flutter for app development ensures you get an advanced, versatile framework capable of delivering high-performance, visually appealing apps that cater to a wide range of users.
Also Read: Guide for Developing a Startup Mobile App with Flutter
What is the Cost of Flutter App Development?
There is no one-size-fits-all formula to answer how much it costs to create a Flutter app. Flutter app development goes through several phases, and each phase involves various factors. Each of these phases and factors (more details below) significantly contribute to the Flutter app development cost.
For detailed insights into the Flutter app development process, check out A Detailed Guide to Flutter App Development
To give you a rough estimate, the cost of Flutter app development ranges between $50,000 to $200,000 or more, depending on various factors involved in the development process. Therefore, calculating the exact cost of building a Flutter app involves considering all factors. Let’s explore them:
Factors Affecting the Flutter App Development Cost
The cost to develop a Flutter app varies significantly depending on various factors. These factors include the complexity of the app, its features and functionalities, hardware structure, UI/UX designs, the development team’s location, and the required level of experience.
Here are some key elements that impact the Flutter mobile app development cost.
App Complexity
Based on the app complexity level, the Flutter app can be divided into three sub-categories: basic, medium complex, and highly complex, where we take note of the features, functionalities, and integrations.
This distinction of app complexity is determined based on several criteria such as deployment architecture model, admin panel development, third-party integrations, built-in features, hardware device integration, addition of technologies like AR, AI, Blockchain, IoT, etc.
- Based on the described app complexity level, if you want to develop a basic app with simple features, for instance, a fitness app with meal and workout suggestions, it will cost approximately $50,000 to $60,000.
- If you want to develop a medium complex app, for instance, a messenger app with audio and video calling features, the cost to create a flutter app will be around $60,000 to $80,000.
- The development cost of a highly complex app like Instagram typically starts from $80,000 and goes as high as possible, depending on various features, functionalities, and technology integration.
Also, if you want to make an MVP before investing in a full-fledged product, feel free to check how Flutter is ideal for the MVP app development process.
For a more in-depth understanding of the Flutter app development cost and timeline, here is a concise table to help you out.
| App Complexity | Level of Complexity | Average Timeline | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple app | MVP functionality Basic UI | 2-3 months | $50,000-$60,000 |
| Medium Complex app | Sophisticated features Custom UI | 3-6 months | $60,000-$80,000 |
| Highly complex app | High-level advanced features Bespoke UI | 6-14 months | $80,000-$200,000+ |
App Category
The category or type of app you are developing plays a significant role in determining the cost. Different app categories, such as social networking, e-commerce, gaming, healthcare, or enterprise apps, have varying requirements and features. For instance, building a feature-rich e-commerce app with inventory management and payment gateway integration will typically cost more than creating a simple utility app. The specific requirements of your chosen app category will impact development costs.
UI/UX Design
The UI/UX design of the Flutter app is one of the most crucial elements affecting its development cost. For instance, a visually appealing and intuitive design costs more than a simple and minimal app design. While you can choose the design approach for your app, the intuitive designs and animations help users connect with the app at a personal level.
Based on the design process of Flutter mobile app development, here is an average cost and time breakdown estimate:
| App Process | Design Tasks | Average Development Time | Average Development Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| App design research | Market research Competitor analysis Market trend analysis Selecting ideal solutions | Based on the niche and available resource | $500-$700 |
| UX design | Rough sketches Low fidelity wireframes High fidelity wireframes | Simple- 10-14 hrs Medium- 50-60 hrs Complex- 150+ hrs | $200-$1000 |
| UI design | Mood boards UI mockup samples Final UI mockups | Simple – 14-20 hrs Medium- 80-90 hrs Complex- 100+ hrs | $5,000-$10,000+ |
| Branding | Creating brand identity | Logos, icons, and social media | $5,000-$10,000+ |
| Animations and illustrations | Visualizing user and on-screen content Direct manipulation User action visualization | Based on the level of animations | $1000-$10,000 |
You might also want to explore: How much does it cost to design a mobile app?
Tools and Licensing
While Flutter is free for commercial use, to expand functionality and streamline the development process, you may need to invest in various integrations and tools. For example, integrating third-party APIs, which facilitate communication between different programs through defined protocols, becomes necessary. Additionally, advanced APIs may be required for more extensive usage.
Also, flutter app builder development tools, also known as IDEs (Integrated Development Environment), are special software integrations for building modern cross-platform flutter apps. You can choose from popular integrations like Android Studio, Visual Studio, Eclipse, PyCharm, etc. Your choice of IDE can significantly impact your development workflow and the quality of the apps you create.
Server Space
You must address server-related considerations if your app involves processing and storing user-generated data. Inadequate server infrastructure can result in suboptimal app performance and longer user response times.
Furthermore, unreliable servers with weak security measures may pose a risk of potential data breaches, potentially exposing users’ personal information. A 24/7 operational server with an 8-core CPU and higher RAM typically costs around $1500/ year. However, if your project necessitates a customized server to meet specific requirements, the costs may vary accordingly.
Development Team Location
The location of your Flutter app development company is also an influential factor affecting the total app development cost. For instance, flutter app development costs in India or Asia is typically lower than in regions like the US, the UK, Australia, etc.
Here is an estimated breakdown of Flutter app development cost based on the location of your app development company:
| Region | Price Range |
|---|---|
| North America | $40–250/hr |
| Australia | $35–150/hr |
| Western Europe | $35–180/hr |
| South America | $25–120/hr |
| Eastern Europe | $25–110/hr |
| India and Asia | $20–80/hr |
Development Resources
The choice of development resources is a key factor influencing Flutter app development cost. Freelancers, in-house teams, or outsourced development companies each come with their own benefits and cost structures.
Freelancers may offer lower hourly rates but might not provide the same level of expertise or resources as an established agency. In-house teams typically have more control over the project but involve higher overhead costs. Outsourced developers can provide a balance of expertise and cost savings, depending on their location and experience. The decision you make regarding your development team will have a substantial impact on the overall cost of your Flutter mobile app development.
Experience of Flutter App Developers
An experienced Flutter app development company can work wonders when it comes to crafting high-end applications with top-notch features and functionalities.
Here is a rough estimate of what your Flutter app development process would look like with an experienced outsourced company:
| Estimated Cost | Simple App | Medium App | Complex App |
|---|---|---|---|
| Developers | $10-20,000 | $20-40,000 | $50,000+ |
| UI/UX Designers | $4-5,000 | $5-7,000 | $10-15,000 |
| Project Manager | $5-7,000 | $10-15,000 | $10,000+ |
| QA Specialist | $8,000 | $10,000 | $10,000+ |
| Business Analyst | $2-3,000 | $5-8,000 | $8-10,000 |
| DevOps | $2-4,000 | $5-7,000 | $10,000+ |
| Business Analyst | $2-3,000 | $5-8,000 | $8-10,000 |
| DevOps | $2-4,000 | $5-7,000 | $10,000+ |
App Release in Stores
Once the Flutter app is developed, the next step is to publish it in the stores. As of now, both the popular app publishing platforms, Google Play Store and Apple App Store, charge reasonable fees to launch apps.
| Name of the App Store | Publishing Cost |
|---|---|
| Google Play Store | $25 one-time fee |
| Apple App Store | $99 annually |
In addition, both stores take 30% of the share for every in-app purchase your application makes.
Update and Maintenance
The prominence of the Flutter app maintenance cost is worth considering when calculating its development cost. Irrespective of your app’s age and type, you must update it regularly to meet your users’ changing demands.
Ongoing maintenance and updates, such as adding new features, fixing bugs, revamping UI/UX design, and ensuring compatibility with the latest OS versions, are ongoing flutter app development costs to consider.
You can also check how to lower your app frontend maintenance cost to remain within your expected budget. As a general principle, companies tend to save 15-20% of their total Flutter app development pricing for app maintenance.
Each project is unique, and so are its specific requirements that determine the final Flutter app development cost. Thus, gaining an in-depth analysis of these factors and evaluating them is indispensable before you embark on the flutter app development process and plan the budget.
Also Read: Why should businesses choose Flutter app development
Discovery Phase: An Integral Constituent to Consider
The Discovery Phase is an initial phase of the Flutter app development process where the requirements, goals, and scope of the app are carefully defined and documented. Without carefully evaluating this phase, you can’t estimate the Flutter app development cost and timeline, as there will be several variables.
This phase involves activities such as market research, competitor analysis, and user persona development. It helps in creating a detailed project plan and estimating costs more accurately.
An incorrectly held product discovery phase, consisting of – initial contact, planning, drawing specifications, creating wireframes, and detailed estimates, can lead to the decline of a project even before it hits the stores.
Therefore, it is essential for the project manager to chart the plan of action for Flutter mobile app development and identify prospective loopholes that the app might face during the development process.
Suggested Reading how the app discovery phase can help your mobile app survive
Real-World Examples of Flutter Apps with Timeline and Cost Breakdown
Now that you know the essential factors that affect Flutter app development pricing, let’s get an overview of the cost of developing Flutter apps for various types of applications. To help you, we have compiled the development expenses and timeline for a range of existing apps found in diverse industries, each presenting varying degrees of complexity.
| App Category | App Name | Average Cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport | BlaBlaCar | $40,000-$90,000 | 4 to 6 months |
| Streaming | Twitch, YouTube Live | $45,000-$60,000 | 5 to 10 months |
| Social Media | Messenger, WhatsApp, Telegram | $40,000-$60,000 | 8 to 15 months |
How to Reduce and Optimize Your Flutter App Development Budget?
The cost of Flutter app development can add up quickly and outrun your budget if not optimized timely. So, how would you make sure to get a quality Flutter app without breaking the cost barrier? Well, you can follow these tips to leverage the maximum benefits of Flutter app development without breaking the bank:
Minimize Your App Functionalities
Make sure you only include features that are necessary to deliver the best possible app experience. Keeping your Flutter app minimal with the necessary functionalities will translate into higher customer satisfaction and lower app development costs.
To gain in-depth insight into essential Flutter app features, feel free to check how to successfully develop a Flutter web app?
Follow an Agile Approach
It is crucial to plan your development workflow as per iterations and the CI/CD (continuous integration/continuous development) model. An agile development strategy helps you fix errors and similar issues within the coding stage, which is less expensive than fixing bugs at your “ready-to-launch” phase.
Start with an MVP
An MVP is a basic version of your app with core features and functionalities required to satisfy early customers and gain feedback for future development. This approach allows you to validate your app idea with real users and prevent spending on unnecessary features.
Outsource Your Requirements
Opting for outsourcing your Flutter app development needs is a highly effective approach to managing both costs and time. Collaborating with a comprehensive Flutter app development service provider (like Appinventiv) is a wiser choice than dealing with multiple developers separately.
We provide a wide range of Flutter app development services, from Flutter app ideation and consulting to app migration and deployment. We also offer valuable assistance in post-launch support maintenance, leading to potential cost savings and reduced risk of app down in the future.
How Can Appinventiv Help You with Flutter App Development?
Appinventiv is a reputed and reliable flutter app development company trusted by global businesses across industries. We specialize in building robust and natively compiled Flutter apps that can be accessed through different devices.
For instance, we have built high-performing and user-friendly Flutter applications for brands like IKEA, YouComm, Jobget, and others that provide seamless user experience on different devices.
Still in doubt? Well, here is a snapshot of what you will access by partnering with us:
- 8+ Years of Industry Experience.
- A Team of 1200+ Tech Nerds and 20+ Flutter Experts.
- 3000+ Projected Delivered and 28+ Flutter Products Developed.
- 35+ Industries Mastered, and 8+ Industries Made Multi Platforms.
So, don’t wait. Connect with us to gain an exact idea of the Flutter app development cost and leverage our capabilities to convert your app idea into a fully functional product.
FAQs About Flutter and its Development Cost
Q. How much does Flutter app development cost?
A. Flutter for app development might cost you anything from $50,000 to $200,000 and above based on various parameters such as the app’s complexity level, UI/UX design, features and functionalities, hardware cost, tools and licensing, size and location of your flutter app development team, etc. It is best to consult a trusted IT consulting services provider to get an exact idea of Flutter app development cost.
Q. Why choose the Flutter platform over others?
A. There are several reasons, but the two most prominent reasons for choosing Flutter mobile app development are
- Google’s backing
- The widgets that make your application native-like.
Q. How long does it take to build a Flutter app?
A. The time required to build a Flutter app varies widely depending on the app’s complexity and features. A simple app with basic features can be developed in 1-3 months, while a more complex and feature-rich app may take several months to a year or more for development. It’s essential to discuss your project idea with a reputed Flutter mobile application development company to get a more accurate estimate of the Flutter app development timeline.
Q. How to build a Flutter app?
A. Though the benefits of flutter app development are immense, building one for your business is a complex and challenging process. However, once you gain ground in getting the right app, it will be worth the investment in the long run. Typically, to build a Flutter app, one has to go through the following steps:
- Define your development requirements and set up the environments with the necessary plugins and packages.
- Design an intuitive and user-friendly interface.
- Implement features, logic, and interactivity to program your app.
- Perform thorough testing to identify and fix any issues or bugs.
- Fine-tune your app’s performance and user experience.
- Publish your app to the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Regularly update and maintain your app to keep it up-to-date and bug-free.
Q. How does Flutter reduce the cost of application development?
A. Flutter app development comes with a number of cost-saving factors like low developmental effort, single codebase, low maintenance timeline, location, etc. All these factors come together to get its cost range down to a huge extent.
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