Top Mobile App Development Companies | Leading App Developers 2019

Few things to consider before approaching an App Development Company

Mobile app development is a complex process which involves high levels of understanding and coordination between you and your app development company. If the mobile app development company is not up to the task then you are bound to waste precious time and resources and will end up with a half-baked product which will eventually lead to frustration and your competition will have a leg-up on you.

Before you approach your mobile app development partner, it would be a good idea to do some homework and have clarity of thought in the following things.

The dilemma – Native or Hybrid Apps?

Apps can generally be divided into two Native and hybrid.

Apps which are platform specific are called as native apps. A native app developed for Android won’t work on iOS, and the same applies vice-versa too. The native apps are feature rich and are optimized for the specific platform but are much more costly as compared to hybrid apps.

A hybrid app, on the other hand, will work across various platforms right from Android and iOS to web applications in some cases. Hence, it is more cost efficient to develop as compared to a native one. Hybrid apps developed on frameworks like React Native gives you the best of both worlds as the apps are hybrid, but they provide you with functionality which is close to native. But we recommend you to detail discuss with a professional hybrid app developer for more clarification on hybrid apps.

Clarity on the Required app features

It would help if you had clarity regarding the features which you want in your app before you do your first meeting with your app development partner. Communicate effectively and explain the minutest of detail about your envisioned app, so that your app development company is able to understand the scope of the work and allocate its resources efficiently.

Here are some parameters worth considering while selecting your mobile app development agency:

Previous work, domain expertise, and credentials of the team

A quick look at the app developer’s website and reviews posted about them will give you a general idea about the company’s capabilities. However, these should be read in conjunction with opinions about the company’s services by the clientele of the company, which can be found out on the company’s website.

App development is a team game; hence it is a good idea to know the team which would be working on your project. An app development team generally consists of a team of UI/UX designers, developers (frontend and backend), QA testers, and a project manager. Make it a point to know the credentials of the team, the projects they have worked on in the past, and if possible, discuss with them the approach they would be taking to develop your app. In this way, you would be in a better position to gauge whether you and your app developer team are on the same page or not.

While you are in pursuit of your ideal app development agency, look for one that has previously worked in the same domain you wish to design your app. This will ensure that the company understands the industry, its requirements, and help you in improving the app by providing valuable inputs, which will further help in enhancing the user's engagement with the app.

Technologies they work on

While you are hunting for best mobile app development firms keep in mind that you will require only a few basic features in your app initially, the other features can be added in subsequent updates as you learn how the user reacts to the app. However, it is always good to keep an eye on the future and work with an app development company which is well versed with a wide range of technologies like big data, virtual reality, augmented reality so that if the need arises in the future then you do not need to go look for another app developer. So, based on the technologies you need to have for your app, it is better to have a word with your tech-partner about your long-term plans and the possible requirements.

The methodology used for development

Be very sure to ask about the development methodology followed and the various related aspects while finalizing the scope of work to ensure that you have clearly defined targets which are bound by a deadline. The app development process should be divided into measurable time-bound milestones.

A non-disclosure agreement, the scope of work and RUD

Guarding your intellectual property is your right, and you should sign an NDA(non-disclosure agreement) before handing over the sensitive details about your app. Also, in order to avoid time delays and friction at later stages, it is advisable to sign a RUD(requirement understanding document) upfront so that both the parties are clear about the scope of work.

App Maintenance

There will be bugs and unusual scenarios when the intended users actually use your app. At that instance, you will need your mobile app development partner to provide you the support in addressing and resolving the issues hence discuss this with your mobile application development company and include it in the RUD document before you assign the work.

Cost Calculations

Please get to know the cost of each feature which you will be installing in your app this will help you in getting an idea about the total app cost It will also enable you to trim the unnecessary features so that the app development cost can be kept in control.

Take some quotes from similar service providers (companies which have the same price range and are of the similar size in terms of the number of employees); it will help you in getting an idea about the price range for your app. If your project scope is well defined, then it is a good idea to go for a lump sum quotation and if the scope is dynamic, then ask for an hourly rate.

Make sure your app developer is transparent in the pricing, and you are well aware of the calculations

Working hours and Communication

When you and your app development company have similar working hours, there is more amount of real-time communication between both of you. This results in a smooth flow of information, and the time-taken to develop the app is reduced.

Before your zero down on an app development agency ensure that you and your app developer have a maximum number of overlapping working hours. Explicitly discuss this with your app development firm.

If you are looking for app developers from a specific country, we have collated a list of expert companies in various locations:

• Mobile App Development Agencies in USA
• Mobile App Development Companies in India
• Mobile App Developers in UK
• Mobile App Development firms in Australia

The Balancing Act

We have listed the companies based on our parameters, but the final decision rests with you, it might be that the best agency listed on our portal might not be the best based on your project requirement.

Before going forward, consider whether this team is really the best fit? Will they take an interest in the project beyond their business interests? Will they just be contractors or be app development partners in real sense?

Always weigh in the costs not only in terms of money but also in terms of time. It is a straightforward calculation about the budget you are ready to spend on development and when you want your app to be ready For instance, if a company bids the lowest but can’t deliver before 5 months, then you will be losing the opportunity to encash your app and further consider 5 month’s worth lost business. You can opt for the company if you have the time factor on your side.

The lure of low cost is tempting at first sight but understand that looking at a good feature to cost ratio will benefit you while selecting the correct partner.

FAQ’s to provide a better insight in Selecting the right App Development company

What should be the mode of communication?

The communication protocols should be defined clearly as this leads to confusion later. Decide the mode and time of communication with your app development firm in the initial stage itself.

How do you plan to develop my app, take me through the process?

When you ask this question, the developer should be able to give you a definite process of developing your app. A plan with well-defined time-frames for each stage in the app development process will give you a better idea about the thought process of your mobile app development agency.

Can you please provide me a cost breakup for all the included features also let me know the payment procedure?

Ask for cost breakup for every feature which is to be included in your app. It is essential because in this way you can eliminate the unnecessary features and hence reduce the cost. Know about the payment process in advance. Many companies will charge on an hourly basis while many others will quote a fixed amount for the entire project. Set clear milestones which are needed to be achieved for the payment to be released.

What would be the time duration for App maintenance support?

Issues will pop up when your app is released. These issues need to be solved quickly and effectively. Please discuss with your app development company for how long will they assist in resolving any problems arising in the app. Usually, the maintenance clause is included in the quote that you will receive. If it doesn't ask explicitly about it as the company might charge extra later.

Who will be publishing the app?

An important question to ask as most firms assume that their app developer will be handling the publishing process. Check the scope of work document and see whose responsibility will it be to publish the app on Play Store and Apple Store.

Who will have the code ownership rights?

Clear the air regarding this vital issue and ask if your app developer will transfer the ownership rights of the app to you or not.

For any more help

Searching for your app development partner can prove to be a daunting task, our specialized algorithm and a dedicated team of analysts ensures that you always get the best app development firms to choose from according to your criteria.

In case you need help in managing the entire app development project, we are there for you. Just submit your project requirements or drop a few lines about the solution to be developed to [email protected], and we would love to be a part of your exciting journey.