Top Mobile App Development Companies Of 2018 – Rankings & Reviews

It’s highly likely that almost all of your audience uses a smartphone. Moreover, it’s probably extremely likely that they use their mobile device more than they use a desktop device.

With that being said, if you don’t have a presence on mobile, you’re going to have a very hard time succeeding.

A mobile presence can come in a number of forms — it could be a mobile-friendly responsive web design, or it could be an app.

There are arguments for both, but the pros of app design are definitely compelling.

Apps make it easier for consumers to interact with your brand and get the answers they’re looking for. Plus, an app’s flexibility makes it easy to turn to in moments of stress or limited accessibility.

But creating an app isn’t easy — that’s why there are entire app design agencies that exist to build these platforms.

What Is A Mobile App Development Agency?

App design and mobile development refers to the process of creating iOS and Android applications. The best app design and development companies have the tools, techniques and processes to create stunning platforms for brands and businesses across industries.

These development companies plan, execute, test and develop app designs that run the gamut in terms of functionality and complexity.

Mobile apps are growing in popularity, with more consumers turning to mobile platforms to interact and engage with brands. This, design and development agencies have also grown in demand as a result.

Top app design firms can help establish a solid and approachable brand identity for your business, convincing more users to turn to you instead of the competition. When you partner with top-rated development agencies to build an application, you align yourself as a leader and innovator in your industry.

They’re an integral resource for your brand, connecting you more fluidly with your audiences and establishing a credibility that is essential in this evolving landscape.

What Do The Best Mobile App Development Companies Do?

App Design Companies Focus On Ideas

Top mobile application development companies differentiate themselves from the lesser competition based on their ability to vet and help develop mobile app ideas. These development companies have experience, they’ve seen what works and what doesn’t. As a result, their perspective in the ideation phase of a project is invaluable.

Even a great mobile app that’s been beautifully designed and developed won’t succeed if the idea at its foundation isn’t a good one. Mobile application development is different from web design and web app development. It’s different in that, while just about every business needs a website, not everyone needs a mobile application.

Users will only download and engage with apps they find genuinely entertaining or useful. This means that in order to be successful, you need to have genuinely exciting and workable ideas.

App Development Companies Are Cutting-Edge And Research-Driven

Creative web design and mobile app development move at astounding speeds. What’s relevant one day is outdated the next. What’s more, consumers have incredibly high standards about what qualifies as a positive mobile experience.

The best mobile app development companies stay on top of not only what’s happening in the current cultural moment, but what’s coming down the line in the near future. This perspective enables them to design future-thinking experiences for their clients.

Cutting edge design and development skills are a major value proposition of the best firms in the industry.

The best app design companies don’t just take an idea for a mobile app and bring it to life. They’ll also do the necessary competitive research to determine how the app compares in the marketplace.

For an app to be successful, it needs to be differentiated from the competition. True industry experts will take the time to make sure the mobile apps they design for clients fill a gap in the current marketplace, giving it the strongest possible chance of success.

The Best App Design Companies Create An Engagement Strategy & Focus On The Market

There are thousands of useful apps out there in the mobile marketplace, but most of them simply never get discovered by their intended audiences.

But the best app development companies understand that marketability is key to an app’s success. Many will offer marketing services to ensure the app is getting out in front of the right users.

App marketing helps customers discover new apps they’ll love. This boosts both discoverability and ROI in the long run. Having built the app from scratch, there are few other companies better positioned to market it than the team that helped bring it to fruition.

Getting a user to download an app is only half the battle. Encouraging them to return to it routinely is key to making sure it doesn’t get deleted as quickly as it was installed. Top-rated app agencies know this.

For a mobile app to be successful there must be something about it that encourages the user to engage on a regular basis.

If you’re collaborating with a top app development agency, they will work to ensure that the app gives users a compelling reason to return to it often. Doing so could mean adding a sticky functionality or including an area of the app that houses frequently-updated content.

Top Mobile App Design & Development Companies Provide Quality Assurance

A major part of the mobile app process at any top app design company is quality assurance (QA). The QA phase of the project entails rigorous testing of the app prototype, where every aspect of the app experience is tested for errors, bugs, and usability problems.

Before entering an agreement with an agency to build an app, make sure that a quality assurance phase is accounted for and that the agency’s QA process is clear. Failing to engage in a rigorous QA phase can result in endless usability issues which will ultimately dissuade users from engaging with the app.

But the best understand the value of this QA process and will integrate it into their overall planning. This will ensure you get the best platform possible at the end of the day.

The Top App Design Agency Services

Any professional mobile app development company should be able to take your app idea and run with it all the way through the final phases of execution. Exceptional app developers will even work with you to define and hone your idea.

Mobile development companies should also be comfortable working with you on smaller engagements as well, offering a la carte services to fit your precise needs.

But what exact services do the best app design agencies have to offer?

The Best Application Development Company Builds A Mobile App Platform With A Strong Brand Identity

Top app agencies focus on branding. They infuse this identity for businesses new and old into the apps they create and the functions they integrate.

But this means more than just the functionality the app provides. It also includes the content infused into the interface.

Strategizing and creating the content that will populate the app is another service great design agencies excel at. This strategy includes messaging, action text, videos, and more.

And this content helps to boost brand awareness and establish a more engaging identity.

App Companies Focus On Mobile App Strategies & UX Design

In-depth research on the target audience, competitive landscape, and ideal positioning is another key service of the best iOS app design agencies. The discovery and strategy phase establishes blueprints that will guide every aspect of development. And that’s essential for a successful app.

And this strategy also includes user experience design. Custom mobile app design (for iOS, Android, or both) accounts for all stages of a user’s experience with the app.

UX design includes user journeys and the visual design of the app — both of which excellent app development agencies succeed in.

Top App Designers Create Award-Winning Mobile Applications & Web Development Platforms That Increase Revenue

The technical development of an app for iPhone or Android is important. It requires expertise from the best app development companies. This development includes a phase of testing, launch on the App Store and/or Google Play and post-launch bug fixes.

Some top development companies may also offer further web-based services including web design and web development.

It’s one thing to have a functioning app, but it’s also essential that this app matches the overall online experience that comes from a website. These professional agencies can create a cohesive system from app to web and that will boost your credibility.

The Best Mobile App Developers Provide Technical Support

Ongoing maintenance, support, and iteration to keep the app optimized and running smoothly is essential for a successful app.

You can’t just create an app and hope for the best. It will need constant upkeep. You will need to fix bugs and make adjustments.

Efficient mobile app design companies continue to run diagnostics on launched apps to make sure everything is running at peak potential.

Why Your Brand Needs A Reputable Mobile App Design Company

The world is moving towards a mobile-first mindset. So your brand needs to jump on the bandwagon or get left behind.

There are a number of opportunities provided by app design. The development agencies in the table above have the tools and resources to create these platforms that will put you on the path to success.

App design and development agencies have an extensive service offering and have the ability to radically transform your brand, your identity, and your place in the competitive market. Enlist their expertise for your next project.

Once you come up with your own plan for a mobile app, the next thing you need to do is decide on the kind of talent you want creating your platform.

Leading app design and development agencies are full of professional experts that are excited and passionate about the development work that they do. And they know what goes into creating a successful app.

But not all app design companies are the same. And it’s important that you do thorough research before deciding on a specific development and design company to work with.

Keep these questions and considerations in mind when scouting out the perfect app developers and app designers.

29 Questions To Ask Before Hiring The Best App Designers & App Developers 

What Areas Of Expertise Do The Top Mobile App Developers Specialize In & Can They Share Success Stories?

App design and app development are completely different, even though they help create the same product. You might find the most reputable app agency around, but you must make sure they specialize in the skills you need to bring your product to life.

Well-respected app design and development firms have plenty of success stories to share with potential clients. These previous projects showcase the actual expertise of an agency and their in-house experts.

Top iOS app development firms detail the problems solved, how long the project took to execute, and how the final mobile app improved the business.

Research each potential app design agency’s portfolio on your own. Then ask them specific questions about their experience to ensure they have business-building substance behind their beautiful designs.

• What are some similar projects you have worked on? What was the end result?
• Tell us about some of your favorite design or development projects. Why were they so enjoyable and why do you think they were successful?
• Share a project that didn’t produce the results you had hoped for. Why was that project challenging, what would you have done differently, and what have you learned to future projects?
• Do you have experience in our industry? How did you get it?
• Do you have experience achieving a similar business goal?
• Do you specialize in design or development?
• How long has the agency worked on both types of projects?
• How big is each department within the agency?
• Is there one area clients seem to gravitate towards in terms of your services?
• Do you offer any other design, development, or digital services outside of apps?

What Phone App Development Experts Will Be Working On My Team & What Is Their Experience?

The professionals working on your mobile app are far more important than the design agency at large. These are the experts who will be trusted with creating an on-brand product that is user-friendly, simple to navigate, and engaging to use.

Don’t just trust a top agency’s reputation. Instead, dive into each particular team member, and request the right agency employees to make your project a smashing success.

• Who will be working on this project?
• What will their role be?
• How dedicated to our project will they be? Will they be working on other projects?
  What is their experience?
• What similar projects have they worked on? What were their role and the overall outcome of the project?

What Is The Mobile Development Company’s Process?

The best iOS and Android app design and development agencies adhere to a strict timeline and creative process. They highlight important mobile app features, then execute them in an appropriate period.

Clients should feel confident in the app design agency’s ability to conduct research, communicate information, and make sure they are finalizing the deliverables you need on time.

The following questions will help you determine if a great agency can back up their strong work with excellent organization.

• How will the team determine the features and app qualities that are important to our users?
• How will the designers and developers strike a balance between creative design and technical logistics?
• How will you determine the project timeline?
• How do you plan to keep to project on track?
• Will we have a project manager?
• How Much Do The Top App Development Companies’ Services Cost?

Fostering a professional partnership with a great design and development agency is complicated. One of the smartest things you as a client can do is to create a signed, legally binding contract.

Although this hiring step is time-consuming, detailing the price range your project will fall in, the deliverables you will be provided, and the outcomes you can expect will make the entire collaboration process smooth and positive. Plus, top app agencies will have no problem telling you their price structure and signing contracts.

• What is the minimum cost of your services?
• Are your prices per hour, per month, per project, or per results?
• What costs and deliverables are outlined in our contract?
• What outcomes can we expect from the project? Will this be detailed and agreed upon within the contract? Why or why not?
• Can our legal time look over the proposed contract and suggest edits?

How To Choose The Best App Development Companies

Partner With Top Mobile App Development Companies That Understand The Importance of Brand Identity

Top app designers and developers are experienced in assimilating development processes, trends, and design elements to unique brands. This is critical for success.

A consistent and cohesive brand identity across all channels improves recognition, facilitates better user experience, and ultimately increases conversions and revenue.

77 percent of marketers say that proper branding is crucial for long-term business growth.

This identity encompasses your logo, color palette, copywriting and messaging, and overall experience. All of these elements are included in your mobile app.

It’s important to find the best iOS app design agency that can seamlessly integrate the many aspects of your visual identity into your new mobile app design.

Choose An App Company That Offers Project Transparency & Partnership

Strong organization, clear communication, and a detailed timeline are the hallmarks of a great app design and development agency. By sharing their overall process, team structure, programs they use and more, an agency is telling you that they are confident in their method and trust you as clients.

The best iOS app development agencies will be forthcoming about their creative and logistical process. Don’t waste your time with a firm that hides information or acts secretive with the trajectory and timeline of a project. Invest in an agency that values you as an equal professional partner, and keeps you in the loop from start to finish.

It’s important to find a mobile application development company that will work closely with your company in a partnership. A company that dictates to you or cuts you out of the process entirely is bad news for the outcome of the project.

Top mobile app development companies are invested in the success of their client projects. They seek to develop long-term relationships with the business they work with. This type of arrangement ensures that both the client and the agency have a hand in guiding the project and that both teams maintain accountability every step of the way.

Select A Mobile App Agency With Experienced Team Members

Reputable mobile app firms have access to the best designers and developers in the world, which puts the fate of your product in capable hands. These professionals are in tune with the latest design trends, ensuring they produce a state-of-the-art app design that still maintains high functionality.

Before you hire a specific agency, take the time to learn about their individual team members. Understand their work experience, successful projects, and even their overall design aesthetic.

The best designers will engage your target demographic by transforming their style to match your brand. They won’t do it by creating a mobile product that fits their personal mold.

Yes, design and technology are at the center of the app development process. But they aren’t the whole story. What about strategy, branding, marketing, and content? Developing a successful app requires all of these things.

That’s why top iPhone app development agencies work in interdisciplinary teams. Bringing a range of different skills and perspectives to the table reduces the risk that a team will develop tunnel vision.

It also helps ensure the best outcomes for every mobile application build. You can expect leading app development companies to emphasize an interdisciplinary approach, and to assign dynamic teams to every build. Depending on your needs, you may also need to look for a cross-platform app development company that can handle both iOS and Android development.

New York-based development company Fuzz knows the value of an integrated team approach:

“Cross-disciplinary product teams collaborate with our client partners to define the goals and tactics for each two-week sprint."

Find App Making Companies That Set Clear Goals & Achieve Results

Great app design and development companies also provide strong goal-setting, project management. They keep each and every team member focused on the important objectives. These goals and their results are imperative to your brand’s overarching success.

For example, if you spend thousands of dollars on a mobile app, only to give users a digital platform with poor usability, subpar functions, and constantly-crashing features, you’ll amass negative feedback and alienate many consumers.

52 percent of consumers say a poor user experience makes them unlikely to engage with a brand in the future.

Therefore it’s imperative that you find a top design and development agency that can help you determine actionable objectives that your users will appreciate. Then actually deliver them.

Why You Should Invest In The Best Mobile App Development Company 

App design and development is a service that is growing in importance for brands and businesses. More consumers are utilizing mobile devices to perform transactions and engage with brands. An app is the most fluidly way to facilitate this interaction.

The best app development agencies understand the importance of a seamless user experience and want to build your brand with the help of the apps they create. But it is still important that you perform an extensive vetting process. This will ensure that the talent you’re partnering with is truly worth it.

When you're choosing the right app development company to partner with, one of the first questions you might ask your company is: 

Are we designing a mobile app for Apple, Android, or both? 

And it turns out that it's an extremely important question. Apple is consistently one of the most valuable companies in the world -- and for good reason. In 2017, Apple sold nearly 217 million iPhones alone. 

On the flip side, Android is owned by superstar tech company Google. Plus, they have 85% of the mobile device market share. 

So, how can you choose the right target audience AND app design and development agency to build your new digital platform? 

The good news is you shouldn't have to choose -- so long as you hire a top-rated firm. The best web designers and web developers are well-versed in building customized mobile apps for each operating system. 

However, it's in your best interests to understand the different approaches they have to take. 

iOS App Design and Android App Design: The Major Differences & Similarities

An iPhone App Design Company Builds Beautifully Animated Apps With Objective-C or Swift 

iOS app development companies speak wither Objective-C or Swift, which are two different programming languages -- although they are compatible with one another.

Both programming languages are almost exclusively used by Apple. Although they are scalable within Apple products -- which is why Apple items have such strong inter-device cohesion -- they don't operate well outside of the Apple realm. 

Apple mobile applications have a few notable qualities. These include: 

• Sharper, better animations
• A faster testing/QA process, which leads to a quicker market release
• A more secure operating system

An Android App Design Company Uses Java To Create User-Friend Mobile Apps

Android app development companies use the Java programming language to build their apps. The computer programming language is very flexible and scalable, which allows designers to create a consistent brand identity on a variety of platforms. 

But just because Apple is newer and flashier doesn't mean they have all the winning qualities. Android mobile applications excel in, including: 

• Strong user experience
• Lower development cost that iOS
• Lower Google Play Store fees

Web App Development Companies Can Create A Customized Mobile App For Any Operating System

Ultimately, the best mobile app design firms will create a personalized application that suits your needs.

What's better? When you choose a full-service design and development company, you'll be able to scale your online presence down the road. That means if you didn't create an app design that was compatible on iOS and Android operating systems to start with, you'll still be able to create an on-brand experience for other devices later. 

App designers and developers will analyze your business objectives, current progress, demographic and more. Then, they will help you determine the platforms that you will receive the best return on investment on. 

Choosing an app design and development agency is a tough process, but the pros far outweigh the cons. Having a full-functioning and comprehensive app is vital for future growth, innovation and success.

Leading mobile app agencies have a lot to offer businesses. They increase brand awareness, drive interactivity and compel users to take action.

The best iOS app development agencies understand the technical app landscape innately, and they know how to create a platform that will reach the goals brands have laid out.

Many people claim to have an idea for the next big iPhone or Android app, but very few of us are actually capable of executing those ideas. Mobile application development companies exist to help companies and entrepreneurs transform their ideas into living, breathing digital realities.

Partnering with the wrong mobile app development company, however, can be catastrophic for your project, resulting in lost capital and lost opportunity.

So, what differentiating factors can help signify that a certain app developer will be the right partner?

What Is The Best Mobile App Development Company In The USA & Beyond?

The best app design and development agencies in the U.S. and the world at large are award-winning, passionate and creative. They push boundaries and drive innovation. They change brands for the better and put businesses on a successful path to results.

But not all app design and development agencies are equal. They don’t all do the same things, have the same talent or work in the same processes.

That’s why we’ve stressed the importance of doing thorough research to find the best app design agency for you.

There is not one, singular best iOS and Android app development and design agency. The best in the world depends on what you want and what you’re looking for.

But here are some things that can help determine what makes a truly revolutionary development agency.

Top App Building Companies Have Great Client Referrals And Past Experience

Beautiful portfolios and mobile app case studies are a great stepping stone to understand the work a top-rated app design agency can produce. But if you really want to understand, search for specific client referrals and testimonials.

As outside third parties, former clients will give you a more candid inside look into this professional partnership.

Be wary of top iPhone app development firms who hesitate at giving client information. Be especially wary if they are without a strong reason.

Although there is some client privilege, most agencies who don’t have a single client reference willing to speak on their behalf likely don’t have many happy customers that they feel confident involving.

App Development Companies Have A Process That Matches Your Goals

Mobile application builds are incredibly complex projects. They have many stakeholders and an even greater number of moving parts. Being guided by a proven process is essential to seeing the project through to the end and ensuring things stay on track from kickoff to launch.

Top mobile app development companies are happy to share their process with prospective clients. They are also willing to explain the reasoning and merits of every step.

A well-organized process is what ensures that no piece of the project is overlooked or forgotten, no specification left by the wayside, and no opportunity left untapped. Specific processes are created to handle iOS app development versus Android app development. This ensures the quirks of each platform are covered.

For example, Dom and Tom is an award-winning agency committed to an effective process, stating:

“Our process begins with an in-depth Research & Planning period, wherein we lay the foundation for each engagement. We start by asking questions to establish a baseline, both to align your team with ours and to understand the problem or business goal. Then, we set the stage for creative solutions.”

The Best Mobile Application Development Company Provides A Strong Return On Investment (ROI)

Investing in mobile apps could produce a strong return on investment for businesses. This is particularly true for those with strong online presences or e-commerce shops.

Studies predict that mobile apps will generate approximately $189 billion in revenue by 2020.

Consumers growing reliance on smartphones pushes us closer to a mobile-only world. By 2019, we’re expected to see mobile devices capable of handling 5G, which is known for super-speed and strong connections. Plus, plenty of reports increasingly speculate that we’re heading to a time reliant on smartphones alone.

By developing a highly-functional mobile app that your consumers enjoy using, you’re one step closer to surpassing the competition on the way to the future. The best app development companies in the world get you there.

These are just a few of the determining factors when it comes to what makes a truly exceptional app design and development agency. For more specific examples, check out our extensive list of top app design and development agencies above.

How A Top App Development Agency Adds Value To A Business's Digital Goals

App Creation Companies Utilize Direct Marketing To Sell Products & Services

Apps differ from mobile websites and traditional online destinations. That’s because you aren’t competing with other platforms and web pages. Once you convince a user to download your brand’s app and enter it, your risk of them jumping to a new website significantly decreases.

And your ability to deliver information straight to them increases, resulting in effective direct marketing. The best app agencies offer these multiple opportunities.

This lack of immediate competition allows you to market precisely to your consumers within the app. You can do this through clear-cut messaging and calls to action.

But remember, there are many types of mobile apps — including in-browser applications and native. Plus, don’t drop your traditional desktop website (yet).

Not every customer will have a device that is compatible with your app, so it’s in your best interest to provide a user-friendly outlet for everyone. Leading mobile app design agencies give you a more straightforward path to market to audiences.

A Mobile App Development Firm Increases Customer Engagement

Well-developed and designed mobile apps give the power to consumers. This enables them to interact with a brand from the palm of their hand and with the click of a button.

A strong attention to user experience encourages users to engage with a brand on a more frequent basis and with stronger loyalty. Top app development agencies provide apps with the necessary features to foster this engagement.

There are several top app design features that increase user engagement. These include 24/7/365 chatbot assistance, embedded contact information, interactive maps, seamless reminders that automatically integrate with your native calendar, simple and intuitive navigation, and more.

What’s better? Consumers prefer mobile apps instead of mobile websites because of their customer-centric designs.

61 percent of consumers hold higher opinions of businesses with strong mobile experiences.

An Android App Development Company Or iPhone App Development Company Increases Brand Awareness

Great app design and development agencies work with brands to create stunning mobile experiences. These experiences foster trust and fill a void for consumers.

This additional branded platform reinforces a business’s morals, products, services and general expertise. It makes the company as a whole more valuable for consumers in the market.

Visibility and recognition is the key to capturing new consumers and transforming them into returning customers. Consistent and regular branding is shown to increase awareness and overall trust in a company, resulting in brand loyalty and higher revenue.

80 percent of consumers ignore web page ads. They even say they diminish their trust in an overall website.

In a mobile app, consumers are free from pesky ads and are able to concentrate on the information a brand wants to communicate. Enlisting the help of these successful mobile app design companies will help you increase this awareness and pinpoint new customers for future business opportunities.

Mobile Development Companies Use Consumer Data To Perfect Their Designs

Developing a new mobile app is the perfect opportunity to gather new and useful information about your customers. Through brand-new onboarding processes, gamified interfaces, and even permitted access to other apps such as contacts and calendars, businesses open up a wealth of information by created a user-friendly app.

Top app developers can help brands create a seamless experience for users using that data. Companies can harness that user data to improve various digital marketing efforts, such as targeted ads and email and marketing automation campaigns.

They can also tailor better products and services to consumers. This new connection to customers provides long-term growth benefits to any business.

Brand-Boosting Benefits Of The Mobile App Development Companies

Apps have the potential to radically transform your marketing and business strategy. This list of app design agencies is full of expertise and experience that can build you a platform that encourages interactivity from your consumers.

Apps give your audience a place to engage with your brand. It helps to boost brand awareness and gives you another platform to market your products and services. In our increasingly mobile-first world, a succinct mobile presence is key.

These top app design companies and mobile development agencies understand the technicalities that go into app development, but they also understand the aesthetics and the power of a good user experience.

Harness the potential of the top design agencies listed above and you’ll be one step closer to making that bottom line.