The 30 Best Mobile App Developers in San Francisco
Looking for a mobile app developer in San Francisco?
You might think this is like looking for a needle in a haystack. After all, San Francisco is (still) the global epicenter of cutting edge technology - especially when it comes to software development.
Mobile app developers here are often trailblazers, setting global standards. With the dense concentration of tech giants and startups, choosing a developer in SF requires serious attention and research.
Before we get into our roundup, here are a few important factors to consider when choosing a San Francisco app developer:
- Experience & Portfolio: Review past projects to gauge the agency's expertise and whether they truly walk the walk
- Tech Stack: Ensure they're proficient in relevant technologies and platforms relevant to your project (React native / Swift / Flutter etc)
- Client Testimonials & Reviews: Past client experiences are crucial for understanding the agency's work quality and ethics
There are also a few important red flags to be aware of. Even in America's technology capital, there are low quality and dishonest companies which you should steer clear of. Here are some signs:
- Too Good to Be True Pricing: Extremely low prices might indicate compromising on quality or hidden costs
- Lack of Transparency: If they're hesitant to share detailed project plans or strategies, be cautious
- Outdated Portfolio: Absence of recent work might indicate they're not up-to-date with current trends and technologies
What is the Process of Working with a San Francisco App Developer?
Each agency has a slightly different process and system for onboarding. Usually though it starts with a discovery phase in which the scope, goals, and process is defined. The next stage will involve creating mock ups, wireframes, and finalizing the UX of the app and development roadmap.
After this, you should be all set. The app will be developed, tested, and finally deployed. If you choose the right app developer, they'll also handle ongoing updates and maintenance work.
How much will it cost, and how long will it take?
You'll notice in our roundup below that many app development agencies in San Francisco (and elsewhere) have minimum project sizes. This really is usually a minimum though, for the most simple apps they typically build. Developers are not cheap, especially in San Francisco where even juniors are often on $100k+.
With that said, here is a rough ballpark:
- Simple Apps: Basic features, limited functionality; a few weeks to 2-3 months. Costs can range from $10,000 to $50,000.
- Medium Complexity Apps: More advanced features like payment integrations, custom UI, and back-end support; 3-6 months. Costs vary between $50,000 to $150,000.
- High-end, Complex Apps: Multi-platform support, high-level interactivity, complex back-end; 6 months to over a year. Starting at $150,000, can go upwards of $500,000.
Choosing an app developer in San Francisco
As we've seen, choosing the right app developer isn't always straightforward.
To help you out, we've made this roundup of the 30 best app developers in. At the end, we're also going to introduce our own app development service, and show you how it's almost definitely a better option for your business.
We chose the agencies below by researching the options on directories like Clutch, and evaluating them on criteria like:
- Mobile app development focus
- Portfolios & past projects
- Reputation and client reviews
We used our own expertise and experience in app development projects to make these recommendations, and we feel confident that each agency listed is capable, competent and professional.
Let's get started on the roundup, before looking at the best alternative to mobile app development agencies - MobiLoud.
Webkeyz is the first UX Design & Innovation firm in MENA, established in 2009. They offer mobile and web app UX/UI design and development services. They use 13 types of UX research to uncover objective insights into user behavior and follow a systematic process to generate relevant, tested ideas for innovation. They focus on service lines such as branding, business consulting, and mobile app development.
StartupLandia is a tech company that has gained experience in early stage software development over the past decade. They offer services in mobile app development, custom software development, and web development. They have a focus on working with startups and providing software solutions for various industries.
Retronyms Labs is a Design, Development & Engineering firm based in San Francisco. The founders have over 50 years of combined Software & Hardware Engineering experience. They offer services to companies such as EA, Samsung, SoundCloud, Adobe, Cisco, Reddit, Eventbrite, & Twitch. Core capabilities include Design, Web App Development, Full Stack Development, Mobile Development, iOT, and Blockchain.
Exygy is a digital innovation studio focused on building resilient and healthy communities. They offer services in strategy, UX, UI, web and mobile development. They have worked with clients in various industries, including healthcare and government and clients have praised Exygy for their technical knowledge and strategic creativity.
Apex Lab specialize in end-to-end digital product delivery, offering a range of services including full-stack development, UX and graphic design, project management, quality assurance, and tech-oriented legal advice. They operate as a remote-first company with a global presence, but have an office in SF. They are experienced in various industries, including healthcare, fintech, legal tech, e-commerce, SaaS, social platforms, and sharing economies. They follow the Agile software development methodology, ensuring smooth and timely project delivery. Notably, they have received consistently high ratings for quality, schedule adherence, and cost-effectiveness from their clients.
Zazmic is a company that helps startups and established companies grow and reach their potential. They have experienced teams of professionals in technology, finance, administration, and marketing. They offer short or long-term staffing and project-based initiatives to help companies focus on their core business objectives. Their services are web development, mobile app development, and user experience design.
Cheetah is a full-service agency specializing in AI and technology solutions. Their services offered includes AI software development, marketing, and creative solutions. Cheetah has worked with clients in various industries, including consumer products where they provided branding, packaging design, and marketing services for clients.
Kin + Carta is a global digital transformation consultancy that helps companies accelerate their digital roadmap, innovate, modernize systems, enable teams, and optimize for growth. They offer services in application platforms, cloud computing, mobile focus, mobile platforms, programming and scripting, mobile app development, cloud consulting, IT strategy consulting, and enterprise app modernization. They have worked with clients in various industries such as IT services, financial services, insurance, venture capital, healthcare, and consumer products.
Britelite is a company that tells stories through digital means, creating authentic and engaging campaigns. Their expertise lies in interactive installations, gestural technologies, virtual reality experiences, and system design. Their services offered include creative direction, immersive projection, video mapping, multi-touch design, video production, webcasting, reactive display, and social engagement.
WLCM is a top US app design and development agency. They guarantee code quality, allowing apps to evolve and scale. Their service lines include custom software development, mobile app development, UX/UI design, application management & support, and application testing.
AKQA has a strong emphasis on designing exceptional experiences and products, supported by a multidisciplinary team. They are known for an interdisciplinary approach that including ideation, experience, product design and development.Their track record of involvement with major brands like Nike, Volvo and Coca Cola speaks to their experience creating winning mobile experiences.
Robosoft Technologies is a digital-led business transformation partner for enterprises. They offer solutions in digital consulting, customer experience design, product and platform engineering, data science and analytics, SAP strategy and implementation, and cybersecurity services. They have worked with clients like Warner Bros. Discovery, HP, ESPN, McDonald's, and more.
Geekbears is an agency that specializes in UX/UI Design, Web, and Mobile App Development. They handle all aspects of digital transformation on projects. They offer services such as Content Marketing, UX/UI Design, and Web Development for projects in various industries including Healthcare, Wellness & Fitness, Automotive, and more.
San Francisco-based software development agency specializing in web and mobile strategy, design, and engineering. They offer expertise in React Angular, Vue, Javascript, Node, Ruby on Rails, Elixir, React Native, native iOS and Android, and more. Their service lines include application platforms, frameworks and CMS, mobile focus, mobile platforms, programming and scripting. They have high referral ratings and satisfied clients in various industries such as IT services, retail, information technology, and healthcare.
AppTecHub offer web and mobile app development services, with a track record of creating over 1000 apps that secured more than $1 billion in funding. They specialize in web development, mobile app development, and custom software development, with a focus on quality and security. Notable differentiators include having developed one of the highest numbers of web apps globally, 10+ years of experience, and receiving 17+ service excellence awards. They have a high client retention rate of 98.7% and have served more than 2000 clients in over 20 countries.
Techlexity is a full-stack design and development team specializing in mobile applications, progressive web applications, and crypto projects. They offer services in mobile and web development, Web3 and blockchain development, UX/UI design, and QA testing and support. They have expertise in cross-platform development using React Native, various databases, and frontend/backend technologies. They have experience working on projects in industries such as dating, fintech, healthcare, taxi services, delivery, chats/messengers, augmented reality/virtual reality, fitness, and social media.
AWSMD is a UI/UX design and development agency in San Francisco. They provide services such as design, mobile development, web development, and branding. They have worked with clients such as Intel, UBER, Oracle, Nutanix, GoFundMe, and more.
Koderspedia is a blockchain, custom software, and mobile application developer. They focus on providing forward-thinking solutions and turning designs into ideal solutions. They offer services in web development, custom software development, mobile app development, and more.
ArcTouch is a company that designs and develops apps, websites, and connected products. They offer services in product strategy, UX/UI design, software development, and growth and support. They have experience working with clients in industries such as food & beverages, manufacturing, automotive, healthcare, and more.
Trango Tech is a digital transformation company that provides software solutions for global sectors. They have a team of over 200 developers with an average industry experience of 10 years. Their services offered include mobile app development, eCommerce solutions, BPO solutions, MVP development, and next-gen services. They work with frameworks and languages such as Java, HTML, Angular, ReactNative, Flask, Django, Laravel, and .NET and they have received positive reviews for projects in various industries including mental health, wellness and fitness, parking apps, music platforms, gaming apps, and more.
Appstem is a product design agency specializing in digital product development, offering custom web, mobile, and emerging product design and development services. They differentiate themselves by combining the capabilities of a full-service agency with the personalized attention of a boutique firm. With a focus on blending design and technology, they strive to create user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing apps. Founded in 2010, Appstem has a track record of delivering innovative solutions for clients looking to enhance their digital presence.
SideLabs is an application development company that builds mobile, OTT, and Smart TV applications for connected brands. Their philosophy is to build with pride and embrace user values. They focus on creating user-centric experiences with exceptional code quality. They are a small but agile team that works quickly and flexibly and they offer sprint-based pricing, allowing clients to continuously build the most important features of their product.
Siddhi Infosoft is a web and mobile app development company founded in 2011. The company has over 500 clients from startups to Fortune 500 companies. They have expertise in providing digital solutions to various industry sectors. They offer services in application platforms, frameworks and CMS, mobile app development, and web development.
Roonyx is a web and mobile development agency specializing in software development outsourcing. They have expertise in design and development of complex web apps, mobile app development, blockchain and web3, artificial intelligence, and staff augmentation. They have successfully completed projects in custom software development, mobile app development, and UX/UI design.
Blue Rocket is a digital design and development company that focuses on consumer-facing mobile and IoT solutions. They offer design research, product design, and end-to-end product development services. They approach projects in a thorough and detail-oriented manner, focusing on prototyping and building a complete user experience workflow.
Zazz is an American digital agency specializing in software design and development. They prioritize the user experience and offer end-to-end services for startups, SMEs, and enterprises. They offer services such as application testing, custom software development, graphic design, mobile app development, UX/UI design, web design, and web development. They have received positive reviews for their quality, schedule, cost, and willingness to refer.
Swenson He is a firm that specializes in designing and engineering custom mobile and web solutions. They have experience in AI technology and have helped their clients achieve explosive user growth and raise millions of dollars in capital. Their expertise lies in industries such as media and entertainment, real estate, fintech and e-commerce, healthcare and fitness, and internet of things (IoT). They have worked on various projects in mobile app development, UX/UI design, web design and development, and application management and support.
So there you have it, the 28 best app developers in San Francisco. It's a pretty impressive selection with a lot of technical talent and experience. However, there are other options you should consider before going with one of these agencies.
The key question - do you even need them?
As we're about to explain, probably not.
Do you really need a app development agency?
As we've seen, there are plenty of app developers in . They'll be happy to chat about your project and are all capable of building what you want - providing you have the budget and are open to a few compromises.
These app developers have their downsides though. For a start, as you can see, they aren't cheap.
The average comes in at $100 per hour, so even to build a fairly simple set of apps you're looking at $50k+. They also tend to be busy with work, and even if they can start working on your apps right away - it'll most likely be 3-6 months to get a first version shipped (minimum). Throughout the process you'll need to work closely with them, checking in on work and communicating with the team.
This is all worth it, of course, to get great apps. But is it necessary?
No - not if you already have a website, online store, or web app.
MobiLoud: More Affordable (and Effective) than any App Developer
If you already have a working app for the web, you don't need a app development agency to build you iOS and Android apps from scratch. You can save tens of thousands of dollars - and months of waiting - by using MobiLoud.
MobiLoud converts your existing website, online store, or web app into native mobile apps in just weeks, for a fraction of the cost of an agency.
There's no long wait times, no six-figure invoices, and no need to compromise on your apps' features and functionalities. MobiLoud apps:
- Allow you to reuse everything from your website or web app (all features, plugins, integrations)
- Blend the best of the web with the best of native app technology
- Require minimum time and zero technical skill to manage
Compared to a app development agency, using MobiLoud can easily save you 90% of the cost and months of effort.
We can build you any kind of app, so long as you have an existing website or web app to provide the content. We've built thousands of apps over the years, for:
- Digital publishers like Foreign Policy, Simple Flying, and Deeper Blue
- eCommerce brands like Rainbow Shops, Bestseller, and John Varvatos
- Startups like Givi, RespiTrac, and Gear2Go
And pretty much any other vertical you can think of!
Our model is affordable and manageable for even small startup businesses, while remaining powerful and scalable enough for a global brand. Take a look at some of our app examples and case studies.
It doesn't matter whether you're located in or anywhere else. Our global team are always just an email (or a call) away to support your business.
Ready to learn more? The process starts with a no-strings demo, where one of our team will explain the entire process to you.
Let's get your brand on the app stores.....