The 6 Best Directory Mobile App Builders in 2024

Whether you want to build a public-facing directory that everyone can use to find local businesses or an in-house directory for your company so everyone can keep their contact information up to date, a directory app is a great solution.

Directory apps let people carry a directory around on the device they always have: their phones. Plus, they are much more convenient and easy to use than websites when on the go,

A directory app builder could be a great way to build one, but which one should you choose? We’ve rounded up our top six picks for the best directory app builders to help you decide.

1. MobiLoud

MobiLoud is not a directory app builder per se, but we can turn your existing directory website into an app with no coding needed from you. You won’t have to sacrifice any of you existing hard work to get your directory app built.

Unlike the other DIY solutions on this list, MobiLoud won’t tack on hidden fees, arbitrary limitations, or other roadblocks. If you have already spent the time and effort to build a directory website, why try recreating it with a DIY solution?

MobiLoud lets you keep the same directory backend and management solutions you already use. That means your app and your website will share the same catalog and assets, so every time you update one, the other one will update itself, too.

Your users will benefit from a seamless experience, too. The directory search features they have come to rely on with your website will function seamlessly in your mobile app, and they keep the same account information they’re already using.

Our pricing is transparent and easy to understand, with options to suit directories of all sizes and complexity. Plus, we can get your directory app built fast, with submission to the iOS and Android app stores as a simple add-on option.

Pros

• Turns your existing directory website into a fully functional mobile app
• No coding is needed from you
• Transparent pricing
• No arbitrary limitations on features or integrations
• White labeling is available in every pricing tier

Cons

• May not be able to use some native hardware features
• Need to have your directory website already up and running

2. eDirectory

eDirectory has a mobile app builder specifically made to create directory apps. It features a drag-and-drop interface, and it works with eDirectory’s directory website builder, so if you don’t already have a website, it may work for you.

Because the app and website you build with eDirectory share the same backend, any updates you make will be shared across both. 

The app builder functions like many other DIY, drag-and-drop app builders. You use the app-building interface to select the elements you want and then go on to shape and form your app.

You get all the features you would need for a directory app, including search and the ability to create customized directories of listings, events, classified ads, articles, and more. You can also add payment options, signups, and other options if you wish.

Once you are done building your app, you can choose to publish your app using your own iOS and Android app store accounts or have eDirectory do it for you for a fee.

However, to get access to the app builder, you have to pay for the Enterprise pricing plan. That costs $199 monthly. If you want full access to the source code, you also have to pay another one-time fee of $1499.

Overall, eDirectory is likely best if you don’t already have a directory website or app built and are starting from scratch. But if you already have built a directory, it likely won’t integrate well with your existing website and workflows.

Pros

• Specifically tailored to directory app building
• Let’s you build a directory website and app
• Easy-to-use interface

Cons

• May not integrate well with your existing website
• Have to pay for the Enterprise plan to access the app builder

3. Budibase

Budibase is an app builder targeted at those with lots of data that they want to manage via an app. As a result, directory apps are a natural use case that it supports. It is mostly tailored to in-house apps, though, and not public-facing apps.

One of the main highlights of Budibase is that it lets you start with datasets you already have, including spreadsheets, SQL databases, and other collections. That is handy if you have yet to organize your data into a directory and need some help getting started.

From there, you use the app builder to create a UI, add custom workflows, and then deploy your app. There are templates to use if you wish, with options including business directories, membership directories, and professional directories.

Budibase also lets you choose to use your own hosting infrastructure on Docker or Kubernetes, or you can use Budibase Clodu, so if you are just setting up your website and don’t have a hosting service yet, that is nice to have. 

There is API functionality available, too. This lets you use Budibase as a backend to tie in with other apps or services.

Pricing starts with a free plan, but it has a limit of five users per month if you host with Budibase and 20 if you use your own hosting service. If you need more than that, the Premium plan is $50 per creator per month (creators can make and modify apps) plus $5 per user per month (users can’t create or modify apps). There is also an Enterprise plan available, which unlocks access to more support, environment variables, and some other features.

Budibase is likely best if you need an in-house directory app and have not organized your data yet. However, if you want an app built for the general public, it may not have the features and functionality you need.

Pros

• Can start with spreadsheets and other datasets to build a directory app
• Simple interface
• API functionality

Cons

• Best for in-house but not public-facing apps
• May not be able to use your existing directory website and code

4. Shoutem

Shoutem is not exclusively a directory mobile app builder, but that is one of the use cases it supports. Shoutem positions itself as ideal for startups, so if you need additional hand-holding, it may be worth a look.

To build your directory app with Shoutem, you start with a template. Then, you determine the app's layout and navigation, add the features you want, and publish the app.

You can add some other options as well. These include a news feed to update readers on your blog and an events feed. On the backend, you get access to analytics, so you can see how well your directory app is doing. 

Customer-facing features include all the basics you would expect, including search and filtering, categories, and user sign-ins. 

Shoutem gives you access to a CMS and cloud storage, as well. That way, if you need to get tour directory up and running fast, you have these available without additional hassle.

But pricing is a stumbling block with Shoutem. There is a 14-day free trial, but after that, you have to pay for maintenance, server space, updates, and other features. Many other DIY, drag-and-drop app builders include these as part of their overall cost, but Shoutem doesn’t.

Therefore, Shoutem is best suited to new startup directories that want to get up and running fast. Just keep in mind you may have to pay lots of extra fees.

Pros

• Startup friendly
• Easy-to-use app builder
• Directory-focused features available

Cons

• Can get pricey fast
• May not be able to reuse your existing website and code

5. Builder.ai

Builder.ai is a DIY app builder with the ability to use AI to add features and build your app, as the name implies. Directory apps are a use case it supports, and it claims to support both B2B and B2C directories.

Builder.ai is broken down into Builder Now, a prototyping tool, and Builder Studio, a no-code DIY app builder

You start by choosing a template app that fits your needs best. Next, you can rely on suggestions from the AI to add features or drag-and-drop the ones you desire.

Beyond AI, another highlight of Builder.ai is the ability to use a public cloud service, like Azure, Amazon Web Services, and other options to run your directory app. That is useful if you need storage space but don’t have the ability to host it yourself.

But Builder.ai’s pricing is a bit different form other options. In the Builder Studio tier, you pay for the features you need as you use them, which is handy for experiencing, but may get quite expensive depending on what you need your app to do.

There is also the Builder Studio Store tier, which is a subscription for $250 per month that grants access to app templates, a two-week turnaround time, and some other features, but also removes access to things like unlimited customization and a free prototype. It is targeted to small businesses, whereas Studio is targeted to a broader audience.

This pricing model could work depending on your needs, but if your app requires lots of special features, it may be frustrating and expensive.

Pros

• No coding needed
• Templates are available
• AI building options

Cons

• Likely cannot reuse your existing website and code
• Either have to pay for features separately or buy a subscription

6. Fliplet

Much like AppyPie, Fliplet is a no-code, DIY app builder. It has some directory-building features as well, so it supports that use case. Specifically, it supports listings, reviews, search and filters, and the other basics you would expect.

You can start with templates and drag and drop the components you want into your app. You can also add features such as search, contact information, maps, and other options.

The major hangup with Fliplet, however, is that pricing is tied to the number of users. There is a free tier, but it only lets you publish web apps, not iOS and Android apps. Plus, it is limited to 28 users monthly.

The Public pricing starts at $9.90 per month per app, but it is limited to 100 users monthly. If you want more than that, you have to pay more. For example, access for 600 monthly users will be $99.90 per month. There is an Enterprise plan available, too, but you have to get in touch for that pricing.

There is also a Private pricing plan, which is better for in-house controlled access directory apps, with a Free tier also available. However, its paid levels begin at $19.90 per month. Depending on the size of your team, it could be quite pricey.

Because of this pricing model, Fliplet is likely best suited to in-house directory apps. If you want a public-facing app, it may get pretty pricey if lots of people end up using it. Plus, you likely cannot reuse any of your existing directory website’s features and code.

Pros

• Easy-to-use interface
• No coding needed from you

Cons

• Pricing gets expensive fast
• Likely cannot resume your existing directory website and code

The best directory mobile app builders: The takeaway

A directory app is a great way to consolidate lots of information in a digestible, easy-to-understand manner that is portable, to boot. Using a DIY app builder to create one can be a good way to start getting one built, but there are also downsides to this approach.

For instance, many directory app builders do not let you reuse your existing directory website and code. That means implementing a crucial feature of directory apps, up-to-date listings that refresh as required, will be tricky. If you use a DIY app builder, you will have two separate catalogs and backends to maintain.

You may also encounter hidden fees that make the low entry-level pricing of DIY app builders quite expensive at the end of the day. Plus, the app you end up building may be limited in terms of functionality and aesthetics.

Rather than bothering with the hassle and expense of DIY app builders, you can turn your existing directory website into an app with MobiLoud. We do all the hard work, and you end up with a fully functional directory app that ties in with your existing backend and workflows.

And if you want to see what your directory app could look like before you buy, get started with a free preview of your mobile app in 30 seconds.

Get in touch with us today to find out how easy it is to turn your existing directory website into a mobile app.