Five Promises We Can Make on Every Model
Whichever model you choose, these hold true.
Cost-Efficient
Our AI-accelerated process and experience across the stack mean we choose the most cost-effective option for your project and budget - sometimes a fully custom build, sometimes a low-code platform like FlutterFlow, Bubble, or Shopify, where that's genuinely the right fit. Where a cheaper alternative exists, we'll say so.
Best Value
Years of shipping apps taught us how to control cost through Agile delivery, prototyping, version control, and testing to the app stores' requirements. We scope every engagement to the outcome that matters - a first MVP or a production rollout for an enterprise team.
Built for Success
We'd rather build long-term relationships with successful clients who return for years of enhancements than win a project backed by a weak business model. That's why we give every client as much of our own experience and advice as we can, free of charge.
No Hidden Costs
Almost half of our new clients arrive after falling out with a previous developer over under-quoted scope. We don't do that - long-term relationships depend on not disappointing a client once the contract is signed.
Free to Talk to Us
Choosing a developer is a big decision. We're happy to spend time on the likely approach and cost before you commit to anything - including telling you when a well-built, mobile-friendly website beats building an app at all.
Indicative Prices for Different Engagement Models
Every engagement is scoped to your project - get a structured estimate rather than comparing headline rates.
Hourly
Best for ongoing support, scoped changes, or expert coaching - billed for the time it takes.
- Standard managed developer rate
- Flexible scope, adjusted week to week
- Good fit for small projects and quick fixes
- Rate reflects the skill mix required
Project
A fixed price for an agreed spec, delivered through our AI-accelerated build process - ideal once you know what you're shipping.
- Fixed price for an agreed scope
- Low risk, no surprise invoices
- Clear deliverables and milestones
- Single point of contact throughout
Retainer
A dedicated block of capacity each month for teams who need continuous development without running a full hiring process.
- Standard managed developer rate
- Priorities re-agreed every month
- Covers support, fixes, and small enhancements
- Discountable for larger monthly commitments
Other
Something else in mind? Tell us what you're building and we'll scope a model that fits.
- Strategy and marketing consulting
- Business case preparation
- Implementing third-party platforms
- Ad hoc support and technical audits
More on App Pricing
Prices for Popular Apps
Real, itemised MVP cost estimates for apps like Uber, Airbnb, and Spotify.
Free Online App Cost Calculator
Year 0–5 total cost: MVP build, hosting by MAU, and maintenance retainer. No sign-up.
Hosting & Maintenance
What it costs to keep your app running, supported, and improving after launch.
Pricing FAQs
How much does it cost to build an app?
It depends on scope, platforms, and integrations, so there's no single number to quote. See real, itemised estimates for common app types on our price for popular apps page, or get a fast, structured quote of your own with ChatStack.
Why don't you publish fixed hourly rates?
Rate comparisons rarely compare like for like - skill level, tooling, and process all vary between developers. We scope each engagement to your project instead of quoting a headline number that wouldn't reflect the actual work.
How does AI make your pricing more competitive?
Our AI-accelerated development process compresses the build phase without cutting quality, so we deliver more for the same budget than a traditional, line-by-line build. We reinvest the time saved into structured requirements up front, not shortcuts on delivery.
What's the difference between the hourly, project, and retainer models?
Hourly suits ongoing support, scoped changes, or coaching, billed for the time it takes. Project is a fixed price for an agreed spec, ideal once requirements are clear. Retainer reserves a dedicated block of capacity each month for teams that need continuous development without running a full hiring process.
Does this cover hosting and ongoing maintenance too?
No. These models cover design and development only. Once your app is live, hosting and maintenance pricing are billed separately and scale with your user base - use the app cost calculator to see a full Year 0–5 estimate, including build, hosting, and retainer costs together.