Appbrew can launch your Shopify mobile app in 2-4 weeks for $499/month. Custom React Native development costs $40,000-150,000 and takes 3-6 months. The question isn't which is better—it's which is right for your specific situation.
Mobile apps drive 3x higher conversion rates than mobile web for e-commerce. The decision you make now about how to build yours affects your development velocity, customization ceiling, and long-term costs for years.
What Appbrew Actually Offers
Appbrew is a no-code Shopify mobile app builder that creates native iOS and Android apps from your existing store. Founded in 2022 with Accel Partners backing, it runs on React Native—the same technology Shopify uses for its own apps.
Core capabilities: Native iOS and Android apps (real React Native, not web wrappers), real-time Shopify sync, 100+ integrations (Klaviyo, Recharge, Yotpo, Gorgias), push notifications for cart abandonment and promotions, custom landing pages, and express checkout with Apple Pay and Shop Pay.
Appbrew Pricing
Pro Plan ($499-999/month): Native iOS and Android apps, push notifications, real-time Shopify sync, custom landing pages, standard integrations.
Enterprise Plan (custom pricing): Advanced integrations, VIP pricing engine, native subscription management, dedicated customer success manager.
The $499/month baseline puts Appbrew higher than Tapcart's $200/month Core plan but includes more native functionality. Annual cost is $6,000-12,000 plus any enterprise add-ons.
Custom React Native Development: Real Costs
Development cost ranges: Basic app (browsing, cart, checkout): $40,000-60,000. Standard app (plus search, accounts, push): $60,000-100,000. Full-featured (configurators, subscriptions, AR): $100,000-150,000+.
Timeline estimates: Basic 8-12 weeks, Standard 12-16 weeks, Full-featured 16-24 weeks.
Ongoing costs for custom: Hosting $100-500/month, Maintenance 10-20% of build cost annually ($4,000-30,000/year), App store fees $124/year.
Where Appbrew Wins Clearly
Speed to Market: Appbrew apps launch in 1-4 weeks. Custom takes 3-6 months minimum. If you need an app for Black Friday and it's October, Appbrew is your only option.
Integration Ecosystem: Appbrew integrates with 100+ Shopify apps out of the box. Building these integrations custom costs $5,000-15,000 each.
No Technical Maintenance: Appbrew handles iOS/Android updates, app store compliance, security patches, and bug fixes.
Where Custom Development Wins
Unlimited Customization: Custom enables completely unique UI/UX, features Appbrew doesn't support, performance optimization for your use case, integration with any system, and complete data control.
No Recurring Platform Fees: High upfront cost but no monthly platform fees. At Enterprise pricing, custom becomes more competitive. Beyond 7-10 years, custom is usually cheaper.
Full Data Ownership: With custom, you own everything—critical for advanced personalization, internal BI tools, compliance requirements, and exit strategy.
Decision Framework: Which to Choose
Choose Appbrew when:
- Speed is critical (need app in weeks)
- Requirements fit standard e-commerce
- You lack mobile engineering resources
- Budget is constrained upfront
- Your Shopify app ecosystem is standard
Choose Custom when:
- Mobile app is a competitive differentiator
- Features Appbrew doesn't support (configurators, AR)
- Complex integration requirements
- Long-term cost optimization (10+ years)
- Data control is mandatory
Making the Call
Most Shopify stores should start with Appbrew or similar platforms. The math is simple: Appbrew $6,000-12,000/year, live in weeks. Custom $75,000+ upfront, 3-6 months, plus $10,000+/year maintenance.
Unless you have specific requirements Appbrew can't meet, the platform approach is faster, cheaper, and lower risk. Be honest about your actual needs—build custom only when the differentiation justifies the investment.
Building a Shopify mobile app requires matching your approach to your actual requirements. Whether evaluating Appbrew or considering custom React Native development, the decision depends on features, timeline, and resources.
