Convert Website to Mobile App: The No-BS Guide to Pricing and Tools That Actually Work

You have a website. Now you need an app. The question isn't whether you should convert your website to a mobile app-it's how to do it without blowing your budget or ending up with garbage.

Here's the deal: Converting a website to an app used to cost $50k-$150k if you hired developers. Now? You can do it for anywhere from $25/month to a few thousand upfront, depending on what you actually need. But most tools in this space are either overpriced webview wrappers or severely limited no-code builders that can't handle anything beyond basic blogs.

Let's cut through the marketing BS and look at what actually works. If you're running a B2B SaaS company, ecommerce store, or content site, you need tools that can handle your existing tech stack-not force you to rebuild everything from scratch. Before diving into specific tools, you should understand your website infrastructure and whether a mobile strategy fits your broader B2B sales approach.

Why Convert Your Website to Mobile App (And Why Most Don't Need To)

Mobile users spend 90% of their time in apps, not browsers. If you have repeat customers, an app puts you on their home screen. That's valuable real estate. Apps also enable push notifications (which are free, unlike SMS), work offline, and generally load faster than mobile sites.

But here's what nobody tells you: Most businesses don't actually need a native app. A Progressive Web App (PWA) costs nothing extra to build, works across all devices, and can be "installed" on home screens without app store approval. PWAs are 40-60% cheaper than native development and reach market 50-70% faster.

The catch? PWAs have limited access to device hardware, weak push notification support on iOS, and users don't discover them in app stores. If you need camera access, biometric login, or background location tracking, you need a real native app. If you just want mobile users to access your content more easily, a PWA might be enough.

Understanding the Real Cost of App Development

When evaluating website-to-app conversion tools, you need to understand the full picture of what you're paying for. It's not just the monthly subscription-it's the entire lifecycle cost.

Upfront development costs vary dramatically by approach. Fully native apps built from scratch typically cost between $60,000-$150,000 for a moderate-complexity ecommerce or content app. Cross-platform development using frameworks like React Native or Flutter can save 20-30% compared to building separate native apps, but you're still looking at five-figure investments.

Ongoing maintenance is where costs pile up. Native apps require 15-20% of the initial build cost annually just to maintain. That means a $100,000 app costs you $15,000-$20,000 every year for bug fixes, OS compatibility updates, and security patches. Webview wrapper solutions that sync with your website eliminate most of this cost-your app updates automatically when you update your site.

App store fees add another layer. Apple's Developer Program costs $99/year. Google Play charges a one-time $25 registration fee. If you're a larger organization, you'll also need a D-U-N-S Number for Apple's program, which adds administrative overhead.

Hidden costs nobody mentions: Design assets creation, app store optimization, customer support for app-specific issues, and the opportunity cost of your team's time managing multiple platforms. These easily add thousands to your annual budget.

AppMySite: WordPress-Focused Converter With Inconsistent Pricing

AppMySite positions itself as a no-code solution for converting any website into iOS and Android apps. The platform works best with WordPress and WooCommerce sites, offering native integration that syncs content in real-time.

Pricing reality: AppMySite's current pricing starts at $49/month for the Starter plan (pay-per-app), which includes Android apps only. The Pro plan costs $99/month and adds iOS support. Premium plans run $199/month. There's also an Unlimited Workspace option at $799/month and an Agency white-label plan at $799/month. The company has a documented history of sudden price increases-users report a 60% hike with little notice.

Multiple reviewers complain about being charged significantly more than agreed, unauthorized renewals, and a complete lack of refund policy. One verified review documented being upgraded from a starter program to an expensive plan without consent, resulting in an unauthorized charge of approximately $1,600. Another reported being charged €938 instead of an agreed €186. That's not encouraging.

What works: The WordPress integration is genuinely good. Changes to your site automatically update in the app. The drag-and-drop interface is straightforward, and they'll help with app store submission. For WordPress sites specifically, it handles most common plugins and custom post types. The platform supports WooCommerce stores with real-time inventory sync, which is valuable for ecommerce businesses.

What sucks: The interface is painfully slow when navigating between features. iOS compatibility isn't available on cheaper plans-you need at minimum the $99/month Pro plan. Template flexibility is limited-your app will look like every other AppMySite app unless you pay for premium customization. And those pricing issues and customer service complaints are impossible to ignore. Multiple users describe the billing practices as predatory. For more on WordPress-based solutions, check our guide on website builder software.

Appilix: Cheap But Basic Webview Wrapper

Appilix is one of the simplest and cheapest website-to-app converters available. It's a straightforward webview wrapper that loads your site inside a native shell with minimal customization options.

Pricing: $69/year or around $25/month. There's also a lifetime plan option. This is genuinely affordable compared to competitors charging $100+/month. Over 120,000 users have created apps through Appilix, suggesting the platform has staying power despite its simplicity.

What works: Setup takes about 5 minutes. You paste your URL, customize splash screens and icons, and you're done. Customer support is reportedly responsive, with replies within hours. For simple sites that just need a mobile presence without complex features, Appilix gets the job done cheaply. The platform includes Firebase push notification integration, AdMob ads support, navigation drawer options, bottom navigation, deep linking, custom CSS/JS injection, native Google sign-in, and even biometric authentication features.

What sucks: It's extremely basic compared to competitors. Push notifications require Firebase integration (which you set up yourself-there's no hand-holding). No native navigation elements unless you configure them manually. Limited customization beyond colors and logos. The app is essentially just your mobile site loaded in an app shell. Apple's App Store frequently rejects pure webview apps, so approval isn't guaranteed. If your app gets rejected, you're mostly on your own to figure out what needs fixing.

Twinr: Done-For-You Service With Real Support

Twinr bridges the gap between DIY tools and expensive agencies. They offer a no-code builder with managed service options, handling everything from configuration to app store submission.

Pricing: Three tiers-Basic at $25/month, Standard at $85/month, and Premium at $125/month. There's a 14-day free trial with no credit card required. The pricing is transparent and includes both platforms. Twinr also offers student discounts and nonprofit discounts on all plans.

What works: Twinr adds native features like tab bars, navigation headers, and animations so apps feel like dedicated mobile experiences rather than wrapped websites. They support all major platforms (WordPress, Shopify, Wix, Squarespace, Magento, Webflow, Joomla, React, Angular, Vue.js, and custom-built sites). Website changes sync automatically-no manual updates required. The done-for-you approach means their team handles store submission, approvals, and technical setup.

The platform includes AI-powered features like automated push notification suggestions based on user behavior, abandoned cart recovery notifications, app onboarding customization, and in-app review prompts. Agencies particularly benefit from Twinr's white-label options and the ability to manage multiple client apps from one dashboard. One verified agency review noted they were able to create native mobile apps for clients "in no time" and saw a 20% increase in revenue attributed to higher user engagement.

What sucks: You're paying for convenience, which means less control over customization compared to building it yourself. The platform works best for ecommerce and content sites-complex SaaS applications with custom functionality might hit limitations. Performance tuning and maintenance are handled by Twinr's team, which is great until you need something they don't support. The Basic plan at $25/month has feature limitations that might force you into the $85/month Standard plan for serious business use.

MobiLoud: Premium Service for Serious Businesses

MobiLoud isn't a self-service tool-it's a managed service that converts your website into fully functional native apps. They position themselves as the "done-for-you" option for businesses that need quality and don't want to manage the technical details.

Pricing: MobiLoud doesn't publish pricing publicly, but current information indicates costs range from $399-$799 per month depending on your needs and whether you pay annually or month-to-month. There's also a setup fee starting at $850 for basic testing and app store submission. A full-service package (covering everything from app design to launch) costs an additional $1,350. Total upfront costs typically run $1,000-$2,000 with ongoing monthly fees of a few hundred dollars. This is significantly cheaper than custom development ($50k+) but more expensive than DIY tools.

What works: Your entire website-no matter how complex-works inside the app. Custom checkouts, membership systems, complex plugins, all of it. They add native navigation, push notifications, and app-exclusive features. The team handles everything: development, app store submission, ongoing optimization, and growth strategy. Customers include major brands like Bestseller, Vero Moda, Jack & Jones, John Varvatos, and Estée Lauder. MobiLoud supports over 2,000 customers with an average rating of 4.8/5 across 200+ reviews.

The platform includes analytics integration with no fragmented data-everything flows into your existing analytics accounts. You can create app-specific pages that only show in the mobile app, allowing for app-exclusive discounts, product drops, and unique user experiences. One customer reported their app drives 10% of total revenue with minimal effort from their team. Another noted they "couldn't find another company that could offer the same features at the same price point, same time to market."

What sucks: The cost. If you're a small business or startup, $400-$800/month ongoing is a significant investment. You're dependent on MobiLoud's team for updates and changes, though this is also an advantage if you lack technical resources. While they support any website, the service is clearly optimized for ecommerce and publishing-B2B SaaS companies with complex authenticated experiences might need something more custom. There's no self-service option if you want to tinker yourself.

Median: Developer-Friendly Platform for Tech Teams

Median offers a webview app development platform with native plugins and extensive customization options. It's designed for companies with technical resources who want more control than typical no-code tools provide.

Pricing: Not publicly listed. Based on user reports and the enterprise nature of their customer base, expect to pay for both the platform and managed services if you need help with submission and maintenance. Median targets mid-size to enterprise companies rather than small businesses.

What works: Median's platform includes 150+ native plugins for everything from push notifications to biometric login. Integration with analytics providers (Adjust, AppsFlyer, Branch) is built-in. The JavaScript bridge allows your web developers to interact with native functionality without learning Swift or Kotlin. Companies like McKesson, AON, and Conrad Siegel use Median for apps serving 30k-50k+ employees. One verified case study noted an app was live in both app stores just 2 weeks after providing icons and branding.

The platform includes device simulators for testing, online builds so you don't need local development environments, and complete customization options for developers who want granular control. Median emphasizes accelerating time-to-market, reducing development costs by leveraging existing web assets, simplifying ongoing maintenance, and boosting user engagement through native features.

What sucks: This isn't a DIY tool for non-technical users. You need developers who understand JavaScript and mobile app architecture. Setup and customization require technical knowledge. For small businesses without development resources, Median is overkill. The lack of transparent pricing is frustrating when you're trying to budget. The platform assumes you have at minimum a technical project manager who can communicate with their team and yours.

WebToApp.Design: European Alternative With High Approval Rates

WebToApp.design is a European-based (GDPR-compliant) platform that converts websites into Android and iOS apps with a focus on app store approval and privacy.

Pricing: Starting around $605 for basic apps with push notifications included. The platform operates on a one-time fee plus subscription model rather than pure monthly recurring. A 14-day free trial is available. They offer a 60-day full refund guarantee if you're not satisfied, which is more generous than most competitors.

What works: WebToApp.design boasts a ~99% approval rate on both Google Play and Apple App Store-one of the highest in the industry. Every app they've created at the time of recent reports has been successfully published. The platform automatically generates native design components using AI, so even if you completely change your website, the app continues working with proper native UI elements. This eliminates the "two app bars" problem that plagues some webview wrappers.

The service includes full technical support-they handle building, testing, and guiding you through app store submission. The platform is GDPR-compliant and doesn't collect personal information about your app users. You can filter app users in your existing analytics setup without dealing with another data-hungry tool. Website changes automatically show up in the app with no manual work required.

What sucks: Less widely known than competitors, so fewer reviews and case studies available. The pricing structure isn't as transparent as subscription-based competitors-you need to go through their design process to get a final quote. Limited information about advanced customization options for complex use cases. The focus on European privacy standards is great but may not align with needs of businesses wanting deep user tracking and analytics.

Progressive Web Apps: The Free Alternative Nobody Talks About

Here's what the app conversion industry doesn't want you to know: You might not need their tools at all. Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) are websites with app-like features that users can install on their home screen without visiting an app store.

Pricing: Free to implement if you already have a mobile-friendly website. Tools like PWABuilder help wrap your PWA for app store submission at minimal cost. For Android, you can submit PWAs to Google Play using Trusted Web Activities. For iOS, you'll need a native wrapper with some native functionality to satisfy Apple's requirements.

What works: PWAs support offline functionality, push notifications (on Android), and home screen installation. They work on any device with a browser. Starbucks' PWA is 99.84% smaller than their native app. Tinder's PWA reduced load times from 11.91 seconds to 4.69 seconds and is about 90% smaller than their native Android app. Development costs are 40-60% lower than native apps because you maintain one codebase. As of recent data, over 54,000 customer websites utilize PWAs, with businesses reporting engagement improvements ranging from 20% to 250% after transitioning to PWAs.

PWAs eliminate installation friction-users can try your app immediately without downloading anything from app stores. Automatic updates mean customers always use the latest version without prompts or delays. Smaller file sizes create faster first-time experiences, especially on slower mobile networks. PWAs are SEO-friendly and can be indexed by search engines, giving you organic discovery that native apps lack.

What sucks: iOS support for PWA features is limited. Push notifications don't work on iPhone, which is a dealbreaker for many businesses. No access to advanced device hardware (AR, advanced camera features, biometrics beyond basic web authentication). App store discovery is harder-you can submit PWAs to Google Play, but Apple requires a native wrapper and some native capabilities. PWAs run in the browser, so performance lags behind true native apps for graphics-intensive applications. Battery consumption is higher than native apps. Limited access to device functionality like contacts, Bluetooth, NFC, and background processes.

When to Choose Each Approach: A Decision Framework

Choose a basic webview wrapper (Appilix, WebToApp.design) if: You have a simple content site or blog. Your primary goal is app store presence without complex features. Your budget is under $100/month. You're comfortable with potential app store rejection and willing to iterate. You don't need extensive customer support.

Choose a managed webview service (Twinr, MobiLoud) if: You're running an ecommerce store or content site generating revenue. You want someone else to handle technical details and app store submission. Your budget allows $100-$800/month. You need the app to work reliably without babysitting it. Customer support and guaranteed approval matter to your business.

Choose a developer platform (Median) if: You have technical resources in-house. You need extensive customization and native feature integration. You're building for enterprise use cases with complex requirements. You want granular control over every aspect of the app. Budget isn't your primary constraint-quality and capability are.

Choose a Progressive Web App if: Your users are primarily on Android (where PWA support is better). You want organic search discovery. Budget is extremely limited. You're testing whether mobile users want an app before investing. Your site works well on mobile browsers already. You don't need advanced device hardware access.

Choose custom native development if: You need graphics-intensive features (games, AR/VR, photo editing). Background processes are critical (GPS tracking, real-time data sync). You require advanced device integration (Bluetooth, NFC, advanced biometrics). You have $50k-$150k to invest upfront plus $15k-$30k annually. Time to market isn't urgent-you can wait 6-12 months for development.

What Actually Matters When Converting Your Website

Forget the marketing hype. Here's what determines whether a website-to-app conversion works for your business:

Your existing tech stack. If you're on WordPress or Shopify, tools like AppMySite or Twinr offer native integrations that sync automatically. Custom-built sites need more flexible solutions like MobiLoud or Median. React, Angular, or Vue.js sites work with most converters but may require additional configuration.

Required native features. Do you need push notifications? Camera access? Offline functionality? Biometric login? Make a list. Pure webview wrappers can't access device hardware without significant additional development. You need platforms that add native plugins or hire developers to build custom bridges.

App store approval. Apple rejects apps that are "just websites." You need native UI elements, navigation, and functionality that justify being an app rather than a mobile site bookmark. Tools that promise instant conversion without native features will waste your time and money. According to industry data, pure webview apps have rejection rates above 50% on Apple's App Store. Platforms with native components and AI-generated UI elements have approval rates above 95%.

Maintenance and updates. Native apps require 15-20% of initial build cost annually for maintenance. Webview wrappers that sync with your website eliminate this-your app updates automatically when you update your site. That's a huge ongoing cost difference. Calculate the 5-year total cost of ownership, not just the first year.

Your budget reality. DIY tools like Appilix start at $25/month. Mid-tier managed services like Twinr run $85-$125/month. Premium services like MobiLoud run $400-$800/month. Custom development costs $50k-$150k upfront plus $10k-$30k/year maintenance. Know what you can actually afford before evaluating features you don't need.

User expectations. B2B users expect professional, polished apps. Consumer users are more forgiving of simple wrappers if the functionality works. Enterprise users need security certifications, compliance features, and reliability. Match the solution quality to your audience's expectations.

Your team's capabilities. Do you have developers? A technical project manager? Or are you a solopreneur managing everything yourself? Developer platforms require technical skills. Managed services work for non-technical teams but cost more. Be honest about your team's bandwidth.

Hidden Costs and Gotchas to Watch For

App store developer accounts aren't included. Apple charges $99/year. Google charges $25 one-time. Organizations need a D-U-N-S Number for Apple (free but administrative overhead). Budget these separately from your conversion tool costs.

Push notification infrastructure has limits. Free tiers typically cap you at 10,000 notifications/month or similar limits. High-volume businesses need paid push notification services (OneSignal, Firebase) costing $50-$500/month depending on volume.

Design assets cost money if you don't have them. App icons in multiple sizes, splash screens, app store screenshots, promotional graphics. Budget $500-$2,000 if you're hiring a designer. DIY options like Canva can reduce this but require time investment.

App store optimization is ongoing work. Keywords, descriptions, screenshots, reviews management, A/B testing listings. This is marketing work that doesn't end at launch. Budget time or money for ASO if you want users to discover your app organically.

Customer support increases. App users have different expectations than web users. You'll get support requests about app-specific issues: installation problems, login issues, feature confusion, compatibility with specific devices. Plan for increased support volume.

Platform policy changes can break your app. Apple and Google regularly update policies. Apps that worked fine get retroactively flagged for new violations. Budget time for compliance updates 2-3 times per year minimum.

The Bottom Line: What You Should Actually Do

Most B2B companies don't need a native app. If your goal is mobile accessibility and you don't need advanced device features, build a PWA and save your money. Test it with users. If engagement is high and you're hitting PWA limitations, then invest in a converted or native app.

If you need a real app and have a WordPress or Shopify site, try Twinr's 14-day trial. At $85/month for the Standard plan, you get both platforms plus managed submission. The done-for-you approach eliminates technical headaches. Their recent feature additions (AI-powered notifications, abandoned cart recovery) add genuine value beyond basic conversion.

For complex ecommerce or publishing sites generating serious revenue (think $50k+/month), MobiLoud is worth the investment. You're paying for expertise and avoiding the disasters that happen when cheap tools can't handle your checkout flow or membership system. The ROI calculation is simple: if the app generates a few thousand dollars monthly in new revenue, it pays for itself.

Avoid AppMySite unless pricing and customer service issues get resolved. The WordPress integration is solid, but reports of unauthorized charges and price hikes are red flags. Don't risk your business on a platform with documented billing problems. The fact that multiple verified reviews mention "theft" and "unauthorized charges" should disqualify them from consideration.

If you're just starting out with limited budget, build your mobile site properly first using responsive design best practices. Then consider Appilix's $69/year plan for a basic app presence. It's cheap enough to test whether mobile users actually want an app before investing in expensive solutions. Just don't expect miracles-understand you're getting a basic wrapper and plan accordingly.

For enterprise companies with technical teams, Median offers the control and customization you need. The lack of public pricing is annoying, but if you're managing apps for 30,000+ employees, you're used to enterprise sales cycles. Request a demo and negotiate based on your specific requirements.

The website-to-app conversion market is full of tools that overpromise and underdeliver. Focus on what your users actually need, what your budget allows, and what you can realistically maintain. Everything else is noise.

One final consideration: don't build an app just because competitors have one. Build an app because it solves a specific problem for your users-easier access, push notification value, offline functionality, or home screen presence. If you can't articulate why users would prefer your app over your mobile site, you're not ready to build an app.

Next Steps for Your Mobile Strategy

Start by auditing your current mobile web experience. Run your site through Google's Mobile-Friendly Test and PageSpeed Insights. If your mobile site is slow or poorly optimized, fix that first. An app won't save a bad mobile experience-it will just package it differently.

Survey your users. Ask if they'd use a mobile app and what features would make it valuable to them. Don't assume-get data. You might discover users care more about faster mobile web than about an app.

Calculate your ROI requirements. How many additional transactions do you need to justify $85/month? Or $500/month? Work backward from the cost to determine if the math makes sense for your business model.

Test a PWA first if you're unsure. Implement service workers, add an install prompt, enable offline caching. Measure adoption and engagement. If users embrace it, upgrade to a native app. If they ignore it, you've learned that mobile apps aren't critical for your audience.

Looking to improve your overall B2B sales process beyond just mobile apps? Check out our guides on B2B lead generation tools and sales CRM software to build a complete tech stack that drives revenue. Your mobile strategy should integrate with your broader sales and marketing systems-not exist in isolation.

For businesses using Leadpages for landing pages or SmartLead for cold email, consider how a mobile app fits into your lead nurturing funnel. Mobile apps work best when they're part of an integrated customer experience, not standalone projects.