Best App Development Companies in New York (2026)
Rates, minimum project sizes and team sizes for 10 New York app developers, from Clutch data checked November 2026.
Best App Development Companies in New York: The Short Answer
Quick answer: Superapp is the cheapest way to start, at $25 a month to build a first version of your app yourself. To hire a team, the New York app development companies below charge from $25 to $300 an hour, with minimum projects from $10,000 to $75,000. Pick a premium studio for a funded, complex product, a mid-priced firm for a first version, and a low-rate firm only if you can manage a distributed team. Every agency figure comes from each company's Clutch profile, checked November 10, 2026.
Superapp is our product, and this guide puts it next to 10 New York app development companies so you can compare building a first version yourself with hiring a team. New York is the most expensive of the five cities we covered. Several studios here charge $150 to $300 an hour, and advertisers pay over $100 a click for these searches, per OpenSEO keyword data, which shows how much each new client is worth to them.
We grouped the companies from highest to lowest hourly rate rather than copying Clutch's order, because Clutch states it may earn a fee for some placements on its lists. Ratings and review counts are Clutch's, from its New York app developers list.
Top New York App Development Companies Compared
| Company | Clutch rating (reviews) | Minimum project | Hourly rate | Team size | Office listed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Superapp (build it yourself) | Not on Clutch (AI app builder) | $0 to start | Pro plan $25 a month | You | Online |
| Fueled | 4.9 (38) | $75,000+ | $150 to $199 | 250 to 999 | New York |
| Lickability | 4.9 (25) | $25,000+ | $200 to $300 | 2 to 9 | New York |
| L+R | 5.0 (15) | $10,000+ | $200 to $300 | 10 to 49 | Brooklyn |
| Infinum | 4.8 (58) | $50,000+ | $150 to $199 | 250 to 999 | New York |
| BlueLabel | 4.7 (71) | $75,000+ | $100 to $149 | 50 to 249 | New York |
| Perpetual | 4.9 (99) | $25,000+ | $100 to $149 | 50 to 249 | New York |
| AppMakers USA | 5.0 (103) | $25,000+ | $100 to $149 | 50 to 249 | New York |
| Five Jars | 4.9 (32) | $10,000+ | $100 to $149 | 10 to 49 | Brooklyn |
| JetRockets | 4.9 (51) | $25,000+ | $50 to $99 | 10 to 49 | Brooklyn |
| Cleveroad | 4.9 (82) | $10,000+ | $25 to $49 | 250 to 999 | New York |
New York App Developers at a Glance
| Company | What it is best for |
|---|---|
| Superapp | Building and publishing a first iPhone, iPad, Mac or web app yourself, for a monthly plan instead of a project fee |
| Fueled | Larger, funded builds (mobile-focused) |
| Lickability | Senior work at premium rates (mobile-focused) |
| L+R | Senior work at premium rates (mobile is 25% of its work) |
| Infinum | Larger, funded builds (mobile is 20% of its work) |
| BlueLabel | Larger, funded builds (mobile is 10% of its work) |
| Perpetual | Senior work at premium rates (mobile is 10% of its work) |
| AppMakers USA | Senior work at premium rates (mobile-focused) |
| Five Jars | Senior work at premium rates (mobile is 15% of its work) |
| JetRockets | A first version at mid-market rates (mobile is 10% of its work) |
| Cleveroad | Lower budgets, with someone to manage a distributed team (mobile is 10% of its work) |
The 10 New York App Developers in Detail
1. Fueled
4.9 on Clutch from 38 reviews. Minimum project $75,000+, $150 to $199 an hour, 250 to 999 employees, listed in New York. Its $75,000 minimum makes it a fit for funded companies, not first versions.
- Services mix: mobile app development 55%, UX/UI design 20%, web development 15%.
- Average project cost shown on Clutch: $200,000 to $999,999.
- What reviewers praise, per Clutch's review summary: expertise, collaboration, communication and project management.
- Watch out: Some clients say its costs are higher than competitors'.
- Not for: budgets under $75,000.
2. Lickability
4.9 on Clutch from 25 reviews. Minimum project $25,000+, $200 to $300 an hour, 2 to 9 employees, listed in New York. Very small team at the highest hourly rate on this list.
- Services mix: mobile app development 70%, AI development 10%, AR/VR 10%, UX/UI design 10%.
- Average project cost shown on Clutch: $200,000 to $999,999.
- What reviewers praise, per Clutch's review summary: professionalism, clear communication, organization and attention to detail.
- Not for: tight budgets, since every change is billed at premium rates.
3. L+R
5.0 on Clutch from 15 reviews. Minimum project $10,000+, $200 to $300 an hour, 10 to 49 employees, listed in Brooklyn. Brooklyn studio at premium rates, with a lower $10,000 minimum than most premium firms.
- Services mix: mobile app development 25%, UX/UI design 30%, product design 25%.
- What reviewers praise, per Clutch's review summary: high-quality work, creativity, problem-solving and value for money.
- Not for: tight budgets, since every change is billed at premium rates.
4. Infinum
4.8 on Clutch from 58 reviews. Minimum project $50,000+, $150 to $199 an hour, 250 to 999 employees, listed in New York. Large firm at premium rates, suited to bigger products.
- Services mix: mobile app development 20%, custom software 20%, web development 20%.
- What reviewers praise, per Clutch's review summary: technical expertise, proactive project management and meeting tight deadlines.
- Not for: budgets under $50,000.
5. BlueLabel
4.7 on Clutch from 71 reviews. Minimum project $75,000+, $100 to $149 an hour, 50 to 249 employees, listed in New York. A $75,000 minimum, aimed at larger projects.
- Services mix: mobile app development 10%, AI consulting 30%, AI development 30%.
- Average project cost shown on Clutch: $10,000 to $49,000.
- What reviewers praise, per Clutch's review summary: independent project management, responsive communication and working well with client teams.
- Watch out: Some reviews ask for better testing and clearer communication of scope changes and deadlines. Mobile is about 10% of its work now, with AI the main focus.
- Not for: budgets under $75,000.
6. Perpetual
4.9 on Clutch from 99 reviews. Minimum project $25,000+, $100 to $149 an hour, 50 to 249 employees, listed in New York. Nearly 100 reviews and a mid-premium rate. A fit for businesses that want a full-service team at less than top-tier prices.
- Services mix: mobile app development 10%, UX/UI design 30%, web development 20%.
- Average project cost shown on Clutch: $50,000 to $199,999.
- What reviewers praise, per Clutch's review summary: communication, responsiveness, adaptability and timely delivery.
- Watch out: A few clients suggested better handling of overlapping projects.
- Not for: tight budgets, since every change is billed at premium rates.
7. AppMakers USA
5.0 on Clutch from 103 reviews. Minimum project $25,000+, $100 to $149 an hour, 50 to 249 employees, listed in New York. The most reviewed agency on this list, with a perfect rating across 103 reviews.
- Services mix: mobile app development 40%, AI development 25%, custom software 25%.
- Average project cost shown on Clutch: $10,000 to $49,000.
- What reviewers praise, per Clutch's review summary: thorough project management, communication, deadlines and transparency.
- Share of employees in the New York area office: 26%, per Clutch.
- Not for: tight budgets, since every change is billed at premium rates.
8. Five Jars
4.9 on Clutch from 32 reviews. Minimum project $10,000+, $100 to $149 an hour, 10 to 49 employees, listed in Brooklyn. Smaller Brooklyn team with a $10,000 minimum, a lower entry point at New York rates.
- Services mix: mobile app development 15%, web development 50%, web design 20%.
- What reviewers praise, per Clutch's review summary: communication, project management and reliability.
- Watch out: Mostly a web firm; mobile apps are about 15% of its work.
- Not for: tight budgets, since every change is billed at premium rates.
9. JetRockets
4.9 on Clutch from 51 reviews. Minimum project $25,000+, $50 to $99 an hour, 10 to 49 employees, listed in Brooklyn. Brooklyn developer at about half the hourly rate of the premium studios above.
- Services mix: mobile app development 10%, AI development 30%, custom software 25%, web development 25%.
- What reviewers praise, per Clutch's review summary: professionalism, transparency and timely, quality delivery.
- Watch out: Mobile apps are about 10% of its work.
- Not for: complex enterprise programs that need a large dedicated team.
10. Cleveroad
4.9 on Clutch from 82 reviews. Minimum project $10,000+, $25 to $49 an hour, 250 to 999 employees, listed in New York. The budget option on this list. A large firm with a New York office; expect much of the team to work outside the city at this rate.
- Services mix: mobile app development 10%, custom software 30%, web development 30%.
- Average project cost shown on Clutch: $10,000 to $49,000 for mobile app work.
- What reviewers praise, per Clutch's review summary: flexibility, responsiveness, project management and competitive pricing.
- Watch out: Occasional communication challenges from time zone differences.
- Not for: founders who cannot manage a remote team day to day.
Which New York App Developers Fit Your Budget?
A company's minimum project size tells you the smallest budget it will take on. This table matches budgets to the firms whose published minimum fits:
| Your budget | Who fits |
|---|---|
| Under $1,000 | Superapp, on free credits or the $25 a month Pro plan |
| $10,000 to $24,999 | Superapp, plus L+R, Five Jars and Cleveroad |
| $25,000 to $49,999 | Superapp, plus Lickability, L+R, Perpetual, AppMakers USA, Five Jars, JetRockets and Cleveroad |
| $50,000 to $74,999 | Superapp, plus Lickability, L+R, Infinum, Perpetual, AppMakers USA, Five Jars, JetRockets and Cleveroad |
| $75,000 to $99,999 | Superapp, plus Fueled, Lickability, L+R, Infinum, BlueLabel, Perpetual, AppMakers USA, Five Jars, JetRockets and Cleveroad |
Meeting a minimum is not the same as affording the app. A minimum covers a small first engagement; the cost section below shows what a full build tends to run.
How Focused on Mobile Apps Is Each New York Firm?
Clutch shows how each company splits its work across services. A firm that does mostly web design or AI consulting can still build your app, but a mobile-focused team has done more of them.
| Company | Share of work in mobile apps | Other main services |
|---|---|---|
| Superapp | All of it | Builds native iPhone, iPad and Mac apps and web apps, plus a website for the app |
| Lickability | 70% | AI development 10%, AR/VR 10%, UX/UI design 10% |
| Fueled | 55% | UX/UI design 20%, web development 15% |
| AppMakers USA | 40% | AI development 25%, custom software 25% |
| L+R | 25% | UX/UI design 30%, product design 25% |
| Infinum | 20% | Custom software 20%, web development 20% |
| Five Jars | 15% | Web development 50%, web design 20% |
| BlueLabel | 10% | AI consulting 30%, AI development 30% |
| Perpetual | 10% | UX/UI design 30%, web development 20% |
| JetRockets | 10% | AI development 30%, custom software 25%, web development 25% |
| Cleveroad | 10% | Custom software 30%, web development 30% |
Where Do the Teams Actually Work?
Clutch lists an office for every company, and for some it also shows what share of employees work there. Where it does, the share is often small, which means most of your project would be built elsewhere.
| Company | Share of employees in the New York area office |
|---|---|
| Superapp | Not applicable: you build the app yourself online |
| AppMakers USA | 26% |
| Fueled, Lickability, L+R, Infinum, BlueLabel, Perpetual, Five Jars, JetRockets and Cleveroad | Not shown on Clutch; ask on the first call |
Pick It or Skip It
| Company | Pick it if | Think twice if |
|---|---|---|
| Superapp | You want a working first version before paying an agency | You need a custom Android app or a team accountable for delivery |
| Fueled | You are funded and need a full product team | Reviews flag this: some clients say its costs are higher than competitors' |
| Lickability | Your budget is above $25,000 and you want a mobile-focused team | You need to keep hourly costs under $200 |
| L+R | Your budget is above $10,000 and you want a broader software partner | You need to keep hourly costs under $200 |
| Infinum | You are funded and need a full product team | You need to keep hourly costs under $150 |
| BlueLabel | You are funded and need a full product team | Reviews flag this: some reviews ask for better testing and clearer communication of scope changes and deadlines |
| Perpetual | Your budget is above $25,000 and you want a broader software partner | Reviews flag this: a few clients suggested better handling of overlapping projects |
| AppMakers USA | Your budget is above $25,000 and you want a mobile-focused team | You need to keep hourly costs under $100 |
| Five Jars | Your budget is above $10,000 and you want a broader software partner | You want a firm that mainly builds mobile apps |
| JetRockets | Your budget is above $25,000 and you want a broader software partner | You want a firm that mainly builds mobile apps |
| Cleveroad | Your budget is above $10,000 and you want a broader software partner | Reviews flag this: occasional communication challenges from time zone differences |
How Much Does It Cost to Build an App in New York?
A typical app takes hundreds to thousands of hours. Superapp's app development cost calculator puts its default preset at 1,075 to 2,663 hours of implementation and testing. Multiplying those hours by the rates on this list gives a planning range, not a quote:
| Hourly rate tier in New York | 1,075 hours | 2,663 hours |
|---|---|---|
| Superapp Pro (you build it) | $25 a month plus Apple's $99 a year | $25 a month plus Apple's $99 a year |
| $25 to $49 | $26,900 to $52,700 | $66,600 to $130,500 |
| $50 to $99 | $53,800 to $106,400 | $133,200 to $263,600 |
| $100 to $149 | $107,500 to $160,200 | $266,300 to $396,800 |
| $150 to $199 | $161,200 to $213,900 | $399,400 to $529,900 |
| $200 to $300 | $215,000 to $322,500 | $532,600 to $798,900 |
Minimum project sizes on this list start at $10,000, but those are entry points for small engagements, not the price of a finished app. Published agency ranges are higher. Two examples from Miami firms: Trellee lists a typical $30,000 to $80,000 over 12 to 20 weeks for an iOS and Android app, and Bolder Apps says most of its projects run $40K to $150K over 6 to 20 weeks.
Hiring in-house costs more again. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics puts the median annual wage for software developers at $135,980 (May 2025), before benefits, and one developer rarely covers design, backend and testing alone.
What an Agency Quote Usually Includes
Bolder Apps, one of the Miami firms above, lists what its fixed-scope projects cover, which is a useful checklist for any quote:
| Item | With Superapp | In a typical agency quote |
|---|---|---|
| Strategy and scoping | Superapp: you describe the app in plain English | Yes, often as a paid discovery phase |
| UI and UX design | Screens are generated, and you can import from Figma on Pro | Yes |
| Development and QA testing | Generated, then tested by you in the preview | Yes |
| App Store submission | Automated App Store publishing on Pro | Yes |
| Post-launch maintenance | You make changes yourself with credits | Usually a few weeks, then a retainer (Bolder Apps includes 4 weeks) |
Hourly or Fixed Price?
Most firms on Clutch list an hourly rate, but many will quote a fixed price once the scope is written down. Bolder Apps prices projects as fixed scope rather than hourly, and several companies in these lists show fixed-price packages on their Clutch profiles.
| Pricing model | How it works | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly plan (Superapp) | A flat $25 a month on Pro for 50 credits | Credits run out faster on bigger apps; top-ups cost extra |
| Hourly | You pay for every hour logged | Costs grow with every change request |
| Fixed scope | One price for an agreed feature list | Anything outside the list becomes a paid change order |
| Dedicated team | A monthly fee for a set team | You pay whether or not the work is moving |
What It Costs to Keep an App Running
The build is not the last bill. Superapp's cost calculator estimates yearly running costs for its default preset; these are model estimates, not quotes:
| Who maintains it | Estimated yearly running cost |
|---|---|
| Superapp Pro | About $639 a year, as an illustrative budget |
| Freelancer | $2,499 to $5,019 a year |
| Agency | $3,339 to $6,219 a year |
On top of that, Apple's Developer Program costs $99 a year to keep an app on the App Store.
Your Options and What Each Costs
| Option (Superapp is our product) | Upfront cost | Ongoing cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Build it yourself with Superapp | $0 to start (free credits in most countries) | Pro $25 a month plus Apple's $99 a year | A first version of an iPhone app or web app you want to test fast |
| Low-rate firm ($25 to $49/hr) | From $10,000 minimum; a full app often tens of thousands | Maintenance hours | Defined projects with someone to manage the team |
| Higher-end New York firm ($200 to $300/hr) | Often $75,000 or more | Retainer or hourly support | Funded products with complex needs |
| In-house developer | Recruiting time | About $135,980 median salary, plus benefits | Products that need continuous development |
Where Superapp Fits
As a disclosure, Superapp is our product, so weigh this accordingly.
If the quotes above are more than you want to spend before you know whether people will use the app, Superapp lets you build the first version yourself by describing it in plain English. It generates a native iPhone, iPad or Mac app, or a web app, and handles App Store submission and a website for the app. Pro costs $25 a month for 50 credits, and you will need Apple's Developer Program at $99 a year. Run your app through the cost calculator to see the agency estimate next to the do-it-yourself cost.
It is not the right choice for every project. If you need a custom Android app, deep integration with existing company systems, or a team accountable for delivery, one of the New York firms above is the better fit. You can also start with a version you built yourself and bring it to an agency once it has users.
Decide in Five Questions
- Do you know people will use the app? If not, build a first version with Superapp and test it before paying for a full build.
- Is your budget under $10,000? Then no firm on this list fits yet; build it yourself or hire a freelancer for a narrow scope.
- Do you need Android, or deep links into company systems? Shortlist mobile-focused firms such as Lickability and Fueled.
- Is your budget above $75,000 and the product complex? Talk to Fueled and BlueLabel.
- Do you want the lowest hourly rate? Cleveroad charges $25 to $49 an hour; plan to manage a distributed team.
How to Choose an App Developer in New York
- Ask where the team sits. Clutch lists an office, but for several firms only a small share of employees work there.
- Match the minimum to your budget. A $75,000-minimum studio will not take a $15,000 project.
- Ask for two or three live apps similar to yours, and download them.
- Start with a paid discovery or scoping phase before committing to the full build.
- Make sure your company owns the code, the App Store account and the cloud accounts.
- Get the same brief to three firms so you compare scope, not just price.
Red Flags When Hiring an App Developer
- A fixed price given before anyone has asked about your features.
- No live apps you can download and try.
- They want to own your Apple, Google or cloud accounts.
- Most of the payment due upfront instead of by milestone.
- Vague answers about who will write the code and where they are.
- No plan or price for maintenance after launch.
What to Put in the Contract
| Clause | What it should say |
|---|---|
| Ownership (Superapp users own their app) | Your company owns the source code, designs and data |
| Accounts | Apple Developer, Google Play, cloud and domain accounts are in your name |
| Milestones | Payment tied to working, accepted releases |
| Change requests | How extra features are priced before work starts |
| Warranty | A bug-fix period after launch at no charge |
| Handover | Code in your repository, plus documentation |
Glossary
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| AI app builder (for example Superapp) | A tool that generates an app from a plain-English description |
| Minimum project size | The smallest budget a firm lists on its Clutch profile |
| Hourly rate | Clutch's average hourly rate band for the firm |
| Discovery phase | A paid scoping stage that produces the feature list, designs and estimate |
| MVP | Minimum viable product, the smallest version that tests the idea with real users |
| Fixed scope | One price for an agreed list of features |
| Retainer | A monthly fee for ongoing updates and fixes |
| Apple Developer Program | Apple's $99 a year membership needed to publish on the App Store |
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire an app development company in New York? The firms on this list have minimum projects from $10,000 to $75,000 and charge $25 to $49 to $200 to $300 an hour. A complete app usually costs tens of thousands of dollars; at 1,075 to 2,663 hours, budgets range from about $26,900 to $798,900 depending on the rate.
What hourly rates do New York app developers charge? On Clutch, the companies listed here charge from $25 to $49 an hour at the low end to $200 to $300 an hour for premium studios.
Are these app development companies actually based in New York? Each lists an office in or near New York on Clutch, but some are large firms where only a small share of staff work locally. Ask who will work on your project and where they are.
How long does it take an agency to build an app? Published agency timelines for a first app are often 6 to 20 weeks after scoping, longer for complex products.
Is there a cheaper alternative to hiring an app development company? Yes. You can build a first version yourself with an AI app builder such as Superapp, FlutterFlow or Adalo, or hire a freelancer for a defined scope, then bring in an agency once the app has users.
Which New York app developers have the lowest minimum project size? L+R, Five Jars and Cleveroad list a $10,000 minimum on Clutch, the lowest on this list.
Which New York app developers are the most expensive? Lickability and L+R charge $200 to $300 an hour, the top rate on this list, and Fueled and BlueLabel have the highest minimum at $75,000.
Which New York app development company has the most reviews? AppMakers USA, with 103 Clutch reviews and a 5.0 rating.
What does minimum project size mean on Clutch? It is the smallest budget a company says it will take on. It covers a small first engagement, not the cost of a finished app.
How much does an app MVP cost with an agency? Published ranges from Miami agencies run from $30,000 to $80,000 (Trellee) and from $30K, with most projects at $40K to $150K (Bolder Apps).
How much does it cost to maintain an app each year? Superapp's cost calculator estimates $3,339 to $6,219 a year for an agency and $2,499 to $5,019 for a freelancer on its default preset, plus Apple's $99 a year. These are model estimates, not quotes.
Should I pay hourly or a fixed price? A fixed price protects your budget once the scope is clear; hourly suits work that will change. Either way, tie payments to milestones you can test.
Who should own the code an agency writes? Your company. Put ownership of the source code, designs and data in the contract, and keep the Apple, Google and cloud accounts in your own name.
Are Clutch rankings paid? Clutch says it may earn a fee for some placements on its lists. Ratings come from verified reviews, but the order of a list is not a pure ranking.
Do I need an Apple Developer account to publish an app? Yes. Apple's Developer Program costs $99 a year, whether an agency builds the app or you build it yourself.
Should I hire a local New York team or a remote one? A local team makes in-person workshops easier, but rates on this list vary more by firm than by location. Several firms with a local office do most of their work elsewhere, so judge each on its team, not its address.
Can I build an app myself without coding? Yes. AI app builders such as Superapp, FlutterFlow and Adalo let you build without writing code. Superapp generates native iPhone, iPad and Mac apps and web apps from a description.
What does Superapp's Pro plan include? Pro costs $25 a month and includes 50 credits a month, automated App Store publishing, a website for your app and Figma import.
References
- Clutch: Top app developers in New York (ratings, reviews, minimums, rates, team sizes, services mix, review summaries and office shares; checked November 10, 2026)
- Bolder Apps: Miami app development
- Trellee: Mobile app development in Miami
- US Bureau of Labor Statistics: Software developers
- Apple Developer Program
- Superapp: Pricing
- Superapp: App development cost calculator
- Related: iOS app development cost, Small business app cost, MVP cost, Best alternatives to hiring an app developer, How to hire an iOS developer