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Blog Post
Free apps vs paid apps: the pros and cons for app developers
Eazi-Apps Support • October 17, 2017
IOS users will find that 70% of products on the App Store are paid apps. While those operating an Android device will find that only 35% of the Play Store consists of paid apps. This is a pattern that has remained constant throughout the history of the industry. Here, we take a look at the pros and cons of free and paid apps.
Why produce a free app?
- Producing a free app or game will often attract more users and can help you appeal to a larger consumer base. This does depend on the market that you’re entering into, App development industry research shoes that Android users will favour free apps, however the majority of Apple customers will opt for paid content.
- The download process for free apps is much quicker and easier than that of paid options. Because there is no paywall or need to input payment details, more consumers will be inclined to download a free app.
- Ad revenue means that developers can still turn a profit while offering consumers a free app. This is beneficial both for app builders and their client companies as well as the app users themselves.
- Users that have reservations about paying for a new app they are unfamiliar will feel more comfortable downloading a free app to test out the service. This is why many app developers offer both free and paid versions of their apps.
- Users that often post reviews on popular app markets are likely to be less critical of an app they didn’t have to pay for. This can result in better overall ratings for app developers and companies, which is critical if you’re trying to build your app industry reputation.
Why develop a paid for app?
- Research has shown that 37.8% of total revenue produced by mobile apps comes from paid apps. This means that companies and developers can maximise profits by charging users for their products.
- Paid apps are usually more likely to have a longer lifespan and will be used on a more regular basis than free apps. This is because users are more likely to try and get more use out of an app they paid for.
- Paid apps are often associated with higher quality and can help create a more premium brand image. Although apps that are designed specifically for marketing purposes are usually more successful if they are free.
There are plenty of advantages to producing both free and paid apps, and both present business opportunities, but the choice is often determined by the app market it will be released on and the aim of the app itself.
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