Would you like to convert your WP site into an application? You can select one of the WP app plugins that can help you do just that without having to pay for expensive development.
In this post, we are going to dwell on the eight best WordPress app builder plugins that provide two different types of apps for your WordPress site:
- Native apps are what most people think of when they hear the word app. Your visitors download it through the app store on their device.
- Progressive Web Apps allow interacting with a visitor on a website without installing your own application. Visitors will still be able to add such applications to their home screen, and you can enable the offline feature and push notifications.
Before we proceed to the list of plugins, it is crucial to mention that even the utilization of special plugins can be entrusted only to a professional. If your site has been launched by a team of WordPress developers, it is better to entrust the work with plugins to pros as well.
1. AppPresser — Native Apps for Android and iOS
AppPresser is one of the most famous WordPress application creation tools. Here’s how it works: You create your application using the separate AppPresser application interface. Then you connect your actual WordPress site to AppPresser via the REST API using a free plugin on WordPress.org. This connection allows you to synchronize your application data with your WP site.
AppPresser has more in-depth functionality than many other plugins you’ll find. It has special support for the following plugins:
- Woocommerce,
- Buddy Press,
- LearnDash.
The plugin also allows you to:
- Take photos from your phone camera and upload them to WordPress.
- Use geolocation in several interesting ways.
- Send push notifications.
- Log in to WordPress/register through the application.
Overall, if you want a more personalized experience for your users, AppPresser is a good option.
2. WordPress Mobile Pack — For Progressive Web Apps
It is a free plugin that makes it easy to turn your WP site into a progressive web application. WordPress Mobile Pack comes with several themes to quickly set up a site with a beautiful design. You can choose what content should be included in your app, and whether to add ads from Google Ad Manager.
In general, it is a good option if you want to quickly and easily create a great progressive web application. Although there is a basic free version on WordPress.org, you will probably need the paid version because it will provide:
- More available themes,
- Pop-up notifications,
- Offline mode,
- HTTPS support.
3. Androapp — Native Apps for Android and iOS
It is great at organizing native apps. And, despite the name, it can do it for both Android and iOS. You can choose from several application themes, and your application may include:
- Pop-up notifications,
- Monetization via Admob or Appnext,
- Social exchange,
- Comment support,
- Endless scrolling.
When customizing the app, you get a decent amount of options, including space to include your own code. However, this plugin does not offer built-in integrations like AppPresser.
4. Super Progressive Web Apps
As you can guess from the name, Super Progressive Web Apps is a good tool to convert your WP site into a Progressive Web Application.
This is pretty easy to set up:
- Choose multiple colours,
- Select a start page,
- Choose an orientation.
If you need more functionality, two free add-ons allow you to add UTM tracking and install Apple Touch icons.
5. WP-AppKit — Flexible Native or Progressive Web Apps
WP-AppKit offers feature integrations that give you maximum control over the way your app works. This is not a good option if you are looking for a plug-and-play solution. But if you want to customize the features of your app and control the information that it displays, WP-AppKit gives you exactly that right level of control.
For example, when you are about to build your application, you will be able to add individual components and then add those components to the menu. A component can be a page, a post type, etc. And if you are a developer, you can create your own component using hooks.
In addition to the free functionality you saw above, there are two paid add-ons for:
- Google Analytics integration,
- Pushwoosh for push notifications.
This plugin is definitely more focused on developers and experienced users. But if that’s what you want, try mastering this good plugin that provides more control.
6. Wapppress/iWappPress — Native Apps for Android and iOS
Wapppress and iWappPress are two plugins from the same developer. If you use them together, this allows you to create native apps for Android and iOS.
The unique selling proposition for both is the creation of one-click apps. In other words, they can turn your WordPress site into a native application without any technical knowledge or detailed configuration. Both of them are premium solutions at CodeCanyon. They have a detailed demo that you can use before making your choice.
You simply run some basic configuration options, click a button, and wait for the application to be created. Other features include:
- Pop-up notification,
- Integration of ads in Google AdMob,
- Multiple app themes to choose from.
7. MobiLoud — WordPress App Builder Service
According to the creator, MobiLoud is “an application creation service specially designed for WordPress.” It’s not cheap, but the service includes:
- App creation,
- Publication of the app in app stores,
- Application support.
So, if you don’t want to delve into the specifics of converting a WP site into an app, this might be a good option for you. You just pay for the convenience!
8. Frontity — Custom WordPress Progressive Web Apps for High Traffic Sites
Frontity is definitely not for everyone because they only accept sites with a certain minimum amount of traffic. But if you’re the owner of a large site and looking to build a WordPress progressive web app, this might be a good option to check out.
We hope that at least one of the above-suggested apps will meet your needs and expectations.