How Much Does it Cost to Design an App​ 2025

In 2025, designing an app goes far beyond simply making it functional; it is also about creating a user-friendly and visually appealing experience that keeps users engaged and meets their specific needs.

Whether you are a startup with a groundbreaking idea or an established company looking to expand your digital presence, understanding the app design costs is essential.

Even according to industry reports, UI/UX design can account for 20-30% of the total app development cost. The process of designing an app is not just about aesthetics; it’s a carefully planned journey that focuses on user experience, brand alignment, and the latest design trends.

It is essential to ensure your app design is of high quality because many users abandon an app due to poor usability. The price of designing an app can vary depending on factors like the design complexity, the experience of the design team, and the features you want to include.

So, how much does it cost to design an app​ in 2025, and how can you ensure that your investment results in a product that looks great and performs well?

Let’s learn the cost of an app design in the UK in 2025, the key factors that determine app design costs, how businesses can optimise their design budgets and much more.

Why Quality Design Is a Smart Investment for Your Business

If you have any trendy new business ideas or are an established brand, it is important to invest in high-quality design to ensure your app looks great and offers the best user experience (UX). This helps keep customers engaged, reduces churn, and boosts conversions.

Your app should be intuitive, easy to navigate, and visually appealing, as it directly impacts user retention and customer satisfaction. Here are some of the main reasons why investing in high-quality design is essential.

1. First Impressions Matter

Just as we properly dress to make a good first impression when we go for an interview, the same goes for app design. It is said that users take just 0.5 seconds to form an opinion about an app’s interface.

If your app looks outdated, cluttered, or confusing, users are likely to leave it before exploring its features. A modern and user-friendly design makes a great first impression and encourages users to stay longer.

2. Higher Engagement and Retention Rates

Every business wants to earn more profits and increase sales. This can most likely be done with higher user engagement, which leads to increased retention rates and, ultimately, more sales.

That is why you need to ensure your app is easy to navigate because if it isn’t the case, users won’t hesitate to switch to a competitor.

A thoughtfully designed app reduces friction, enhances usability, and encourages repeat usage, helping businesses build loyal customers.

3. Competitive Advantage

With thousands of apps launching every year, standing out in a crowded market is important. High-quality design distinguishes your app from the competition, making it more appealing to users.

Investing in professional UI/UX design can be the key to winning over customers, especially if your chosen industry is very competitive.

4. Better Conversion Rates and Revenue

Whether it is an e-commerce, fintech, or social media app, a well-structured and visually engaging design increases conversions.

Call-to-action (CTA) buttons, easy navigation, and smooth checkout flow lead to smoother customer journeys, resulting in higher sales and revenue growth.

5. Saves Time and Reduces Development Costs

If your app isn’t designed properly, it can lead to costly redesigns and fixes. Investing in quality design from the start prevents usability issues, reducing the need for major changes later.

Also, a user-friendly interface reduces the need for customer support, saving your business time and resources.

How Much Does It Cost to Design an App​?

The cost of app design in the UK in 2025 ranges from £8,000 to £80,000 or more. While these figures may seem high, investing in high-quality app design ensures better user engagement, higher retention rates, and a competitive edge in the market, as we have discovered above.

The design cost can vary depending on factors such as complexity, platform, and the design team. For instance, an app with minimal features can cost less than complex apps with advanced functionality and custom design elements.

Also, the cost of ongoing maintenance, updates, and marketing should be considered when planning your budget.

Below, you will find more about how much does it cost to design an app​ and have an understanding of the app-making charges based on the app design services, app complexity, designer’s expertise, and the team location and type.

Types of App Design Services & Their Costs

App design involves many services that contribute to the app's look, feel, and functionality. Each service is essential to ensure a smooth user experience and visually appealing interface. Below are the key types of app design services and their estimated costs.

1. UI/UX Design Services

Cost: £5,000 to £20,000

UI (User Interface) and UX (User Experience) design is essential for creating user-friendly, attractive, and easy-to-navigate apps. This service involves creating an effective UI/UX roadmap to enhance user engagement and satisfaction.

UI focuses on visual elements such as buttons, colour schemes, and layouts, while UX ensures smooth interactions and navigation.

Professional UI/UX designers conduct research, develop prototypes, and perform usability testing to optimise the design. The cost of UI/UX design can vary based on the level of complexity and customisation required.

2. Prototyping and Wireframing

Cost: £2,000 to £8,000

These services involve creating wireframes and prototypes to outline the app’s structure and functionality.

Wireframing is a blueprint of the app's layout, showing how screens are connected, while prototyping creates an interactive model that mimics the actual app's behaviour.

This step helps catch design flaws early, improve user flow, and ensure the app meets users' expectations. Investing in this step can save money later by avoiding costly design changes and helps ensure the app works well before development starts.

Recommended Reads: PoC vs Prototype and MVP: What's the Difference?

3. Branding and Visual Identity

Cost: £3,000 to £10,000

A strong brand identity makes your app easily and instantly recognisable and helps build trust among users.

Branding and visual identity services include logo design, colour schemes, typography, and custom illustrations that match the app’s personality and purpose.

This is particularly important for businesses looking to create a memorable and unique app, whether it is a gaming or astrology app UI design or any other type of app.

The cost for branding and visual identity can vary depending on whether it involves custom graphic work, brand strategy, and multiple design assets.

4. Custom Graphic and Animation Design

Cost: £7,000 to £30,000+

Custom graphic design is very important for apps that require high-end graphics, animations, and interactive elements. This service is essential for gaming apps, fintech apps, and entertainment platforms, where dynamic visuals enhance the user experience.

Custom elements such as illustrations, animated transitions, and 3D graphics can make an app visually engaging. Businesses that focus on aesthetics and user engagement can benefit from custom animations and advanced graphics.

5. Temple-Based App Design

Cost: £2,000 to £5,000

For startups or small businesses with a limited budget, pre-designed templates offer an affordable alternative.

These templates provide pre-built UI components and layouts, which can be adjusted based on the app’s theme and functionality.

While this option helps reduce costs and speed up development, it lacks originality and flexibility, making it less suitable for brands that want a unique app.

6. Design Revisions and Usability Testing

Cost: £1,500 and £5,000

Even the best designs need changes and testing to improve the user experience. Usability testing helps identify navigation issues, bottlenecks, and areas for improvement, ensuring that the app is user-friendly before launch.

Multiple design revisions allow businesses to adjust layouts, modify features, and enhance user flow. The cost for design revisions and usability testing varies based on the number of iterations or changes required.

By conducting usability testing, businesses reduce the risk of user dissatisfaction and ensure an excellent final product.

7. Cost Breakdown Based on App Complexity

The complexity of an app is a major factor in determining its design costs. Apps with simple interfaces and limited features require fewer design hours, whereas feature-rich apps with advanced animations and user interactions demand more effort, increasing the total app designing costs.

8. Basic App Design

Cost: £3,000 – £7,000

Basic app designs are great for small businesses, startups, or MVPs (Minimum Viable Products) that need a simple and functional interface. These apps usually have a limited number of screens, basic navigations, and limited design customisation.

The UI elements are often template-based or have minimal branding customisation. Since the design is simple and doesn't include fancy animations or complex features, costs stay low.

While this approach helps businesses launch quickly, the lack of uniqueness may make it harder to stand out in a competitive market.

9. Moderate App Design

Cost: £8,000 – £15,000

Apps that need a more engaging user experience with custom UI elements, smooth transitions, and better branding fall under this category.

These apps have medium-level complexity, interactive features like buttons, sliders, responsive elements, and a few animations to keep users engaged.

The design process includes custom wireframes, user research, and A/B testing to improve usability. Businesses choosing moderate app designs invest in better aesthetics and user experience, making the app more appealing and functional.

10. Advanced App Design

Cost: £20,000 – £30,000+

High-end apps need fully customised UI/UX design, advanced animations, micro-interactions, and dynamic content.

These apps are common in industries like e-commerce, finance, healthcare, and gaming, where a smooth user experience and engagement are very important.

The design process involves user testing, multiple revisions, and detailed prototypes to make sure everything works perfectly.

Since these apps need expert designers and take longer to develop, costs can go over £30,000. However, the result is a highly interactive, brand-focused, and user-friendly app.

Cost Based on Designer Expertise

The expertise and experience of a designer impact the cost of app design. More experienced designers usually cost more, but they also provide better quality, efficiency, and creativity.

Let’s have a look at the designers with different expertise and their cost per hour.

1. Junior Designers

Cost: £20 – £50 per hour

Junior designers have limited experience in mobile app design. They are considered entry-level professionals and can handle basic UI/UX tasks, wireframing, and minor customisations, making them a good choice for small businesses or startups (new business) on a tight budget.

However, they may not be an ideal choice for projects that require advanced animations or user research because they don’t have much experience with complex features or usability testing.

2. Mid-Level Designers

Cost: £50 – £100 per hour

After junior designers come the mid-level designers. They have many years of experience and can handle complex UI/UX projects. They can create custom visual elements, interactive transitions, and user-friendly interfaces.

They also conduct usability testing and user research to ensure the final design improves user engagement and retention. They are the best option for businesses that want a good balance between quality and affordability.

3. Senior Designers or Agencies

Cost: £100 – £200+ per hour

Senior designers and experienced app design agencies specialise in creating high-quality app designs.

They have expertise in brand-focused UI/UX, custom animations, interactive features, and implementing the latest UI/UX design that drives conversions.

They also provide thorough research, prototyping, and testing to ensure the app functions well. While hiring top designers can be expensive, businesses get a high-quality, visually appealing, and easy-to-use app in return.

App Design Price Based on the Type and Location of a Team

The location and type of design team also influence the cost of app design. Businesses have three options: UK-based designers, offshore teams, or in-house designers. You can choose them based on your budget and project requirements.

1. Freelancers

Cost: £20 – £100 per hour

Freelancers are a cost-effective solution for small businesses and startups looking for budget-friendly app design services. They usually specialise in areas like UI/UX design, prototyping, or branding, which makes them a good fit for smaller projects.

However, working with freelancers can have some risks, like inconsistent quality, limited availability, and communication issues.

2. UK-Based Design Teams

Cost: £50 – £200 per hour

The first option you can choose for designing your app is a UK-based agency or freelancer. They ensure top-quality work that meets industry standards.

These teams offer better communication, market understanding, and teamwork, but they can also charge higher rates. This option is ideal for businesses looking for the best quality designs without outsourcing.

3. Offshore Teams

Cost: £20 – £70 per hour

Outsourcing to offshore design teams can reduce costs while still providing skilled professionals. However, quality varies depending on the team’s experience and expertise.

Effective project management and clear communication are necessary to ensure a smooth design process and avoid delays.

4. In-House Design Teams

Cost: Varies

If your company require ongoing design, you can hire in-house designers. However, it can be a long-term investment. The salaries can range from  £30,000 to £80,000 per year, depending on the designer’s experience.

While this approach provides full control over the design process, it requires additional costs for software, tools, and team management.

Factors Influencing App Design Costs

The cost of app design depends on multiple factors, and businesses should carefully evaluate these factors to budget effectively and prevent unexpected expenses. Here are the key factors that influence app design costs in the UK.

1. Complexity of the App

The first factor that impacts the total cost of app design is the complexity of the app. A basic app with simple UI elements and a limited screen costs less than an app with advanced functionalities like custom animations, complex data visualisation, or AI features.

Apps with multiple user roles, detailed dashboards, or dynamic content also need thorough research and wireframing, leading to higher design costs. Businesses should decide which features are essential to keep the cost within budget while maintaining a good user experience.

Also Read: How AI and Machine Learning Are Changing UI/UX Design?

2. Level of Customisation

An app’s design can range from using pre-built templates to fully customised UI/UX. Pre-designed templates reduce design costs because they don’t require much modification but can lack uniqueness and flexibility.

On the other hand, a custom UI/UX design based on the brand’s identity and target audience requires more design hours and expertise, which increases the cost. The price can also increase if you use custom illustrations, icon sets, and motion graphics.

3. Number of Screens and Features

The more screens and interactive features an app has, the higher the design cost. A simple app with 5-10 screens will be much more cost-effective than an app with 30+ screens featuring multiple user interfaces, interactive elements, and animations.

The cost increases because each screen requires wireframing, UI design, and usability testing. Moreover, features such as in-app payments, social media integrations, push notifications, and live updates also need more design adjustments to ensure a smooth user experience.

Businesses should decide in the initial design phase only the number of screens and features they want to control costs while ensuring functionality.

4. Prototyping and Testing Requirements

Another key factor that influences the app design cost is prototyping and testing requirements. Prototyping and usability testing are essential stages in app design because they improve user experience but also add to the cost.

A simple wireframe that outlines the app’s structure is more affordable, while a detailed, interactive prototype that looks closely like the final app can cost more.

Also, conducting user testing sessions to gather feedback and optimise the design adds to the cost. However, if you invest in thorough prototyping and testing, you can prevent costly design revisions later in the development phase.

5. Branding and Visual Identity

Branding is important for making an app stand out, but it also adds to the app design cost. Whether an Android or iOS app design, a well-designed app includes custom logos, brand-specific colour schemes, typography, and unique UI elements that match the company’s branding strategy.

If a business doesn’t have branding materials, a designer will need to create a complete visual identity, which increases the cost.

Custom branding strengthens user recognition and engagement, making it a good investment for businesses that want a unique app.

6. Experience and Location of Designers

The expertise of the design team directly impacts cost. Junior designers or freelancers charge lower rates but may lack experience in handling complex UI/UX challenges.

Experienced designers and agencies can charge more because they can create high-quality, user-friendly designs based on user research.

Also, location plays a role—designers based in the UK or the US charge more than those in Eastern Europe, India, or Southeast Asia.

While offshore designers offer cost savings, businesses should carefully check their portfolios to ensure they meet quality standards.

Also Read: Top 5 Ecommerce Website Design Company in the UK

Hidden Costs in App Design

Many businesses underestimate the hidden costs associated with app design. These costs can increase the final cost if not accounted for in the initial budget.

1. Additional Design Revisions

Most designers provide a limited number of free revisions, usually two or three rounds of feedback. If businesses request more changes apart from the agreed scope, they may have to pay extra fees for additional design modifications.

Design revisions are important to ensure the app meets user expectations, but too many changes can increase costs. Businesses should provide clear design briefs, organised feedback, and clear goals from the start.

2. Licensing Fees for Fonts & Icons

Some designers use free resources, but many prefer premium fonts, icons, and UI elements that enhance the app’s visual appeal.

Some of these assets require commercial licenses, with prices ranging from £50 to £500+ depending on the type and number of assets used. If a business doesn't know about these costs, it may face unexpected charges at the final design stage.

It is a good idea to discuss licensing agreements with the designer beforehand to avoid unexpected fees and choose cost-effective alternatives when necessary.

3. Responsive & Multi-Platform Design

You can also avoid hidden costs related to multi-platform design. Some designers include multi-platform compatibility as their base pricing, while others charge separately for optimising the design for various devices.

The more platforms an app supports, the more design work is required, increasing the cost. Businesses should ask if responsive design is included in the initial quote or if there are extra charges.

4. Post-Launch Design Adjustments

After launching the app, businesses may find that some design elements are needed based on user feedback and the app’s performance.

If these post-launch adjustments aren’t included in the original contract, there could be extra costs. Even small adjustments, like changing button positions, adjusting colour schemes, or improving navigation flows, can add to the cost.

To avoid extra costs after launch, businesses should do thorough usability testing before the launch to find and fix design issues early.

Ways to Optimise Your App Design Budget

The app design cost can be expensive for some, like small businesses, while many may find the cost relevant. However, every business is looking for ways to reduce the design cost because there is no harm if they can save a little more.

Here are the strategic steps that businesses can take to reduce costs while ensuring the app is of top quality.

1. Define Clear Design Goals

The best way to reduce the cost is by having a detailed design brief with specific objectives. It ensures that designers clearly understand the project scope, reducing unnecessary revisions and additional costs.

By clearly stating the app’s target audience, key features, and brand identity, businesses can prevent miscommunication and keep the project within budget.

2. Start with an MVP (Minimum Viable Product)

Instead of building a fully-featured app right away, businesses can launch an MVP with essential features and basic UI design.

This approach allows companies to test their ideas, gather user feedback, and make improvements before investing in more advanced design elements.

By focusing on simple and functional design first, businesses can avoid spending money on unnecessary features that users may not need.

3. Use Pre-Designed UI Kits

Another strategy the business can opt for is using pre-designed UI kits. UI kits are pre-made design elements like buttons, icons, and layouts that reduce the time and cost required for custom designs.

Many designers use UI kits to speed up the process while still maintaining aesthetics. While custom designs are best for branding, using UI kits for non-essential elements can lower costs and still make the app look professional.

4. Choose the Right Service Provider

Comparing freelancers, agencies, and offshore teams helps businesses find the best balance between cost, quality, and expertise.

Freelancers are budget-friendly but may lack resources, while agencies offer high-quality designs with structured workflows.

Offshore teams provide affordable rates, but businesses must carefully assess their portfolios and communication efficiency to ensure a successful collaboration.

5. Limit Revisions by Providing Detailed Feedback

Businesses should give clear and detailed feedback instead of vague instructions to avoid too many revisions.

For example, instead of saying, “I don’t like the colours,” a business should specify, “The blue shade feels too dark; can we use a lighter, more vibrant tone to make it easier to read?”.

This helps designers make exact changes, reducing back-and-forth modifications and cutting down costs on app designing and also reduces the money you have to spend on redesign services if you pan ahead.

How Can Arramton Help Design Your App Based On Your Budget?

Arramton is one of the best app development and designing companies in the UK. They are regarded as the best ones because of their ability to design high-quality apps.

Whether you need a simple design or a fully customised UI/UX, they provide flexible packages to meet your needs.

Their team ensures a smooth design process with clear pricing, no hidden costs, and scalable options like wireframing, prototyping, and MVP development to help you save money while achieving a professional look.

They have a team of experienced designers who can create an engaging, user-friendly app that meets your budget. Contact them today for a free consultation and personalised quote!

Final Thoughts

So, you must have gotten a clear idea of how much does it cost to design an app​ in 2025. The cost of designing an app varies based on many factors, including complexity, design quality, team expertise, and location.

Hidden costs like revisions, branding, and testing should also be considered when planning your budget. Investing in high-quality app design is essential for user engagement and business success, making it a smart long-term investment.

Whether you choose an in-house designer, a UK-based agency, or an offshore team, it’s important to balance cost and quality for the best results.

If you are looking for a professional app design, you can contact Arramton today to create a visually appealing and user-friendly app within your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1 How much does it cost to design an app?

Ans The cost of app design in the UK varies based on complexity, customisation, and the designer's expertise. A basic app design with simple UI elements can cost between £3,000 – £7,000, while for a high-end, custom-designed app with advanced animations and multiple screens, the cost can go beyond £30,000.

Q2 How long does it take to design an app?

Ans The time required for app design depends on its complexity. A basic app with a few screens can take 2-4 weeks, while a moderate app with custom UI elements may take 6-8 weeks. If the app is highly complex, with multiple animations and a unique user experience, it could take 2-3 months or longer. Factors such as revisions, user feedback, and testing can also impact the timeline.

Q3 Is UI/UX design included in app development costs?

Ans Not always. Some development agencies offer basic UI/UX design as part of their package, but in most cases, detailed, high-quality design work is charged separately. Professional UI/UX design involves research, wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing, all of which require specialised skills and additional costs. It’s best to clarify with your development team whether design services are included or need to be outsourced.

Q4 What is the difference between app design and app development?

Ans The difference between both is that app design focuses on the visual and interactive aspects of the app, including the layout, colour schemes, typography, and user experience flow, while app development involves coding and programming to bring the design to life, making the app functional across different devices and platforms.

Q5 Is it worth investing in a professional app design team?

Ans Yes. A professional app design team ensures your app is user-friendly, visually appealing, and aligned with your brand identity. Investing in quality design can enhance the user experience, improve user retention, and lead to the success of your app.

Q6 What are the ongoing costs after the app is designed?

Ans The ongoing costs after the app is designed include maintenance and updates, marketing and user acquisition, and analytics and performance monitoring.