Every build starts from your website URL, but they don't all produce the same app. This page explains what each one gives you, so you can choose before you spend a build.
The short answer
- Just want to see your app on your phone? Use the free test build.
- Want a real Android app? Use Android Build (Native). It's the one we recommend.
- Want the smallest possible Android app, and your site is a valid PWA? Use Android Build (Web).
- Want iPhone users? Add the iOS build.
- Want a Windows, Mac or Linux app? Add the desktop build.
All builds compared
| Build | Files | Goes to | Plugins | Site needs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free test build | .apk | Your own phone | None | Any website |
| Android Build (Web) | .aab, .apk | Google Play, Amazon, Samsung | None | A valid PWA |
| Android Build (Native) | .aab, .apk | Google Play, Amazon, Samsung | All Android plugins | Any website |
| Android TV | .aab, .apk | Google Play | Android plugins | Any website |
| iOS | .ipa | App Store, TestFlight | iOS plugins | Any website |
| Desktop | .msi, .dmg, .AppImage | Microsoft Store, Snap Store, Flathub, GitHub Releases | None | Any website |
Android: Web or Native?
Android Build (Web) is a Trusted Web Activity (TWA). Your site opens in Chrome, in a very small app of about 2 MB. It updates with your site and needs a valid PWA, meaning a manifest and a service worker. To remove the address bar, you host one small file on your site, called assetlinks.json. The Publish tab gives you the file.
Android Build (Native) puts your site in a native shell. It accepts any website and adds what a TWA can't have: native tabs and menus, plugins, window.saastostore and hidden site elements.
Plugins and native features turned on in your project do nothing in the Android Build (Web). If you need biometric unlock, native tabs or in-app purchases, choose the Native build.
Not sure what a TWA is? Read What is a TWA? and AAB vs APK.
iOS
The iOS build produces an iPhone app, which also runs on iPad. It works with any website, and most plugins are available. A few features need the native shell, called Shell V2, which you turn on with a navigation: deep links and location, for example. Each plugin page says so.
Android TV
The Android TV build is a Native build with TV support added: launcher entry, remote control navigation and a TV banner. The same file also installs on phones. Read Android TV apps before you submit it.
Desktop
A desktop build produces one installer per system: Windows, macOS and Linux. Plugins don't run on desktop. See Desktop apps for what to expect on first launch.
What your plan includes
The free test build costs nothing, and each account gets one. SHIP covers one app on Android, iOS, Android TV and desktop, with 4 builds per platform over 12 months. BUSINESS is for one desktop app. AGENCY is monthly and covers up to 10 apps a month. Pricing has the details.