Cost to build an app like…
47 product shapes across 11 categories. Each one opens the calculator preloaded with that kind of app’s features, architecture and planning scale — all of it editable.
Streaming & entertainmentCatalogues, encoding ladders, CDNs and playback.
NetflixSubscription video with profiles, downloads and recommendationsSee the estimate YouTubeOpen video upload, discovery, monetisation and moderationSee the estimate SpotifyMusic catalogue, playlists, offline listening and discoverySee the estimate HuluSubscription streaming with ad-supported tiers and live TVSee the estimate Disney+Family streaming with profiles, parental controls and 4K downloadsSee the estimate Amazon Prime VideoStreaming with rentals, purchases and third-party channelsSee the estimate TikTokShort-form vertical video, in-app creation and an algorithmic feedSee the estimate
Social mediaFeeds, graphs, media and moderation at volume.
InstagramPhoto and video sharing with stories, reels and messagingSee the estimate FacebookProfiles, feed, groups, events, marketplace and messagingSee the estimate SnapchatEphemeral messaging, camera-first design and AR lensesSee the estimate LinkedInProfessional profiles, connections, jobs and messagingSee the estimate X (Twitter)Short public posts, real-time timeline and trending topicsSee the estimate RedditCommunities, threaded discussion, voting and moderation toolingSee the estimate
TransportationTwo apps, live location and a dispatch engine.
UberRider app, driver app, dispatch, live tracking and paymentsSee the estimate LyftRide-hailing with shared rides, scheduling and bike/scooter modesSee the estimate OlaRide-hailing with multiple vehicle classes and cash handlingSee the estimate InstacartGrocery marketplace with shoppers, substitutions and delivery slotsSee the estimate
Food deliveryThree-sided logistics with a 30-minute clock on it.
E-commerceCatalogue, search, checkout and the operations behind them.
AmazonMarketplace with third-party sellers, logistics and recommendationsSee the estimate WalmartOmnichannel retail: online orders, pickup and in-store featuresSee the estimate eBayConsumer marketplace with auctions, bidding and buyer protectionSee the estimate EtsyHandmade and vintage marketplace with independent seller shopsSee the estimate TargetRetail app with loyalty, in-store mode and same-day pickupSee the estimate ShopifyMulti-tenant commerce platform for merchants to run their own storesSee the estimate
Travel & marketplaceAvailability, booking, trust and money held in escrow.
AirbnbTwo-sided stay marketplace with listings, booking and payoutsSee the estimate Booking.comHotel search and reservation with live rates and inventorySee the estimate ExpediaMulti-product travel: flights, hotels, cars and packagesSee the estimate ZillowProperty search with map browsing, valuations and agent leadsSee the estimate
FinanceLedgers, identity, fraud and a very low bug tolerance.
PayPalDigital wallet, transfers, merchant payments and buyer protectionSee the estimate Cash AppPeer-to-peer payments with a card, direct deposit and investingSee the estimate VenmoSocial peer-to-peer payments with a public activity feedSee the estimate RobinhoodCommission-free trading with live quotes and portfolio trackingSee the estimate
CommunicationReal-time delivery, presence and encryption.
WhatsAppEncrypted messaging, voice and video calling at phone-book scaleSee the estimate ZoomMulti-party video meetings with screen share and recordingSee the estimate DiscordPersistent community servers with text, voice channels and rolesSee the estimate SlackWorkplace messaging with channels, threads, search and integrationsSee the estimate
DatingMatching, safety and subscription conversion.
FitnessSensors, wearables, streaks and social accountability.
ProductivitySync, collaboration, permissions and offline.
Where the 47 land
Same engine, same rates, same 2026 assumptions — so the whole spread is scope, scale and how much real-time infrastructure the product needs.
Building something that is not on this list?
The custom calculator starts from your app category instead, with the same sixteen questions and the same itemised output.