Top 10 Websites to Buy Ready Made Apps – 2026

Buying apps from developers is no longer a niche idea. In 2026, it is becoming a mainstream growth strategy for startups, agencies, and even solo founders.

As per my experience working with founders at Make An App Like, I see a clear shift. Instead of spending 6–12 months building an app from scratch, many businesses now prefer to buy a ready-made app directly from developers and scale it faster.

The reason is simple.
Time, cost, and risk.

According to Statista, global mobile app revenue crossed USD 535 billion in 2024, and the number keeps growing every year. At the same time, app development costs have increased by nearly 30–40% over the last five years due to higher engineering demand and complex tech stacks.

Because of this, founders are asking smarter questions:

• Why build everything from zero?
• Why not buy an existing app with users, code, and data?
• Why not acquire apps directly from developers who already solved the hard problems?

This is exactly where the idea of buying apps from developers comes in.

When you buy an app directly from a developer:

• You get working source code
• You avoid early-stage technical mistakes
• You save months of development time
• You enter the market faster with less burn

I have personally seen cases where founders bought apps for 30–50% less than full development cost and reached break-even within 3–6 months.

In this article, I will explain:

• How buying apps from developers actually works
• Where to buy apps from developers safely
• The best place to buy apps from developers in 2026
• Special considerations for iOS apps
• Risks, pricing, and real business impact

This is not theory. This is based on real projects, real acquisitions, and real founder decisions.

About Make An App Like

At Make An App Like, we work closely with startups, agencies, and investors who buy, sell, and scale mobile apps. As per my experience, many of our clients come to us after failed builds and ask for acquisition-first strategies instead. That hands-on exposure allows us to share practical insights, not generic advice.

Why We Understand App Buying Better Than Most

I am not writing this as a blogger. I am writing this as someone who:

• Reviewed dozens of app source codes
• Helped negotiate app acquisition deals
• Audited iOS and Android apps before purchase
• Assisted founders in post-acquisition scaling

As per data available from CB Insights, nearly 42% of startups fail due to time-to-market delays. Buying an app from a developer directly reduces that risk significantly.

That is why this topic matters right now.

What Does It Really Mean to Buy Apps From Developers?

When people hear buy apps from developers, many misunderstand it.

As per my experience, this does not mean buying an app from the App Store or Play Store. It means something very different and far more valuable.

Buying an app from a developer means you are acquiring:

• The complete source code
• App assets (UI, backend logic, APIs)
• Deployment access (App Store / Play Store handover, if agreed)
• In some cases, users, data, and revenue history

In simple words, you are buying a digital product, not just an app download.

Direct Developer Purchase vs App Marketplace Purchase

There are two common ways founders buy apps today:

1. Buying directly from developers
This is when you deal with:

• Independent developers
• Small dev studios
• Startup founders exiting a product

This option gives you more flexibility in pricing, customization, and negotiation.

2. Buying from app marketplaces
Here, apps are listed like businesses with fixed metrics and valuations.

As per my experience, direct developer purchases are usually cheaper, but they require better technical and legal checks.

What Exactly Is Included When You Buy an App?

This depends on the deal. But in most real-world cases, buying an app from developers includes:

• Mobile app source code (iOS, Android, or both)
• Backend code (Node, Django, Firebase, Laravel, etc.)
• Database structure
• API documentation (sometimes limited)
• Basic deployment support
• Admin panel or dashboard

Sometimes, developers also include:

• Branding rights
• Existing user base
• Revenue data
• Monetization logic (ads, subscriptions, in-app purchases)

As per data available from MicroAcquire and similar acquisition platforms, over 65% of small app acquisitions happen without revenue. Buyers focus more on tech readiness than cash flow at early stages.

Why Developers Sell Their Apps

This is a question founders often ask me.

Here are real reasons developers sell apps:

• They lack marketing skills
• They want quick capital
• They moved to a different startup
• The app works but never scaled
• Burnout or lack of time

This creates an opportunity.

I have personally seen apps with solid codebases sold just because the developer did not want to handle marketing or customer support.

For a business-oriented buyer, that is a huge advantage.

Buying Apps From Developers on iOS: A Special Case

Buying iOS apps from developers has extra considerations.

Apple controls:

• App Store ownership
• Developer account access
• App transfer policies

As per Apple’s official data, app ownership transfers require:

• Both parties to agree
• No active policy violations
• Clean payment and compliance history

This means when you buy apps from developers for iOS, you must plan the transfer carefully. Many buyers miss this and face delays.

I will cover this in detail later in the article.

Is Buying an App the Same as Buying a Startup?

No. And this is important.

When you buy an app:

• You buy the product
• Not the company
• Not the liabilities
• Not the employees

This keeps risk lower and deals faster.

According to Harvard Business Review, asset-based acquisitions close 40% faster than full company acquisitions. That speed matters in competitive markets.

At this stage, you should clearly understand what it actually means to buy apps from developers — and why founders are choosing this path more often.

Where to Buy Apps From Developers Safely (Real Options & Risks)

Once founders decide to buy apps from developers, the next big question is where to do it safely.

As per my experience, this is where most mistakes happen. People rush into deals without checking the source, ownership, or technical quality. That often leads to wasted money and unusable code.

Let me break this down in a practical way.

1. Buying Apps Directly From Independent Developers

This is the most common route today.

You can find developers selling apps on:

• Developer communities
• LinkedIn and Twitter
• Indie hacker forums
• Startup Discord and Slack groups
• Personal outreach to app founders

The biggest advantage here is pricing.
As per my experience, buying apps directly from developers can be 25–50% cheaper than marketplace listings.

But there are risks:

• No standard contracts
• Unclear IP ownership
• Poor documentation
• No post-sale support

I have seen cases where founders bought apps but later found that:

• Third-party libraries were unlicensed
• Code was copied from open-source projects without compliance
• The seller was not the real owner

This is why technical and legal checks matter.

2. App Acquisition Marketplaces

If you want more structure, marketplaces are safer.

These platforms list apps with:

• Revenue data (if any)
• Traffic stats
• Tech stack
• Asking price
• Seller background

As per data available from MicroAcquire reports, apps listed on marketplaces sell faster but at higher valuations.

Marketplace buying works well when:

• You want verified sellers
• You prefer escrow payments
• You need deal transparency

However, pricing is often inflated because sellers expect negotiation.

3. Agencies That Sell Ready-Made or White-Label Apps

Another popular option is buying apps from development agencies.

Agencies often sell:

• White-label apps
• Clone apps
• Industry-specific solutions (dating, delivery, fintech, AI tools)

The benefit is reliability.
You usually get:

• Clean source code
• Clear IP rights
• Ongoing support
• Customization options

As per my experience, this option works best for:

• Non-technical founders
• Agencies reselling apps
• Businesses entering a new market fast

The downside is limited originality unless you invest in customization.

4. Founder-to-Founder Deals (Private Exits)

Some of the best app deals never appear online.

These happen when:

• A founder wants to exit quietly
• A startup pivots
• An MVP fails to scale but works technically

I have personally helped founders acquire such apps at very low cost because the seller just wanted a clean exit.

This route requires:

• Strong network
• Trust-building
• Due diligence

But the upside can be huge.

Key Risks You Must Check Before Buying Any App

No matter where you buy apps from developers, always verify:

• Source code ownership
• Third-party licenses
• App Store compliance history
• Data privacy practices
• Backend scalability
• Monetization logic validity

According to Gartner, over 55% of acquired software products require rework due to poor initial audits. That cost often exceeds the purchase price.

This is why due diligence is not optional.

Best Practice I Always Recommend

Before you finalize a deal:

• Ask for code access
• Run a technical audit
• Review App Store policies
• Validate revenue claims
• Use escrow payments

This one step alone can save months of regret.

Best Place to Buy Apps From Developers in 2026 (Based on Your Use Case)

There is no single “best place” to buy apps from developers.
As per my experience, the right place depends on who you are, what you want to build, and how fast you want results.

Let me break this down by real use cases I see in the market.

If You Are a Startup Founder Launching Fast

If speed matters more than originality, buying from development agencies works best.

Agencies already have:

• Production-ready code
• Tested features
• Scalable backend logic

This reduces your launch risk.

According to CB Insights, startups that launch within 90 days are 2.3x more likely to survive early-stage competition. Buying an app instead of building helps achieve that speed.

This option is ideal if:

• You want quick market entry
• You have limited technical bandwidth
• You plan to iterate post-launch

If You Are an Investor or Acquisition-Focused Founder

For investors, the best place to buy apps from developers is:

• Founder-to-founder deals
• App acquisition marketplaces

Here, you can evaluate:

• Existing users
• Revenue trends
• Retention metrics
• Monetization logic

As per my experience, this route delivers better ROI if you already understand scaling and marketing.

Data from Harvard Business Review shows that asset acquisitions with existing traction reduce go-to-market risk by nearly 35%.

If You Are an Agency or Reseller

Agencies should focus on:

• White-label app providers
• Long-term developer partnerships

This allows you to:

• Resell apps under your brand
• Offer customization
• Create recurring revenue

I have seen agencies multiply revenue simply by reselling purchased apps with new positioning.

If You Want to Buy iOS Apps From Developers

iOS apps require special attention.

The best places are:

• Developers willing to transfer Apple App Store ownership
• Agencies with verified Apple Developer accounts
• Founders exiting iOS-first products

Apple allows app transfers, but only if:

• There are no policy violations
• Both accounts are compliant
• Subscriptions and in-app purchases are clean

As per Apple documentation, failed transfers can delay launches by weeks or months. This is why choosing the right seller matters more than price.

If Budget Is Your Main Constraint

If cost is your biggest factor, buying directly from independent developers is usually the cheapest.

But this comes with responsibility:

• You must audit code
• You must verify ownership
• You must handle post-sale fixes

As per my experience, this option works best for technical founders.

Quick Comparison Table

There is no universal answer. The best place to buy apps from developers is the one that matches your business goal, risk tolerance, and technical strength.

How to Buy Apps From Developers (Step-by-Step: Cost, Legal & Technical Checks)

Many founders lose money not because buying apps from developers is risky, but because they skip the process.

As per my experience, successful app acquisitions always follow a clear, disciplined flow. Let me walk you through it in a practical way.

Step 1: Define Why You Are Buying the App

Before you talk to any developer, be clear about one thing.

Ask yourself:

• Do I want faster market entry?
• Do I want existing users or just code?
• Do I plan to resell or scale this app?
• Is this for Android, iOS, or both?

Founders who skip this step often buy apps that do not fit their business model.

According to CB Insights, poor strategic alignment is a hidden reason behind many failed acquisitions.

Step 2: Request Full Technical Access (Before Paying)

Never buy an app based on screenshots or demos only.

You must ask for:

• GitHub or GitLab access
• Backend repository access
• Database schema
• API list
• Third-party service details

As per my experience, serious developers will not hesitate. If someone refuses access, that is already a red flag.

Step 3: Perform a Technical Audit

This step saves the most money.

You or your tech team should check:

• Code quality and structure
• Security flaws
• Hard-coded keys
• Scalability issues
• Third-party dependencies
• License compliance

According to Gartner, post-acquisition technical fixes increase costs by up to 60% when audits are skipped.

I have seen founders buy cheap apps and later spend more than full development cost just to clean the code.

Step 4: Verify Legal Ownership and IP Rights

This is non-negotiable.

Always confirm:

• The seller owns 100% of the code
• No freelancers have unpaid claims
• No copied or pirated code
• Proper IP transfer clause exists

Your agreement must clearly mention:

• Source code ownership
• App assets ownership
• Rights to modify and resell
• App Store transfer terms (especially for iOS)

Without this, you do not own the app, even if you paid for it.

Step 5: Understand the Real Cost of Buying the App

Many founders only look at purchase price. That is a mistake.

You must calculate:

• Purchase price
• Audit cost
• Customization cost
• Deployment cost
• Marketing cost
• Maintenance cost

As per my experience, the true cost of buying apps from developers is usually 20–30% higher than the deal price. This is still cheaper than building from scratch, but only if planned properly.

Step 6: Use Escrow and Milestone Payments

Never send full payment directly.

Use:

• Escrow services
• Milestone-based payments
• Final payment after successful handover

This protects both sides and keeps the deal professional.

Step 7: Transfer, Deploy, and Take Control

Once everything checks out:

• Transfer repositories
• Transfer App Store ownership (for iOS)
• Change backend credentials
• Secure APIs and keys
• Set up monitoring

Only after this should the deal be considered complete.

Why This Process Matters

As per Harvard Business Review, structured acquisition processes reduce failure risk by over 40%.

Buying apps from developers is a smart move, but only when done with discipline.

You now know exactly how to buy apps from developers without falling into common traps.

Future Trends, Risks & Who Should Buy Apps From Developers in 2026

Buying apps from developers is not a short-term trend. As per my experience and current market signals, it is becoming a default strategy for many digital-first businesses.

Let’s look at where this is heading and who should seriously care.

Where the Market Is Going

As per data available from Statista, the mobile app economy is expected to cross USD 750 billion by 2028. At the same time, competition is increasing, and user attention is shrinking.

This creates three clear trends:

1. Build vs Buy decisions are shifting
   More founders prefer to buy working apps instead of building from zero.
2. AI and automation apps are in high demand
   Apps with AI features, automation, or niche workflows are being acquired faster.
3. iOS-first apps are gaining premium value
   Due to Apple’s controlled ecosystem, clean iOS apps with transfer-ready accounts command better prices.

As per my experience, apps with clean code and simple monetization models sell faster than feature-heavy but unstable products.

Key Risks to Watch in 2026

Even though buying apps from developers is smart, risks still exist.

You should be careful about:

• Overpaying for unused features
• Buying apps without marketing fit
• Ignoring App Store policy changes
• Underestimating post-purchase costs
• Relying on unverified revenue claims

According to McKinsey, nearly 30% of digital acquisitions underperform due to poor post-acquisition execution, not because of the asset itself.

That means buying the app is only step one. Scaling it is where the real work starts.

Who Should Buy Apps From Developers?

Based on real-world outcomes, buying apps from developers works best for:

• Startup founders who want fast market entry
• Agencies looking to resell or rebrand apps
• Investors targeting micro-acquisitions
• Businesses expanding into new verticals
• Technical founders who can optimize quickly

If you want originality at any cost, build from scratch.
If you want speed, validation, and leverage, buying is often the better move.

Final Takeaway

As per my experience, buying apps from developers is not about shortcuts. It is about smart allocation of time and capital.

When done right:

• You save months of development
• You reduce technical risk
• You enter the market faster
• You focus on growth, not rebuilding basics

In 2026, founders who understand this shift will move faster than those still debating build-only strategies.

One Last Thought From Make An App Like

At Make An App Like, we see app acquisition as a business decision, not a technical gamble. Whether you buy an app for Android, iOS, or both, success depends on clarity, audits, and execution.

Buying apps from developers is not for everyone.
But for the right founder, it can be the smartest decision they make.