Voltbuilder is a cloud-based platform that allows developers to convert their web projects into native mobile apps for Android and iOS using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. It offers a range of features designed to simplify the app development process, including easy setup, automatic app building and uploading, and support for Apache Cordova plugins.
One of the standout features of Voltbuilder is its ability to generate store-ready apps for both Android and iOS platforms in a matter of minutes. This allows developers to quickly create and deploy their apps without the need for extensive knowledge of native app development or the complexities of app store submission processes.
While Voltbuilder offers a convenient solution for many developers, its pricing structure may not be suitable for all projects or budgets. If you’re looking for a more affordable option that still provides powerful features, particularly in terms of live updates, you might want to consider alternatives like Capgo.
Capgo, an open-source Capacitor plugin developed by Digital Shift OU, offers live update functionality similar to what you might find in more expensive platforms, but at a more accessible price point. This allows you to keep your app updated in real-time without requiring users to download new versions from app stores.
To help you make an informed decision, we’ve created a comparison table of features between Capgo and Voltbuilder.
Features comparisons
| Features | Capgo | Voltbuilder |
|---|---|---|
| Live updates | ✅ | ❌ |
| Native app conversion | ❌ | ✅ |
| Time to update | < 1min | N/A |
| Updates channel | ✅ | ❌ |
| Free trial | ✅ | ✅ (15 days) |
| Revert/change channel version | ✅ | ❌ |
| Install Stats | ✅ | ❌ |
| Sandbox app for test | ✅ | ❌ |
| Capacitor Plugin | ✅ | ❌ |
| Cordova plugin support | ❌ Could be back port | ✅ |
| Affordable pricing | ✅ Start at $14/mo | ✅ Start at $9.95/mo |
| Native build | ❌ | ✅ |
| End-to-End encryption | ✅ | ❌ |
| 100% Open source | ✅ | ❌ |
| Easy setup | ✅ | ✅ |
| Store-ready apps | ❌ | ✅ |
Continuous integration alternatives
While Voltbuilder offers a streamlined process for building and deploying apps, it doesn’t provide built-in continuous integration capabilities. If you’re looking to implement a CI/CD pipeline alongside live updates, you might consider combining Capgo with a service like GitHub Actions.
GitHub Actions is a free, built-in continuous integration and deployment service for GitHub repositories. By setting up a workflow with GitHub Actions and integrating Capgo for live updates, you can create a powerful, automated development pipeline.
To set this up, you would first create a GitHub repository for your app’s code. Then, you can create a workflow file that defines the steps to be run whenever code is pushed to the repository. These steps might include building and testing the app, and then using Capgo to create and deploy a live update.
This setup allows you to automatically build, test, and deploy your app with minimal effort, while still taking advantage of the live update capabilities offered by Capgo. For detailed instructions on setting up CI/CD with Capgo, you can refer to our tutorials for iOS and Android.
Let’s go further
While Voltbuilder offers a straightforward solution for converting web projects into native apps, it may not be the best fit for all developers, especially those who prioritize live update capabilities and open-source solutions.
Capgo has matured into a robust platform suitable for teams of all sizes, offering a more affordable solution with a focus on live updates. If you’re a larger team requiring dedicated support, don’t hesitate to reach out - we’re always ready to find tailored solutions.
Even though Capgo is designed to be self-service, we pride ourselves on being highly responsive to our users’ needs. We can assist you with configuring your build for native code, eliminating the need for more expensive solutions.
If you appreciate open-source, self-service, community-driven tools, Capgo might be the perfect fit for your project.
