Does your app look a bit tired? Are there fewer and fewer users? You may have had a polished application just a few years ago. But technology moves fast, and users have more expectations than when you just launched it. The solution is clear – your app needs a makeover. But here’s a question - how much does it cost to redesign an app? The answer isn’t straightforward. The redesign is not a simple change of colors and buttons. It’s a deep optimization of user experience and functionality. So, what makes up app design overhaul pricing? Read on to learn the tips on effective app redesign budget planning.
There is no fixed price for app or website redesign services. It depends on what exactly you need. Here are some factors that influence your budget:
App redesign project scope. Are you planning minor visual changes, improving user experience, or fully rebuilding the app? A simple UI refresh is more or less affordable, but a complete overhaul involves backend changes and may cost a fortune.
User research. The redesign outcome depends on research. You must know what users want. Surveys, usability tests, and feedback analysis boost user experience but increase the costs of a redesign project.
New features and functionality. AI elements, animations, or third-party integrations need more development time and expenses. The cost of adding new app functionalities can be high if you need complex features.
iOS and Android app redesign. Is your app working on iOS or Android? The price will depend on how many platforms your app supports. Cross-platform redesign cost may be higher.
Tech stack and legacy code. If your app runs on old technology, you will have to upgrade it before redesign. Fixing or replacing legacy code adds another layer of work and cost.
Design complexity. A simple, clean interface is more budget-friendly, but highly interactive, custom-designed UI elements can skyrocket costs. The more intricate the design, the higher the price tag.
Team expertise. Freelancers, agencies, and in-house teams all come with different price points. Hiring an offshore team can cut costs, if you can manage communication and handle quality issues.
The process has several distinct app redesign phases.
1. Discovery and research
This phase shows what’s working and what’s not. It allows designers to understand what should be changed. You may skip this step, but in this case, you may face costly repairs later. Research reveals previous design bottlenecks and hints on crucial improvements.
Design research and market analysis cost make up 8-15% of the budget.
2. UX/UI design
Next, designers pass on to usability. It may sound weird, but often they have to simplify interfaces rather than complicate them. One reworked screen has a price. However, not all screens are equal - complex, interactive elements can drive costs up to five times higher than static ones.
UI/UX design cost estimation equals 15-25% of the budget.
3. Development and engineering
It’s one of the key phases of the redesign process. Here, the cost depends on the complexity of features. Every new function increases costs by 3-7%. It also matters whether you improve the existing code or start from scratch.
Development cost for app redesign makes up 40-60% of the budget.
4. Testing and quality assurance
It’s tempting to skip this phase as it may seem to be an extra expense. However, whenever something goes wrong, fixes can cost three to eight times more than you spend on testing. This step can pay off later and cut maintenance costs by 40%.
Quality assurance in app redesign makes up 10-20% of the budget.
Testing is often seen as an extra expense—until something breaks. Skipping proper QA can lead to emergency fixes that are very expensive. Investing in automated testing is about 15% of the budget, but it cuts maintenance costs by 40% over time.
5. Project management
Sometimes, teams believe they can cope with redesign without a project manager until they realize their budget spirals out of control. A strong PM keeps the redesign on schedule, and controls every stage.
App redesign project management is 7-15% of the budget.
6. Deployment and infrastructure
Launching your updated app and later maintenance are not free either. For example, if you are switching to a new cloud service, be prepared for application platform migration costs. However, these upgrades usually save money in the long run.
Post-launch app maintenance cost makes up 7-15% of the budget.
Each app is different, and so is its redesign. The cost to redesign an app depends on how much it needs to be changed.
UI refresh or cosmetic redesign - $5K-$15K
This is a surface-level makeover. You get updated colors, fresh icons, and small UI tweaks. It’s the right choice if your app still works well but looks outdated.
Feature upgrade or strategic redesign - $15K-$75K
Here, the focus is on design and functions. It’s like remodeling - you add some new elements, but the core structure stays the same.
Full rehaul or complete redesign - $75K-$250K+
Such a transformation rethinks both the design and the underlying tech. If your app is slow and clunky, this is the solution. It’s a serious investment, but one that can future-proof your product.
Let’s compare two most popular options – freelance app designers vs agencies.
Freelancers are a budget-friendly option, great for smaller, focused tasks. They’re especially affordable in regions like Asia and Eastern Europe.
Design agencies work best for bigger, more complex projects. They provide a full team with diverse skills, but their services come at a higher price.
Eastern Europe offers a great balance between cost and quality. Hiring a design agency for app redesign from this location is a popular choice for businesses with mid-range budgets.
The above estimates can scare you off but think about streamlining app redesign costs. You can use smart app design and development pricing strategies to keep expenses under control. First, group the features into must-haves and nice-to-haves. You can put off the latter for later. Existing timeframes - Flutter or React Native – can save time and money. If your current app has solid code, reuse and launch a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). Additionally, use open-source tools for design and development to avoid licensing fees. This approach will enable you to reduce upfront costs and build what users actually want. Also, don’t hesitate to negotiate the costs with developers - many agencies offer flexible pricing for long-term projects.
App redesign cost breakdown is always challenging. Yet, you still can get a highly accurate estimate. Create a detailed project draft that outlines every feature and functionality you want. Once you have a solid plan, send it out to multiple developers or agencies and ask them to provide their cost for the redesign you plan. Then, compare the quotes received and don’t forget to evaluate communication, expertise and estimated deadlines. Additionally, don’t forget about potential risks - unforeseen challenges can drive up costs. You must have a contingency fund for unexpected expenses. It’s almost impossible to get an accurate figure of app or website redesign cost, but this structured preparation will give an idea of what to expect.
A tip. Use the “40-40-20 rule” to plan your redesign budget. Spend 40% on research, UI/UX design and testing, 40% on development, and keep 20% as a backup for unexpected costs. For a quick estimate, multiply the number of screens by $1,000–$3,000, depending on how complex they are.
Not all redesigns are successful. Quite often, you only lose time and money. The first mistake is the absence of a clear plan. Rush can lead to costly mistakes. Another misstep is no user research. If you don’t understand what users actually need, the redesign may do more harm than good. Don’t focus only on nice looking screens, performance and scalability are more critical as your app grows. Poor communication between teams also leads to misunderstandings and missed goals. And remember about testing if you don’t want to deal with frustrating bugs. Take the time to plan, test, and collaborate to get the app that works.
Summing up the above, the success of your app redesign does not depend on the sum you spend on it. The key point is to have a strong app or website redesign strategy. Sometimes, it’s wise to conduct a professional audit of your existing app and avoid changes that you actually don’t need. Reach out to experts for professional advice. At DreamX, we live and breath design and will gladly help you with any app challenge!
Cost to redesign an app - factors, estimates, and savings
Max is the head of partnerships at DreamX. With a focus on business growth, he works to develop strategic initiatives that foster meaningful collaborations and long-term partnerships.
Table of contents
Factors that influence app redesign cost Breaking down the cost components Price comparison for app redesign services Cost estimation based on development team How to minimize costs when you redesign an app How to get accurate cost estimatesCommon pitfalls in app redesign projectsConclusionGet weekly updates on the newest design stories, case studies and tips right in your mailbox.
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