Creating an app without testing how it works first is like building a house without blueprints. You might end up with something that looks nice but doesn’t function well.
That’s where app prototyping tools come in – they let you build a working model of your app before spending time and money on development.
Good news: you don’t need to break the bank to create great prototypes. Many excellent free prototyping apps are available that give you professional-level features without the cost. I’ve researched and compiled the top 10 options available right now.
What Makes a Good App Prototyping Tool?
Before jumping into specific tools, let’s understand what to look for in an app prototype software:
- Ease of use: Can you learn it quickly without design experience?
- Features: Does it have what you need for your specific project?
- Compatibility: Does it work with both mobile and web apps?
- Collaboration: Can your team work together easily?
- Export options: How will you share your prototype with others?
The right tool depends on your specific needs.
A startup founder might need something different than a professional UX designer or product manager.
Top 10 Free App Prototyping Tools for 2025
Visily stands out as the premier AI-powered prototyping platform specifically designed for non-designers. With its intuitive interface and powerful features, Visily transforms even the simplest ideas into polished, interactive prototypes in minutes.
Key Features:
- Revolutionary AI-powered Auto-Prototype feature that instantly generates interactive flows, eliminating tedious manual linking of screens
- Converts screenshots or sketches into fully editable wireframes with accuracy
- Text-to-design functionality that transforms written descriptions into complete designs in seconds
- Over 100+ interactive Smart Components (sliders, buttons, tags) that work instantly without setup
- Dynamic elements including pop-up modals, parallax scrolling, and typing animations
- Unlimited team collaboration with real-time commenting from any device
- Multiple sharing formats: slide presentations or fully clickable simulations
- Seamless PDF export functionality for offline review
Best For: Product managers, business analysts, and teams who need to visualize ideas quickly without design expertise.
- Figma
Figma offers a widely-used prototyping platform with a free tier that includes basic features.
Key Features:
- Cloud-based collaboration limited to 2 editors in the free plan
- Unlimited files in drafts but only 3 Figma files and 3 FigJam files
- Basic no-code prototyping capabilities
- Simple animations and transitions
- Mobile app for viewing designs only (no editing)
Best For: Small teams with design experience looking for basic prototyping tools.
Limitations: Restricted collaboration, limited file storage, and fewer AI-powered features compared to alternatives.
- InVision
InVision provides a straightforward prototyping experience with limited free features.
Key Features:
- Single active prototype in the free plan
- Basic viewer sharing capabilities
- Essential prototyping features
- Integration options with Sketch and Photoshop
- Simple click-based interactions
Best For: Designers testing basic user interactions.
Limitations: Limited to only one prototype in the free version, lacking advanced AI capabilities.
- Marvel
Marvel offers simplified mobile app prototyping for individual creators.
Key Features:
- Single-user access only
- Maximum of two active projects
- Basic prototyping functionality
- Simple user testing tools
- Standard transition effects
Best For: Solo creators building simple mobile apps.
Limitations: Severely limited project capacity and collaboration features.
- Uizard
Uizard utilizes AI to convert sketches into digital wireframes.
Key Features:
- AI sketch conversion technology
- Template library for common app types
- Basic real-time collaboration
- Standard user journey testing tools
- Autodesigner feature for rapid prototyping
Best For: Teams seeking to quickly convert concept sketches to basic prototypes.
Limitations: Many advanced features require paid subscription, less intuitive than alternatives.
- Justinmind
Justinmind provides standard prototyping capabilities in its free version.
Key Features:
- Unlimited project creation
- Basic interaction widgets
- Standard export options
- Web and mobile prototyping support
- Manual screen linking
Best For: Users needing detailed control over basic interactions.
Limitations: Steeper learning curve and less intuitive interface than AI-powered alternatives.
- Proto.io
Proto.io offers a limited free trial with standard prototyping functionality.
Key Features:
- Basic drag-and-drop interface
- Standard interactive components
- Simple responsive design tools
- Basic user testing capabilities
- 15-day trial period only
Best For: Designers creating temporary prototypes during the trial period.
Limitations: Free version strictly time-limited to 15 days.
- Axure RP
Axure RP provides a 30-day trial of its complex prototyping platform.
Key Features:
- Advanced interaction capabilities
- Conditional logic options
- Adaptive views for different screens
- Documentation generation
- Limited 30-day access
Best For: Experienced designers creating complex prototypes during the trial period.
Limitations: Steep learning curve and strictly time-limited free version.
- Origami Studio
Origami Studio is a free tool from Meta focused on mobile prototyping.
Key Features:
- Mobile-specific gesture support
- Device preview functionality
- Sketch integration
- Animation capabilities
- Mac-only availability
Best For: Mac users creating mobile app experiences.
Limitations: Platform restricted to Mac only, significant learning curve.
- Pidoco
Pidoco offers a time-limited trial emphasizing team collaboration.
Key Features:
- Basic team collaboration tools
- Template customization options
- Standard interactive prototyping
- Simple user testing capabilities
- Limited trial period
Best For: Teams needing basic collaboration during the prototyping process.
Limitations: Free version strictly time-limited with fewer features than alternatives.
How AI is Changing App Prototyping
AI app prototype tools have revolutionized the prototyping process. Here’s how AI is making app design more accessible:
- Text-to-Design Generation: Simply describe what you want, and AI creates a design.
- Screenshot Conversion: Upload screenshots of existing apps, and AI turns them into editable wireframes.
- Sketch Recognition: Draw rough ideas on paper, and AI converts them to clean digital designs.
- Smart Components: AI can suggest appropriate UI elements based on your design.
- Automated Data: AI can generate realistic placeholder content for your prototype.
Tools like Visily are leading this AI revolution, making app design accessible to everyone – not just professional designers.
How to Choose the Right Free Prototyping Tool
With so many free mobile app prototyping tools available, how do you pick the right one? Ask yourself:
- What’s your skill level?
- Beginner: Look for intuitive tools like Visily or Marvel
- Intermediate: Figma or InVision might be perfect
- Advanced: Consider Axure RP or Proto.io
- What type of app are you building?
- Mobile app: Marvel, Origami Studio
- Web app: Figma, Justinmind
- Both: Figma, Visily
- How much interactivity do you need?
- Basic clicks: Marvel, Figma, Visily
- Complex interactions: Axure RP, Proto.io
- Will you work alone or with a team?
- Solo: Marvel, Justinmind
- Team: Figma, Visily, InVision
- Do you need AI assistance?
- Yes: Visily, Uizard
- No: Figma, Marvel, Proto.io
Creating Your First App Prototype
Once you’ve chosen your app prototype website or tool, follow these steps:
- Start with a clear goal – what problem does your app solve?
- Sketch your main screens on paper first – don’t worry about making them perfect
- Build a simple version in your chosen tool – focus on core screens and functionality
- Add interactions between screens – create the basic user flow
- Test with real users – get feedback early
- Refine based on feedback – iterate and improve
Remember that prototypes don’t need to be perfect. The goal is to test ideas quickly before investing in full development.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Prototyping
Even experienced creators make mistakes when creating an app prototype:
- Adding too many features – Start with core functionality only
- Making it too polished – Rough prototypes encourage honest feedback
- Not testing with real users – Internal opinions aren’t enough
- Ignoring feedback – Be open to changing your design
- Spending too much time on details – Focus on the big picture first
Conclusion
Creating an app prototype doesn’t require expensive software or design skills anymore. The free prototyping apps we’ve covered give you everything needed to test your ideas before committing to development.
For non-designers, AI-powered tools like Visily make the process incredibly simple. For those with more experience, traditional tools like Figma offer depth and flexibility.
The most important thing is to start prototyping early. Testing your ideas with real users will save time and money down the road – and might just be the difference between an app that succeeds and one that fails.
Frequently Asked Questions About App Prototyping
What’s the difference between wireframing and prototyping?
Wireframes show basic layout and structure without interaction. Prototypes add interactive elements so users can test the experience.
Can I create professional-looking prototypes without design skills?
Yes! AI-powered tools like Visily and Uizard make it possible to create great prototypes without design experience.
How long does it take to create an app prototype?
A basic prototype can be created in a few hours. More complex ones might take a few days.
Should I prototype my entire app or just key features?
Start with key features and user flows. You can add more details later as needed.
Can I convert my prototype directly to code?
Some tools offer code export, but usually, prototypes serve as a guide for developers rather than becoming the actual code.
