How much does it cost to develop a mini program?
There are three main types of mini program development:
1. Source code-based builds:
In this model, a developer writes a set of source code and sells it repeatedly to multiple clients. Since the development cost is shared among buyers, the price is significantly lower. Depending on the type of mini program, prices generally range from a few hundred RMB to around 20,000 RMB. This usually includes a domain name, SSL certificate deployment, and server setup.
2. SaaS-based mini programs:
Developers create a system that can generate general-purpose or industry-specific mini programs. As with the source code model, the cost is shared among many users, keeping prices low. Typically, SaaS-based mini programs range from a few hundred to several thousand RMB. The broader the user base in a given industry, the lower the cost tends to be. For example, e-commerce mini programs are widely used by small and medium businesses, which makes them particularly affordable.
Compared to source code builds, SaaS mini programs offer several advantages:
- Security: The platform is maintained by the developer over the long term to ensure stability and server security.
- Updates: Developers regularly upgrade the system features based on market trends and user feedback.
- Convenience: Users don’t need to handle domain registration, server setup, or filing for ICP licenses — they can launch their mini program quickly and efficiently.
3. Custom development:
This is a fully tailored solution where the developer builds features one-on-one based on the client’s specific needs. These projects tend to be more expensive, starting from around 20,000 RMB and sometimes going up to several hundred thousand RMB.
If you’re a startup or testing a new business idea with a limited budget for mini program development, SaaS mini programs are the best choice.
They save time, effort, and money, making them ideal for trial runs and testing project feasibility.