Felgo

Overview

Felgo is a Qt-based SDK for teams building apps, games or embedded software with QML and JavaScript. It is most compelling when one project needs to span mobile, desktop, web or embedded targets, but its paid licenses bring turnover ceilings and annual billing that smaller teams should weigh before committing.

The breadth is useful: Felgo pairs app-development tools with a 2D game engine, device APIs and browser-based cloud builds. That range also makes it less focused than a tool chosen solely for mobile apps or game production. C++ is supported alongside its primary languages, giving Qt-oriented teams another option without changing the SDK’s center of gravity.

Felgo is made by FELGO GmbH, which lists offices in Vienna and Linz, Austria. It says its information-storing servers are in the European Economic Area and that it acts as a GDPR data processor for EEA clients, a relevant consideration for organizations with regional data requirements.

Key features

Live reload: Felgo Live sends saved QML and JavaScript changes to connected devices without waiting for build and deployment steps. That shortens the feedback loop for interface and code changes, though the stated live-reload support is specific to those languages.

App and device support: The SDK includes a visual UI designer, emulator or simulator support and app packaging. Felgo Apps can access cameras, sensors and the file system, and support networking features including WebSockets, Bluetooth LE and NFC. This makes the SDK relevant to apps that need more than a shared interface.

2D game tools: The Felgo Game Engine targets casual 2D games, with Box2D physics, particles, multi-touch and animations. Its scope is a better fit for this style of game than for a team seeking a general-purpose 3D engine.

Game services and integrations: Felgo Game Network provides achievements, leaderboards, challenges, cloud storage and offline support across platforms. Plugins and integrations include AdMob, Chartboost, in-app purchases, Facebook, Flurry analytics and Google Firebase, covering common mobile-game and app needs.

Cloud builds: Projects in Felgo Cloud IDE can be built and deployed through Felgo Cloud Builds from a browser. That offers a browser-based build path; teams wanting it should compare the plan terms against their expected development scale.

Pricing

Felgo is freemium, with a free plan and paid plans billed annually. The key distinction is not just price: Personal and Startup cap annual turnover, while Business removes that ceiling and adds more support and platform coverage.

Personal: Custom pricing; annual turnover must be under €50k.

Startup: €79 a month, billed annually per developer. It allows annual turnover under €100k and includes one hour per year of premium support, mobile, desktop, web, Raspberry and Arduino platforms, and source code access. This is the clearer paid fit for a growing developer or team below the revenue cap; the per-developer annual term matters when budgeting multiple seats.

Business: €245 a month, billed annually; €245 is shown alongside €350 per developer/month. It includes unlimited annual turnover, one hour per month of premium support and services, mobile, desktop, web and embedded platforms, and all engine features. This is the appropriate tier for organizations beyond Startup’s turnover limit or needing the broader platform and support package, though its annual commitment is a material step up.

Felgo also offers companies a free Business evaluation with Business features, up to five hours of professional services and priority support. The free plan is a useful entry point, while the paid choice depends chiefly on turnover, platform needs and the value of recurring support.

Platforms

Felgo targets Android and iOS, as well as Windows, macOS and Linux desktops; its platform coverage also includes web and extensions. The plan details distinguish embedded work and Raspberry and Arduino support, so buyers should match the target hardware to the tier rather than assume every platform is included in every license.

Who it's for

Felgo suits Qt-oriented developers and teams that want app, game and embedded work in one SDK, particularly when QML and JavaScript are acceptable primary languages. Its device access, game services and 2D tools make it more versatile than a mobile-only workflow. It is less suited to developers who need a 3D-focused engine, a paid license without annual turnover restrictions at a lower tier, or a clear per-seat price before selecting a plan.

Pros and cons

Pro: Broad project range. One Qt-based SDK covers apps, casual 2D games and embedded applications across mobile, desktop and web.

Pro: Practical iteration and device access. Live reload, UI design and simulation tools are paired with camera, sensor, file-system and connectivity features.

Pro: Business evaluation lowers adoption risk. Companies can evaluate Business features with up to five hours of professional services and priority support at no charge.

Con: Turnover limits shape the paid tiers. Personal is limited to under €50k annual turnover and Startup to under €100k, making Business the stated option for higher-turnover users.

Con: Annual billing complicates seat budgeting. Startup is billed annually per developer, and Business is also billed annually, so the monthly figures do not represent a month-to-month commitment.

Con: The game engine has a defined niche. Its stated focus is casual 2D games, not a broad game-development remit.

Alternatives

Choose Codename One if a JavaScript-oriented cross-platform mobile workflow is preferable; its free tier has 100 cloud-build credits per month, with iOS builds costing eight credits each. Choose Monaca for a browser-based mobile workflow with a free Cloud IDE, debugging tool, three projects and three remote builds per 24 hours.

Qt Creator is the alternative to consider when an open-source Qt development environment is the priority; its open-source version is free, with LGPL/GPL obligations for Qt use. C++Builder is another option for cross-platform development, with a free Community Edition among its plans.

For a free and open-source game engine with no contracts or hidden fees, consider Godot Engine. B4X is a free alternative for Android development through B4A, with other free tools in its suite. MobileTogether Designer is another freemium option for Android, iOS, web and Windows. Defold is worth considering when a free engine with no licensing, royalty or runtime fees is the priority.

Browse Mobile Development IDEs for more app-development options or Game Engine Software for more game-focused choices.

Verdict

Felgo is a strong choice for Qt teams that need to develop across apps, casual 2D games and embedded targets, with live reload and useful device capabilities in the same toolkit. The Business evaluation is a practical way for companies to assess the fuller offering. Look elsewhere if the annual turnover caps or billing commitment do not fit, or if your game work calls for a broader engine focus than casual 2D.