B4X vs Sketchware Pro
B4X
b4x.comSketchware Pro
sketchware.proSide by side
| Figure | B4X | Sketchware Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 10 | 1 |
| Spec score · Mobile Development IDEs | 8.7 (#4) | 7.2 (#35) |
| Libraries | B4R libraries are stated to be open source under the MIT license, with code available on GitHub. | The download page says built-in libraries were updated and lists OneSignal, DynamicLinks, and Facebook ads among deprecated libraries removed. |
Plans
B4X
- B4AFree
- B4JFree
- B4RFree
- B4A Standard$59, paid once
- B4i Standard$59, paid once
- B4i Standard + Hosted Mac Builder$85, paid once
- B4A Enterprise$119, paid once
- B4i Enterprise$119, paid once
- B4i Enterprise + Hosted Mac Builder$145, paid once
- B4A Site$599, paid once
In their own words
B4X
B4X is a suite of rapid application development tools for Android, iOS, desktop, server, and IoT projects. Its B4X language is described as a modern version of Visual Basic, and B4A, B4J, and B4i projects can share 90%+ of their code through cross-platform libraries. B4A includes a GUI designer for multiple screens and orientations and supports device debugging over USB or a wireless bridge. B4J creates desktop interfaces, console programs, and server solutions that can run on Windows, Mac, Linux, and ARM boards such as Raspberry Pi. B4R targets Arduino, ESP8266, and ESP32. The maker says compiled iOS, Android, Arduino, and ESP8266 applications are native and have no dependencies. B4A, B4R, and B4J are free, including for commercial purposes. Standard B4A and B4i licenses cost 59.00 USD once per developer. B4i requires an Apple developer account costing $99 per year, an iOS 11+ device, and Windows 7 64-bit or a VM for its IDE.
Sketchware Pro
Sketchware Pro has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.