Freedom251 › Cross-Platform App Development Frameworks
Xojo
What Xojo is
Xojo is an integrated development environment and programming language for creating native apps for desktop, web, and mobile platforms. The same Xojo language can be used to develop for iOS and Android. Its mobile product includes more than 30 built-in interface controls and a drag-and-drop layout editor. Apps can access device features including the photo library, sharing panel, motion, location, and camera. Android apps can be built with macOS, Windows, or Linux, while building iOS apps requires a Mac. Listed licenses include access to MySQL, ODBC, PostgreSQL, and SQLite. Xojo says its web apps are compiled to binary code, so source code is not stored on the server. Development and learning are free. Desktop, Mobile, and Web licenses are each listed at $499, paid once, with 12 months of new-release access; users can continue building with releases distributed in that period after expiry. Xojo is available on macOS, Windows, and Linux.
Who it suits
Xojo suits developers who want one language for desktop, web, and mobile app projects. Its mobile tools may appeal to people building for Android or iOS, with a Mac required for iOS builds.
What it does well
- One language supports iOS and Android development.
- Mobile UI includes over 30 built-in controls.
- Android apps can be built on macOS, Windows, or Linux.
- All listed licenses include database access.
- Free for development and learning.
What to know first
- Building iOS apps requires a Mac.
- Paid Desktop, Mobile, and Web licenses cost $499, paid once.
- New-release access lasts 12 months per license.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Pro Plus | Desktop, Web & Mobile · top priority support · console apps · pre-release access · consulting leads · fast fixes · 6 activations | $1,999, paid once |
| Desktop | Mac, Windows & Linux · technical support · 2 simultaneous license activations · new releases for 12 months | $499, paid once |
| Mobile | Android & iOS · technical support · 2 simultaneous license activations · new releases for 12 months | $499, paid once |
| Web | Web platforms · technical support · 2 simultaneous license activations · new releases for 12 months | $499, paid once |
| Pro | Desktop, Web & Mobile · priority technical support · console apps · pre-release access · consulting leads · 3 activations | $999, paid once |
As xojo.com lists them, read 3 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
Xojo offers a shared development environment for desktop, web, and mobile targets, with a visual mobile layout editor and device access. Consider the platform-specific build requirements and license term before choosing a paid license.
Facts from Xojo's own pages
- Build requirements
- Android apps can be built with macOS, Windows, and Linux, while Apple requires a Mac to build iOS apps. · xojo.com, 3 Oct 2026
- Company
- Xojo, Inc. says it was founded in 1997 and is headquartered in Austin, Texas. · xojo.com, 3 Oct 2026
- Cross-platform
- The same Xojo programming language can be used to develop apps for iOS and Android. · xojo.com, 3 Oct 2026
- Database access
- The license comparison lists built-in access to MySQL, ODBC, PostgreSQL, and SQLite for all listed licenses. · store.xojo.com, 3 Oct 2026
- Device features
- Mobile apps can access the photo library, sharing panel, motion, location, and camera features. · xojo.com, 3 Oct 2026
- Download
- The download page lists Xojo 2026 Release 2.1, released August 12, 2026, and requires an account or sign-in to download. · xojo.com, 3 Oct 2026
- Founded
- 1997 · xojo.com, 28 Sept 2026
- Free development
- Xojo says it is free for development and learning, and the store page describes free Linux and Raspberry Pi development and free educational licenses for teachers and students. · store.xojo.com, 3 Oct 2026
- Headquarters
- Austin, Texas, United States · xojo.com, 28 Sept 2026
- License term
- Licenses include access to new releases for 12 months, and users can continue building with releases distributed during that period indefinitely after expiry. · xojo.com, 3 Oct 2026
- Mobile UI
- The mobile product includes more than 30 built-in user interface controls and a drag-and-drop layout editor. · xojo.com, 3 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- Xojo says it will not sell or rent personally identifiable information and describes circumstances in which it may share it. · xojo.com, 3 Oct 2026
- Product
- Xojo is an integrated development environment and programming language for creating native apps across desktop, web, and mobile platforms. · xojo.com, 3 Oct 2026
- Support
- The license comparison includes technical support, with priority support for Pro and top priority support for Pro Plus. · store.xojo.com, 3 Oct 2026
- Web app security
- Xojo says its web apps are compiled to binary code, so their source code is not stored on the server. · xojo.com, 3 Oct 2026
Where Xojo stands on Freedom251
- Cross-Platform App Development Frameworks#11 of 62
- Integrated Development Environments#38 of 65
- IDE Software#34 of 53
- Mobile Development IDEs#27 of 41