Felgo

Overview

Felgo is a Qt-based SDK for creating native cross-platform apps, games and embedded software. It suits developers who want one QML and JavaScript-oriented toolkit spanning mobile, desktop, web and hardware projects. Its broad scope is useful, but licensing costs and turnover limits matter for commercial teams.

The toolkit combines a visual UI designer, emulator or simulator support and app packaging with browser-based cloud builds. Felgo is made by FELGO GmbH, which lists offices in Vienna and Linz, Austria. The company says information-storing servers are in the European Economic Area and that it acts as a GDPR data processor for EEA clients.

Key features

• Qt cross-platform development: QML and JavaScript are the main languages, with C++ supported as well. This gives teams a shared code approach across Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, web and embedded targets, while still requiring Qt familiarity.
• Live reload: Felgo Live sends saved QML and JavaScript changes to connected devices without a separate build and deployment cycle. It is particularly valuable during interface iteration and shortens feedback loops.
• 2D game engine: The engine targets casual 2D games and includes Box2D physics, particles, multi-touch and animations. It is a focused option for this style of game rather than a general statement of 3D capability.
• Services and integrations: Plugins cover AdMob, Chartboost, in-app purchases, Facebook, Flurry analytics and Google Firebase. Felgo Game Network adds achievements, leaderboards, challenges, cloud storage and offline support for cross-platform game services.
• Device and network access: Apps can use cameras, sensors and the file system, with networking features including WebSockets, Bluetooth LE and NFC. That makes the SDK relevant to connected-device and embedded work as well as conventional apps.
• Cloud workflow: Projects in Felgo Cloud IDE can be built and deployed through Felgo Cloud Builds from a browser. This helps teams that want a hosted build path, although the value depends on the selected license and support terms.

Pricing

Felgo uses a freemium model with a free plan and a free trial. Paid access starts at €79/mo (annual), but the Personal plan has no published price.

Personal

Personal is intended for projects with annual turnover under €50k. The turnover ceiling makes it suitable for hobbyists and very small commercial efforts, but businesses approaching that threshold need a higher tier.

Startup

Startup costs €79 a month, billed annually per developer. It allows annual turnover under €100k and includes one hour of premium support per year, source code access, and mobile, desktop, web, Raspberry and Arduino platforms. It is the practical paid entry point for small teams, though its support allowance is limited.

Business

Business costs €245 a month, billed annually; the listing also shows 350 EUR per developer/month. It removes the turnover ceiling, adds one hour of premium support and services each month, covers mobile, desktop, web and embedded platforms, and includes all engine features. Companies can evaluate Business features free with up to five hours of professional services and priority support.

Personal and Startup licenses impose annual-turnover limits, while Business does not. Choose by expected revenue, target platforms and the amount of premium assistance required, not just the monthly figure.

Platforms

Felgo targets Android and iOS on mobile; Windows, macOS and Linux on desktop; web; and embedded hardware. Startup specifically includes Raspberry and Arduino platforms, while Business lists embedded support. QML, JavaScript and C++ are supported, with emulator or simulator tools and app packaging included.

Who it's for

Felgo is a strong fit for developers building several platform versions from a Qt foundation, especially when QML/JavaScript live reload, device APIs or browser-based cloud builds are important. Casual 2D game teams also gain ready-made physics and game-service components. It is less suitable for organizations that need unrestricted turnover under a lower-cost license, or for teams seeking a purely free engine without commercial-plan decisions.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Wide target coverage: One SDK spans mobile, desktop, web and embedded projects.
• Fast iteration: Live reload avoids repeated build and deployment steps for QML and JavaScript edits.
• Useful device access: Camera, sensors, file system, WebSockets, Bluetooth LE and NFC support broaden project types.
• Game-oriented services: Physics, particles and Felgo Game Network reduce the need to assemble common casual-game features separately.
• EEA data location: Felgo states that service servers storing information are located in the European Economic Area.

Cons

• Revenue restrictions: Personal and Startup are capped at under €50k and under €100k annual turnover.
• Support is tiered: Startup includes only one premium-support hour per year, while more substantial assistance requires Business.
• Commercial pricing: Business at €245 a month billed annually is a significant commitment for small teams.

Alternatives

Godot Engine is the better choice when a free, open-source game engine with no contracts or hidden fees is the priority.

B4X suits developers who want free Android, iOS, desktop or Linux-oriented tools, including a commercially free B4A plan.

Codename One is worth considering for a free tier with 100 cloud-build credits per month and JavaScript-oriented cross-platform output.

Defold is preferable when permanently free game development with no licensing, royalty or runtime fees is the deciding factor.

Solar2D offers a free route for developers specifically seeking an engine without engine fees or royalties.

Monaca is an alternative for a cloud IDE workflow with a free plan including three projects and three remote builds per 24 hours.

Qt Creator is the natural alternative when you want Qt development directly, with an open-source version subject to LGPL/GPL obligations.

C++Builder is another option for teams targeting Android, iOS, macOS and Windows with a paid commercial toolset.

For broader discovery, browse the Mobile Development IDEs and Game Engine Software lists.

Verdict

Choose Felgo if you need Qt-based development across apps, casual 2D games and embedded targets, and value live reload, device integrations and cloud builds in one product. Look elsewhere if your revenue is likely to exceed the lower license caps or if a permanently free engine is more important than Felgo’s integrated platform and support options.