Thinking of Building a Manga App Like MangaBAT? Here’s What You Need to Know About the Cost

If you're a fan of manga and you've ever used apps like MangaBAT or Manga Rock Pro, you've probably noticed how smooth and addictive the reading experience is. With personalised libraries, offline reading, and a never-ending stream of stories, these apps have nailed what manga fans truly want. And if you're an entrepreneur or startup founder, you might be wondering how much it would take to build something similar. The good news? It’s entirely possible. The not-so-good news? It’s not cheap. But let’s walk through what you’re really looking at when it comes to building a manga reading app from scratch.

First off, you need to understand what makes apps like MangaBAT successful. It’s not just about uploading a bunch of manga and calling it a day. These apps are designed for ease and immersion. From clean user interfaces to offline reading, bookmarking, recommendations, and even dark mode options – they’re built with the reader in mind. If you’re going to compete in this space, your app needs to feel just as seamless, or better.

Now, let’s talk about where the money goes. One of the biggest factors in your budget will be content. If you're planning to offer licensed manga, the cost of acquiring and integrating those titles can vary wildly, from a few thousand pounds to tens of thousands, depending on your agreements. On top of that, there's the tech side. You’ll need to build an intuitive user interface that works across devices, as well as a backend that can manage user data, reading progress, content updates, and push notifications. Features like search filters, favourites, user history, offline access, and in-app purchases all add layers of complexity.

To give you a rough estimate, a basic manga app with essential features could cost you around £40,000 to £60,000. If you're aiming for a more advanced product with custom designs, multiple user profiles, AI-based recommendations, and a large manga library, the cost could climb to £100,000 or more. And that’s just for the initial build. Don’t forget the ongoing costs of maintaining servers, pushing out updates, fixing bugs, and possibly adding new content over time. Many app owners set aside an additional £1,000 to £3,000 per month post-launch just for maintenance.

If this sounds like a lot, don’t worry – there are ways to manage your spend. Many startups choose to launch with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP), which focuses on the most important features first. You can test your idea, gather feedback from early users, and gradually improve the app based on what people actually want. It’s a smart, lean way to build something sustainable without blowing your budget.

At the end of the day, building a manga reading app is a serious investment—but it’s also an exciting opportunity. With digital manga readership on the rise, there’s space for new apps that cater to specific audiences or offer something different. If you have a clear vision, a realistic budget, and the right development team, there’s no reason your app couldn’t be the next big thing on a manga lover’s phone.