B4X review
A broad B4X suite for native Android and iOS work with reusable code and visual designers.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
B4X is a suite from Anywhere Software for building native Android and iOS applications, along with desktop, server and IoT software. B4A targets Android, B4i targets iOS, B4J supports desktop and server development, and B4R supports Arduino and compatible boards. The suite uses the B4X programming language, a Visual Basic-inspired language, and supports native application compilation. It is aimed at developers who want mobile projects with shared code and layouts, while also covering additional software targets from Windows, macOS and Linux.
Cross-platform reuse is the central strength. B4X supports code and layout reuse across B4A, B4i and B4J, with visual UI designers for those products. Android development includes emulator support plus wireless or USB device debugging. iOS simulator support is available when using a local Mac builder. This combination gives teams a path to share application logic and interface work while still compiling native mobile applications. Developers focused only on one platform may find the broader suite less relevant than the mobile-specific tools within it.
Pricing combines free products with paid developer licenses. B4A Standard and B4i Standard cost $59 per developer and include two months of free upgrades; their Enterprise editions cost $119 per developer and include two years of free upgrades. B4A Site costs $599 per site, includes two years of free upgrades, and supports up to 30 developers on one site. B4i Standard + Hosted Mac Builder costs $85 per developer, while the Enterprise version costs $145 per developer; both include a Hosted Mac Builder for one year. B4A, B4J and B4R are free, while B4i uses paid perpetual licenses. B4X suits developers who value native mobile output and reuse across related targets; teams needing a single, narrowly focused mobile IDE may prefer a more specialized alternative.
B4X pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Native Android and iOS application development
- Code and layout reuse across B4A, B4i and B4J
- Visual designers, emulators and device debugging
- Where it doesn't
- B4i requires a paid perpetual developer license
- Local Mac builder is needed for iOS simulator support
- The suite spans several products rather than one focused IDE
B4X fact sheet, pricing and score →
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