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Kivy

Free#16 of 62 in Cross-Platform App Development Frameworks

Kivy: A free Python framework for touch-oriented interfaces across desktop and mobile. Ranked #16 of 62 in Cross-Platform App Development Frameworks by our editors (7.9/10); pricing: Free plan; best for python teams building touch-oriented GUI apps.

7.9/10Editor score
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Kivy7.9 Visit Kivy

At a glance

  • Editor score
    7.9 / 10
  • Pricing
    Free plan
  • Best for
    Python teams building touch-oriented GUI apps
  • Free plan
    Yes
  • Paid from
    None
  • Native API access
    Yes
  • Facts checked
    28 Sep 2026

  • Where it wins

    • Build interfaces with Python widgets and multi-touch input.
    • Hardware-accelerated OpenGL drawing supports interactive graphics.
    • Run on desktop and package for Android and iOS with companion tools.

  • Where it doesn't

    • Android and iOS packaging depends on companion tools.
    • Android API access uses integrations such as Pyjnius and Plyer.
    • Support channels are centered on documentation.

Our verdict on Kivy

Kivy is an open-source Python library for building interactive GUI applications, including multi-touch apps. It suits Python teams that want to share application code across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, particularly when touch input is central to the interface. Its widget library, graphics, input, windowing, and media components provide building blocks for applications rather than a hosted development service. Kivy is distributed under the MIT license and can be used in commercial or noncommercial projects.

Platform reach depends on how an application is packaged. Kivy applications can run on Windows, macOS, and Linux, while Android and iOS delivery uses companion tools: python-for-android and kivy-ios are among the associated options. PyInstaller is also listed for packaging applications for Windows. Android API access is available through Pyjnius and Plyer. These routes give Python developers a path to desktop and mobile deployment, but mobile packaging is not simply a built-in one-step export. Teams should account for the companion tooling when planning their release workflow.

The framework’s strongest fit is a team that values Python, shared code, touch input, and control over its own application deployment. Hardware-accelerated OpenGL drawing and multi-touch support are relevant for interactive interfaces; the available description does not position Kivy as a general-purpose hosted service or a broad suite of integrated development tools. Support is through documentation, so teams that need dedicated support channels should weigh that fit. Kivy is free and open source, with no paid tiers described here. Choose it for Python-centered GUI work across desktop and mobile; consider alternatives if your project depends on a different language, a built-in mobile packaging flow, or more extensive support options.

Kivy pricing

Plans Free planFree Free to use — no paid tier required for the core job.
See plans on kivy.org

Kivy fact sheet

Free planYes
Paid fromNone
Target platformsWindows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
App typesGUI applications; multi-touch applications
LanguagesPython
Native API accessYes
Shared code modelHigh
IDE supportNot verified
DeploymentSelf-hosted, Desktop, Mobile
PlatformsWindows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
SupportDocs
Built forSolo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate)
Integrations5 integrations: Pyjnius, Plyer, python-for-android, kivy-ios, PyInstaller
PricingFree plan
Websitekivy.org
Facts checked28 Sep 2026

Kivy integrations

Kivy lists 5 integrations on its own site.

  • Pyjnius
  • Plyer
  • python-for-android
  • kivy-ios
  • PyInstaller

Alternatives to Kivy

See all Kivy alternatives →

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Featured on iTechGuides

Featured on iTechGuides — Kivy 7.9/10

Kivy is listed in our Cross-Platform App Development Frameworks directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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