Top 10 Mobile Apps That Make the Most Money

In 2023, mobile apps pulled in over $171 billion in annual revenue, according to Statista’s insights on mobile app monetization. China and the United States stood out as the biggest markets for consumer spending. While millions of apps are available across stores, only a handful manage to reach extraordinary revenue levels. With privacy concerns on the rise, in-app ads have started losing ground, while subscriptions and in-app purchases (IAP) have become the more reliable sources of income.

To design an attractive app, you must first study your target demographic, identify market gaps and create an attractive value proposition. Long-term success necessitates a sound monetization strategy, an appealing design, app store optimization, efficient marketing and user feedback analytics.

 In this blog, we reveal the best apps to make money and present the top 10 apps that make the most money worldwide.

Why It Matters to Know the Most Profitable Apps

If the developers understand which app makes the most money it will help them and businesses with a clear view of where opportunities lie in the digital market. This knowledge shapes the direction of mobile app development strategies, helps investors decide where to put resources and guides entrepreneurs who want to launch profitable digital products. Without such awareness, many businesses chase trends without the knowledge on what actually drives revenue.

The best apps to make money also highlight patterns in user preferences, monetization models and design approaches. Developers who study these apps gain insights not only for mobile app development but also for related fields such as game and NFT development, artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies. 

Most importantly, the basic knowledge on which app makes the most money helps avoid common mobile app development mistakes. It offers a road plan for app creation that meets user demand, employs effective monetization tactics and stands out in competitive marketplaces. In short, market information improves decisions, reduces risks and encourages future growth.

Top 10 Most Profitable Mobile Apps (2025)

The best apps to make money dominate the global digital market with billions in yearly revenue. Reaching this level of app development isn’t easy, which makes many people wonder: how hard is it to build an app that successful? Below, we explore the top 10 apps that make the most money.

Social Apps 

1. TikTok

TikTok is one of the best apps to make money due to its quick growth and unmatched worldwide reach. TikTok’s income from global users was around 1.123 billion US dollars in the fourth quarter of 2024. The app’s rise is impressive, with in-app revenue boosted from 274 million US dollars in the third quarter of 2020 to more than 800 million US dollars by the fourth quarter of 2023, according to Statista’s report on TikTok worldwide downloads. 

TikTok earns through a hybrid model that combines advertisement, live gifting and e-commerce features that grows. This mix allows the platform to maintain strong income streams while it keeps the users engaged. It has proven itself as a global leader in entertainment and user interaction, because of its short reels and extensive feed.

Its success on both platforms shows the importance of Android vs iOS app development for businesses that aimed to reach a large audience. Tiktoks stands among the best apps that make the most money because it attracts millions of daily users and turns their activity into steady revenue. This  app shows how user involvement and various monetization tactics can generate revenue over time for businesses. 

 YouTube

It stands among the apps that have become as important as oxygen for some people. When we talk about which app makes the most money, the most common answer you’ll hear is YouTube, creators today earn millions through it. According to Statista’s report on YouTube’s annual revenue in the U.S. , the platform generated 18 billion dollars in revenue in the United States alone, with predictions to reach 22 billion dollars by 2025. That’s insane! This unquestionably explains why YouTube stands at the top of the most profitable apps.

Advertisements generate the majority of YouTube's revenue, with subscriptions such as YouTube Premium accounts for a lesser portion. Super Chats in live streams and built-in stores are also reliable revenue sources. This mix makes YouTube one of the best money making apps.

Its long-term success comes from its huge creator community. Millions of fitness, food, education and game creators build dedicated fan bases and generate revenue. YouTube's creator support and varied revenue streams make it a successful entertainment platform as well as a great business strategy. Its consistent growth, multiple revenue streams and global reach ensure its spot among the most profitable apps in 2025.

Gaming Apps

3. Honor of Kings

Honor of Kings ranks among the apps that make the most money in gaming and rules the global charts as the top-grossing MOBA title in June 2025. That month alone, it generated over 143 million U.S. dollars in in-app purchase revenue, according to Statista’s report on the top-grossing MOBA apps. The game is only available in China, while its global version, Arena of Valor, earned approximately $41,000 USD over the same period.

Model

Honour of Kings leverages in-app purchases, seasonal passes and regional events to improve player engagement and revenue.

Honour of Kings showcases how the most profitable game apps develop impact through strong community relationships and constant monetization. Its rise also reflects the role of Android vs iOS app development in creating cross-platform titles that capture international audiences.

Monopoly Go!

Monopoly Go! has become the fastest-growing among the best apps to make money, breaking records in the mobile gaming industry. Between April 2023 and April 2025, the game generated 5 billion U.S. dollars in revenue, a milestone few titles have ever achieved in such a short time, according to Wikipedia’s page on Monopoly Go! .

Model

To keep players interested, the game combines mini-games, microtransactions and in-app events. These features make it one of the most popular models in recent years since they promote consistent play and a consistent flow of income.

For creators hoping to produce expansive mobile games with sophisticated dynamics, Monopoly Go! serves as an example. Mobile app development of this scale is a complex process, which is why many often ask how hard is it to make an app. Its rise shows how the right balance of monetization, brand power and smart marketing can turn a familiar name into a global gaming giant.

Royal Match

In February 2025, Royal Match became the world’s most successful puzzle game, generating more than 124 million U.S. dollars from in-app purchases in that month alone, according to Statista’s report on mobile in-game spending. This success shows how puzzle titles can dominate global charts and secure loyal players.

Model

The game depends on boosters, extra lives and rewarded ads to drive income. Each feature adds both convenience and incentive for users and ensures continuous spending while keeping the gameplay experience engaging.

Casual gaming apps often rank as apps that make the most money and Royal Match proves why. Its “just one more level” design hooks players and maintains strong retention over time. For developers, it offers a clear lesson in mobile app development. Its simple mechanics paired with smart monetization can create massive success. If you combine entertainment with consistent incentives, Royal Match has built a profitable and sustainable business model that sets the standard for puzzle-based mobile games.

Roblox

Roblox is one of the best apps to make money through UGC, standing out as a unique platform where players both consume and create content. In the second quarter of 2025, it generated 110.13 million U.S. dollars through in-app purchases, though this was down from roughly 243.12 million U.S. dollars in the preceding quarter, according to Statista’s report on Roblox app revenue. But the power and popularity of this app make the decline no big deal—it still ranks among the top mobile game apps worldwide.

Model

Roblox makes money from its currency used in games, Robux, as well as premium subscriptions and content created by players. This approach gives creators the chance to earn while it encourages the players to invest in custom items, experiences and community driven events.

The strength of Roblox lies in its UGC economy, where value exchange supports a sustainable business model. It allows creators to profit while users enjoy tailored experiences, Roblox shows how innovation and monetization can align. The structure is not only suitable to support growth but to also keeps the platform timeless, active and profitable, which makes it a well deserving in a list of top app that makes the most money.

Candy Crush Saga

Here comes the Candy crush saga, who else doesn't play it? It's so popular among mobile app users, which makes it stand firm on the list of top apps that make money. The game is simple and it's so satisfying at the same place. It's a simple yet addictive idea to swap the three or more candies of the same color that makes us want to play it more, ugh. But you are not the only one who's addictive. Based on Statista’s report on Candy Crush mobile revenue, it has generate 1 billion US Dollars in 2024. Which is huge!!

Model

Now one question must have come to your mind about how it has generated such a huge revenue? The revenue comes from in app purchases and the ads that come in between with a minimal intrusion to player experience but still, (it sometimes triggers you). Other things included are, Extra moves, boosters and optional content keep users invested without insist  them to spend.

Candy Crush remains an answer to which app makes the most money in easy to play games. Its strategy relies on behavioral science, respect for player choice. These things offer valuable guidance to develop such apps that focus on user satisfaction and constant user enjoyment. 

PUBG Mobile

One thing that we remembered suddenly when anyone talks about Covid-19 is PUBG! No one can question its popularity, which makes it among the top apps that makes the most money. Its real life visual attracts the players to play it for straight many hours (rest in peace Mobile phone battery time). You will be shocked to know that based on Statista’s report on PUBG Mobile spending, the monthly spending of players on PUBG accounted for 57.58 million dollars alone in December 2024.

The game operates through gacha mechanics, seasonal battle passes and frequent live events. This model ensures fresh engagement and steady revenue growth. Deep progression loops allow players to invest more time and resources, which results in the promising monetization success.

Battle games are top apps that make the most money and PUBG Mobile provides a clear example. Publishers also release and optimize this game for both Android and iOS platforms.

Dating App

9. Tinder

For those looking for a perfect partner, technology helped them as well. Tinder stands as the top dating app globally. It gives premium features. With its monthly download surpassing 5.5 million alone, the revenue is nothing less than a shock! Tinder made $1.94 billion revenue in 2024. Now you know its ability to turn a large user base into an income that is huge. 

With its feature rich business models, users can avail features according to the subscription method they choose, Plus, Gold and Platinum. At the same time, one-time purchases like Boosts and Super Likes create additional revenue streams. This combination allows the platform to attract both casual users and those who seek enhanced visibility and exclusive benefits.

Tinder is one of the best apps to make money. Its strategy shows how service-based platforms can turn simple interactions into profitable experiences. Tinder stands as an essential example of sustained growth and user focused innovation.

Entertainment App

10. Max (HBO)

Max, previously known as HBO Max, brings us all back to nostalgia, as it stands as one of the top entertainment applications. A report from 2023 shows that max generated nearly $449 million in IPR from both ios and android, through subscription and purchases from media. 

This achievement reflects the rapid demand for on-demand premium content, especially as audiences look for highets quality streaming services with exclusive shows and movies.

The app relies on three major revenue models. First, subscription plans provide access to its large library of TV series, films and documentaries. Second, users can purchase specific media titles to own or watch on demand. Third, the service offers cloud storage features, which add value for users who prefer flexibility across devices.

Max demonstrates how utility apps also rank among apps that make the most money. Unlike gaming or dating platforms, Max shows the strength of consistent recurring revenue. Its example highlights how a well-built media or utility application can secure long-term profitability by simply focus on the valuable user experiences and continuous content delivery.

Common Monetization Patterns Across Top Apps

The best apps to make money rely on hybrid monetization strategies that blend different models. Successful apps combine ads, in app purchases  and subscriptions to maximize revenue and keep the users satisfied without rely on a single source.

Ads

• Rewarded ads give bonuses for watching short videos

• Banner and interstitial ads support free users

• Ads help apps earn from large audiences
  
  

In-App Purchases (IAPs)

• Get you access of extra features, levels, or game items

• Offer personalization and exclusive features

• Encourage small but frequent spending
  
  

Subscriptions

• Provide ongoing premium access or exclusive content

• Build recurring and predictable revenue

• Strengthen long-term user commitment
  
  

Habit Formation and Engagement

• Candy Crush builds daily play habits through rewards

• Royal Match uses events to sustain excitement

• PUBG Mobile drives loyalty with seasonal updates and challenges
  
  

Conclusion 

Finally, I hope you can figure out which app makes the most money. TikTok and YouTube dominate the global charts, bring in huge revenues from advertisements, subscriptions and user interaction. At the same time, mobile games such as Honour of Kings and Monopoly Go illustrate that category leaders can reach equal profitability through in-app purchases and typical player spend.

For businesses, the takeaway is simple. Knowing how the top apps earn helps shape smarter strategies. The focus should be on retention, habit creation and balanced monetization rather than quick wins. If you learn from global leaders, any company can build apps that perform better in their own market.

Contact UrApp Tech today to explore how we can guide you toward the development of the best apps to make money with long-term growth in mind.