What's the cheapest option for an MVP?

The cheapest MVP is usually the one that proves demand with the least building.

Cheapest options, from least to most expensive

1. Manual MVP / Concierge MVP

   • You do the service manually behind the scenes.
   • Best when you want to test if people will pay before building software.
   • Example: a “matching app” done through Google Forms + email + spreadsheets.

2. No-code MVP

   • Use tools like Carrd/Webflow, Airtable, Zapier/Make, Typeform, Glide, Bubble.
   • Good for simple workflows, marketplaces, booking, directories, lead gen, basic SaaS.
   • Usually the cheapest “real product” approach.

3. Landing page + waitlist

   • Cheapest of all if you just want to validate interest.
   • Collect emails, run ads or outreach, measure signups.

4. Prototype only

   • Figma/mockups to test usability or pitch investors.
   • Doesn’t validate willingness to pay as well as a real MVP.

Rough cost range

• Landing page/waitlist: $0–$100
• No-code MVP: about $100–$1,000 to start, depending on tools and setup
• Freelancer-built MVP: often $2,000–$20,000+
• Custom coded MVP: usually $10,000+ unless you build it yourself

My practical recommendation

If you want the cheapest useful MVP, do this:

1. Make a landing page
2. Add a waitlist or payment link
3. Manually fulfill the service
4. Only automate what repeats often

If you want, I can suggest the cheapest MVP path for your specific idea.