MVP vs MLP vs MMP/MSP: What to build and when? (real talk with an expert)

If you're working on an app, you've probably come across terms like MLP, MVP, or MMP/MSP. What do they actually mean? And more importantly, which one should you go with?  

Let’s break it down in plain English. And with some help from a Rocksoft expert who builds this stuff for a living, we’ll help you figure out what makes sense for your idea.

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MVP – minimum viable product

This is your bare-bones version. Just the core features to see if your idea holds up. No fluff, no polish – just enough to get something out there and watch what people do with it.

Speed over polish. Ship it, see what happens, tweak it from there.

An MVP is definitely the starting point. If you’ve got an idea for an app or a project, that’s where you should begin. Think of it as a simple, first version of your idea - something that takes it out of your head and brings it into the real world. The goal is to test early and see if what you’ve imagined actually works and makes sense. There’s no point spending months polishing every detail, only to find out later that the thing you built isn’t all that useful after all.

   - Sue

MLP – minimum lovable product

Now we’re talking about a version that people don’t just use, but actually like. Still lean, still simple, but it’s got that something – maybe it’s a smoother flow, nicer UI, or a tiny feature that makes users smile and think “okay, this is cool.”

This usually comes after MVP. Once you know your idea has legs, you make it just nice enough that early users want to stick around.

An MLP is kind of like the second phase of the project. Once you already know your idea makes sense, but it’s still missing a lot. At this point, it’s worth focusing on improving the UX and UI, and adding features that actually bring value to users. The goal isn’t just to have something that works, but something that people actually want to use. By now, you’ve got a better sense of what direction to take and what your users really need, so that’s where your energy should go, instead of trying to do everything at once. That’s how you build trust and show people you’re serious about solving the right problems.

   - Sue

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MMP / MSP – minimum marketable / sellable product

Here’s where it gets serious. Your app is now good enough to put out into the world properly. You can charge for it, show it to investors, launch ads – whatever your move is.

Still not your final version, but definitely not an early test anymore.

The MMP/MSP stage is where you start turning your idea into a real business. You work on the feedback you got earlier, fix what’s not working, and polish the details. By now, you know the idea works and people actually like it - so this is the right time to invest more time, energy (and often money) into building something that’s truly ready for the market.

   - Sue

What’s the difference between MMP and MSP?

Pretty similar, but there’s a small shift in focus.

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MMP (minimum marketable product)

You can promote it. Show it off. Maybe get users excited. But it might still be free or in trial mode.

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MSP (minimum sellable product)

This is where people actually pay. It’s ready to sell. Not just downloading and trying out, but clicking “Buy.”

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So think of it this way:

• MVP = does anyone care?

• MMP = will they talk about it?

• MSP = will they pay for it

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So what should you build?

Depends where you're at.

If you’re still early – maybe you’ve got sketches, ideas, a few mockups – then MVP is your move. Just build the smallest possible version that works and see if anyone bites. If they don’t – no worries, at least you didn’t waste six months.

If people are using it, giving feedback, coming back for more – then it’s MLP time. Make it a bit more polished. Add just enough spark that people like using it, not just tolerate it.

And then, when users are saying “this is great” or asking “how much is it?” – that’s when you build out your MMP or MSP. Time to make it legit.

Don’t skip steps

Don’t start by building your dream app. That’s like opening a fancy restaurant without knowing if anyone even wants your food.
Start with a food truck. Or even a table at a street fair. See if people show up.

Shipping fast, getting feedback, improving quickly – that’s how you win.

Got an idea but not sure where to start?

Let’s chat. We’ll help you figure out if you’re at MVP stage, ready for MLP, or already good to go with MSP.

No buzzwords. No fluff. Just straight-up advice from people who build apps that launch.

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