Goodspeed - Bubble.io Review: Pros and Cons of This No-code App Builder

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24 Aug 2023

Bubble.io Review: Pros and Cons of This No-code App Builder

Harish Malhi

The concept of building web applications without code has captured the imaginations of entrepreneurs and creatives alike. Bubble.io stands as a prominent name in the no-code development arena, promising a user-friendly interface to turn ideas into reality. But is Bubble.io all it's cracked up to be? In this review, we'll delve into the platform's strengths and weaknesses, offering a balanced perspective to help you decide if Bubble.io is the right fit for your no-code development journey.

What is Bubble.io?

Bubble.io is one of the leading no-code platforms. It uses visual drag-and-drop interfaces to enable anyone to bring their ideas to life.

The no-code movement exists to democratize buildings and to enable non-technical people to create products. It plays a key part in that. You may have heard of other no-code tools like Notion, Webflow, and others.

Using Bubble.io, developers can create internal dashboards, SaaS tools, chrome extensions, and more.
There are so many no-code tools out there. Goodspeed is one of the leading Bubble agencies. We love it so much we only work with Bubble, but there are some issues. This is an honest account about all the issues with it so you know if developing a Bubble.io app is the right approach.

As one of the leading Bubble.io agencies, we often get asked about the issues with Bubble. In this post, we answer the following questions:

- What can you do with it?
- What can't you do with it?
- What is the potential of Bubble?
- What are the limitations of Bubble?
- Is it the right no-code platform for you?

We strongly believe there are a lot more advantages to using Bubble.io than limitations. We've listed them all below.

At Goodspeed, we only work on Bubble.io because we believe it is the most powerful no-code tool to bring your ideas to life.

Bubble.io features: What can you do with it?

1. Bring Ideas To Life Quicker with Bubble.io

Bubble.io is one of the most comprehensive and powerful no-code tools. Whether it is a marketplace, job board, directory, or more, you can build it on it.

With its visual drag-and-drop interface, it enables you to build any product, tool, or feature you want 10 times quicker than traditional code.

2. Build For 10X Cheaper on Bubble

Whether you learn it yourself or hire a Bubble developer, building on Bubble is significantly cheaper than building with traditional code.

At Goodspeed, we can build tools like marketplaces, SaaS tools, and internal dashboards from $5-10K in a matter of weeks. Using traditional code, this would cost $50-100K.

3. Integrate Plugins on Bubble

One of the coolest features of Bubble is the ever-growing plugin ecosystem, powered by a passionate community of Bubble developers. Bubble.io plugin enable you to connect and integrate other apps, to create the ideal user experience. In addition to this, the Bubble community is responsive and proactive whenever you need help.

For example, at Goodspeed, we have launched plugins for Hubspot, Urway, OpenStreet, and more.

4. Build A Range of Products on Bubble

Compared to other no-code tools, we believe it is the most comprehensive.

Compared to tools like SquareSpace and Wix, it is more than just your personal website.

Compared to Shopify, it is more than just an e-commerce store.

Compared to Webflow, it is more than just your marketing page.

The beauty of Bubble is that it includes all of these features. For example, on Bubble, you can build beautiful marketing pages, e-commerce functionality, and more.

Here is an example of the typical types of products that Goodspeed builds on Bubble:

Marketplaces
Productivity tools
Job boards
Directories
Social networks

5. Create Beautiful Apps on Bubble

One thing we believe people don't understand about it is the potential to create jaw-dropping beautiful apps. As long as you have great design references, you can convert apps from Bubble to Figma, or take inspiration from sites like Dribble, with expert Bubble developers, you can create something amazing.

We created a list of some of the most beautiful Bubble apps here.

6. Scale on Bubble As the App Grows

While some people are concerned with the scale of Bubble, there are many users who have created Bubble.io apps with millions of records and millions of users.

Bubble.io is prioritizing its ability to support people as they scale by providing them with dedicated servers to manage its systems as they scale. All Bubble.io apps run on AWS on shared servers, but if you need to, as you scale, you can benefit from your own server.

7. Launch Apps on Apple & Play Store

While you cannot have a native design on Bubble, you can still make your Bubble web application available on the Apple & Play Store.

At Goodspeed, this is a product we offer using BDK plugin so users can easily download your app from the relevant Apple & Play Store.

8. Connect to external services through APIs

One of the most powerful tools of Bubble is the Bubble API connector. This means you can collect data from external apps or services. Whether it is to fetch social account data, send emails, or something else, the API Connector is a powerful tool that lets you better customize your user journey and connect with your favorite apps.

9. Manage Data & Privacy

On Bubble, there is a feature that enables you to create your own data and privacy rules. For example, if you are creating a directory and you want to gate access to certain users, it enables you to do so.

Bubble's privacy rules enable you to protect the relevant data and keep your users and their information safe.

10. Expert Bubble Developers with Goodspeed

Before launching Goodspeed, we worked with multiple no-code tools and platforms. Ultimately, we did our Bubble review of all the tools and finally, we decided on Bubble. We decided on it because we felt it was the most comprehensive of all the tools out there.

Whether it's your MVP or your internal dashboard, it enables you to build flexibly for 10 times cheaper and faster than traditional code.

We've done all the hard work of vetting Bubble developers. We search for expertise in Bubble.io app development, proactivity, communication, and attention to detail. You can meet our Bubble developers here.

Bubble.io Limitations: What you cannot do

1. The Speed of Your Bubble.io App

The speed and performance of Bubble apps really depend on how your Bubble app is built. Whether this is built by yourself, a Bubble developer, or an agency.

If built in the right way, your Bubble.io app can be optimized to run quickly. But if built in the wrong way, your Bubble.io app will be slow to load.

One of the main things that slow your Bubble.io app down is the size of your database. For example, a page often needs to fetch some data on page load, a page that fetches 100 things on page load will load faster than a page that fetches 1 million data item

Here are a few other points that impact the speed of your Bubble.io app:
- How you sort and filter: Bubble already optimizes database queries in many ways, so the way you sort and filter should be as close to the original search as possible
- How you express a query: the simpler the better
- Doing heavy searches: the first few times you run a heavy search will be slower since it initially builds an index, that should then speed up the search in the future

2. You Cannot Build Native Features On Bubble

Bubble allows you to make an app available on the App & Play Store by wrapping it. This BDK Native Plugin enables you to transform web applications into native apps.

The thing to be conscious of here is that it doesn't enable you to build native features. For example, in-app native design, using your phone's push notifications, and more…

3. Bubble.io Apps Don't Meet Some Industry Requirements

Bubble has enabled builders in every industry to build new products. Though certain industries have specific requirements you should be aware of.

If you are building a banking-related app, Bubble is not PCI-compliant. This means you cannot store sensitive data within your app. If the finance app you're building is related to banking in some way, it is worth exploring this further.
In this case, we'd recommend working with a lawyer to understand if your finance app needs to be PCI-compliant.

If you are building a health-related app, Bubble is not HIPAA compliant. This means it does not comply with laws related to sensitive patient information. In this case, we'd recommend working with a lawyer to understand if your finance app needs to be HIPAA-compliant.

4. You Don't Own The Bubble Technology, You Own Your Data

Bubble.io is the best way to bring your ideas to life. Whether it's for your MVP, internal tools, or another product, the speed to bring something to market is incredible.

The main difference between building on code versus a no-code tool like Bubble, as you're building a technology business is that you don't own the code.

The common question here is: How can you run a technology business when you don't own the technology? Our belief is that traction, and how many people are using the technology is the most important thing.

The worry there is what happens if Bubble shuts down. It has already been around for 10+ years and even though they plan to be around for a long time, they have provisions for this. It has guaranteed that if they do close, they will release the Bubble source code under an open-source license so that you can set up your own Bubble server and keep your app running.

It's worth noting that you do own your Bubble data. This includes the design of your application and the data that your users upload.

5. You Can Only Customise with Javascript on Bubble

You can build almost anything on Bubble. Building Bubble plugins allows you to extend the functionality of your Bubble.io app. For example, you can create a Bubble plugin to integrate other apps and features so you can customize your Bubble.io app as needed.

Bubble seamlessly integrates with Javascript via plugins so you can write and run custom code inside your Bubble.io app. Although it only supports Javascript.

The core system of Bubble is built in Javascript so users can use Javascript to extend their functionality, but only Javascript.

6. Complex Algorithms Aren't Bubble's Advantage

Bubble's visual drag-and-drop interface, workflows, and backend workflows make it very efficient in writing business and display logic.

One issue with Bubble is that it isn't best at running mathematically-complex algorithms.

One way to solve this issue is to use Javascript for expressing mathematically-complicated formulas.

7. You Cannot Create Complex Games on Bubble

Increasingly, you can see beautiful apps being built on Bubble with incredible UI/UX.

Similar to the above issue, Bubble doesn't allow other languages on Bubble beyond Javascript meaning it limits your ability to create complex games on it.

Users have built some incredible games on Bubble like Factle. Though complex 3D, Metaverse, or platform games is a limitation of Bubble.

8. It's Hard To Access Bubble Apps Offline

Bubble is incredible at building web apps: whether that's you're a startup building your MVP, internal tools, or another product. One limitation of this is that it requires you to be online to access the app.

Therefore, if someone has poor or no signal, it will be hard to access the Bubble app or be very unstable. This is a limitation and issue of Bubble compared to a native app built on code.

9. It's Hard To Move Off Bubble

The limitation if one does want to move away from Bubble is that one will have to start from scratch. On Bubble, you own the data and can import this to your new app so you don't lose users or user data.

However, you cannot export the bubble code since Bubble apps can only run on Bubble itself.

The question here is why you think you need to move away from Bubble. We're using Bubble for the long term and believe it can help you scale!

10. Most Bubble Apps Are Built On Shared Servers

Unless you have an enterprise option on Bubble, your Bubble app will be hosted on a shared server. It provides hosting via AWS. This one server will power multiple apps.

The issue with this is that if one of the apps you share the server with runs many complicated workflows per minute, it could impact your own app's performance.

However, there are some options to upgrade your Bubble app to a dedicated service, as in the enterprise option, depending on your scale.

Alternatively, you could buy extra capacity for your app so that when you need an extra boost, you can buy the amount of extra capacity you need.

It's worth noting that the majority of no-code platforms have shared servers and typically don't have issues but it's a limitation of Bubble and something to be conscious of.

Pros and Cons of Bubble

Pros of Bubble.io:

User-friendly interface: Bubble.io boasts a drag and drop user-friendly interface that makes it easy for users to build their web applications without any coding knowledge. The platform's drag-and-drop interface and pre-built templates simplify the process, allowing users to focus on their app's functionality rather than its design.
Low-code platform: Bubble.io is a low-code platform, meaning users do not need extensive coding knowledge to build their web applications. This makes it an excellent choice for entrepreneurs, small businesses, and end-users who want to build powerful web applications without breaking the bank.
Seamless integration with third-party services: Bubble.io integrates seamlessly with popular third-party services like Google Sheets, Mailchimp, and Wordpress. This feature allows users to expand their app's capabilities and create a more comprehensive solution for their business needs.
Tutorials and validation: Bubble.io provides users with a comprehensive tutorial and validation process to ensure their apps are error-free and work as intended before launching. This feature helps users build their apps with confidence and minimizes the risk of errors or bugs.
Customizable: Bubble.io offers a wide range of customization options, including CSS customization and plug-ins. Users can tailor their apps to fit their brand's look and feel, giving them a unique and professional-looking web application.
Prototype and test: Bubble offers users to create a prototype of their app, test it, and validate its functionality before launching it. This feature ensures that users can test their app's usability and make any necessary changes before it goes live.
Scalable: Bubble.io's platform is scalable, meaning users' apps can grow alongside their businesses. This feature ensures that users' apps can handle a large volume of traffic and data, making it suitable for businesses of all sizes.

Cons of Bubble.io:

Limited customization options: While Bubble.io offers a wide range of customization options, some users may find that the platform's customization limitations restrict their creativity and vision for their app.
Steep learning curve: While Bubble.io's user-friendly interface simplifies the app-building process, some users may still find it challenging to learn the platform's features and interface. It may take some time and effort to become familiar with the platform and build a fully functional app.
Cost: Bubble.io can be expensive, especially for larger businesses or more complex applications. Users must consider their budget when choosing Bubble.io, as the platform's pricing plans can add up quickly.
Limited control over code: While Bubble.io's low-code platform simplifies the app-building process, some users may find that they have limited control over the code and functionality of their app. This may be a drawback for users who require complete control over their app's code or need specific custom features.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Bubble.io is an excellent choice for entrepreneurs, small businesses, and end-users who want to build powerful web applications without extensive coding knowledge. Its user-friendly interface, low-code platform, seamless integration with third-party services, tutorials and validation, customization options, and scalability make it a top choice for anyone looking to build a web app without code. However, users should be aware of the platform's limitations, such as the cost, limited customization options, steep learning curve, and limited control over code, before deciding to use Bubble.io to build their web app.

Goodspeed is a no code agency with expert Bubble developers. Whether it's upgrading your existing site, suggesting ways to automate your processes, or launching a new app - we’d be happy to hop on a call to talk through your ideas and see how we can leverage no code to fit your needs. Book a chat with us today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Should You Build With Bubble?

This is a very open and honest review of Bubble, sharing its limitations. Although, as you can see, each concern has a potential solution.

We absolutely believe you should be building with Bubble. Whether it's for your MVP, internal dashboard, or other product, Bubble is the best way to bring your product to life. We've seen some expert Bubble developers create beautiful Bubble apps.

How Can You Build With Bubble?

There are two ways you can build with Bubble. Either you can become a Bubble developer yourself or you can hire expert Bubble developers.

To learn Bubble, here are a few resources we've recommended:

Or you can work with expert Bubble developers. At Goodspeed, we work with expert Bubble developers to bring your ideas to life. You can send us a message.