Table of Contents
Bubble.io is a no-code platform for building full-stack web apps without coding.
In 2025, Bubble matters because it has opened a waitlist for a native mobile builder beta and introduced an AI-powered app generator that lets you test ideas from a single prompt. This guide covers features, how it works, pros and cons, pricing, real examples, and alternatives.
What is Bubble.io?
Bubble.io is a robust no-code app builder that combines a visual programming language with a web development framework. It is a full-stack solution that covers interface design, back-end logic, database, and hosting without writing code. Founded in 2012, Bubble now supports thousands of applications.
Unlike website builders such as Wix or Webflow that focus on static sites, Bubble is designed for web and mobile applications with logic, data, and workflows. Here are the key differences between Bubble and Wix or Webflow:
Bubble.io is full-stack
Unlike Wix or Webflow, Bubble includes database, server-side logic, workflows, and hosting in a single platform.
Wix and Webflow are primarily for static or CMS-driven websites; logic and automation require external tools.
Workflows and Logic
Bubble’s “if this, then that” workflows allow building functional web apps (e.g., marketplaces, SaaS).
Wix has minimal workflow logic, mostly front-end interactions.
Webflow is front-end only; automation is external (Zapier, Make, Integromat).
Mobile Apps
Bubble supports web apps optimized for mobile, with a native app builder beta in 2025.
Wix/Webflow do not provide native mobile app capabilities; only responsive web pages.
Scalability & Complexity
Bubble scales for complex applications (100k+ daily users, advanced workflows).
Wix/Webflow are better for static or marketing sites, not scalable web applications with complex logic.
Community & Support
Bubble offers tutorials, forums, and plugins geared to technical and non-technical creators building apps.
Wix/Webflow communities focus on design and marketing; less emphasis on app functionality.
How Does Bubble.io Work? (Step by Step)
Bubble replaces code with a visual editor, structured data, and workflows. It handles hosting and security for you.
The moving parts
Part | What it is | What you do | Example |
Editor | WYSIWYG drag-and-drop interface builder | Place buttons, text, images, forms; style them | If user clicks “Sign up” then show form |
Workflows | Visual logic engine | Define event-driven actions | If form submitted then create User and send email |
Database | Integrated data layer | Create data types and fields (e.g., User, Order) | If payment succeeds then save Transaction |
Plugins | Add-ons and connectors | Extend capabilities with templates and nearly 1000 plugins | If I need payments then add payment plugin |
Hosting | Managed infrastructure on AWS | Deploy with Bubble handling servers, performance, and security | If app version is ready then deploy to live |
Behind the scenes, Bubble turns your configuration into code (e.g., HTML and JavaScript) and manages deployment, optimization, and security.
Beginner takeaway: you build by clicking and configuring, not coding.
Advanced note: you can extend with plugins and APIs using Bubble’s API Connector.
Bubble.io Key Features
Drag-and-drop Visual Editor: WYSIWYG UI creation.
Backend Workflows: Automate processes with sequences of actions.
Encrypted Database: Encryption in transit and at rest.
App Deployment & Hosting: Managed on AWS, with dedicated plans for isolated infrastructure and reliability.
API Connector: Integrate external services and custom logic.
Integrated Debugger: Real-time insights into data flow and performance.
Plugins & Templates: Marketplace with nearly 1000 options to extend functionality.
Responsive Engine: Overhauled in 2022 for full device customization.
Full-stack Capability: Design, logic, database, and hosting in one platform.
Pros of Bubble.io
Rapid Development: Launch in weeks instead of months or years.
Cost-Effectiveness: Reduce build and launch costs versus traditional coding.
Flexibility & Customization: From simple pages to complex apps like marketplaces and CRMs.
Community & Support: Active forum, tutorials, docs, and videos.
No-Code Accessibility: Build sophisticated apps without prior programming.
Scalability: Real-time data handling, AWS uptime and security, and capacity up to a million users on a mobile app.
These advantages make Bubble the most powerful no-code tool in 2025.
Bubble.io Cons & Limitations
Performance for complex apps: May underperform compared to code for high-performance or real-time processing.
Low-latency needs: Not suitable for extremely low latency use cases (e.g., trading with millions of transactions per second).
Native mobile: Not designed for fully native apps like WhatsApp or Uber; there is a native mobile builder beta waitlist.
Game development: Not ideal for complex visuals/movements.
Novel tech/custom editors: Not suited for machine learning algorithms or highly custom visual interfaces like Photoshop or iMovie.
Code export: No source code export or direct migration to other platforms; data is portable.
Design responsiveness: Powerful but requires practice to master.
Offline: Apps require an internet connection.
Learn more: Bubble pros and cons
What You Can’t Build with Bubble
While Bubble.io is powerful for most web and mobile applications, it has some technical limitations that make certain projects impractical or impossible:
Low-Latency, High-Performance Applications
Bubble.io is not suited for apps that require extremely fast, real-time processing, such as high-frequency trading platforms or stock market dashboards. Its workflow engine and web-based architecture introduce latency that is negligible for typical apps but critical for millisecond-level performance.
Fully Native Mobile Apps
Bubble currently supports web-based mobile apps and a beta native app builder as of 2025. However, it cannot yet produce fully native apps with complex device integrations like WhatsApp or Uber, which rely on deep OS-level features, push notifications, and real-time geolocation at scale.
Advanced Games
Apps requiring complex graphics, animations, or physics engines—like 3D games, RPGs, or real-time multiplayer games—are beyond Bubble’s capabilities. The platform is designed for business logic, data-driven apps, and interactive web tools, not high-performance game rendering.
Novel Technology or Highly Custom Interfaces
Bubble.io is limited for projects that require cutting-edge technologies such as machine learning algorithms trained in-house, image/video editing like Photoshop or iMovie, or fully custom visual tools. While APIs can extend functionality, the core visual editor and workflows are not designed for highly specialized, computationally intensive tasks.
Offline-First Functionality
Apps built on Bubble cannot function without an internet connection. Any offline-first app, like certain field tools or local data-heavy apps, would need a different platform or custom development.
Pricing & Development Costs (2025)
Bubble uses workload units: a measure of computing resources used by workflows, file uploads, page loads, API calls, and data operations.
The Bubble plan you’ll need depends on how many Workload Units (WU) your app consumes: the more server power your app requires to run and scale, the higher the plan you’ll need. Apps can auto-scale and incur excess workload charges, or you can turn auto-scaling off to avoid extras. A free plan exists with limited functionality.
Plans (as of May 2025, monthly pricing)
Plan | Pay Monthly | Pay Annually | Best for |
Starter | $32 | $29 | Testing projects, MVPs, small to medium user bases |
Growth | $134 | $119 | Projects with more development and complex features |
Team | $399 | $349 | Large projects with high workloads |
Enterprise | Contact sales | Contact sales | Large organizations that need enterprise-grade security, compliance (SOC 2, GDPR, HIPAA), and centralized management |
Development Pricing: DIY vs. Freelancer vs. Agency
Beyond Bubble’s platform plans, the actual cost of building your app depends on how you choose to develop it. You can go the DIY route, hire a freelancer, or partner with a full agency. Each comes with very different budget implications.
DIY Development
Building your app yourself on Bubble comes with no extra development costs beyond your Bubble subscription.
The tradeoff: while it’s the most budget-friendly option, it requires time, patience, and a willingness to learn Bubble’s logic and workflows.
Ideal for early-stage founders, side projects, or those who want full control without extra spend.
Freelancer Development
Freelancers listed in the Bubble Experts Directory typically start projects at:
$500 – $5,000 for small MVPs or simple apps.
$5,000 – $20,000 for more advanced apps with multiple features.
$20,000+ for larger, more complex builds.
Many freelancers mark themselves “Open to all budgets,” so you can often find someone to fit your price range.
Best for founders who need specialized help without the overhead of an agency.
Agency Development
Bubble agencies generally start at similar entry points ($1,000 – $5,000), but the ceiling is much higher.
Complex builds often fall in the $10,000 – $50,000+ range.
Premium agencies (especially Bubble Gold or Silver partners) handle large-scale apps that can easily stretch into the $100,000 – $200,000+ territory, depending on scope and scale.
Best for teams that want end-to-end product delivery, long-term support, and enterprise-grade builds.
Overall Range
Depending on your path, Bubble app development can cost anywhere from $0 (DIY) up to $200,000+ (large-scale agency builds). Most MVPs fall somewhere in the $5k – $50k range when outsourcing.
Here’s a clean summary table of Bubble Development pricing:
Approach | Typical Cost Range | Pros | Cons | Best For |
DIY | $0 (beyond Bubble plan) | Cheapest option; full control; fast to iterate if you learn Bubble | Time-consuming; steep learning curve; no expert support | Solo founders, side projects, early MVPs |
Freelancer | $500 – $20,000+ | Flexible budgets; direct collaboration; specialized expertise | Quality varies; less bandwidth than agencies | Founders needing help on MVPs or specific features |
Agency | $5,000 – $200,000+ | End-to-end delivery; larger teams; ongoing support; enterprise-ready | Expensive; more formal process | Funded startups, scale-ups, enterprise projects |
The Future of Bubble Pricing
Starting October 1, 2025, Bubble.io will require specific mobile app pricing plans. Users must pick between web-only, mobile-only, or web + mobile plans, with mobile-only costing more due to infrastructure and publishing support. Plans are tied to individual projects, not accounts, so separate web and mobile apps need separate subscriptions.
During the beta period until October 1, mobile apps can still be launched at no extra cost, but after that, any mobile app without a mobile-capable plan will be downgraded to Free, lose live support, and risk deletion after 14 days.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the new pricing plans that will take effect on October 1, 2025:
Plan | Web only (billed annually) | Mobile only (billed annually) | Web + mobile (billed annually) |
Starter | $29/mo | $42/mo | $59/mo |
Growth | $119/mo | $169/mo | $209/mo |
Team | $349/mo | $449/mo | $549/mo |
What You Can Build with Bubble.io
Bubble.io can support a wide range of applications, from marketplaces and SaaS platforms to internal tools, fintech solutions, and social networks. Its visual development platform allows founders and teams to focus on solving real-world problems without getting bogged down in backend complexity.
Marketplaces
Use case: Connect buyers and sellers; process transactions.
Example: One standout example is Comet.co, a marketplace built on Bubble that connects tech freelancers with clients. The platform includes features like job postings, candidate matching, and project tracking, showing how Bubble can handle the complexity of a two-sided marketplace while scaling with user demand.
SaaS Platforms
Use case: Subscription software across industries.
Example: My AskAI is a UK-based SaaS startup that built its platform on Bubble to provide AI-powered customer support agents. The product helps businesses handle routine inquiries efficiently, reducing the workload on human teams. Today, the company supports over 40,000 users and generates $25,000 in monthly recurring revenue with just two people on the team.
Internal Tools
Use case: CRMs, inventory management, and operations software.
Example: Unity’s Supersonic team turned to Bubble when developers weren’t available to build a Knowledge Hub. Product Manager Keren Franck launched the project herself in weeks, about three times faster than traditional development. Today, it’s the fifth most visited page on the platform, serving 15,000 partners and giving internal teams tools to manage content independently. Bubble allowed Unity to deliver impact quickly without relying on engineering resources.
Fintech
Use case: Financial services.
Example: BluBinder, a fintech tackling the intersection of finance and law, needed to move fast without high costs. Traditional development teams quoted $50K per month and months of work, so founders Liesl Leach and Erik Silk switched to Bubble. In just weeks, they launched a working app, saving $150K in three months. With only two Bubble developers, BluBinder built AI-powered features like document scanning and analysis, secured multiple pilot partners, and accessed a $10B market. Bubble enabled rapid scaling, cost savings, and proof of traction for investors.
Social Networks
Use case: Real-time messaging and media sharing.
Example: Meetaway facilitates one-on-one virtual meetings during online events, allowing participants to connect in a structured and personal way. The app was built entirely on Bubble, enabling the founder to focus on organizing events and growing the community rather than managing backend infrastructure. Bubble’s workflow and integration features handled the complexity of scheduling, matching, and managing hundreds of meetings.
Learn more: Bubble app examples
Bubble.io Alternatives
Comparison | Bubble.io | Alternative |
Adalo | Better for businesses of all sizes building scalable web applications; intricate full-stack development with deep integrations. | Adalo: suited to non-programmers who want to quickly create native apps. |
FlutterFlow | Great for making quick changes and connecting with many services. | FlutterFlow: may be a better fit if your app requires frequent updates. |
Webflow | Strong back-end features and integrations; build unique, complex software with database logic. | Webflow: stronger for front-end design and static sites; more marketing/sales features. |
WeWeb | Excels at full-stack development with many integrations, though less intuitive than WeWeb. | WeWeb: shines in front-end design and flexible back-end connections. |
Glide | Suited to intricate, full-stack apps and deep customization, with a steeper learning curve. | Glide: more intuitive, fast development with strong data source integration. |
Traditional Coding | Faster and cheaper for most consumer/business apps without needing technical expertise. | Coding: full control for novel tech (e.g., ML), huge-scale, or complex custom interfaces. |
Bubble = full-stack flexibility and integrations
Adalo = quick native apps for non-programmers
FlutterFlow = frequent updates
Webflow = front-end design and static sites
WeWeb = flexible front-end with external back-ends
Glide = intuitive, fast, data-connected
Coding = maximum control for novel or hyper-scale needs
Bubble Scalability & External Backend Options
Can Bubble.io scale? Yes. Bubble is fully scalable and can handle 100,000+ daily users with optimization. It can accommodate up to a million users on a mobile app. For larger bases or specific hot paths, you may need additional optimization and, beyond 100,000 daily active users, custom code for certain features.
External backends: You can connect external databases or services via APIs using the API Connector, including options like Xano and Firebase, plus payment gateways and auth providers for reading and writing data.
Beginner takeaway: Bubble scales for most apps.
Advanced note: combine Bubble with external services when specific performance or control is required.
Bubble Security & Compliance
Bubble is hosted on Amazon Web Services (AWS), generally in the AWS West Region (Oregon, US), and aligns with SOC 2, CSA, and ISO 27001 standards. Security and reliability features include:
Encryption in transit and at rest.
Automatic backups using Amazon RDS and point-in-time recovery.
Free SSL certificates for HTTPS.
Dedicated plans for isolated infrastructure.
Clear statement: Bubble handles infrastructure; you handle app-level security.
AI in Bubble.io (2025)
AI-Powered Visual Development: Bubble uses AI to accelerate the visual editor experience.
AI App Generator: Generate an app from a single prompt to test ideas quickly; useful for prototyping rather than full production.
Integrations: Connect to OpenAI and Anthropic in minutes without deep technical expertise.
Common AI use cases:
Text generation (e.g., survey questions)
Text summarization (e.g., condense long responses)
Categorization (auto-tagging)
AI-led mediation (e.g., Dyspute.ai)
Integration steps (OpenAI example):
Sign up for an OpenAI API key.
Install Bubble’s API Connector plugin.
Create a new API in the Connector and enter the key.
Configure workflow requests; tune model variables for speed and accuracy.
Beginner takeaway: you can add AI with a few steps.
Advanced note: use the API Connector to control prompts, models, and responses.
Hiring Developers & Agencies
When to hire a Bubble developer or agency:
You need to launch quickly and can invest money.
Your app is monetizable.
You want to save time, delegate tasks, or need expert testing/debugging.
You need an investor-ready build or guidance from concept to deployment.
You’re not tech-savvy, short on time, or your project is complex.
What a Bubble agency does: Structures data, integrates APIs, optimizes workflows, troubleshoots, and ships scalable apps with minimal client time investment.
Cost range (agencies):$20,000–$200,000, depending on feature complexity.
Learning Bubble.io (Resources in 2025)
Learning Bubble is possible without coding knowledge, though the learning curve is steeper than some no-code tools. Expect weeks for basics and years for mastery.
Free and official-learning resources:
How to use them:
Start with onboarding tutorials and the Manual for fundamentals.
Use the Forum for Q&A and troubleshooting.
Enterprise & Scaling Use Cases
Bubble suits medium and large businesses that want to streamline operations, integrate systems, tailor workflows, and move off spreadsheets without heavy IT investment. Dedicated plans add server resources and priority support for enterprise projects.
Common enterprise themes:
Custom internal tools
Automation across teams and systems
Faster delivery without traditional dev bottlenecks
Future of Bubble.io (2025 and Beyond)
Native mobile builder: waitlist open for the beta launch.
AI generator: ongoing expansion of AI-assisted building.
Ecosystem growth: new templates, plugins, API integrations, and features added to the catalog regularly.
Enterprise adoption: increasing use for operations and internal platforms.
Our verdict
Bubble is best for MVPs, SaaS, and internal tools. It is less suitable for offline-first apps, advanced games, or hyper-scale/low-latency platforms. If you need visual speed, managed hosting, and integrated tooling, Bubble fits well. If you need native mobile, ultra-low latency, or novel tech like custom ML, consider other options.
Bubble.io offers a complete no-code stack for building and hosting applications. It enables faster, cheaper development for MVPs, SaaS, internal tools, and more, with solid scalability and AWS-backed security. Use the learning resources in section 14 to get started, or engage a Bubble agency for a faster, expert-led build in the $20k–$200k range.
Want to take your Bubble app to the next level? Get in touch with Goodspeed, a team of Agency Bubble Developers who can help you design, build, and launch your dream application.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Bubble.io free?
Yes. There’s a free plan with limited functionality.
Can Bubble build mobile apps?
Yes, web-based mobile apps. Fully native apps aren’t supported; a native mobile builder beta waitlist is open.
Can Bubble scale?
Yes, up to 100k+ DAU with optimization and up to a million users on a mobile app.
Can you export source code?
No. Bubble does not support code export. Data is portable.
