Are you looking for tools to build a custom app without diving into the coding deep end? If you’re looking for no-code tools to build an app, Bubble.io is a popular tool that lets you create web apps and PWAs using a simple drag-and-drop editor.

These look like native mobile experiences but run smoothly in any web browser.

It's a popular option for startups and businesses looking to quickly develop and launch MVPs, giving them a taste of real-world performance without the lengthy dev time.

If you’ve been wondering whether Bubble is the right tool for you and are looking for reliable and comprehensive Bubble app builder reviews, we’ve put together the best one.

Bubble Review: Overview

Bubble is a visual app-building platform that doesn't require coding skills. It allows users to create custom and progressive web applications (PWAs) using a simple drag-and-drop editor. These PWAs function like native mobile apps but are accessed through a web browser.

As one of the original no-code app builders, Bubble has been around since 2012. It regularly updates its interface and boasts a large, active community of users. 

While you can build full apps with Bubble, its speed is ideal for minimum viable product (MVP) development. These are functional product samples that allow developers to gather real-world performance data. 

Several high-profile companies have used Bubble for their apps, including Zendesk, HubSpot, and Lyft. 

Features

• Visual editor: Bubble lets you design app layouts and user interfaces using a drag-and-drop interface on mobile or desktop without any coding required.
  
  
• Custom workflows: A visual "if-then" system makes it easy to define how your app should behave, allowing you to create complex app logic and functionality.
  
  
• Built-in database: Bubble allows you to manage and store app data directly within the platform, eliminating the need to set up and maintain an external database.
  
  
• Third-party integrations: You can extend your app's functionality and features by connecting it with popular services like Google, MailChimp, and Stripe.
  
  
• Plugin marketplace: Bubble offers access to a library of additional features and integrations created by the community, which you can use to enhance your app.
  
  
• User management: You can handle user accounts, authentication, and access controls using Bubble's built-in tools.
  
  
• Responsive design: Bubble lets you create apps that automatically adjust to different screen sizes and devices, ensuring a consistent user experience.
  
  
• Scalability options: As your app grows, you can upgrade plans or add resources without hard restrictions, allowing your app to scale with your needs.
  
  
• Template marketplace: You can choose from pre-built app templates to jumpstart your development process and save time.
  
  
• Code flexibility: You can customize your app further using HTML and JavaScript.

Pros

• Flexibility: Bubble offers exceptional versatility, allowing you to create web apps for almost any function. This makes it suitable for a wide range of projects and business needs.
  
  
• Extensive ecosystem: With over a decade in the market, Bubble has developed a large, active community. You can benefit from:
  • Many third-party APIs
  • Access to expert advice
  • Comprehensive guides and tutorials
  • A wide range of plugins and templates
    
    
• Reliability: As one of the pioneers in the no-code app-building space, Bubble has had time to refine its platform, making it one of the more stable and dependable options.
  
  
• Scalability: Bubble's infrastructure allows your app to grow with your business, offering options to upgrade resources.

Cons

• Steep learning curve: Bubble's learning curve is more challenging than many other app builders. You'll need to invest significant time learning the platform to harness Bubble's power and flexibility fully.
  
  
• Pricing structure: While Bubble offers a low-cost entry point, the mid-tier pricing can challenge scaling businesses.
  
  
• Limited to web apps: Bubble primarily creates web and progressive web apps. You cannot use Bubble alone to create native mobile apps for direct publication to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
  
  
• Performance considerations: Complex apps built with Bubble may face performance issues, particularly as they scale.
  
  
• Dependency: Your app is tied to Bubble's platform, which can limit your options if you decide to move away from Bubble. 

Bubble.io Pricing

• Free: This plan is ideal for projects that are under construction. It provides a development version for testing, an API connection for data, and a component library to jumpstart design. However, this plan doesn't allow publishing your app live and has limitations on editors and resources for complex projects.

• Starter ($32/month): This plan is perfect for launching your app and testing early-stage MVPs or simple tools. It includes a live app, a custom domain, and basic version control.

• Growth ($134/month): This plan is designed to grow your user base with consumer projects featuring more complex functionality. It offers premium version control and two-factor authentication.

• Team ($399/month): This plan is best for scaling your team and business with higher-usage projects. It includes sub-apps, additional app editors, and enhanced server logs.

• Custom (Contact for pricing): This option offers enterprise-level security and is ideal for projects with sensitive data. It offers a choice of hosting location and unlimited backup.

What Kinds of Apps can Bubble Build?

• Job boards: You can use Bubble to create job boards with searchable listings databases.
  
  
• Property listing platforms: Bubble is suitable for building property listing platforms for real estate brokers and clients.
  
  
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems: You can use Bubble to build tools to manage customer and client accounts.
  
  
• Marketplaces: You can develop eCommerce platforms with payment processing capabilities.
  
  
• Social platforms: You can create spaces for member activities, forums, event calendars, private messaging, or group collaboration.
  
  
• Event and course management systems: You can easily design apps to list and manage events or online courses.
  
  
• Internal business tools: Bubble can be used to develop custom applications for accounting, inventory management, or other company-specific needs.
  
  
• Customer service software: You can create platforms to manage customer interactions and support tickets.

Who is Bubble Good For?

• Startups, small businesses, and individual developers creating web apps without extensive coding knowledge
  
  
• Users who want to build custom applications with advanced functionality and workflows
  
  
• Users focusing on web application development that require more advanced customization options
  
  
• Individuals willing to invest time in learning Bubble's complex building interface
  
  
• Users who need a web app or a Progressive Web App (PWA) only
  
  
• Developers looking for a platform with a wide range of plugins to extend functionality

Who Should Avoid Bubble?

• Those wanting to build native mobile apps for direct publication to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store
  
  
• People looking for an intuitive platform that allows immediate app building without a learning curve
  
  
• Individuals on a tight budget who need more than just a basic startup app
  
  
• Anyone that needs to build an app with high-security features like HIPAA compliance and SOC 2 certification
  
  
• Users building high-performance applications with extremely low latency, like real-time trading platforms
  
  
• Those who prioritize complete control over their app's infrastructure and hosting
  
  
• Individuals uncomfortable with potential limitations in app portability or migration of the Bubble platform

Bubble Alternatives

• Blaze.tech: Blaze is a powerful and flexible no-code tool for building custom applications. It's designed for businesses that want to turn their tech ideas into reality without needing a team of engineers.
  
  It has advanced security features and is fully HIPAA-compliant, making it suitable for industries like healthcare. Its intuitive design lets almost anyone tailor the app to their specific needs without getting bogged down in technical complexities.
  
  

• Adalo: Adalo is an intuitive, easy-to-learn app builder that lets you create responsive apps and publish them on the app stores.
  
  

• GoodBarber: GoodBarber is an affordable, low-learning-curve app builder that makes native mobile apps for eCommerce and gated content apps.

Is Bubble HIPAA-compliant?

Bubble is not HIPAA-compliant. While some third-party services integrated with Bubble may meet HIPAA standards, the platform itself and its internal processes do not. As a result, apps built on Bubble cannot achieve full HIPAA compliance, making it unsuitable for PHI-related apps.

The Bottom Line

We hope this Bubble review helps you decide whether to use it to build your app.

Bubble is a robust solution for web application development, particularly for those willing to invest time learning the platform. It's ideal for businesses that need web apps or MVPs but don't have extensive coding resources.

However, carefully consider your specific needs, budget, and long-term goals before committing to ensure Bubble aligns with your project requirements. If you need an app builder with advanced security features, excellent support, and powerful features, consider Blaze.tech.

Blaze stands out as a top Bubble alternative. It provides a user-friendly no-code platform with robust features tailored to various industries, especially those with strict security needs.

Some key advantages of Blaze:

• Ease of use: Intuitive drag-and-drop interface allows for quick and easy application development, even for non-technical users
  
  
• Built-in database: Simplified data management eliminates the need for external databases, streamlining the development process
  
  
• Customizable workflows: Automates complex business processes with Blaze's workflow builder, tailored to your needs
  
  
• Comprehensive support: The implementation team helps build the initial version of your application, speeding up your development cycle

Blaze is ideal for healthcare organizations, large enterprises, and startups looking for a secure, scalable, and easy-to-use platform for developing their applications — no technical background is needed. 

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