Introduction

As a non-technical founder looking to build a web application, choosing the right development platform can feel overwhelming. With so many no-code and low-code options available, how do you know which one is right for your business?

In this guide, I'll break down everything you need to know about Bubble - one of the most popular no-code platforms on the market - and help you decide if it's the right choice for your next product.

What is Bubble?

Bubble is one of the largest and most established no-code tools available today. It allows you to build virtually any type of web application without writing a single line of code. As of April 2025, they've also introduced a mobile native feature (currently in private beta), which enables users to build mobile applications as well.

No-Code vs. Low-Code: Understanding the Difference

Before diving deeper into Bubble, it's important to understand the distinction between no-code and low-code tools:

Bubble: A True No-Code Platform

Bubble is what I call a "one-size-fits-all" tool. Everything happens within a single environment:

• Front-end development

• Back-end logic

• Database management

• Plugin integration

• Live deployment

• Branching capabilities

This all-in-one approach means you never need to touch code or worry about connecting different components.

Low-Code Alternatives (Weweb, Flutterflow)

Tools like Weweb or Flutterflow operate differently:

• Weweb is specifically a front-end visual programmer. While you're dragging and dropping elements, you're actually writing Vue.js code behind the scenes. You'll need to connect this front-end to a separate back-end solution like Airtable, Supabase, or a custom-coded back-end.

• Flutterflow works similarly for mobile development, generating Flutter code that needs to be connected to a separate back-end.

The key difference? With low-code tools, you're expected to integrate custom code and connect to external systems, while Bubble is designed to be completely self-contained.

The Pros of Using Bubble

1. Controlled, All-in-One Environment

Bubble provides a fully controlled environment that sits on Amazon Web Services (AWS), offering speed of development, quality assurance, and simplified maintenance.

2. Cost-Effective Deployment

You can deploy an application for as little as $30 per month to start, making it accessible for bootstrapped startups and small businesses.

3. Industry Leadership and Community

Bubble has raised $100 million in funding, employs hundreds of people, and boasts the largest community in the no-code space. They even host an annual event called Bubble Conf in New York City, and thousands of developers and agencies build on their platform.

4. Technical Capabilities

Despite being no-code, Bubble offers robust technical features including:

• Merged branches for solving technical issues

• Fast iteration between test and live environments

• An API connector that makes external integrations straightforward

The Cons of Using Bubble

1. Limited Custom Code Integration

If you need a more flexible approach that allows for significant custom code injection, Bubble may not be ideal. It's designed to minimize the need for coding, which can be limiting for certain complex requirements.

2. No Code Export Option

Unlike tools like Weweb (which can export Vue.js projects), you can't export code from Bubble to continue development elsewhere. What's built in Bubble stays in Bubble.

3. Library and DOM Limitations

When building with custom code, you can use any libraries you wish. In Bubble, you can't fully access the Document Object Model (DOM) to manipulate specific elements the way you would with custom front-end code. While some of these limitations can be addressed with plugins, the environment isn't optimized for custom code.

The Vendor Lock-In Question

Bubble is a vendor lock-in tool, meaning once you build there, you're committed to the platform. For many technical people, this is a dealbreaker. However, for businesses without dedicated tech teams or developer stakeholders, this lock-in can actually be beneficial.

Why Vendor Lock-In Might Be Good

1. Simplicity: You have built-in support and don't need to worry about complex infrastructure decisions.

2. Scalability: You can scale on AWS through Bubble's pricing tiers without managing servers yourself.

3. Stability: You're working with a well-established company with a proven track record.

This controlled environment eliminates many of the concerns around maintenance, security, and technical infrastructure that come with custom-coded applications.

Common Questions from Non-Technical Founders

"How long until I need to migrate to something else?"

Probably much longer than you think. If you ever reach the point where Bubble truly limits your growth, that's actually a good problem to have. It means you've scaled significantly and now have the resources to invest in a custom solution. For most businesses, Bubble itself won't be the limiting factor in your growth.

"Can Bubble handle thousands of users?"

Absolutely. Many Bubble applications successfully serve thousands, tens of thousands, and even hundreds of thousands of users. Since Bubble sits on AWS (the same infrastructure that powers many of the world's largest applications), scalability is built in.

"What features can't I build in Bubble that I could with custom code?"

Very few. Building in Bubble still means creating a piece of custom software from scratch, just without writing code. Almost anything you can do with code can be accomplished in Bubble, with the exception of the few limitations mentioned earlier.

"What if I eventually need a mobile app?"

Good news! Bubble is now releasing a mobile native feature, currently in private beta as of April 2025, which will soon be available to all users. This will allow you to create mobile applications within the same environment.

Conclusion

No-code tools like Bubble are excellent options for nearly any business, especially those without dedicated technical teams. Both no-code and low-code platforms like Bubble, Weweb, and Flutterflow are capable of building and scaling great products.

The key is understanding the tradeoffs and choosing the solution that best fits your specific business context. For non-technical founders looking for an all-in-one solution that allows quick iteration and validation, Bubble offers a compelling package that eliminates many of the headaches associated with traditional development.

Before making your decision, consider your team's technical capabilities, your long-term product vision, and the specific requirements of your application. By weighing these factors against the pros and cons outlined above, you'll be well-equipped to choose the right tool for your next product.

Happy building!