Is Bubble the Right Choice for Non-Technical Founders in 2025

Alex Bennett

·September 5, 2024

·12 min read

Is Bubble the Right Choice for Non-Technical Founders in 2025 — Image Source: pexels

No-code platforms like Bubble have revolutionized how you can build applications without code. By 2025, nearly 70% of new applications will rely on low-code or no-code technologies, making tools like Bubble essential for innovation. However, concerns about bubble pricing and unsustainable pricing models have emerged. Many non-technical founders face challenges like inadequate technical planning, which discourages investors. While Bubble offers immense potential, you must weigh its benefits against its scalability and cost issues to determine if it aligns with your startup's goals.

Key Features of Bubble

Customization and Flexibility

Bubble does offers a range of customization options for building applications. Its visual interface allows you to create custom apps using a drag-and-drop canvas. You can design layouts, add elements, and adjust styles without writing code. The Workflow Editor lets you define app functionality with pre-built actions and conditions to create interactive features. Bubble also includes a relational database system, enabling you to build unique data structures tailored to your app's needs.

However, while Bubble claims to replicate the flexibility of traditional coding, this flexibility often comes with limitations. Users may find that as projects increase in complexity, they encounter constraints that require workarounds, which can be frustrating for non-technical founders. The promise of accommodating everything from simple prototypes to advanced applications can quickly fade when faced with the reality of Bubble's performance and scalability issues.

Tip: While Bubble's drag-and-drop editor simplifies app development, careful planning of workflows is essential to avoid potential bottlenecks and inefficiencies.

Scalability

Bubble's scalability features make it suitable for growing startups. Its cloud infrastructure automatically adjusts resources based on demand, ensuring your app can handle traffic spikes. Caching mechanisms and content delivery networks (CDNs) enhance performance, reducing load times for users. However, the reality is that scalability can become a significant challenge for high-traffic or data-intensive applications.

As your app grows, you may find that Bubble's database processing speed becomes a bottleneck, limiting performance and potentially hindering user experience. While it provides a solid foundation for moderate growth, startups should be cautious and consider external tools or databases for handling heavy traffic, as Bubble alone may not suffice.

Note: While Bubble scales well for moderate growth, consider external tools or databases for handling heavy traffic.

Integrations

Bubble supports a wide range of third-party integrations, making it a versatile no-code platform. You can connect your app to external services through API connections, enabling data exchange. Plugins extend functionality by linking your app to tools like payment gateways or analytics platforms. The SQL Database Connector allows integration with external databases such as PostgreSQL and MySQL, while the Bubble App Connector facilitates data sharing between multiple Bubble apps.

Available Resources and Support

Bubble;s ecosystem grants users access to a wide range of resources and support systems.

1. Comprehensive Documentation

Bubble provides detailed documentation that covers every feature of the platform. You can find step-by-step guides, tutorials, and examples to help you understand how to use the drag-and-drop editor, workflows, and integrations. This documentation is especially helpful if you are new to no-code development.

2. Active Community Forums

The Bubble community is one of its strongest assets. The forums allow you to connect with other users, ask questions, and share your experiences. Many experienced users and Bubble experts actively participate, offering solutions to common challenges. While this collaborative environment can be helpful, it also means that users may have to rely on informal support rather than official channels, which can lead to inconsistent guidance.

3. Video Tutorials and Webinars

Bubble offers a library of video tutorials and regular webinars. These resources cover topics ranging from beginner-level app creation to advanced customization techniques.

4. Third-Party Experts and Agencies

You can also hire Bubble-certified experts or agencies to help with your project. These professionals specialize in no-code development and can assist with tasks like app design, performance optimization, and API integrations. This option is ideal if you want to focus on your business while leaving the technical work to experts.

Tip: Start with the free resources like documentation and community forums before exploring paid options. These can often provide the guidance you need without extra costs.

Bubble Pricing: Is It Affordable for Startups?

Pricing Tiers and Plans

Bubble.io offers a range of pricing plans tailored to different user needs. These plans include a free option for learning and small projects, while paid tiers cater to individual developers, startups, and large enterprises. The platform’s pricing structure is based on workload units (WU), which measure app usage. Here’s a breakdown of the available plans:

Tier	Workload Units	Monthly Price	Annual Price	Overage Rate
1	200K	$29	$26	$0.018/K WU
2	750K	$99	$89	$0.014/K WU
3	2.5M	$299	$269	$0.012/K WU
4	6M	$599	$539	$0.010/K WU
5	20M	$1,499	$1,349	$0.008/K WU

The free plan is ideal for experimenting with no-code development. The Starter Plan suits individual developers, while the Growth Plan supports startups scaling their applications. For larger teams, the Team Plan provides high-performance capabilities. Enterprises can opt for custom solutions to meet unique demands.

Hidden Costs and Affordability

While Bubble.io’s plans appear affordable, hidden costs can arise as your app grows. The consumption-based pricing model charges for every database operation, API call, and workflow execution. This can lead to unpredictable costs, especially for data-intensive applications. For example, integrating a chatbot or handling complex workflows may significantly increase workload unit usage.

To manage costs, you might need external tools like third-party databases or search solutions. These add-ons improve performance but increase initial costs.

Tip: Monitor your app’s workload unit usage closely to avoid unexpected expenses.

Limitations of Bubble: A Barrier for Non-Technical Users

Scalability and Performance Issues

Bubble's scalability can present challenges as your application grows. The platform's database processing speed, capped at approximately 100 rows per second, often creates bottlenecks for high-traffic or data-intensive applications. This limitation can lead to slow load times and delayed responses, frustrating your users and impacting their experience. For startups aiming for rapid growth, these performance issues can hinder your ability to scale effectively.

Managing these challenges often requires technical optimizations. You may need to simplify query expressions, reduce data modifications during page loads, or leverage Bubble's built-in features like caching and database optimization. While these tools can improve performance, they demand a level of technical understanding that may feel overwhelming for non-technical founders.

Hidden Costs and Technical Workarounds

Bubble's pricing model, which charges for every database operation, API call, and workflow execution, can lead to unexpected expenses as your app grows in complexity. Unlike other cloud services like AWS, where costs are often more predictable and based on overall usage rather than individual operations, Bubble's approach can quickly escalate your expenses. For instance, integrating a chatbot or managing complex workflows can significantly increase your workload units (WUs), putting a strain on your budget.

To manage these rising costs, you might find yourself needing to adopt external tools, such as third-party databases or search solutions. While these alternatives can enhance performance, they also complicate your operations and require a higher initial investment. This creates a frustrating paradox for non-technical founders: you turn to a no-code platform to simplify development, yet you end up facing technical hurdles and escalating costs as your app scales.

Dependency on the Platform

Bubble's vendor lock-in poses a significant risk for startups. Applications built on the platform cannot be easily migrated to other technologies, limiting your flexibility and innovation. The inability to export source code further increases your dependency, leaving your business vulnerable to changes in Bubble's pricing or policies.

This lack of code ownership also restricts your ability to customize or future-proof your application. As market demands evolve, you may find it challenging to adapt your app to new requirements. For scaling startups, the high cost of dedicated server instances adds another layer of financial burden, making long-term sustainability a concern.

Tip: Before committing to Bubble, evaluate whether its limitations align with your long-term business goals. Consider how dependency on the platform might impact your ability to innovate and scale.

The Challenge of Performance Optimization

Performance optimization on Bubble can feel like a daunting task, especially if you lack technical expertise. As your app grows, you may notice slower load times or delayed responses.

To address these challenges, you need to explore optimization techniques. Simplifying workflows and reducing the number of database queries can improve performance. For example, instead of loading all data at once, you can use pagination to display smaller chunks. Caching frequently accessed data is another effective strategy. Bubble offers built-in tools for caching, which can reduce the load on your database and speed up your app.

Despite these tools, some performance issues may require external solutions. Many founders turn to third-party databases like Supabase or search tools like Algolia to handle specific tasks. These integrations can enhance speed and scalability but add complexity to your project. You might need to learn how to configure these tools or hire experts to assist you.

The need for technical optimizations highlights a paradox. While Bubble promises a no-code experience, scaling your app often demands technical skills. This can feel overwhelming if you expected a fully hands-off approach.

Comparing Bubble to Other No-Code Platforms

Alternatives to Bubble

The no-code movement has introduced a variety of platforms, each catering to different needs. While Bubble stands out for its flexibility and customization, you might find other no-code platforms better suited for specific use cases. Here are some popular alternatives:

Momen: Momen is a full-stack no-code app builder that offers a robust backend capable of handling millions of user data. It does not charge for database operations, and its pricing is more transparent and predictable.
FlutterFlow: If you need native mobile apps with extensive customization, FlutterFlow offers powerful tools for app development.
Glide: This platform transforms spreadsheets into apps, making it a great choice for small business growth and data-driven applications.
Fluid UI: Known for rapid prototyping, Fluid UI helps you design and test app ideas quickly.
DronaHQ: This platform specializes in internal app development, offering user-friendly features for businesses.
WaveMaker: A low-code platform designed for deploying web and mobile apps efficiently.

Choosing the Right No-Code Platform

Selecting the best no-code platform depends on your goals and resources. To make an informed decision, you should evaluate several factors:

Type of Application: Determine whether your app is suitable for building on Bubble. If you are developing a data-driven app or are likely to have a lot of user data, alternatives like Momen might be a better choice.
Ease of Use: Look for platforms with intuitive interfaces. This ensures you can start building without extensive training.
Features and Customization: Choose a platform that offers pre-built templates and components. Bubble excels in customization, but others like Adalo may suit simpler projects.
Scalability: Ensure the platform can handle growth. For example, Momen's robust backend supports millions of users.
Budget and Pricing: Compare pricing models. Bubble’s pricing model may lead to higher costs as your app scales, while alternatives like WaveMaker offer predictable pricing.
Support and Community: Platforms with active communities and robust support systems can help you overcome challenges.
Flexibility and Custom Code Integration: If your app requires advanced features, ensure the platform allows custom code integration.

Note: No-code adoption is growing rapidly, but not all platforms suit every project. Take time to assess your long-term goals before committing.

Bubble offers you a powerful no-code platform that simplifies app development. However, scalability challenges and rising costs may limit its appeal as your startup grows.

To decide if Bubble fits your needs, consider your budget, long-term goals, and the type of app you want to build. Evaluate whether its strengths outweigh its limitations for your business.

FAQ

How does Bubble support rapid product development?

Bubble accelerates product development by eliminating the need for traditional coding. You can prototype, test, and launch applications in weeks. Its pre-built templates and workflows streamline the process, helping you focus on refining your ideas and reaching the market faster.

Is Bubble suitable for scaling a startup?

Bubble works well for startups in their early stages. Its cloud infrastructure handles moderate growth. However, as your app scales, you may face performance challenges. External tools or databases can help manage these issues, but they add complexity and costs.

What are the hidden costs of using Bubble?

Bubble’s pricing model charges include database operations and API calls. As your app grows, these costs can increase unexpectedly. You might also need external tools for optimization, which adds to your expenses.