Bubble vs FlutterFlow in brief
As a startup founder, you're probably always on the lookout for tools that can help you build and launch your product faster and more efficiently.
And when it comes to no-code and low-code tools, two platforms that people usually consider are Bubble and FlutterFlow.
Both of these no-code platforms allow you to create functional and visually appealing apps without needing to know how to code. But they each have their ideal use cases.
So which one is best suited for you?
That’s what we are trying to answer in this article
So let's get started! 🧑💻
FlutterFlow vs Bubble: Which Platform Fits Your Application Development Needs?
When it comes to choosing between Bubble and FlutterFlow for your app development needs, one of the first things to consider is the type of app you're building.
Bubble is a powerful no-code platform that's particularly well-suited for creating complex web applications.
Its drag-and-drop interface and robust set of built-in features make it easy to build single-page applications (SPAs) like marketplaces, social networks, and SaaS platforms, even if you don't have a technical background.
FlutterFlow, on the other hand, is a no-code platform that's specifically designed for building mobile apps.
It's built on top of the Flutter framework, which was created by Google to allow developers to create native-quality apps for both iOS and Android from a single codebase.
One of the key advantages of FlutterFlow is that it allows you to export your app's code and continue development in Flutter if needed. This gives you a lot more flexibility and control over your app than you would have with a purely no-code solution.
Of course, there's no hard and fast rule that says you have to choose one platform or the other. Many startups use a combination of no-code tools to build different parts of their product.
For example, you might use Bubble to build your web-based dashboard and admin portal, and FlutterFlow to build a companion mobile app for your users.
So, my take? If you want something up and running fast with a simple learning curve, you can forget both platforms and use simpler tools like Glide, but if you want to choose a platform that allows you to go far in terms of customization, choose FlutterFlow if you want to build an app, and Bubble if you want to build a web application.
Learning Curve: Bubble vs FlutterFlow
Another important factor to consider is the learning curve involved in getting up and running with each platform.
Bubble has a steeper learning curve than some other no-code platforms, largely due to the sheer depth and flexibility of its feature set.
While you don't need to know how to code to use Bubble, you do need to have an understanding of the basics of software development, and be willing to invest some time in learning the platform's quirks and best practices.
Bubble is intuitive enough, but to really take advantage of its power, you'll need to use the workflow editor and learn how to create complex logic and data interactions.
This can be a bit overwhelming at first, especially if you're new to the coding world. You will need to familiarize with concepts like databases, APIs, and user authentication, for exemple.
FlutterFlow, on the other hand, has a more approachable learning curve, especially if you're already familiar with design tools like Figma.
Its visual interface is highly intuitive, and it includes a library of pre-built UI components and templates that you can easily customize to fit your app's needs.
However, FlutterFlow's simplicity can also be a bit of a double-edged sword. While it's great for quickly building simple mobile apps, you may find yourself hitting the limits of what's possible with the platform's visual tools.
To add more advanced features or integrations, you'll likely need to write custom code in, which requires a certain level of programming knowledge.
That being said, both Bubble and FlutterFlow have active communities and extensive documentation that can help you get up to speed quickly.
Bubble has a large library of user-created plugins and templates that you can use to add functionality to your app without starting from scratch. It also has an active forum where you can ask questions and get help from more experienced users.
FlutterFlow also has a growing community of developers and designers who are passionate about the platform. It offers a range of tutorials and sample projects to help you learn the ropes, and its team is actively working on improving the platform's documentation and resources.
Ultimately, the learning curve for either platform will depend on your existing skills and experience, as well as the complexity of the app you're trying to build.
But with a bit of patience and persistence, both Bubble and FlutterFlow can be powerful tools for bringing your startup idea to life, no matter your coding skills.
Database and Backend: Building Scalable Applications
When building a web or mobile application, one of the most critical aspects to consider is how you'll store and manage your app's data.
After all, even the most beautifully designed front-end is useless without a robust and scalable backend to power it.
This is another area where Bubble and FlutterFlow take somewhat different approaches, each with its own strengths and limitations.
Bubble offers a fully integrated backend and database solution, which means you can build your entire app within the platform without needing to worry about setting up and maintaining separate backend infrastructure.
Bubble's built-in database is powerful and flexible, allowing you to create complex data models and relationships without writing any SQL code. You can also easily integrate with external APIs and services to extend your app's functionality.
This all-in-one approach can be a huge time-saver, especially for startups who want to get their product to market quickly without getting bogged down in backend complexities.
However, it also means that your app is largely dependent on Bubble's infrastructure, which can be a concern for some startups who want more control over their backend.
FlutterFlow, on the other hand, doesn't include a built-in backend or database. Instead, it's designed to integrate with external backend services, most notably Google's Firebase.
Firebase is a popular backend-as-a-service platform that provides a range of tools and services for building and scaling mobile and web applications. It includes features like real-time database, user authentication, cloud storage, and more.
One of the key advantages of using Firebase with FlutterFlow is that it allows you to build more scalable and flexible applications than you might be able to with Bubble's built-in backend.
Because Firebase is a separate service from FlutterFlow, you have more control over your app's backend architecture and can more easily customize it to fit your specific needs.
However, this added flexibility also means that you'll need to be more hands-on with your backend development and management.
You'll need to set up and configure your Firebase project, manage your app's data and security rules, and potentially write some custom backend code to handle more complex logic.
Another potential downside of using Firebase with FlutterFlow is that it can be more expensive than using Bubble's built-in backend, especially as your app scales. Firebase charges based on usage, so if your app becomes popular and starts generating a lot of traffic and data, your costs can quickly add up.
That being said, both Bubble and FlutterFlow offer ways to mitigate these concerns.
Bubble allows you to export your app's data and migrate to a different backend solution if needed, while FlutterFlow makes it easy to integrate with other backend services like AWS Amplify or Supabase.
Ultimately, the choice between Bubble's built-in backend and FlutterFlow's Firebase integration will depend on your specific needs and priorities.
If you want a more turnkey solution that allows you to build and deploy quickly, Bubble may be the better choice. But if you need more flexibility and scalability, and are willing to invest more time and effort into your backend development, FlutterFlow and Firebase can be a powerful combination.
Functionality and Code Export: Extending No-Code with Custom Code
One of the biggest challenges with no-code platforms is that they can sometimes be limiting in terms of the functionality and customization options they offer.
While platforms like Bubble and FlutterFlow provide a wide range of built-in features and integrations, there may be times when you need to add custom functionality that goes beyond what's possible with the platform's visual tools.
This is where the ability to extend your no-code app with custom code can be a huge advantage. And it's an area where FlutterFlow really shines compared to Bubble.
Because FlutterFlow is built on top of the Flutter framework, it allows you to easily add custom code to your app using the Dart programming language.
This means that if you need to add a feature or integration that's not available through FlutterFlow's visual tools, you can simply write the code yourself and integrate it seamlessly into your app.
What's more, FlutterFlow makes it easy to export your app's code and continue development in Flutter if needed.
This gives you a lot of flexibility as your app grows and evolves. You can start building your app quickly using FlutterFlow's no-code tools, and then gradually add more custom code over time as your needs become more complex.
Bubble, on the other hand, doesn't offer the same level of code extensibility. While it does allow you to add custom HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to your app, you're still largely limited to the functionality that's available through Bubble's visual editor and plugin system.
And unlike FlutterFlow, Bubble doesn't give you the option to export your app's code and continue development outside of the platform.
This means that if you ever outgrow Bubble's capabilities or want to move your app to a different platform, you'll likely have to rebuild it from scratch.
That being said, Bubble's plugin system is quite powerful and allows you to add a wide range of functionality to your app without writing code.
The Bubble community has created hundreds of plugins for things like payment processing, social media integration, data visualization, and more. So even if you can't add custom code directly, you may still be able to find a plugin that meets your needs.
Ultimately, the choice between Bubble and FlutterFlow in terms of code extensibility will depend on your specific needs and goals.
If you're building a relatively simple app and don't anticipate needing a lot of custom functionality, Bubble's visual tools and plugin system may be more than enough.
But if you're building a more complex app or want the flexibility to add custom code and integrations as needed, FlutterFlow's code export and extensibility features make it a compelling choice.
Integrations and API Capabilities
In today's interconnected world, it's rare that an app exists entirely in isolation. More often than not, you'll need to integrate your app with a variety of third-party services and APIs to provide a seamless and feature-rich user experience.
This is another area where Bubble and FlutterFlow take somewhat different approaches, each with its own strengths and limitations.
Bubble offers a wide range of built-in integrations with popular services like Stripe, Mailchimp, Slack, and Google Sheets. It also allows you to connect to any HTTP-based API using its API Connector plugin.
One of the key advantages of Bubble's integration system is that it allows you to easily map data between your app and external services using a visual interface.
For example, if you want to sync user data between your app and a CRM platform like Salesforce, you can use Bubble's Data Connector plugin to set up a two-way sync without writing any code.
Bubble also offers a powerful workflow system that allows you to automate complex processes and interactions between your app and external services.
For example, you could use a workflow to automatically send a welcome email to new users when they sign up for your app, or to update a user's account status in your CRM when they make a purchase.
FlutterFlow, on the other hand, relies more heavily on custom code and third-party libraries for integrations and API connections.
Because FlutterFlow is built on top of Flutter, you can use any of the thousands of Flutter packages available on pub.dev to add functionality to your app. This includes packages for things like social media login, push notifications, and more.
FlutterFlow also makes it easy to integrate with Firebase's various services, including Authentication, Cloud Firestore, and Cloud Functions. This allows you to quickly add features like user authentication and real-time data syncing to your app.
However, if you need to integrate with a service or API that doesn't have a pre-built Flutter package or Firebase integration, you'll need to write the integration code yourself using Dart.
This can be a bit more time-consuming than using Bubble's visual integration tools, but it also gives you more control over how your app communicates with external services.
Ultimately, both Bubble and FlutterFlow offer robust integration and API capabilities, but they approach them in different ways.
Bubble's visual integration tools and workflow system make it easy to connect to external services and automate complex processes without writing code.
FlutterFlow, on the other hand, relies more on custom code and third-party libraries for integrations, which can be more flexible but also more time-consuming.
The choice between the two will depend on your specific integration needs and your comfort level with writing custom code.
If you need to connect to a wide range of services and APIs and want a more visual, no-code approach, Bubble may be the better choice. But if you're comfortable writing code and want more control over your app's integrations, FlutterFlow's Flutter-based approach may be more appealing.
Pros and Cons of Bubble vs FlutterFlow
Now that we've taken a deep dive into some of the key differences between Bubble and FlutterFlow, let's take a step back and summarize the pros and cons of each platform.
Bubble Pros:
- Powerful visual programming interface for building complex web applications
- Large library of plugins and integrations for adding functionality without writing code
- Built-in database and backend, making it easy to build and deploy full-stack applications
- Active community and extensive resources for learning and troubleshooting
Bubble Cons:
- Steeper learning curve than some other no-code platforms, especially for non-technical users
- Can be slower and less performant than custom-coded applications, especially for complex or data-heavy apps
- Limited ability to add custom code or export your app's codebase for further development
- Can be more expensive than other no-code platforms, especially as your app scales
FlutterFlow Pros:
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for building cross-platform mobile applications
- Built on top of Flutter, allowing for high-performance, native-quality apps
- Ability to add custom code and export your app's codebase for further development
- Seamless integration with Firebase for backend services and real-time data syncing
FlutterFlow Cons:
- Limited functionality compared to more full-featured no-code platforms like Bubble
- Requires some knowledge of Flutter and Dart programming to fully customize and extend your app
- Relies heavily on third-party libraries and packages for added functionality, which can be less stable or well-documented than built-in features
- Smaller community and fewer learning resources compared to more established platforms like Bubble
Ultimately, the choice between Bubble and FlutterFlow will depend on your specific needs and priorities as a startup founder.
If you're primarily focused on building web applications and want a more full-featured, no-code platform with a large community and extensive resources, Bubble may be the better choice.
But if you're building mobile-first applications and want the performance and flexibility of a Flutter-based approach, with the ability to add custom code and export your app's codebase, FlutterFlow may be the way to go.
SEO and Optimization for Web and Mobile Apps
As a startup founder, you know that building a great product is only half the battle. To really succeed, you also need to make sure that your app is discoverable and optimized for search engines and app stores.
Overall, both platforms are not focused on SEO, so my recommendation would be to use no-code website builders like Webflow or WordPress and for your Marketing site.
However, here is a comparison of the built-in SEO features of both platforms:
Bubble offers a range of built-in SEO features and best practices to help your web application rank well in search results. This includes things like:
- Customizable page titles and meta descriptions
- Automatic sitemap generation
- Clean, search-friendly URLs
- Responsive design for mobile optimization
- Ability to add structured data and Open Graph tags
By following Bubble's SEO guidelines and best practices, you can help ensure that your web app is discoverable and accessible to your target audience.
FlutterFlow, on the other hand, is primarily focused on building mobile applications, which have a different set of optimization considerations than web apps.
While FlutterFlow does allow you to build web versions of your mobile apps using Flutter for Web, these web apps are not as fully featured or SEO-optimized as those built with Bubble.
Instead, the key optimization considerations for FlutterFlow apps are around app store optimization (ASO) and user experience.
This includes things like:
- Choosing a compelling app name and description
- Designing eye-catching app icons and screenshots
- Optimizing your app's keywords and categories
- Encouraging user ratings and reviews
- Ensuring fast load times and smooth performance
Community and Resources
When choosing a no-code platform for your startup, it's important to consider not just the features and capabilities of the platform itself, but also the strength and support of its community and resources.
Having access to a vibrant community of developers, designers, and entrepreneurs can be invaluable as you build and grow your app. It can provide inspiration, guidance, and troubleshooting support when you run into challenges or roadblocks.
In this regard, both Bubble and FlutterFlow have active and supportive communities, although they differ in their size and focus.
Bubble has a large and well-established community of users and experts, with a wide range of resources and support channels available. This includes:
- An extensive library of tutorials, guides, and documentation on the Bubble website
- A community forum where users can ask questions, share knowledge, and collaborate on projects
- A marketplace of user-created plugins, templates, and integrations to extend the functionality of your app
- Regular webinars, meetups, and events to connect with other Bubble users and learn from experts
FlutterFlow, being a newer platform, has a smaller but growing community of passionate developers and designers. While it may not have the same depth and breadth of resources as Bubble, it does offer:
- A range of video tutorials and guides on the FlutterFlow website and YouTube channel
- An active Discord community where users can connect, ask questions, and share their projects
- Regular community challenges and hackathons to showcase and celebrate innovative FlutterFlow apps
- A curated selection of third-party Flutter packages and resources to help extend the functionality of your app
Ultimately, the strength and support of a platform's community can be just as important as its features and capabilities when it comes to building and growing your startup.
By choosing a platform with an active and engaged community, you can tap into a wealth of knowledge, inspiration, and support as you bring your app idea to life.
Scalability and Long-Term Potential
As a startup founder, it's important to think not just about the immediate needs and challenges of building your app, but also about its long-term potential and scalability.
After all, the goal of any startup is to grow and succeed over time, and you want to choose a platform that can support and enable that growth.
In this regard, both Bubble and FlutterFlow offer different strengths and considerations when it comes to scalability and long-term potential.
Bubble is designed to be a comprehensive, full-stack platform for building and scaling web applications. Its built-in database and backend infrastructure can support apps with millions of users and complex data models.
And its visual programming interface and workflow system make it relatively easy to add new features and functionality as your app grows and evolves.
However, one potential limitation of Bubble is that it can be difficult to export your app's codebase and migrate to a different platform if you outgrow Bubble's capabilities or want more control over your app's infrastructure.
While Bubble does offer some tools for exporting data and integrating with external services, you may find yourself locked into the platform's ecosystem as your app scales.
FlutterFlow, on the other hand, is built on top of the open-source Flutter framework, which is designed for building high-performance, scalable mobile applications.
Because FlutterFlow allows you to export your app's codebase and continue development in Flutter, you have more flexibility and control over your app's long-term architecture and scalability.
You can start building your app quickly with FlutterFlow's no-code tools, and then gradually add more custom code and integrations as your needs become more complex.
And because Flutter is backed by Google and has a large and growing community of developers, you can be confident that the platform will continue to evolve and improve over time.
However, one potential limitation of FlutterFlow is that it relies heavily on Firebase for its backend infrastructure and services.
While Firebase is a powerful and scalable platform in its own right, it can become expensive as your app grows and your usage increases.
And if you want to migrate to a different backend platform, you may need to invest significant time and resources in rebuilding your app's infrastructure and doing the migration.
How to Choose the Right No-Code Platform
With so many factors to consider and trade-offs to weigh, choosing the right no-code platform for your startup can feel overwhelming.
But by taking a systematic approach and evaluating your specific needs and goals, you can make an informed decision that sets your app up for success.
Here are some key questions to ask yourself when choosing between Bubble and FlutterFlow (or any other no-code platform):
- What type of app are you building? Are you primarily focused on web or mobile, or do you need to support both?
- What is your level of technical expertise? Are you comfortable writing code, or do you need a more visual, no-code approach?
- What are your app's specific features and functionality needs? Do you need built-in backend infrastructure, or are you comfortable integrating with external services?
- What is your budget and timeline? Do you need a platform that allows for rapid development and iteration, or are you willing to invest more time and resources upfront?
- What are your long-term goals and scalability needs? Do you need a platform that can support millions of users and complex data models, or are you building a more niche, targeted app?
By answering these questions and evaluating your options against your specific criteria, you can narrow down your choices and make a more informed decision.
And remember, choosing a no-code platform is not a one-time decision. As your app and your startup grow and evolve, you may need to reassess your needs and consider migrating to a different platform or approach.
The key is to stay flexible, keep learning, and always be willing to adapt and iterate as you build and grow your app.
By the way, we are Realistack, a product design and low-code development studio that exclusively works with tech startups. If you want to launch your startup and need help with building your MVP, don’t hesitate to reach out. We usually take a 5% share upon delivery in exchange for a lower hourly rate. That way, our interests are aligned with yours in the long run.
One worry that I always had when I wanted to outsource the development of my startup’s MVP was all the things in the code that I would not see, but if done wrong, could cause major issues and slow us down later on. That’s why I like the idea of taking share and truly think that’s the way to go if you decide to outsource the development of your MVP. We also offer product design services which is a great if you want to do things properly and already have some early validation.
FAQs
Why is Bubble better suited for web application development?
Bubble is a no-code web app builder optimized for creating complex, data-driven web applications. Its visual interface, powerful workflows, and extensive third-party integrations allow users to build scalable platforms like marketplaces or SaaS products without writing a single line of code. Bubble makes it easier to handle responsive web development for desktops and mobile devices.
Which platform is better for startups: Bubble or FlutterFlow?
The right platform for your project depends on your goals. Choose Bubble if you’re focused on building web applications with advanced workflows and integrated backends. For mobile app development, FlutterFlow excels with its ability to create native mobile apps and export code for further customization. Each platform supports a unique app development process tailored to startups.
Can I switch between Bubble and FlutterFlow during app development?
Switching between Bubble and FlutterFlow is possible but complex. Bubble apps are tied to its proprietary system, while FlutterFlow integrates with Flutter to export native apps. Transitioning may require rebuilding your app’s structure, as both platforms approach the development process differently.
How does coding knowledge affect what I can achieve with Bubble or FlutterFlow?
With Bubble, one can achieve robust functionality without writing a single line of code, but advanced features rely on plugins. In FlutterFlow, users can leverage custom Flutter code to go beyond its visual tools. Familiarity with Flutter community resources and third-party integrations enhances app scalability and customization.
What backend options should I consider if I choose FlutterFlow?
If you choose FlutterFlow, Firebase is the primary backend option, offering tools like real-time databases and user authentication. It’s ideal for fast mobile app development. Alternatively, Supabase or AWS Amplify provide scalable backends for more complex needs. The platform’s integration with Flutter allows users to implement custom Flutter code for backend flexibility.
Are there limits to what I can build using no-code development platforms like FlutterFlow and Bubble?
Both platforms have limits. Bubble’s ecosystem is tied to its no-code app development infrastructure, which restricts advanced customizations and native mobile apps. FlutterFlow excels in customization, but its reliance on Firebase and the need for coding knowledge in advanced scenarios can be barriers. Choosing the right no-code platform depends on the complexity of your project.
How does FlutterFlow’s integration with Flutter give it an edge over Bubble?
FlutterFlow integrates seamlessly with Flutter, enabling users to build high-performance native apps for iOS and Android. Its ability to export code and extend functionality with custom Flutter code provides more flexibility for developers. Unlike Bubble, built on Flutter, FlutterFlow supports the app development process from no-code to full-code seamlessly.
What should I do if I outgrow the capabilities of FlutterFlow or Bubble?
If you outgrow FlutterFlow, its code export feature allows you to transition to full Flutter development, leveraging the power of Flutter for greater customization. If you outgrow Bubble, migrating to another platform or rebuilding with a different app builder will be necessary. Both scenarios highlight the importance of scalability in the development process.
