In 2025 Q1, we built dozens of apps using Bubble.io, most of which turned into funded startups.

Sound wild? It gets better.

Over 4.6 million apps have been built on Bubble as of 2025 — without writing a single line of code.

So the real question is: if you're not building your MVP with Bubble, are you wasting time and money?

This guide is our field-tested review of Bubble: what it is, what it does brilliantly, where it trips up, and whether it’s right for you.

What Is Bubble.io?

Bubble.io is a no-code app development platform that lets you visually design, develop, and deploy full-stack applications. From user interface and workflows to database and APIs, it empowers non-technical founders, designers, and citizen developers to build real web applications.

Key Features of Bubble.io

Bubble gives you a powerful toolkit to build just about any web application, without code. Here's what stands out:

• Visual Editor: Build and customize your app’s interface with drag-and-drop precision.

• Workflow Engine: Automate logic with conditional rules, actions, and backend workflows.

• Built-In Database: Store and manage structured data directly within your Bubble app.

• API Connector: Link external services and APIs — think Stripe, SendGrid, Airtable.

• SQL Connector: Seamlessly connect with Postgres, MySQL, and more.

• Real-Time Saving & Undo/Redo: Develop without fear; changes are saved instantly and easily reversible.

• Custom UI/UX Design: You're in control — design any interface, no templates required.

• Plugins Marketplace: 5,000+ plugins and 1,000+ templates to accelerate your build.

• Version Control: Safely manage your dev, test, and live environments.

• User Authentication: Add login, registration, and permission levels in minutes.

• Collaboration Tools: Invite your team and collaborate in real time.

• Hosting & Deployment: Fully hosted with SSL and custom domain support.

• AI Integration: Works with ChatGPT, DALL·E, and over 300 AI tools for smarter builds.

• Mobile Development (Beta): Build PWAs or wrap with native tools like BDK for app stores.

Next, we'll dive into where Bubble shines — and where it hits some friction.

Pros of Using Bubble.io

There’s a reason Bubble has a cult following in the no-code community. Here’s what it gets absolutely right:

• Build fast: Turn ideas into working prototypes or live products in days, not months.

• Do more with less: One founder can build what used to require a team of developers.

• Fully customizable: No design constraints or layout limitations.

• All-in-one stack: UI, database, logic, APIs, hosting — it’s all handled.

• Rich ecosystem: Thousands of plugins, templates, and integration options.

• Affordable startup: Start building for free, scale with usage.

• Collaborative: Work with your team in real time.

• Versioned environments: Safely test features before going live.

Cons and Limitations

No tool is perfect — and Bubble’s power comes with trade-offs. Be aware of the following:

• Learning curve: It’s easy to start but tough to master, especially for complex apps.

• Performance under load: Apps with heavy data or workflows may feel sluggish without optimisation.

• Vendor lock-in: You can’t export code. Migrating away means rebuilding from scratch.

• Responsive design: Mobile layouts require finesse and practice.

• Native apps: True native features (like Bluetooth, sensors, etc.) still need wrappers.

• Advanced logic constraints: You’ll hit limits when dealing with intensive algorithms or unique animations.

What You Can Build with Bubble

We've seen — and built — almost everything using Bubble. If your idea lives on the web, chances are you can make it here.

• Marketplaces: Like Airbnb, Fiverr, or product rental platforms.

• SaaS products: Dashboards, analytics tools, automation platforms.

• CRMs: Manage customers, sales pipelines, internal workflows.

• Social platforms: Community hubs, niche networks, event-based apps.

• Educational apps: Online courses, tutoring platforms, learning portals.

• AI and automation tools: Chatbots, GPT-integrated writing assistants, custom AI workflows.

• Internal tools: Admin panels, KPI dashboards, workflow trackers.

• Mobile PWAs: Wrap your Bubble app and publish it on mobile stores.

AI + Bubble: Building Smarter, Faster

Bubble doesn’t just support AI — it’s actively integrating it into the build process. Here’s what that means for you:

• Seamlessly integrate with OpenAI models like ChatGPT and DALL·E.

• Build AI-powered chatbots, content generators, and document processors.

• Automate workflows using AI to route, tag, summarize, and personalize data.

• Tap into 300+ AI plugins available directly from the marketplace.

• Add real-time AI interactions for live chat, predictions, and custom logic.

If you’re building anything that relies on smart decisions, dynamic outputs, or conversational interfaces — Bubble makes it possible without a single line of backend AI code.

Bubble for Enterprise: Is It Ready for Scale?

Absolutely — if you know how to use it right.

Here’s why startups and even large enterprises are turning to Bubble:

• Companies save between $300K to $1M per year building with Bubble instead of custom code.

• SOC 2 Type II compliance, SSO, and role-based privacy controls make it secure and enterprise-ready.

• Connect to SQL and external data tools for hybrid builds.

• Build and launch full internal portals, CRMs, or client dashboards fast.

For innovation teams, Bubble is the sandbox where validated experiments become real solutions — without fighting IT queues or dev bottlenecks.

When You Shouldn’t Use Bubble

Bubble isn't perfect for everything. Here's where it falls short:

• Apps that require real-time multiplayer features or native device access (e.g. AR, games, IoT).

• Offline-first apps that need local storage or sync logic.

• Projects that must be hosted on-prem or require code export.

• When you absolutely need full control over codebase and infrastructure.

But for 90% of startup MVPs and internal tools, it more than delivers.

Can I export code from Bubble?

No. Bubble does not provide code export. Everything runs on their platform. Migration means rebuilding.

Can Bubble handle a high-traffic app?

Yes, but it depends on how well it's optimized. Dedicated plans and clean workflows help. For mission-critical performance, plan for optimization.

Can I build mobile apps with Bubble?

Yes, via PWAs or wrappers like BDK. Native mobile is in beta and improving but not fully featured yet.

Is it secure enough for business use?

Yes. Bubble supports enterprise-level security and offers options for compliance like SOC 2.

How long does it take to learn Bubble?

A few hours to start, but a few weeks to get proficient with advanced features. Expect a learning curve if you want to go deep.

Should You Use Bubble?

Bubble is a game-changer. Not because it replaces developers — but because it lets you build more with less. Faster. Whether you're a solo founder, product team, or innovation lead, Bubble lets you move at the speed of thought.

If you’ve got a validated idea, there’s no faster way to get it in the hands of real users. And if you want to do it right — we can build it with you.

Let’s make it real. Talk to Million Labs →