Imagine this. You spend weeks building your dream app on Bubble. It works beautifully in the browser, your friends are impressed, and early users are signing up. Then someone asks the question every founder eventually hears: ‘Cool, but is it on the App Store?’ That’s the moment you realize the web version isn’t enough. People want something they can tap on their home screen, not just a link in their bookmarks.
There are two main options – using a native builder or wrapping your Bubble app inside a mobile container. Both methods can work, but they come with very different tradeoffs. This guide walks you through what each approach means, the pros and cons, and the setup process so you can decide which is the better fit for your project.
What Is a Native Builder?
A native builder is a service that takes your Bubble project and converts it into a real mobile app that interacts directly with iOS or Android systems. Unlike a simple wrapper, a native builder makes your app feel like it was coded in Swift or Kotlin, complete with smoother performance and access to device-level features. Popular examples include BDK Native and Nativator. With these tools, your Bubble app is no longer just a web page tucked inside a shell. Instead, it becomes something that behaves more like a first-class mobile app.
What Is Wrapping?
Wrapping is a more lightweight solution. Instead of rebuilding anything, you place your Bubble app inside a container that looks like a mobile app. From the user’s perspective, they download an app, open it, and see your interface on their phone. Behind the scenes, your app is still running on the web and is simply displayed through the wrapper. This is why wrapping is fast and budget-friendly.
Pros and Cons of Native Builders
Pros:
- Full access to mobile features like push notifications, GPS, and biometric login.
- Smoother performance that feels more natural to users.
- Higher chance of meeting Apple and Google’s strict app store guidelines.
- More room for future growth and advanced integrations.
Cons:
- Higher upfront and ongoing costs compared to wrapping.
- A steeper learning curve for non-technical founders.
- Longer setup times due to testing and debugging.
Pros and Cons of Wrapping
Pros:
- Very quick to set up, often in just a few days.
- More affordable, making it perfect for MVPs or early-stage experiments.
- No major learning curve since the wrapper just loads your existing Bubble app.
Cons:
- Limited access to mobile features. Push notifications and offline support may not be possible.
- Performance can feel sluggish, especially with animations or heavy workflows.
- Apple may reject simple wrappers if they do not feel like genuine apps.
Setting Up a Native Builder
When you go the native builder route, the process takes more planning but also gives you more control. You start by choosing a service that suits your needs. From there, you prepare your Bubble app so that it is fully responsive and optimized for small screens. Once your app is ready, you connect it to the builder, usually through a plugin or integration guide provided by the service. This is also the stage where you add mobile-specific features like push notifications or in-app purchases.
After that, it is all about testing. You will need to run the app on real devices or emulators to catch any issues. Only once everything works smoothly should you prepare the submission for the App Store and Google Play. Be ready for some back and forth during the review process, especially on Apple’s side.
Setting Up a Wrapper
The wrapping process is much simpler. You start by choosing a provider such as GoNative. Instead of redesigning your app, you simply share your Bubble app’s URL. The service then loads your app inside the container, adds branding elements like your splash screen and logo, and generates the files you need for store submission. From there, you can test it on your phone and send it for approval. While this method is quick, you will need to keep expectations realistic about performance and app store acceptance.
Which One Should You Choose?
The decision comes down to your goals. If you are in the testing phase or want to validate an idea quickly, wrapping is often the smartest path. It gives you something to show users and investors without draining your budget or timeline. If, however, you are preparing for scale or already have traction, investing in a native builder pays off. Your app will run smoother, have more features, and stand a better chance with Apple’s strict approval rules.
Some founders actually combine the two strategies. They start with wrapping to get early feedback, then transition to a native builder once the app proves its value. This staged approach allows you to move fast without locking yourself into limitations.
Final Thoughts
Converting your Bubble web app into a mobile app no longer has to feel intimidating. Between native builders and wrapping solutions, there is a clear path forward for every stage of your journey. Wrapping is fast and cost-effective, while native builders give you long-term power and performance.
Think about your users, your timeline, and your budget. If people simply need a quick way to access your app on their phones, a wrapper might be enough. If they expect a polished, high-performing mobile experience, then a native builder is the way to go. Either choice lets you take advantage of Bubble’s flexibility while meeting users where they spend most of their digital time: on their phones.