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Bubble.io: Capabilities and Limitations You Need to Know

If you’ve been exploring how to build an app without writing code, there’s a high chance you’ve come across Bubble.io. Whether you’re a startup founder, an indie hacker, or a small business owner, this platform is gaining attention fast and for good reason.

But what exactly can Bubble.io do? And just as importantly, where does it fall short?

In this post, we’ll unpack the key capabilities and limitations of Bubble.io, backed by facts, examples, and practical tips. Whether you’re planning to build it yourself or hire Bubble.io freelancers, this article will help you decide if Bubble.io is the right fit for your next big idea.

What is Bubble.io?

Bubble.io is a no-code development platform that lets you build web applications visually without writing a single line of code. Unlike website builders like Wix or Squarespace, Bubble.io  isn’t just about pretty pages. It lets you build functional, dynamic, database-driven apps – think marketplaces, SaaS products, internal tools, and more.

Imagine creating an app like Airbnb, but without hiring a team of developers or writing JavaScript. That’s the magic of Bubble.io.

Can Non-Developers Use Bubble.io Effectively?

Yes, they can… 

While you don’t need to write code, you do need to understand logic, workflows, and how data flows through your app. Bubble.io lets you design visually, but you’ll still be setting conditions, building workflows, and planning your database structure.

Many founders start off building their MVPs themselves. But once they hit a complexity wall, they either hire a no code developer or reach out to Bubble.io freelancers for help. It’s a very common path –  build what you can, then hand it over to someone who knows the system inside out.

Is Bubble.io Powerful Enough for Full-Scale Apps?

Absolutely. Bubble.io is more than capable of powering full-featured applications. Startups like Qoins, a fintech platform that helps users pay off debt, built their MVP on Bubble.io and later scaled it successfully. Teal, a career management platform, is another great example.

Remember, you can build real businesses with Bubble.io, not just prototypes. From user authentication to payment gateways to custom dashboards, Bubble.io covers it all. That’s why many startups prefer working with a bubble certified development agency to get things done faster and more efficiently.

What Are the Most Impressive Capabilities of Bubble.io?

One of the biggest draws of Bubble.io is its visual development interface. You can design your entire frontend using drag-and-drop tools. But Bubble.io doesn’t stop at design. You can build custom workflows, connect your app to APIs, set up complex user logic, manage databases, and even control permissions, all from your browser.

Bubble.io also has an API connector that makes it easy to integrate with third-party platforms like Stripe, SendGrid, OpenAI, Zapier, and more. With the plugin marketplace growing every month, extending your app’s functionality is just a few clicks away.

Many no code developers love the freedom Bubble.io gives them. 

Can Bubble.io Apps Handle Growth and Scaling?

This is where things get a little nuanced. Bubble-hosted apps can scale to handle thousands of users if built and optimized properly. The platform uses cloud infrastructure that dynamically allocates resources based on your app’s needs.

However, if your app becomes very complex or popular, you may need to invest time in performance optimization. That’s why startups at a growth stage often collaborate with a no code development agency to clean up inefficient workflows and reduce page load times.

Bubble.io provides performance tools, but it’s up to you or the experts you hire to use them well.

Is Bubble.io Secure for Web Applications?

Security is a top concern for anyone building a public-facing app. The good news is that Bubble.io offers enterprise-grade hosting on Amazon Web Services, SSL encryption by default, and built-in protections against common vulnerabilities.

However, app-level security is your responsibility. That means you need to set proper privacy rules, restrict user access, and ensure your workflows don’t leave any backdoors. If you’re not confident in this area, it’s a smart move to hire Bubble.io freelancers or work with a bubble certified development agency to audit your app.

Security is not something you want to gamble with, especially if you’re handling sensitive data or user information.

Can You Build Mobile Apps With Bubble.io?

Technically, yes – but with a little help. Bubble.io doesn’t generate native Android or iOS apps out of the box. Instead, it lets you build mobile-responsive web apps. You can then wrap your app using tools like BDK Native or Thunkable to publish it on app stores.

This approach works well for many startups, especially when budget or time is tight. However, if you’re building an app that relies heavily on native features like Bluetooth or GPS, a custom native solution might be more suitable.

That said, for most MVPs and early-stage products, Bubble’s mobile support is more than enough.

What Are Bubble.io’s Limitations?

Like any platform, Bubble.io has its trade-offs. Performance can become an issue if your app isn’t optimized. If you’re building a massive, multi-user SaaS with complex data relationships and real-time interactions, things might get sluggish without serious effort.

SEO can also be tricky, especially for dynamically generated pages. You’ll need to configure page metadata manually, and it doesn’t always play nicely with Google’s crawling.

Another limitation is that you’re locked into the Bubble ecosystem. You can’t export your code and host it elsewhere. If Bubble.io were to shut down, you’d need to rebuild from scratch on another platform.

Also, Bubble.io doesn’t support offline functionality. So if your app requires consistent access without an internet connection, you may want to consider another route.

Is It Better to Build Yourself or Hire Help?

It depends on your goals and timeline. If you’re curious, have some time, and your project isn’t mission-critical, it’s worth trying to build it yourself. Bubble.io is well-documented, and its community is super helpful.

But if you’re on a deadline, have funding, or need something polished and scalable, then it makes more sense to work with a professional. You can hire Bubble.io freelancers who specialize in fast builds and smart workflows, or bring in a no code development agency for end-to-end service.

The hybrid model also works well. Build your MVP yourself, then let a pro optimize and extend it.

How Much Does It Cost to Build with Bubble.io?

Building with Bubble.io is significantly cheaper than traditional development. The platform’s paid plans start as low as $29 per month, and even the top-tier plans are more affordable than hiring a full-stack dev.

If you decide to hire help, freelancers may charge anywhere from $25 to $100 per hour, depending on their experience. A complete build from a bubble certified development agency might cost anywhere between $3,000 and $20,000, depending on the complexity and features you need.

Compared to traditional agencies that quote $30,000+ just for version one, Bubble.io is a budget-friendly launchpad for startups and solo entrepreneurs.

What Are the Things to Consider Before Hiring a Bubble.io Agency?

Choosing the right Bubble.io agency can make or break your project, especially if you’re looking to launch fast and scale without running into technical debt. Not all agencies are created equal, so doing your homework upfront is essential.

First, make sure the agency is a bubble certified development agency. Certification is a good indicator that the team understands Bubble’s advanced capabilities, best practices, and performance optimization techniques.

Second, review their portfolio. Ask for apps they’ve built that are similar in scope or industry to yours. It’s not just about how good an app looks; check how fast it loads, how intuitive it feels, and whether it performs well under user stress.

Third, understand how they communicate. Will you have a dedicated project manager? Are they available in your time zone? Clear and consistent communication is critical, especially if you’re building something complex or custom.

Fourth, ask about scalability and performance planning. A great no code development agency won’t just build your app—they’ll help you structure it for future growth, integrations, and possibly even handoff to in-house teams later.

Lastly, clarify ownership. Ensure your app, workflows, and data are fully yours at the end of the engagement. Reputable agencies are transparent about handover, documentation, and ongoing support options.

If these boxes are checked, hiring a Bubble.io agency can save you months of time and set you up with a robust, scalable solution.

Final Thoughts – Should You Use Bubble.io?

Bubble.io is a game-changer for people who want to build powerful web applications without hiring a traditional development team. It empowers non-coders to go from idea to live product faster than ever before.

That said, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. You’ll need to weigh your project’s needs, your technical comfort level, and your available time or budget. If you want to move fast and minimize risk, it’s smart to hire Bubble.io freelancers or work with a no code development agency that knows the platform inside and out.