Bubble vs. WeWeb: which No-Code tool should you choose for your web application?

Among the many NoCode platforms available, Bubble and WeWeb stand out as two powerful solutions, each catering to different user needs. Bubble is a comprehensive, all-in-one development platform that integrates both frontend and backend functionalities, making it an attractive choice for users who want to build and host their applications within a single ecosystem. On the other hand, WeWeb takes a frontend-first approach, allowing users to design highly customizable web applications while connecting them to external backend services such as Xano, Supabase, or Airtable.

These two platforms differ significantly in their architecture, scalability, and customization capabilities, which makes the choice between them highly dependent on the specific requirements of a project. If you need a quick, self-contained solution with built-in backend management, Bubble may be the better fit. However, if you prioritize design flexibility, performance, and control over your backend infrastructure, WeWeb could be the right choice.

‍

What is Bubble?

Bubble is one of the most popular and mature NoCode platforms, designed to empower users to build fully functional web applications without requiring traditional programming knowledge. It provides an intuitive drag-and-drop visual editor, allowing creators to design user interfaces effortlessly while also integrating powerful backend capabilities, such as database management and workflow automation.

One of Bubble’s standout features is its full-stack development environment. Unlike some NoCode platforms that focus exclusively on frontend design, Bubble enables users to manage both frontend (UI/UX design) and backend logic (data processing, user authentication, and automation) in a single interface. This self-contained ecosystem makes it particularly appealing to startups and entrepreneurs looking to develop a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) quickly and cost-effectively, as it removes the need for additional backend infrastructure.

Bubble also simplifies hosting and deployment by providing built-in cloud hosting on Amazon Web Services (AWS). This eliminates the complexity of setting up external servers, allowing applications to be launched without requiring DevOps expertise. Additionally, Bubble offers a vast marketplace of plugins, enabling users to extend their applications with third-party integrations, payment gateways, and other advanced functionalities.

However, while Bubble is an excellent tool for rapidly building MVPs and scalable prototypes, it does have some limitations. Due to its visual nature, applications built on Bubble may experience scalability challenges when handling high traffic or requiring complex data operations. Some users find that optimizing performance or implementing advanced functionalities can be more cumbersome than on platforms with greater code flexibility. While Bubble does allow for custom JavaScript integration, the process is not as intuitive as in WeWeb, which natively supports more advanced coding customization.

Overall, Bubble is a versatile and accessible NoCode platform, particularly suited for entrepreneurs, startups, and businesses looking to launch a fully functional web application without needing to hire a development team. However, for projects requiring deep customization, high-performance optimization, or code portability, it may have some constraints compared to more developer-oriented NoCode solutions like WeWeb.

‍

What is WeWeb?

WeWeb is a powerful and modern NoCode platform designed primarily for frontend development, offering an advanced and flexible approach to building custom web applications. Unlike Bubble, which provides an all-in-one development environment including backend functionalities, WeWeb focuses exclusively on the frontend, allowing users to design visually stunning and highly responsive interfaces. However, because it lacks an integrated backend, users must connect their applications to external databases and backend services such as Xano, Supabase, Firebase, or Airtable to manage business logic and data storage.

What makes WeWeb stand out is its extensive design customization capabilities. Unlike many NoCode platforms that impose design constraints, WeWeb provides full control over UI/UX styling, supporting custom CSS, JavaScript, and Vue.js components. This makes it an excellent choice for developers and designers who require pixel-perfect layouts and dynamic user experiences without compromising on flexibility. Additionally, WeWeb’s approach to frontend development ensures that web applications remain highly performant and lightweight, making it a great choice for SEO-conscious projects that require fast loading times.

One of WeWeb’s key advantages is its ability to integrate seamlessly with virtually any backend service. Rather than being locked into a proprietary backend system, users can choose the best database and API solutions that fit their project needs. This provides greater scalability and flexibility, particularly for businesses that want to maintain full ownership over their data infrastructure. However, this modular approach also introduces a steeper learning curve compared to all-in-one solutions like Bubble, as users must configure API connections, authentication systems, and data workflows separately.

Despite requiring more technical expertise, WeWeb is an ideal tool for projects that demand full design control, scalability, and backend independence. It is particularly well-suited for complex SaaS applications, marketplaces, and enterprise-grade solutions where frontend flexibility is a priority. While it may not be the best choice for complete beginners looking for a quick drag-and-drop experience, it offers unparalleled customization options for those willing to invest time in building a truly unique and scalable web application.

‍

Head-to-head comparison: Bubble vs. WeWeb

1. Hosting & data storage

Bubble simplifies hosting by providing built-in cloud hosting on AWS. This means that users do not have to manage their own servers or infrastructure, as everything is handled within the Bubble ecosystem. This is particularly beneficial for beginners or small teams who want a hassle-free deployment process. However, there are some limitations to this model. By default, Bubble stores all application data on US-based AWS servers, which can raise GDPR compliance concerns for businesses operating in Europe or regions with strict data privacy regulations. While it is possible to request data hosting within the EU, this incurs additional costs. Additionally, while Bubble allows for connections to external databases, the process can be complex and may require upgrading to higher-tier pricing plans.

WeWeb, on the other hand, takes a completely different approach to hosting and data storage. Since it only handles the frontend, users are responsible for choosing and integrating their own backend services. This modular setup provides greater flexibility, as businesses can select the most appropriate backend infrastructure based on their specific needs. Whether using a cloud database such as Supabase or Firebase, or setting up a self-hosted PostgreSQL or MySQL server, WeWeb allows developers to have full control over where and how their data is stored. This is a major advantage for organizations that prioritize data sovereignty, security, and compliance. However, the tradeoff is that setting up backend integrations requires technical knowledge, making WeWeb slightly less accessible for complete beginners compared to Bubble’s out-of-the-box hosting solution.

2. Customization & design capabilities

When it comes to customization and design, Bubble is a solid choice for beginners but has some inherent limitations. Its drag-and-drop editor is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, allowing users to build interfaces without any coding. It also provides a wide range of pre-built UI components and ready-made templates, making it easy to assemble an application quickly. However, this convenience comes at the cost of design flexibility. Bubble’s interface builder, while powerful, can be restrictive when it comes to achieving pixel-perfect layouts. Advanced customization is possible, but requires workarounds, such as embedding custom JavaScript or using third-party plugins. Additionally, Bubble’s rendering engine can sometimes lead to slower performance when dealing with complex UI elements or animations.

WeWeb, by contrast, is built for maximum frontend customization, making it far superior in terms of design flexibility. Unlike Bubble, WeWeb does not impose strict design limitations, allowing users to create fully customized interfaces that can match any branding or UI specifications. It supports custom CSS, JavaScript, and Vue.js, enabling developers and designers to implement complex animations, interactive components, and fully responsive designs with precision. WeWeb’s interface is structured similarly to Webflow, meaning that users familiar with modern NoCode web design tools will find it easy to use. Additionally, WeWeb’s rendering engine is optimized for performance, ensuring faster page load speeds and improved SEO rankings—something that can be a challenge with Bubble’s framework.

Ultimately, the choice between Bubble and WeWeb in terms of design capabilities depends on the user’s experience level and project requirements. If a user prioritizes ease of use and wants to quickly build an application without worrying about frontend intricacies, Bubble is a strong contender. However, for those who require highly customizable, fast-loading, and design-intensive web applications, WeWeb is the clear winner.

3. SEO & performance

One of the biggest limitations of Bubble is its SEO optimization and performance capabilities. Since Bubble operates as an all-in-one platform with built-in hosting and rendering, its applications often suffer from slower loading speeds, particularly on content-heavy pages or those with complex workflows. This is largely due to how Bubble renders its pages dynamically and the way it structures data processing within the platform.

While Bubble does provide some basic SEO tools, such as the ability to edit meta tags, structured data, and customize URL slugs, its flexibility remains limited compared to more advanced web development solutions. For instance, optimizing page speed can be a challenge, as Bubble’s internal structure does not allow for full control over code minification, lazy loading, or caching strategies—all of which are essential for improving a website’s SEO ranking. Additionally, mobile performance may require extra optimization efforts, as Bubble-generated pages can be heavier and less optimized for responsiveness out of the box.

WeWeb, on the other hand, is designed with performance in mind. Since it is a dedicated frontend tool, applications built with WeWeb load significantly faster compared to those built on Bubble. This is because WeWeb follows a static rendering approach, ensuring that pages load efficiently and with minimal resource consumption. It also offers greater control over frontend optimizations, such as image compression, script loading order, and advanced caching techniques.

From an SEO perspective, WeWeb is far more flexible and customizable. Users can directly edit metadata, define structured schema markup, customize canonical tags, and control every aspect of their HTML and CSS. Additionally, WeWeb applications are natively optimized for Core Web Vitals, which are key performance metrics that Google considers for ranking websites in search results. These advantages make WeWeb a superior choice for projects that heavily rely on organic search traffic, such as blogs, marketplaces, or content-driven web applications.

4. Integrations & Plugins

Bubble offers a large marketplace of plugins, making it easy for users to extend their applications without needing advanced technical knowledge. These plugins allow users to integrate various third-party services, such as payment gateways (Stripe, PayPal), authentication providers (Google, Facebook Login), analytics tools (Google Analytics, Mixpanel), and external APIs. However, Bubble’s approach to integrations is somewhat restrictive because most interactions happen within its closed ecosystem. While it does support API connections, these are not as natively flexible, often requiring workarounds or additional plugins to set up advanced API interactions. This can become a limiting factor for businesses that rely on custom backend services or need deep system integrations.

WeWeb takes a different approach by prioritizing API-based connectivity instead of relying on pre-built plugins. This means that instead of using an internal marketplace for integrations, WeWeb allows developers to connect to virtually any third-party service using REST APIs, GraphQL, or Webhooks. This method provides far greater flexibility, as users can interact directly with their preferred backend, CRM, or database systems. For example, WeWeb can seamlessly integrate with Supabase, Xano, Firebase, and Airtable, making it a powerful option for projects that require custom workflows and database management.

However, this added flexibility comes with a tradeoff—WeWeb’s approach requires more technical knowledge. Unlike Bubble, where users can simply install a plugin and start using a third-party service, WeWeb requires manual API configuration, which can be challenging for non-technical users. While it offers built-in connectors for popular services, setting up complex integrations often demands a deeper understanding of API endpoints, authentication protocols, and data mapping.

Ultimately, the choice between Bubble and WeWeb for integrations depends on the user’s technical expertise and project requirements. If a user prefers a no-code experience with pre-built solutions that simplify integrations, Bubble is the better option. However, for those who need more robust, scalable, and flexible integrations that allow them to connect to any backend system or external service, WeWeb is the superior choice.

5. Code export & scalability

One of Bubble’s biggest limitations is that applications built on the platform cannot be exported or migrated to another environment. The underlying codebase remains proprietary, meaning that once an application is created within Bubble’s ecosystem, it is essentially locked in. This can become a major obstacle for businesses planning for long-term growth, as they may eventually face scalability challenges that require more control over their infrastructure, code, or hosting environment. While Bubble is highly effective for MVPs and early-stage startups, companies looking to scale beyond its capabilities might encounter performance bottlenecks, cost increases, or integration constraints that force them to rebuild their application from scratch on another platform.

WeWeb takes a fundamentally different approach, prioritizing openness and flexibility when it comes to code ownership. Unlike Bubble, WeWeb allows users to export their frontend code in Vue.js, making it possible to self-host or transfer the application to another infrastructure at any point. This freedom to migrate ensures that businesses retain full ownership of their web applications, reducing the risk of vendor lock-in. Additionally, WeWeb’s modular architecture means that applications are built with best practices in mind, making them easier to scale by integrating custom backend services, performance optimizations, or new features as needed.

From a scalability perspective, Bubble is well-suited for smaller applications or MVPs, but lacks flexibility for complex, large-scale deployments. As an application grows in traffic and complexity, performance optimization can become a challenge, requiring developers to work within Bubble’s proprietary constraints. WeWeb, on the other hand, is better equipped for long-term scalability, as it gives users greater control over their frontend code and allows them to pair it with a backend of their choice, ensuring that the application can evolve without limitations.

6. Pricing

Bubble offers a range of pricing plans, making it accessible for both solo developers and businesses. Plans start at $29 per month, providing access to essential features for small projects. However, as applications scale, costs can rise significantly, with plans reaching $349 per month for businesses requiring more performance, higher data limits, and access to version control features. One of Bubble’s notable pricing challenges is its workload-based pricing model, which was introduced in 2023. This model allocates processing power based on “workload units” (WU), meaning that applications with high database usage, complex workflows, or heavy API calls may quickly exceed their allocated resources, forcing users to upgrade to more expensive plans. This can make Bubble less predictable in terms of costs, especially for applications that require frequent backend processing or high traffic scalability.

WeWeb, in contrast, has a simpler pricing structure, starting at $39 per month. However, it’s important to note that WeWeb only handles the frontend, meaning that users must factor in additional costs for backend services such as Xano, Supabase, Firebase, or custom database hosting. Depending on the chosen backend provider, these extra costs can range from a few dollars per month to several hundred dollars, depending on the complexity of the application. While this modular approach provides greater flexibility, it also means that WeWeb’s total cost of ownership can vary significantly based on the user’s backend requirements.

Ultimately, Bubble’s pricing is more predictable for users who want an all-in-one package, but it can become costly as applications grow due to its workload unit limitations. WeWeb’s pricing model, while slightly higher at entry-level, offers more transparency and long-term flexibility, as users can scale their backend independently based on actual usage rather than being constrained by platform-imposed limitations.

Choosing between Bubble and WeWeb in terms of cost depends on the user’s specific needs. If an all-in-one solution with straightforward setup is preferred, Bubble is a more convenient option. However, for those who prioritize backend flexibility and long-term scalability, WeWeb offers a more strategic investment, despite requiring additional backend expenses.

7. Learning curve

Despite being categorized as a NoCode tool, Bubble is not as easy to learn as it may seem. In reality, it leans more towards Low-Code due to the complexity of its workflow automation, database management, and logic-building system. While it offers a visual programming interface, mastering Bubble requires a deep understanding of how its logic engine works, including custom states, database structures, API connections, and backend workflows.

Many beginners assume that Bubble will be intuitive because of its drag-and-drop functionality, but they quickly realize that building a functional app involves a steep learning curve. While a wealth of tutorials and community resources exist, the platform still demands significant time and effort to fully grasp its intricacies. Even experienced users often need to troubleshoot performance issues, optimize database queries, and manage complex conditionals, making it far from a plug-and-play NoCode experience.

On the other hand, WeWeb’s visual editor closely resembles Webflow, making it a more familiar and natural choice for users who already have experience with Webflow or modern web design tools. Its interface structure, layout system, and styling controls are designed to follow modern web development principles, which can make the transition easier for designers and frontend developers. However, like Bubble, WeWeb also has its complexities, especially since it requires users to connect and manage their own backend services. Setting up API integrations, managing authentication, and handling data queries still demand technical knowledge, positioning WeWeb more as a Low-Code solution than a purely NoCode platform.

In summary, both Bubble and WeWeb come with their own learning challenges, and neither is particularly beginner-friendly. If you are already familiar with Webflow, WeWeb will feel more intuitive. However, if you are looking for an all-in-one tool that handles both frontend and backend, Bubble might be the right choice—but expect a significant learning curve before you can fully utilize its capabilities.

‍

{{blog_article_cta01}}

‍

Which one should you choose?

Here’s a simplified breakdown of the key differences between Bubble and WeWeb to help you decide:

📦 Hosting & data

• ‍Bubble: built-in AWS hosting, but limited flexibility.‍
• WeWeb: custom hosting with the ability to choose any backend.

🎨 Customization

• ‍Bubble: limited frontend design control.‍
• WeWeb: full customization with Vue.js, JavaScript, and CSS.

🚀 SEO & performance

• ‍Bubble: slower loading speeds, basic SEO optimization.‍
• WeWeb: faster speeds, better SEO capabilities.

🔌 Integrations

• ‍Bubble: large plugin marketplace but limited native API flexibility.‍
• WeWeb: API-first approach, allowing for more flexible integrations.

📈 Scalability

• ‍Bubble: proprietary code, meaning apps cannot be exported or migrated.‍
• WeWeb: code can be exported in Vue.js, allowing more long-term scalability.

🎓 Ease of use

• ‍Bubble: steep learning curve despite its visual programming approach.‍
• WeWeb: requires more technical expertise but is intuitive for Webflow users.

💰 Pricing

• ‍Bubble: $29 to $349/month.‍
• WeWeb: $39 to $149/month + additional backend costs.

‍

Conclusion: which tool is right for you?

The decision between Bubble and WeWeb ultimately depends on several key factors, including your project’s complexity, your technical skills, and your long-term scalability needs. While both platforms provide robust solutions for building web applications without traditional coding, they cater to different types of users and use cases.

If you are looking for a comprehensive, all-in-one NoCode platform that allows you to build, host, and manage your entire application within a single ecosystem, then Bubble is a strong choice. It is particularly well-suited for startups, solo entrepreneurs, and businesses that want to quickly launch an MVP without having to configure external backend systems. With its built-in database, plugin marketplace, and workflow automation, Bubble streamlines the development process and makes it possible to create functional applications without writing code. However, its learning curve is steep, and as applications grow, users may encounter performance limitations, scalability challenges, and pricing constraints due to Bubble’s proprietary infrastructure and workload-based pricing model.

On the other hand, if you prioritize customization, performance, and long-term flexibility, WeWeb is the better option. Unlike Bubble, which locks users into its ecosystem, WeWeb allows developers to fully control their frontend code while choosing the backend services that best fit their needs. This makes it an ideal solution for projects that require high-performance web applications, advanced SEO capabilities, and seamless API integrations. While WeWeb does require more technical expertise, especially when it comes to backend configurations, it offers a much greater degree of freedom and scalability, making it a more future-proof solution for growing businesses and enterprises.

In summary, Bubble is the better choice for those who want a streamlined, all-in-one NoCode experience, especially for MVPs or simple applications. However, for users who need maximum control over their frontend, require better SEO performance, and want to avoid vendor lock-in, WeWeb stands out as the more flexible and scalable alternative. The best choice will ultimately depend on your project’s scope, budget, and long-term vision, but for those seeking complete design freedom and backend flexibility, WeWeb is the more strategic investment.