Is Bubble Good for Mobile App Development?
Bubble.io has built an impressive reputation as one of the most powerful no-code app builders for web applications. With over 5 million apps built on the platform and 3,000+ plugins, it is the go-to choice for SaaS tools, marketplaces, and complex web apps.
However, Bubble was designed as a web-first platform. According to Goodspeed Studio, while Bubble introduced a Native Mobile Builder in 2025 using React Native under the hood, it comes with significant limitations for mobile-focused projects.
- Powerful backend logic and workflows
- Built-in database with extensive controls
- 3,000+ plugins for API integrations
- Scalable to 100k+ daily active users
- Excellent for complex SaaS and marketplaces
- No source code export (vendor lock-in)
- Native builder still in beta (2025)
- Separate mobile plans from $42/month
- Web-first design requires mobile optimization
- Limited offline functionality
Source: Rapid Developers, iCoderz Solutions
Bubble vs Mobile-First Platforms: 2026 Comparison
This comparison focuses on mobile app development capabilities. According to LowCode Agency, the choice depends on whether mobile is your primary platform.
| Feature | Bubble | FlutterFlow | Adalo | Natively |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Web Apps | Mobile + Web | Mobile Apps | Mobile Apps |
| Native Mobile Apps | Beta | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Code Export | No | Flutter | No | React Native |
| Starting Price | $32/mo (web) | $30/mo | $45/mo | $5/mo |
| Learning Curve | Steep | Medium-Steep | Easy | Easy (AI) |
| Backend Included | Built-in | Firebase/Supabase | Basic | Supabase |
| Offline Support | Limited | Yes | Basic | Yes |
| Best For | SaaS, Marketplaces | Cross-Platform Apps | Simple MVPs | AI-Built Native Apps |
Pricing as of January 2026. Sources: Bubble Pricing, FlutterFlow Pricing, Adalo Pricing
FlutterFlow
Best for Code Export and Cross-Platform
FlutterFlow is built on Google's Flutter framework, making it a top Bubble alternative for developers who want visual building with full code ownership. According to FlutterFlow's comparison, it produces production-quality native apps from a single codebase.
Key Strengths
- Full Flutter/Dart code export you own
- True native performance on iOS and Android
- Git integration for version control
- Firebase and Supabase backend support
Considerations
- Steeper learning curve than Bubble
- More technical than pure no-code platforms
- Pro plan ($70/mo) needed for code export
FlutterFlow Pricing 2026
Free, Basic ($30/mo), Pro ($70/mo), Business ($200/mo)
Adalo
Easiest to Learn, Great for Prototypes
Adalo is often the first choice for non-technical founders. Launched in 2019, it offers the most beginner-friendly interface among Bubble alternatives. According to Bubble's own comparison, Adalo focuses specifically on mobile-first development with native iOS and Android publishing.
Key Strengths
- Easiest learning curve of all platforms
- True mobile-first design approach
- Direct App Store and Google Play publishing
- Great for rapid prototyping and MVPs
Considerations
- No code export (vendor lock-in)
- Performance issues with complex apps
- Limited backend and API capabilities
- Charges per published app ($25/app/month)
Adalo Pricing 2026
Free, Starter ($45/mo), Professional ($65/mo), Team ($200/mo)
For a detailed comparison, see our Natively vs Adalo comparison.
Glide
Best for Data-Driven Apps
Glide takes a unique approach among Bubble alternatives. It turns spreadsheets (Google Sheets, Airtable, BigQuery) into functional mobile apps in minutes. According to Clappia, Glide is ideal for internal tools, data dashboards, and apps that need real-time spreadsheet sync.
Key Strengths
- Fastest time to launch (spreadsheet to app)
- Deep Google Sheets and Airtable integration
- Beautiful default layouts and templates
- 40+ pre-built components
Considerations
- Creates PWAs, not true native apps
- Limited customization options
- User-based pricing can get expensive
- No App Store publishing
Glide Pricing 2026
Free, Explorer ($25/mo), Maker ($60/mo), Business ($125+/mo)
Natively
AI-Powered with Full Code Ownership
Natively represents a new generation of Bubble alternatives. Instead of drag-and-drop building, you describe your app in plain English, and AI generates production-ready React Native code. The key differentiator: you own the source code and can export it to GitHub anytime.
Why Choose Natively
- AI-powered building - describe in plain English
- Full React Native code export - no lock-in
- True native performance - 60FPS on iOS/Android
- Supabase backend - PostgreSQL with unlimited scaling
- Starting at $5/month - most affordable option
Best For
- Founders who want to ship fast without sacrificing ownership
- Teams who need code access for custom modifications
- Apps that require App Store and Google Play distribution
- Projects where long-term scalability matters
When to Use Bubble vs Mobile-Native Builders
The choice between Bubble and mobile-first alternatives depends on your primary platform and long-term goals. Here's a decision framework based on industry analysis.
Use Bubble When...
- Building complex SaaS platforms or marketplaces
- Web is your primary platform (mobile secondary)
- Need extensive backend logic and workflows
- Building admin dashboards or internal tools
- Require access to 3,000+ plugins
Use Mobile-Native When...
- Users primarily access on phones/tablets
- Need App Store/Google Play presence
- Require native device features (camera, GPS, push)
- Need offline functionality
- Want code ownership (FlutterFlow, Natively)
Quick Decision Matrix
| Your Priority | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Complex web SaaS with database logic | Bubble |
| Native mobile app with code export | FlutterFlow |
| Quick MVP with easiest learning curve | Adalo |
| Data-driven app from spreadsheets | Glide |
| AI-built native app with code ownership | Natively |
| Lowest cost entry point | Natively ($5/mo) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bubble good for mobile app development?
Bubble is primarily a web-first platform. While it introduced a Native Mobile Builder in 2025 using React Native, it remains best suited for web applications. The mobile builder is still in beta, requires separate paid plans starting at $42/month, and has a steeper learning curve. For mobile-first projects, platforms like FlutterFlow, Adalo, or Natively offer better native experiences.
What are the best Bubble alternatives for mobile apps?
The top Bubble alternatives for mobile development in 2026 are: FlutterFlow (best for code export and performance), Adalo (easiest to learn, great for prototypes), Glide (best for data-driven apps with Google Sheets), and Natively (AI-powered with full React Native code ownership). Each platform has different strengths depending on your technical level and project needs.
How does Bubble compare to mobile-first platforms?
Bubble excels at complex web applications with robust backend logic and database control. However, for mobile apps, it has limitations: no code export, web-first responsive design requiring extra mobile optimization, separate mobile pricing, and potential performance overhead. Mobile-first platforms like FlutterFlow compile to native code, while Natively generates exportable React Native source code you own.
When should I use Bubble vs a mobile-native builder?
Use Bubble when building complex web applications, SaaS platforms, marketplaces, or admin dashboards where web is the primary platform. Choose a mobile-native builder when your users primarily access your app on phones, you need App Store presence, require native device features like camera or GPS, or need offline functionality. If you need both web and mobile, consider platforms that support cross-platform deployment.
Can I export code from Bubble?
No, Bubble does not support code export as of 2026. Your application remains on Bubble servers, which creates vendor lock-in. If you need code ownership, FlutterFlow exports Flutter code, and Natively exports full React Native source code to GitHub. This is a critical consideration for long-term scalability and independence.