Bubble vs. FlutterFlow: Which is the Best Platform for Scalable Apps?

At-a-Glance Comparison

FlutterFlow and Bubble are two of the most popular app development platforms available today. While Bubble has been around for over a decade and focuses on web app development, FlutterFlow is a newer, more modern solution built on Flutter that enables users to create visually stunning native mobile apps alongside web applications.

Before we dive into the details, we want to acknowledge our bias—this is a comparison from FlutterFlow’s perspective. That said, we’re committed to giving you a factual, side-by-side look at both platforms so you can make an informed decision.

Use Case Versatility

Bubble is primarily designed for web app development, allowing non-technical users to build applications without writing code. However, if you're looking to build a native mobile app, Bubble does not currently natively support this (as of February 2025), and you’ll need additional tools to bridge the gap.

FlutterFlow, on the other hand, is built specifically for both native mobile and web applications, giving users the flexibility to launch apps across platforms without needing workarounds.

Verdict: If you're focused only on web apps, Bubble is a solid option. If you need both web and mobile support, FlutterFlow provides more flexibility.

Full-Stack Capabilities

Bubble provides an all-in-one platform with a built-in database and backend functionality. This makes it easy for users to get started, but it also locks them into Bubble’s ecosystem with limited flexibility for external integrations.

FlutterFlow gives users full control over backend selection, integrating with Firebase, Supabase, MySQL, and any REST API. This allows for greater scalability and flexibility, giving you the freedom to structure your data however you need.

Verdict: Bubble is better for beginners, while FlutterFlow offers more flexibility for advanced users. FlutterFlow wins for developers who want backend flexibility, while Bubble is more beginner-friendly with its built-in backend.

Performance

Performance is a critical factor when choosing an app development platform. Bubble's apps often slow down as they scale due to its heavy reliance on workflows and the internal database. This can be a major limitation for businesses that expect large user bases or need high-performance apps.

FlutterFlow, built on Flutter, is optimized for high-performance mobile and web applications. The framework ensures that apps run smoothly across platforms, even with complex animations and interactions.

Verdict: For high-performance, scaling applications, FlutterFlow has the edge. For simpler web applications, Bubble performs well.

Ecosystem & Community

Bubble has a large ecosystem with many third-party templates and plugins. However, because it operates in its own proprietary environment, extending functionality beyond what’s available can be limiting.

FlutterFlow has a rapidly growing marketplace of templates, components, and integrations, allowing developers to extend functionality while still giving them access to the full source code for complete flexibility.

Verdict: Bubble currently has a more mature ecosystem, but FlutterFlow is catching up quickly. Both platforms have strong ecosystems, but FlutterFlow offers greater flexibility by not locking users into a proprietary system.

Cost Comparison

Bubble’s pricing starts at $29/month but scales based on workload. Apps that need more resources can quickly become expensive.

FlutterFlow’s pricing starts at $30/month, but users get the ability to export and own their source code—a feature Bubble does not offer.

Additionally, with Bubble, users often need external services (e.g., for mobile app functionality), increasing the total cost.

Verdict: FlutterFlow offers better value, especially for those looking to scale or own their code.

Code Ownership

One of the biggest differentiators between these platforms is code ownership.

• Bubble: Users do not own the source code of their apps. If you decide to leave Bubble, you’ll need to rebuild your application from scratch elsewhere.
• FlutterFlow: Users can fully export their source code and host it anywhere, ensuring long-term flexibility and independence.

Verdict: If code ownership is important, FlutterFlow is the better choice.

Learning Curve & Customizability

Bubble’s visual programming interface is great for beginners, but as apps become more complex, users often hit limitations that require workarounds.

FlutterFlow has a more advanced visual development environment, with greater customizability. However, some technical knowledge is needed to unlock its full potential.

Verdict: If you're looking for a platform to quickly prototype web apps, Bubble is easier to start with. But if you want full customization and long-term flexibility, FlutterFlow is the better option.

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

Choose Bubble if:

✅ You are building a simple web app.
✅ You don’t need native mobile functionality.
✅ You prefer an all-in-one solution, even if it means giving up some flexibility.

Choose FlutterFlow if:

✅ You want to build native mobile apps AND web apps.
✅ You want full control over your backend and database selection.
✅ You need high performance and scalability.
✅ You want to own and export your source code.

While both platforms have their strengths, FlutterFlow offers greater flexibility, performance, and scalability. If you're serious about building a high-quality app that you can grow and maintain over time, FlutterFlow is the better choice.

🚀 Ready to start building? Try FlutterFlow today and see why developers and businesses choose us to create high-performance apps across mobile and web.