Bubble vs WeWeb: A Comprehensive Comparison

Building and launching web applications can be complex and time-consuming. Entrepreneurs and developers need a platform that offers an intuitive interface, scalable infrastructure, and robust hosting capabilities. This article explores the capabilities of two leading platforms, WeWeb and Bubble.io, shedding light on their features, scalability, support systems, hosting options, and overall suitability for different development projects.

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Bubble is a versatile platform that allows users to build web and mobile apps with advanced features and customization options. WeWeb focuses on front-end development, it allows you to connect to the backend of your choice and export your code. Choose Bubble for full-stack app development or WeWeb for front-end website creation with the freedom to connect your preferred backend.

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Ease of Use

How intuitive and user-friendly are Bubble and WeWeb's interfaces?

Both platforms aim to empower users with a user-friendly and intuitive experience. Bubble provides a visual development environment where users can visually design their applications, create workflows, and add custom actions using a drag-and-drop interface. 

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The learning curve behind Bubble and WeWeb 

Bubble has a steeper learning curve, especially for creating custom workflows and actions, but benefits from extensive documentation, tools, and community support. 

WeWeb, on the other hand, offers a more intuitive page builder, particularly for non-engineers and those familiar with no-code platforms like Webflow.

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Functionality

Capabilities of the platforms

Bubble is a no-code platform that allows you to build full-stack web applications. Full-stack development means that you create the front-end (what users see) and the back-end (data management and logic) of your app. And of course, with a no-code platform, you do this visually, without writing any code. Bubble lets you incorporate a lot of functionalities to your apps, including user authentication, database management, and integration with third-party services. Additionally, it offers a marketplace with numerous plugins that extend the platform's capabilities even further.

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On the other hand, WeWeb focuses primarily on frontend development. It enables users to create visually appealing and interactive interfaces using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. WeWeb does not handle backend development directly. Instead, users have to connect the frontend they build in WeWeb to their preferred backend system. You can link your WeWeb frontend to any backend solution, whether it's a REST API, XANO, GraphQL API. WeWeb uses the latest web technologies to build high-performance web applications that load quickly and deliver optimal user experiences.

How can they handle complex processes?

WeWeb makes it easy to manage complex processes by offering a visual interface for designing the look of your web app and using simple, no-code workflows. You can create detailed workflows with actions, branches, and testing tools to ensure everything runs smoothly. While WeWeb doesn't handle the technical backend, you can connect it to other backend services as needed.

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Bubble is great for automating complex tasks in your app with its workflow feature. You can set up conditional logic to handle different scenarios without coding. It also supports custom JavaScript plugins for developers who want to add more advanced features. With Bubble, you can build and customize your app's backend, including databases, data types, workflows, and user authentication, all using a visual interface.

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• Learn more: Best backends for Bubble: Xano vs Supabase vs Backendless

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Flexibility in design and customization

Both WeWeb and Bubble.io allow you to customize the appearance and functionality of your applications. WeWeb lets you add pre-built components sourced from popular frameworks like React or Vue.js, as well as apply custom CSS styles to change the visual styling. These components can be obtained from developer communities like GitHub, allowing you to incorporate new features or integrate third-party services into your app.

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Bubble, on the other hand, takes a more integrated, no-code approach to extending your app's functionality. While WeWeb relies on sourcing pre-built components, Bubble.io allows you to use the platform's built-in features, integrate plugins and add-ons from their marketplace, or even write custom JavaScript code for unique requirements.

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Can I customize the appearance of my app?

WeWeb:

• Yes, by adding pre-built components from React or Vue.js
• Source components from places like GitHub
• Apply custom CSS styles (classes) for visual customization

Bubble:

• Yes, Bubble provides a user-friendly interface for customizing the look and behavior
• Utilize the built-in features and components provided by the platform
• Customize the appearance using the visual editor and styling options

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Can I extend the functionality of my app?

WeWeb:

• Yes, by adding pre-built components from React or Vue.js repositories
• These components can add new features or integrate third-party services

Bubble:

Yes, in several ways:

• Use built-in features and components
• Integrate free or paid plugins and add-ons from the marketplace
• Write custom JavaScript code for unique functionalities

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Can I write custom code?

WeWeb:

• Yes, you can write custom JavaScript code using the "Code" module
• Add this module to the desired interface where you want to run/execute the code

Bubble:

• Yes, Bubble allows you to write custom JavaScript code
• Use this code to implement unique functionalities not provided by the platform or plugins

Community and Support

Bubble has a vibrant and active user community that actively contributes to the platform. The community frequently adds new templates, plugins, API integrations, and features to Bubble's catalog, that you can use for your own project. Members of the community are known for their supportiveness and willingness to assist others. Users often offer free assistance and provide step-by-step guides to help fellow community members, creating a helpful and collaborative environment.

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WeWeb has a very helpful community too. Their support forum is a valuable resource where users can seek assistance, and the response time is often prompt, with users receiving help within hours. Users can share their experiences, exchange ideas, and help one another navigate the platform effectively.

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Scalability

WeWeb focuses on scalability and flexibility by separating the front-end (what users see) and back-end (data management and processing) components of an application. This separation allows developers to create applications that can handle a large number of users, backends, workflows, and web functionalities. With this approach, WeWeb ensures improved performance and the ability to handle increased demands efficiently.

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Bubble.io is a platform that allows you to create and expand your apps without having to switch to other solutions. It offers features to help your app grow and handle more users and data.

One of these features is the ability to increase the capacity of your app's database and server. This means that as your app gets more users and traffic, you can easily upgrade the storage and computing power to accommodate the increased demand.

Another feature is the ability to add custom code to your app. This allows developers to extend the app's functionality beyond what is initially offered by Bubble.io. They can add new features or integrate with other services as needed.

Bubble.io claims that its platform can handle up to 1 million users while still maintaining good performance. However, it's important to structure your app properly from the beginning to ensure that it can scale smoothly as it grows.

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• ‍Learn more: Is Bubble.io Scalable?

Pricing

WeWeb pricing

WeWeb has many price tiers for different project sizes and collaboration needs. WeWeb divides its offering between project plans and workspace plans.

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The introduction of workspace plans and their separation from project plans has allowed WeWeb to create more affordable options for smaller teams and projects. Furthermore, code export, specifically Vue.js code export, is available for every annual plan, making it easier for users to export their code for further customization or use outside of the WeWeb platform.

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Project plans: suitable for teams or individuals working on a particular project and provide options to meet different project needs and budgets. 

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1. Free plan: $0

• This plan allows you to try WeWeb for free with access to templates, UI kits, and community support.

2. Starter plan: $39/month

• Essential features such as a live application, custom domain, up to 4 plugins, and 1GB file storage.

3. Scale plan: $149/month

• Unlimited plugins, 10GB file storage, roles and permissions, data caching system, versioning and staging, and 3 backups.

4. Enterprise plan: Custom pricing for enterprise-grade compliance. 

• Live application, custom domain, unlimited plugins, custom file storage, roles and permissions, data caching system, versioning and staging, custom amount of backups, and single sign-on (SSO).

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Workspace plans: designed for collaboration across multiple projects simultaneously within a team or organization. They provide features related to real-time collaboration, dedicated support, and the ability to adjust the number of app editors and the level of support required. 

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1. Standard plan: 

• Included by default with all project plans.
• Provides a single editor seat along with community support.

2. Team plan: $29 per seat/month

• it offers up to 3 editor seats, community support, and IP whitelisting.

3. Business plan: $59 per seat /month

• Up to 9 editor seats
• Chat support, IP whitelisting, and custom components.

4. Enterprise plan: Custom pricing based on your requirements. 

• Custom number of editor seats.
• Premium support, IP whitelisting, custom components
• Self-hosting deployment API.

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Bubble pricing

Bubble offers a range of pricing plans that allow users to choose the one that best aligns with their app development needs, user base, and budget. 

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1. Free Plan: $0/month

• Best for learning and experimenting with app development
• Suitable for early-stage projects and individual use
• Offers basic features to build and test apps

2. Starter Plan: $32/monthsome text
   • Designed for launching and testing apps
   • Ideal for startups and small-scale projects
   • Includes additional features such as a live app, custom domain, and recurring workflows
3. Growth Plan: $134/monthsome text
   • Ideal for projects with complex functionality and moderate user bases
   • Provides advanced features like multiple app editors, premium version control, and two-factor authentication
   • Supports scaling and growing your user base
4. Team Plan: $399/monthsome text
   • Tailored for scaling teams and businesses
   • Offers features to support collaboration, including more app editors and sub-apps
   • Suitable for projects with high usage and larger teams
5. Custom Plan: Custom pricing based on your requirements. some text
   • Designed for enterprise-level projects with specific requirements
   • Offers advanced customization options, enhanced security, and dedicated support
   • Tailored to meet the unique needs of larger organizations

Deployment and hosting

WeWeb hosts its infrastructure on AWS (Amazon Web Services) in Northern Virginia. Every project built with WeWeb is deployed on AWS Cloudfront, which is a Content Delivery Network (CDN) that ensures efficient and fast content delivery to users.

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Bubble includes its own hosting solution. You can use the Bubble and it will take care of the entire deployment and hosting process, including server maintenance, infrastructure management, and operations, you won’t have to worry about server setup or software installation.

Bubble also offers a dedicated hosting plan where your app is hosted on an isolated infrastructure separate from other Bubble customers. The dedicated hosting provides enhanced reliability and the ability to scale as needed. It's worth noting that while Bubble manages the hosting process, it does not allow for self-hosting on private or on-premises servers.

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Learning resources

WeWeb documentation provides step-by-step guides, tutorials, and examples to help users understand and utilize different features and functionalities. They also offer video tutorials and webinars to assist users in learning how to build applications with WeWeb. You can also participate in the WeWeb community forum, which allows users to ask questions, share insights, and learn from each other's experiences.

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Bubble.io provides learning resources to help users get started and become proficient with the platform. Their documentation includes detailed guides, tutorials, and reference materials that cover a wide range of topics, from basic concepts to advanced techniques. The Bubble Forum is a place where users can ask questions, find answers, and share knowledge with fellow Bubble enthusiasts.

In addition to their extensive documentation and community resources, both platforms offer dedicated academies to enhance the learning experience. Bubble.io provides the Bubble Academy, and WeWeb the WeWeb Academy, both specialized learning hubs with learning and building resources designed to empower users with the knowledge and skills to succeed on the platforms.

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Cross-platform support

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Both WeWeb and Bubble.io allow you to build Progressive Web Apps or PWAs. A PWA is a type of application that combines the best features of traditional websites and native mobile apps.

PWAs are essentially websites that are designed to work like mobile apps. They can be accessed through a web browser, but they offer an app-like experience with features such as offline functionality, push notifications, and the ability to be installed on the user's device home screen, just like a native app.

The key advantage of PWAs is that they provide a consistent experience across different devices and operating systems. Since they are built using web technologies (HTML, CSS, and JavaScript), PWAs can run on any modern web browser, regardless of whether it's on a desktop computer, tablet, or smartphone.

The good thing is that developers don't have to create separate versions of their apps for different platforms (e.g., iOS, Android, Windows). They can build a single PWA that works seamlessly across all devices.

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• Related: Can I build a mobile app with Bubble?

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Integrations

Integrations are a crucial aspect of modern web and mobile applications, as they allow you to connect your app with other tools and services, enhancing its functionality and capabilities. Both WeWeb and Bubble.io understand the importance of integrations and have features that make it easy to integrate with third-party tools and services.

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In WeWeb, there's a built-in API plugin that allows you to connect your app with external tools like Stripe (for payment processing) or Auth0 (for authentication and authorization). WeWeb also gives you the flexibility to integrate with any other tool or service of your choice by using its API plugin. So, if there's a specific service you need to connect with, you can do so through WeWeb's API integration capabilities.

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Similarly, Bubble.io has a feature called the API Connector, which serves as a bridge between your Bubble app and external APIs (Application Programming Interfaces). With the API Connector, you can easily connect your Bubble app to various external services, such as analytics tools, payment gateways like PayPal or Stripe, or tools for managing transactions with third parties.

Bubble.io takes it a step further by allowing developers to create their own plugins to connect with services that may not be officially supported by Bubble.io. This is one of Bubble’s best features,, because it gives you even more flexibility and customization options when it comes to integrating with external tools and services.

Bubble.io also has a marketplace with nearly 1000 different plugins available, covering a wide range of functionalities. This means that chances are, if you need to integrate with a popular service, there's already a plugin available that can streamline the integration process for you.

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Additional factors

Security and privacy handling

Both Bubble.io and WeWeb prioritize security and have implemented built-in security measures to protect user data and ensure privacy.

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WeWeb places a strong emphasis on security. They offer secure connections through the use of HTTPS and SSL when integrating with external data sources or third-party services. The platform supports user authentication through native plugins like Auth0 and XANO and custom authentication systems. WeWeb provides guidelines for securing databases or APIs and implementing proper access controls.

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Bubble.io ensures that all data transmitted remains private through encryption. It is also built on top of Amazon Web Services (AWS), a highly secure hosting platform. Bubble.io offers dedicated plans that come with free SSL certificates, enabling secure communication with app servers over HTTPS. These measures contribute to maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of user data within Bubble.io applications.

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• Related: Is Bubble secure?

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Collaboration features

WeWeb and Bubble.io both offer robust collaboration features that support team projects. In WeWeb, multiple team members can work on the same project simultaneously, promoting seamless collaboration and enhancing the development process. Similarly, Bubble.io enables multiple users to collaborate on a single application, ideal for team-based projects.

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Data handling

Data handling refers to how an application manages and works with data from various sources. Both WeWeb and Bubble.io offer different approaches to data handling, each with its own advantages.

‍WeWeb:

• Allows you to extract, transform, and deliver data from sources like Airtable, REST APIs, and in-house databases.
• Gives you the flexibility to connect to any backend (a backend is the server-side part of an application that handles data and logic).
• You can build on top of your preferred data source, rather than being limited to a single platform.

Benefits:

• Caters to users who start with a simple website but later require more complexity, avoiding the frustration of integrating data within a single platform.
• Useful for users who already have data in third-party tools and prefer not to duplicate it in a separate solution.

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Bubble:

• Provides a built-in database for storing and managing your application's data.
• Offers database scalability (the ability to grow or shrink the database capacity as needed) and server capacity, which is essential for successful app development.
• Offers point-in-time recovery: you can recover data from any specific moment in time.
• Utilizes Amazon's RDS (Relational Database Service) automatic backups for restoring data in case of a complete loss of the database server.

Benefits:

• Since you’ll be using their built-in database solution, you don’t need to set up and manage a separate database.
• They have a scalable database and server capacity to handle growth and increasing demands.
• Data recovery and backup options for data protection and disaster recovery.

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Performance optimization

WeWeb uses advanced techniques to ensure your website runs smoothly and quickly. It prepares some webpages in advance (pre-rendering) for faster loading and uses Amazon Web Services (AWS) for a stable, scalable environment. WeWeb also employs modern front-end frameworks like Vue.js for improved performance and user experience. WeWeb can help create efficient, responsive web applications. However, keep in mind that you'll need to manage the backend yourself. Bubble.io also runs on AWS for a reliable, scalable hosting platform. It uses 'caching' - a way of temporarily storing data to speed up future access - and integrates with Content Delivery Networks (CDNs). CDNs are a network of servers located around the world, and they help deliver content to users from the server closest to them, which reduces loading times. Bubble.io allows you to adjust server capacity as needed, so you can make sure that your applications will be able to handle increased traffic while maintaining optimal performance.

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Workflow automation

Workflow automation refers to the ability to automate repetitive tasks or processes within an application or system. This can include automating things like data entry, notifications, approvals, and other routine operations. Workflow automation helps streamline processes, reduce manual efforts, and improve efficiency.

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• ‍Bubble.io:

‍Bubble.io provides robust workflow automation capabilities through its visual programming interface. With Bubble.io, you can create complex workflows and automate various processes without writing code. Some key workflow automation features in Bubble.io include:

• Conditional logic: Define rules and conditions to control the flow of your automated processes.
• Data manipulation: Automate tasks related to creating, updating, or deleting data in your application's database.
• Integrations: Connect with third-party services and automate data exchange or trigger external actions.
• Notifications: Set up automated notifications via email, SMS, or push notifications based on specific events or conditions.
• Approvals: Implement automated approval workflows for tasks or processes that require human intervention or sign-off.

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• ‍WeWeb:

‍WeWeb also offers workflow automation capabilities but with a slightly different approach. Instead of a visual programming interface like Bubble.io, WeWeb allows you to automate workflows using pre-built components or by integrating with external services through APIs.Some key workflow automation features in WeWeb include:

• Component integrations: Import pre-built components from repositories like GitHub to automate specific tasks or processes.
• API integrations: Connect with third-party services and automate data exchange or trigger external actions through APIs.
• Custom code: Write custom code (e.g., JavaScript) to automate complex workflows or processes that require more advanced logic.
• Event handling: Define and respond to user events or system events to trigger automated workflows.

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E-commerce capabilities

With WeWeb, you can take advantage of advanced features such as a built-in shopping cart, integrations for payment processing, and order management. It’s a suitable choice for businesses looking to sell products online.

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Bubble.io incorporates leading e-commerce technologies and best practices, allowing you to focus on your business and its web storefront without worrying about the underlying technology. Bubble.io offers a scalable infrastructure, customizable design options, and integrations with other CMS platforms like Squarespace and WordPress. It also integrates with popular third-party payment options such as PayPal, Stripe, and Plaid to handle transactions on your e-commerce platform.

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SEO tools

SEO is essential for improving the visibility and ranking of your website or app on search engines like Google, which can drive more organic traffic and potential users to your platform.In terms of SEO capabilities, both platforms share some common features:

• Meta tag management: You can customize and optimize meta tags, including the title, description, and keywords, which help search engines understand the content and purpose of your pages.
• URL customization: Both platforms allow you to structure and customize the URLs (web addresses) of your pages, which can be optimized for better SEO and user experience.
• Sitemap generation: Sitemaps provide a structured overview of your website's pages, and let search engines crawl and index your content effectively.

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Migration support

Migration support refers to the ability to move your application from one platform or technology to another. This can be important if you need to change platforms for various reasons, such as better security, compliance, or scalability.
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In the case of WeWeb, they offer the capability to export your application as a standard Vue.js app. Vue.js is a popular JavaScript framework for building web applications. By exporting your app as a Vue.js app, you can self-host it on your organization's own servers or infrastructure. This gives you more control over data security and ensures that your app complies with your organization's policies.
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However, moving your application from WeWeb to another platform can be challenging because different platforms have different architectures and functionalities. While you can export and self-host the front-end code (the user interface) of your WeWeb project, migrating the business logic (the application's functionality and data management) to another platform may cause compatibility issues, and your project may not work properly or at all.
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On the other hand, Bubble.io does not support code exporting or transitioning to other no-code platforms. Bubble.io is a proprietary platform, which means that if you decide to switch to a code-based development approach or another no-code platform, you may need to start your project from scratch. This is because Bubble.io's platform is unique, and your project may not be compatible with other platforms.
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It's important to be aware of this potential "platform lock-in" when considering Bubble.io. If you think you may need to migrate your application to another platform in the future, Bubble.io may not be the best choice, as it can be challenging to move your project elsewhere without starting over.

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Case studies

Built with WeWeb

Checkset 

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Checkset is a SaaS platform built using WeWeb. It aims to enhance the review process in the construction industry by providing a reliable workflow and effective communication channels. Leveraging the power of WeWeb's no-code platform, Checkset enables independent reviewers to identify documentation gaps and ensure quality assurance and quality control. With its flexible features and intuitive interface, Checkset streamlines collaboration between reviewers and project teams, reducing risks and avoiding costly mistakes. With WeWeb's flexibility and extensive features, this SaaS platform was able to create an industry-specific solution that addresses their specific needs.

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Qbrio

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QBrio is a website that wants to bring moving musical experiences for people, helping listeners discover moments that evoke a frisson, a powerful emotional response. It provides tools for both listeners and creators to find and create these impactful moments. The site selects seven daily clips from a collection of 10,000 moments that have received the most comments from platforms like YouTube, Last.fm, and Reddit. Users get to explore and enjoy seven different frisson-inducing musical moments every day and rate them. Built with WeWeb, QBrio shows how the platform can be utilized to build innovative and immersive websites and provide an engaging experience for users.

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Built with Bubble

Cuure

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Cuure, a business focused on selling personalized food supplements, chose Bubble as its primary development platform to build a fully personalized and customized experience for its customers. 

The team at Cuure dedicated their efforts to optimizing operations and developed a logistics center software using Bubble. This software supported the personalization of orders, including product selection and printing custom instructions for each order.

Their strategy paid off as revenue grew significantly, surpassing €100,000 per month. In July 2020, Cuure secured a €1 million seed round, fueling its continued growth. While Cuure has evolved into a hybrid system, they remain committed to Bubble as their foundational technology. 

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GoodCourse

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GoodCourse, a microlearning company, utilized Bubble as its primary development platform to modernize EdTech. Co-founders Chris Mansfield and Omar Mughal recognized the need for better online learning tools in a mobile-dominated world with higher learner expectations. 

Bubble provided GoodCourse the flexibility to iterate quickly and adapt to evolving trends in the learning technology market. By utilizing Bubble's API connector for integrations with Twilio, PostMark, and Sertifier, they developed a TikTok-style tool that offers fresh ways for modern learners to thrive. 

Their platform tracks engagement and learning outcomes, enabling organizations to understand what resonates with learners and adapt to their needs. With Bubble's support, GoodCourse raised over $1 million and joined Y Combinator's W23 batch, solidifying their position as innovators in the EdTech space.

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• Related: Bubble app examples
• Related: What type of apps you can build with Bubble.io?

Conclusion

WeWeb excels in providing a user-friendly interface, flexibility in component integration, and the ability to export code for more customization. It offers a comprehensive set of features for building web applications and empowers users to create tailored solutions. 

On the other hand, Bubble.io offers an all-in-one platform with extensive scalability options and a supportive community. It handles hosting and server maintenance, making it convenient for users. However, being locked into the platform and limited flexibility in backend development may be a drawback for some users.

Using a combined frontend and backend solution, such as Bubble.io, can be advantageous if you prefer an all-in-one platform that simplifies the development process.  This can be beneficial for projects with relatively straightforward requirements. Alternatively, using WeWeb and separating the frontend and backend can offer more flexibility and control over your application's architecture. This approach allows you to use specialized tools and technologies for each layer, leveraging the strengths of different frameworks and programming languages.  

Ultimately, the choice between WeWeb and Bubble.io depends on individual preferences, project requirements, and the level of customization and control desired.

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If you’re still unsure which platform to choose, you can read our other comparisons to gather more information:

• Flutterflow vs Weweb
• Glide vs Bubble
• Webflow vs Bubble
• Flutterflow vs Bubble
• Adalo vs Bubble
• Google Sheet vs Airtable vs Jotform tables

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