Builder.ai vs Bubble.io

Introduction

The rise of no-code development platforms has revolutionized how software gets built. What once required extensive programming knowledge and months of development can now be accomplished in weeks by developers with no traditional coding experience. 

As businesses face the challenge to digitize operations and launch customer-facing apps quickly, these platforms have emerged as powerful alternatives to traditional software development.

While both Builder.ai and Bubble help users create applications without coding, Builder.ai specializes in native mobile apps, whereas Bubble focuses on progressive web applications (PWAs). These are designed to work like native apps, and users can access them through a web browser.

Whether you're an entrepreneur looking to launch an MVP, a small business owner aiming to streamline operations, or a non-technical founder with an innovative app idea, these platforms will turn your vision into reality without diving into complex code.

In this guide, you'll learn what sets these platforms apart, comparing the essential features that will impact your app development success. From the core building experience to scalability options, we'll evaluate how each platform performs where it matters most, helping you choose the right foundation for your project. 

While both platforms have their pros, Bubble's comprehensive feature set and flexible architecture make it an especially compelling choice for modern web application development.

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TL;DR

Bubble.io stands out as the superior no-code builder, especially for creating sophisticated customer-facing web apps, offering unmatched customization and scalability that makes the steeper learning curve worthwhile.

While Bubble demands more learning time, it offers greater flexibility. Builder.ai enables faster deployment with standardized solutions.

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Final verdict 

Customer-facing apps

When it comes to customer-facing applications, Bubble stands out as the clear winner. The platform excels in providing the flexibility and customization options needed for public-facing apps that require a polished, professional feel. 

Bubble is a no-code app builder that allows both beginners and experienced developers to create sophisticated web and PWAs without writing a single line of code.

The platform offers an extensive ecosystem of plugins and integrations that allow you to extend your app's capabilities further. With strong community support and robust, it's ideal for startups and businesses looking to create unique apps.

Its pricing structure also scales more effectively as your application grows, making it a more sustainable choice for evolving projects.

Best for: Startups and businesses focused on creating unique, feature-rich web applications with complex workflows and custom user experiences.

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Internal business tools

For internal business tools, Builder.ai is a practical choice that provides standarized solutions,but it’s much more limited than Bubble. 

Organizations will appreciate its stronger enterprise-grade security controls and more straightforward learning curve, making it particularly well-suited for business users who need to quickly deploy standardized solutions. 

Its focus on rapid deployment and standard business functionality can be an option for developing internal tools and workflows.

However, Bubble's superior customization capabilities and extensive feature set make it the stronger choice for developing internal tools and workflows, despite having a steeper learning curve. 

Organizations can build more tailored solutions with Bubble since Builder.ai's pre-defined options can become limited.

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Comparison table

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In-depth comparison points 

Use cases 

Bubble Score: 4/5 

Builder.AI Score: 3/5

Bubble excels at customer-facing applications, like:

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Marketplace

Bubble stands out as our preferred choice for building marketplace applications, offering exceptional versatility and robust features. Create dynamic listings with visuals and purchase options, implement search functionality, and enable user interactions through messaging and reviews. Bubble allows essential plugins for payments, subscriptions, and email marketing, while its powerful database management handles complex catalogs and content structures effectively.

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CRM systems

Bubble allows users to create CRM solutions that precisely match their workflows. Whether tracking client communications, nurturing prospective customers, or gaining insights from sales metrics, Bubble lets you design a CRM system that seamlessly integrates with your unique operational requirements and business objectives. 

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MVPs

For entrepreneurs building MVPs, Bubble enables rapid prototyping, quick iterations based on feedback, and a focus on core features, allowing founders to launch faster with minimal technical debt.

Education

Bubble enables anyone to build custom e-learning platforms that blend videos, quizzes, and interactive lessons into seamless digital experiences—all accessible to learners anywhere, anytime.

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With Builder.AI users can build internal tools and straightforward customer apps rather than complex apps:

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Startup ventures 

Suitable for early-stage startups needing a basic MVP, offering a streamlined but less customizable development process than Bubble.

Simple e-commerce 

Enables creation of standard online stores with features like basic shopping carts and common payment options, though with fewer customization options than Bubble's full e-commerce and marketplace toolkit.

Basic educational apps 

Supports the development of straightforward learning applications with interactive elements, ideal for those prioritizing quick deployment over extensive functionality.

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App type 

Bubble Score: 4/5 

Builder.AI Score: 4/5

Bubble primarily creates web applications and Progressive Web Apps (PWAs). While functional on mobile browsers, it doesn't create true native apps. Limitations include offline functionality and native device feature access.

Builder.AI offers native mobile app development for both iOS and Android, plus web applications. Its main limitations are in complex real-time features and advanced animations. 

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Pricing 

Bubble score: 4/5 

Builder.AI score: 2/5

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Bubble

• Free plan for learning and testing
• Starter: $29/month (suitable for solo entrepreneurs)
• Growth: $119/month (small businesses)
• Team: $349/month (scaling companies)

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Builder.AI

• Custom pricing based on project scope
• Typically starts at +$2,000-$10,000 per project
• Additional costs for maintenance and updates

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User interface 

Bubble score: 5/5 

Builder.AI score: 3/5

Bubble offers an intuitive drag-and-drop interface with comprehensive design controls, enabling users to create sophisticated layouts with responsive design tools and reusable elements. The platform lets developers design and modify every aspect of their applications, from screens and buttons to forms, while its powerful workflow designer handles complex interactions and data management. Through these visual tools, Bubble makes professional web development accessible without coding.

Builder.AI uses a more structured approach with pre-built components. While this provides consistency, it offers less design flexibility. The interface is template-driven, making it easier for beginners but limiting for more complex designs.

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Ease of use 

Bubble Score: 4/5 

Builder.AI Score: 4/5

Getting started with Bubble.io can be challenging, especially when you're building custom workflows and actions. But don't worry: Bubble offers its Academy, a place where you'll find plenty of helpful tutorials, intuitive tools, and a supportive community ready to help you along the way.

Builder.AI can be learned within a short period of time for basic applications. The template-based approach makes it easier to get started, though advanced customization requires more time. Their guided approach and AI assistance help reduce the learning curve.

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Backend 

Bubble Score: 5/5 

Builder.AI Score: 3/5

Bubble provides a built-in database with data structures, workflows, and API connections. For businesses that need to scale, it easily integrates with external services like Firebase and Supabase, and offers powerful database queries and real-time updates.

Builder.AI offers basic database functionality with standard CRUD operations. While it supports common integrations, complex data relationships and custom backend logic are more limited.

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Custom code 

Bubble Score: 4/5 

Builder.AI Score: 3/5

Bubble allows developers to extend their apps with custom code through HTML and CSS for styling and appearance, JavaScript for advanced functionality, and custom code for specialized features (like AI algorithms). In essence, Bubble combines no-code development with the flexibility to add traditional programming when needed.

Builder.AI supports limited custom code injection, primarily through API integrations and simple JavaScript snippets. The platform is quite restricted in terms of custom development.

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Code export 

Bubble Score: 2/5 

Builder.AI Score: 2/5

While Bubble doesn't allow you to export your app's code directly, you can connect your Bubble application to external services. This flexibility lets you either build with external integrations from the start or gradually transition to a different technology stack using Bubble's API and database connectivity options.

Builder.AI provides basic code export for some components, though the exported code may require significant cleanup. They offer source code access for higher-tier plans. The platform recommends Python as the top choice for web apps. When it comes to iOS apps, the best match is Swift, while Kotlin is their recommended choice for Android. 

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Cross-platform support 

Bubble Score: 3/5 

Builder.AI Score: 4/5

Bubble employs Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) for cross-platform development, allowing developers to create applications that work across desktop and mobile devices through a single codebase. These apps can be accessed via web browsers and installed on home screens, providing an app-like experience with responsive design that adapts to different screen sizes. 

Builder.AI creates platform-specific versions of apps, ensuring native performance and user experience across iOS, Android, and web platforms.

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Community 

Bubble Score: 5/5 

Builder.AI Score: 3/5

Bubble stands out for its personalized support system that adapts to each user's expertise. The platform thrives thanks to its vibrant community of creators who actively contribute templates, plugins, and innovative features. 

Whether you're stuck on a problem or seeking inspiration, you'll find experienced users eager to share their knowledge in the Bubble Forum, making it an invaluable hub for collaboration and problem-solving.

Builder.AI has a smaller community but offers dedicated support teams for each project. Community resources and third-party content are more limited.

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Integrations 

Bubble Score: 5/5 

Builder.AI Score: 4/5

Bubble offers diverse customization options and integration capabilities through APIs, using its API connector. From payment processors to authentication providers. And if you need something custom, then you can create JavaScript plugins to add new connections, custom interface elements, or server-side logic. 

Builder.AI provides pre-built integrations for common services and supports custom API connections, though setup is less flexible than Bubble.

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Templates 

Bubble Score: 5/5 

Builder.AI Score: 5/5

Bubble's platform offers two key design advantages. First, it enables pixel-perfect design rather than limiting users to fixed templates, allowing for complete customization without constraints. 

Second, it features responsive design capabilities, meaning pages automatically adapt to different screen sizes and devices. 

Builder.AI provides users with its template library, offering polished, industry-specific templates with consistent quality and regular updates.

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Scalability 

Bubble Score: 4/5 

Builder.AI Score: 3/5

Bubble can handle significant user loads with proper optimization, supporting thousands of daily active users. It provides scalability options for databases and server capacity to handle increased traffic and user demands. The ability to add custom code also enhances scalability, since users can build unique features and functionalities as their app evolves.

Bubble leverages Amazon Web Services (AWS) to support its operations. AWS offers a robust and scalable foundation, which makes Bubble applications obtain the potential to scale.

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Builder.AI faces more scalability challenges with complex applications but handles basic apps well. Custom development may be needed for high-scale applications.

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AI features 

Bubble Score: 3/5 

Builder.AI Score: 5/5

Bubble offers users the ability to integrate AI tools like ChatGPT and DALL-E into their apps, which enables the creation of powerful apps.

Builder.AI offers AI-driven development assistance, automated testing, and AI-powered feature suggestions. Their platform uses AI throughout the development process.

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Security 

Bubble Score: 4/5
Builder.AI Score: 4/5

Bubble provides SSL encryption, regular backups, and GDPR compliance tools. Custom security rules can be implemented at the database level. The best thing about Bubble’s privacy features is that the platform has everything integrated! Users don’t need to worry about extra tools. 

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Builder.AI offers similar security features, and enterprise security options for larger clients. 

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User management 

Bubble Score: 5/5 

Builder.AI Score: 4/5

Bubble offers comprehensive user management with custom roles, permissions, and complex authentication flows. Multi-tenant applications are well supported. 

Builder.AI provides standard user management features with predefined roles and basic authentication options. Custom roles require additional development.

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User feedback

Bubble

“Bubble is a great way to get started building web applications without code.
What do you like best about Bubble? Bubble is set up intuitively, making it easy to program what you need for your applications. Quickly build pages that look good and are functional with dynamic groups and forms.
What do you dislike about Bubble? Some design elements take time to learn to use.” Making a page responsive can take some time if there are a lot of elements on a page. Also, Bubble could be a little faster.”  

Leonard L. Graphic Designer, Small-Business.

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“Great product, easy to use, and extremely flexible.
What do you like best about Bubble? Very flexible and robust, and it seems like it will scale well once I deploy my application live.
What do you dislike about Bubble? Fear of vendor lock if I spend time and resources and want to switch or part ways later.”  

Verified User in Staffing and Recruiting. Small-Business.

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Bubble development by LowCode Agency

“Thanks Jesus and LowCode Agency for helping me build the great AI-powered learning tool I had in mind.”

Robb Miller, Founder. BarEssay

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“Our new system has made it easier for us to manage operations across all of our offices. Document submissions? No more slips; everyone's on point. We've seen a 40% increase in efficiency. That's real impact, and we're seriously impressed!”

Hayden Slack, owner, GL Hunt.

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Builder.AI

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“What do you like best about Builder.ai?
Their client-centric approach and transparency are admirable.  Their team of bright individuals takes ownership of projects and strives to deliver on time.
What do you dislike about Builder.ai? They should enhance their builder dashboard to be more user-friendly for non-technical clients.”

Verified user in Transportation/Trucking/Railroad. Small-Business.

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"Good experience so far with Builder.ai team.
What do you like best about Builder.ai? The team is experienced and provides support. The builder dashboard is easy to use and tracks the status of the project. The weekly meeting happens regularly and the quality of releases is good. Builder chat enables us to connect with the team effortlessly.
What do you dislike about Builder.ai? As the designs are given by us some doubts need to be clarified. The timeline of the project can be improved.” 

Saravanan R.Senior User Experience Designer. Small-Business.

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Ready to build your application? As certified experts in Bubble development, LowCode Agency can guide you to the perfect solution for your needs.