Bubble Limitations: Discover Key Constraints

Building an app with Bubble is a fantastic option for many projects, but it’s not without its limitations.

Here are the main constraints to keep in mind:

1. Performance issues at scale, especially with complex workflows.
2. Manual mobile responsiveness adjustments required.
3. Limited customization due to lack of raw code access.
4. Recurring fees increase as your app grows, with evolving pricing plans.
5. Selling your app is challenging due to platform dependency and no code export.

I. What Are the Bubble Limitations?

Bubble is a fantastic no-code tool for building web apps without writing code. But like any platform, it comes with a few limitations that you should know before diving into a big project. Let’s explore what these constraints are and how they might affect your project.

1. Performance at Scale

Bubble apps can handle a lot, but performance can slow down as your user base grows. It’s not magic, after all.

• If you plan to scale to thousands of users, Bubble might not give you the lightning speed you need.
• Complex workflows and database queries can drag down performance.

Is Bubble right for high-traffic apps? Not always. It’s perfect for MVPs or apps with moderate traffic but may not be ideal for huge, enterprise-level applications. You’ll notice this if you’ve got tons of simultaneous users or heavy database interactions.

2. Mobile Responsiveness

While you can design mobile-friendly apps with Bubble, it’s not always the smoothest experience.

• You’ll need to manually adjust settings for mobile responsiveness.
• Bubble lacks native mobile app features like access to a device's camera or notifications.

This means Bubble limitations might slow you down if you're aiming for an app that feels as fluid on mobile as it does on desktop.

3. Customization & Flexibility

Bubble is powerful, but there’s only so much you can do before you hit the limitations.

• You can't easily access the raw code behind your app.
• You’re limited by the pre-built functionality that Bubble provides.

Sure, you can integrate APIs to extend your app's features, but at some point, you'll run into the wall where the platform doesn’t allow total freedom.

4. Recurring Fees & Pricing Plans Evolution

Another important limitation is the recurring fees associated with Bubble.

• As your app grows in complexity, you’ll likely need to upgrade to higher pricing tiers.
• Over time, Bubble has evolved its pricing plans, which might affect your project’s cost-efficiency. Plans can change, and you may find yourself facing unexpected increases, making budgeting tricky.

What’s the issue here? If your app requires heavy usage of features like database capacity or API calls, you may end up paying more than you initially expected. Pricing can scale rapidly, so it’s essential to factor that into your planning.

5. Selling the App in the Future

Thinking about selling your Bubble app one day? Here’s where you might hit a snag.

• Bubble apps are tied to the platform. This means you can’t easily export the code or migrate to another service.
• Buyers might be hesitant to acquire an app that’s reliant on a third-party platform with recurring fees and evolving pricing structures.

The takeaway? While you can sell a Bubble app, the limitations of code access and platform reliance may make it less appealing to potential buyers compared to custom-built solutions.

II. When to Choose Bubble (and When Not to)

A. When Bubble is Great:

• MVPs and prototypes: Get your idea out quickly without worrying about scalability.
• Internal tools: You can automate internal processes for a business without much trouble.
• Moderate traffic apps: For apps that don’t expect millions of users, Bubble works perfectly.

B. When Bubble is Not Ideal:

• High-traffic, enterprise apps: If you need to handle large volumes of data or users, look elsewhere.
• Native mobile apps: If your goal is to build a true mobile app with all the bells and whistles, you’ll hit the Bubble limitations fast.

Key Takeaways 🎁

• Bubble is a great no-code tool, but it comes with limitations in performance, flexibility, and customization.
• Performance may slow down with heavy traffic or complex workflows.
• Mobile responsiveness requires manual adjustments and lacks native mobile app features.
• You're locked into Bubble's ecosystem—no code export, which limits future app sales.
• The recurring fees and evolution of Bubble’s pricing plans can make budgeting unpredictable, especially as your app grows.

Explore no-code tools further to find the perfect match for your project’s needs!

II. Common Questions About Bubble Limitations

A. Can I export my app’s code?

Nope. Once you’ve built something on Bubble, it’s locked into their system. If you need to move to another platform, you’ll have to rebuild from scratch.

B. Is there a steep learning curve?

Kind of. While Bubble is user-friendly for those familiar with no-code, beginners may need a few tutorials to fully grasp the platform's complexities, especially when managing workflows and databases.

C. Can I build highly interactive apps with Bubble?

Yes, but with limitations. You can build great interactive apps, but you may find performance slowing down if you over-complicate things with numerous workflows or dynamic elements. Keep it lean, and you’ll be fine.