Webflow vs Bubble: A Comprehensive Comparison

Struggling to decide between Webflow and Bubble for your next web project…?

With the rise of no-code website builders, choosing the right platform to fit your needs can be challenging. In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive comparison between Webflow and Bubble, discussing pricing, features, how easy they are to use, and more factors that make a brilliant no-code platform.

Webflow, a content-management-focused no-code website builder, is ideal for creating simple websites such as eCommerce sites, blogs, and portfolios. Bubble, on the other hand, is a drag-and-drop app builder that excels at creating complex web applications, with optional code editing for experienced users.

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What is Bubble io? 

Bubble app builder is a no-code platform that enables you to construct customized apps and complex websites with ease. By utilizing a user-friendly, point-and-click editor, you can select from a variety of components and design elements to create web apps that range from marketplaces to SaaS and no-code MVPs. Bubble offers a rich selection of plugins, themes, templates, and database management functionalities for enhanced customization. To experience Bubble firsthand, explore their interactive feature on their homepage, which allows you to edit their website and see how the platform functions – click here to try it out.

What is Webflow? 

Webflow is a website builder platform that emphasizes design, offering fully customizable themes, templates, and animations for creating interactive web pages and eCommerce hubs. As a comprehensive solution, it features a content management system (CMS), database integration, code extension capabilities, and a variety of plugins. Many design-focused CMSs have been developed using Webflow due to its cost-efficiency and ease of collaboration. If you’re seeking a platform that prioritizes design and provides a wide range of features, Webflow could be the perfect choice for your needs. 

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Both Bubble and Webflow are powerful tools. However, they both have their own set of benefits and drawbacks. For example, Bubble is best for desktop apps, setting up user roles, and overall logic. Webflow, on the other hand, is better in terms of design, SEO, conversion, sales, and marketing. Let’s compare both platforms in more detail. 

Comparing Webflow vs. Bubble

Audience and Use Cases Comparison

Webflow primarily targets designers, creative professionals, and businesses that need visually appealing websites, portfolios, blogs, and e-commerce stores. It’s commonly used for creating landing pages, marketing sites, and content-driven websites.
Bubble, conversely, focuses on entrepreneurs, startups, and individuals seeking to create custom web applications with intricate functionality. Bubble is perfect for developing interactive applications like social networks, marketplaces, and SaaS products.

Design Capabilities Comparison

• Templates and Themes
  Transitioning from Webflow to Bubble, both platforms offer users a variety of professional templates and themes to choose from and customize according to their needs. While Webflow’s templates cater to a range of industries, Bubble specifically focuses on web applications such as marketplace apps, SaaS, and social media platforms

• Responsive Design
  In terms of responsive design, Webflow outshines Bubble with its ability to create adaptive layouts for various screen sizes. Although Bubble does support responsive design, users may find themselves making more manual adjustments to achieve the desired level of responsiveness.

• Animations and Interactions
  When it comes to animations and interactions, Webflow takes the lead with its powerful capabilities that enable users to develop interactions, animations, and transitions without any coding. Bubble, while offering support for animations and interactions, may not be as feature-rich as Webflow in this aspect. Overall, both Webflow and Bubble have their strengths and limitations, and users should choose the platform that best suits their specific design criteria.

Development Features Comparison

• Custom Code Integration
  In terms of custom code integration, both Webflow and Bubble accommodate users by allowing them to incorporate custom code for advanced use cases. This flexibility enhances the functionality of their projects and applications.

• Database Management
  Comparing database management capabilities, Webflow’s CMS supports content and data management, though it falls short of a full-fledged database management system. Bubble, however, excels in this area with its advanced database management capabilities, making it a suitable choice for data-driven application development.

• Backend and API Integration
  Finally, when considering backend functionality and API integration, Webflow has limited native capabilities and relies on third-party service integrations for advanced features. Conversely, Bubble provides built-in backend functionality and empowers users to create and connect APIs for seamless external service integration. Both platforms have their own strengths and limitations, and users should select the one that aligns with their specific needs.

Price Comparison

Though building apps through no-code platforms rather than traditional software development methods is considerably less expensive, it is still important to consider costs. In fact, cost-effectiveness will likely be at the heart of your considerations when building an app. 

Bubble has a free plan that allows you to pay only when you want your app to go live. That way, you don’t have to pay while you’re building it, which allows you to take as long as you need to. When you do launch, however, you’ll have to pay a minimum monthly price of $29. 

Webflow also has a free starter plan, which you can keep until you make your app live. It also has a specific plan that caters to CMSs (content management systems), which costs $16 per month; it allows you to build blog content and website landing pages. 

	Bubble	Webflow
Starter	Free until your app goes live	Free
Basic	$29 per month	$12 per month
Business	$129 per month	$16 per month
Enterprise	$529 per month	$36 per month
Free trial	Yes	Yes

Features comparison

Overall, Bubble has more features than Webflow. You’ll be able to benefit from a myriad of powerful features, like: 

• API integration
• Customized forms
• Built-in message boards
• News fields
• Chats
• Multilingual localization
• Analytics
• Stripe and Braintree payments
• eCommerce checkout
• Up to 40 collaborators on one app
• Password user management
• Automation
• Custom domains

You can browse through Bubble’s full list of features by looking through its feature index. 

Webflow, on the other hand, has powerful features relating to customizing your website and nailing your marketing. Webflow’s huge library of templates makes up for what it lacks in features compared to Bubble. In fact, there are actually over a thousand templates available on Webflow, so you can have a beautiful app even if you don’t feel like starting from scratch.

Ease of Use Comparison

If you’re concerned about ease of use when dealing with no-code platforms, there are some things to consider. Of course, building an app without code can seem like a complicated feat, so naturally, some users might be put off by such a promise. We have found that most no-code platforms are focused on making app creation accessible and therefore finetuning their solutions to be easy to use. 

However, there are some noticeable differences in ease of use between Bubble and Webflow. We would say that Bubble is slightly easier to use than Webflow overall, but because it lacks certain flexibility, it can be hard to achieve your objectives. 

Though you might find Bubble a tad more user-friendly, you’ll probably end up noticing that it’s easier to get what you want out of Webflow, therefore making it easier to use in the long run. We should also note that Bubble does make it very accessible to collaborate with your team via the platform, allowing up to 40 collaborators on any app, which could be a deciding factor for you.

Integrations and Plugins Comparison

Bubble and Webflow both excel at offering API and integration options. Bubble has a complete database of conditional situations that connect to APIs and can allow you to maximize the potential of your app’s entire flow. Webflow has Facebook and Twitter integrations, which is very much in line with its many marketing features. 

Do be aware, though, that with both platforms you’ll have to opt for the more advanced monthly plans if you want to make the most of the integrations and plugins. Both platforms also have eCommerce integrations and plugin options. 

Just so that we can have a closer look at both platforms’ integrations and you can check out what corresponds with your current workflow, here are some of Bubble’s integrations:

Bubble Integrations

Webflow Integrations

And many more, which you can find a full list of on Webflow university’s integrations page. So, as you can see, Webflow has a fair number more integrations compared to Bubble. If you need your app to integrate seamlessly with your current workflow and offer many marketing and SEO insights, then it might be wise to go with Webflow. 

Design Freedom and Customization Comparison

Bubble is a great option for those who want to create a solid, scalable app. However, if your priority is having full control over the design of your app and being able to customize it fully, then you should definitely consider going with Webflow. That’s why it’s usually recommended for proficient designers because it allows so much design freedom and flexibility. In fact, Webflow’s main focus is on design, whereas Bubble is better at backend functionality. 

If you want web apps that have a beautiful flow and great design quality, Webflow has a great track record of doing exactly that. Let’s just say that Webflow allows users to create absolutely picture-perfect (or pixel-perfect) solutions, mainly as marketing websites or membership platforms (by integrating third-party platforms!

You can look at Bubble if you want a blank canvas which you can drag and drop elements onto. Though it does have an existing template library, you might find that none of the templates correspond exactly to your dream app’s needs and visual standards. If you go with Bubble, it might be worth starting off blank instead of trying to make do with the templates. 

Learning Curve Comparison

While Bubble’s learning curve may be steeper due to its focus on the backend, database systems, and scalability, its web page building module remains user-friendly. In contrast, Webflow offers a more straightforward learning experience with a ‘learn-as-you-go’ approach that caters to skilled designers and citizen developers. With a basic understanding of HTML and CSS, Webflow becomes even more navigable. No matter which no-code platform you opt for, both Bubble and Webflow deliver accessible learning journeys that are considerably easier than mastering the complexities of traditional coding.

Check out our curated list of top no-code and low-code podcasts and discover how to build apps without extensive coding knowledge. Start listening now to unlock a world of endless possibilities!

E-commerce and CMS Functionality Comparison

With a comprehensive e-commerce platform and a robust CMS, Webflow streamlines the management of content and products for users. This seamless integration allows for the establishment of product pages, payment gateways, order management, and more. Webflow’s CMS proves especially adept at handling content-driven websites, such as blogs and portfolios.

While Bubble may not be primarily an e-commerce platform, it still provides the means to develop custom e-commerce solutions through the use of plugins and third-party platform integrations. Additionally, users can harness Bubble’s powerful database management features to construct a tailor-made CMS.

Collaboration and Team Management Comparison

Streamlining team collaboration, Webflow provides features such as multi-user access, real-time project collaboration, and role-based permissions to ensure smooth teamwork.

Similarly, Bubble fosters team collaboration by offering functionalities like version control, concurrent work on various application components, role-based permissions, and access controls.

SEO and Marketing Tools Comparison

Webflow: Equipped with built-in SEO tools, Webflow offers features like meta tags, SEO-friendly URLs, and sitemap generation. Additionally, the platform integrates seamlessly with popular marketing and analytics tools, enabling users to track performance and optimize marketing campaigns effectively.

Bubble: Providing basic SEO capabilities, Bubble allows users to customize meta tags and URLs. Furthermore, integration with third-party marketing and analytics tools empowers users to monitor and optimize their web applications efficiently.

Hosting and Performance Comparison

Webflow: With managed hosting services, Webflow ensures global content delivery, automatic backups, and SSL encryption for optimal security. Renowned for their swift loading times and performance, Webflow sites consistently impress.

Bubble: Catering to web applications built on its platform, Bubble delivers hosting solutions that include scalable server infrastructure, automatic backups, and SSL encryption. Users can conveniently monitor their app’s performance using the platform’s integrated analytics.

Security and Data Protection Comparison

Webflow: With a strong focus on security, Webflow delivers features such as SSL encryption, automatic backups, and DDoS protection. Additionally, Webflow maintains compliance with GDPR and other data protection regulations.

Bubble: Similarly, Bubble underscores the importance of security by offering SSL encryption, secure authentication, and safeguards against common web attacks. Bubble also adheres to GDPR and various data privacy regulations.

Community, Resources, and Support Comparison

Both Bubble and Webflow have a strong community of like-minded no-code users of different proficiency levels, with plenty of resources and support available. Bubble has videos and guides to help you learn how to use the platform. You can also have access to its user-based community. 

Webflow however, has a full-blown Webflow University which caters to every single question you could possibly have about building a Webflow app. You’ll be able to thoroughly understand and comprehend each and every feature. You can also find plenty of e-books, guides, and tutorials that are (unsurprisingly) beautifully laid out and presented. 

Which Platform Should You Choose? 

Understanding which tool is best suited for your needs can be made easier by examining real-life examples. Let’s dive into more use cases to help clarify whether Bubble or Webflow is the right choice for your project.

• Building a photography portfolio website for a freelance photographer
  Webflow is the ideal choice in this case, as it excels at creating visually stunning, design-focused websites. The photographer can showcase their work through a variety of customizable layouts, animations, and galleries that can be easily updated with new content

• Creating a platform for booking and managing appointments for a wellness clinic
  For this use case, Bubble is the better choice, as the platform requires integration with a database and user authentication. Bubble allows for the creation of a custom booking system, notifications, and a user-friendly client management interface, which are essential for a successful wellness clinic platform.

• Developing a blog and content-sharing platform for a community of travel enthusiasts
  Webflow is a suitable choice for this scenario, as it offers an easy-to-use content management system and responsive design templates. Users can create engaging articles, photo galleries, and share their experiences with a seamless, visually appealing interface.
  
• Building a peer-to-peer marketplace for local services and goods
  Bubble is the ideal choice for this project, as it allows for the integration of a database, payment processing, and user authentication. The platform’s customizability enables the creation of unique user experiences tailored to the local community and ensures smooth transactions between buyers and sellers.

• Designing a website for a non-profit organization to showcase their work and accept donations
  In this case, Webflow is the preferred choice, as it provides a visually engaging platform to showcase the non-profit’s mission, projects, and impact. The platform also allows for easy integration of donation processing, making it simple for supporters to contribute to the cause.

Ultimately, your choice between Bubble and Webflow will depend on the specific needs and goals of your project. Consider the level of customization, database integration, and design focus required to make an informed decision.

What we’ve built with Webflow

Guidely

Using Webflow’s flexibility and custom code integration, we built a responsive website for Guidely, a mental health guidance company, featuring a streamlined multi-step form and Calendly integration for easy appointment scheduling.

Bensuite

We employed Webflow’s customizable templates and components to create a user-friendly website for BenSuite, an employee benefits insurance platform, which modernizes and simplifies the sales process with integrated tools and features.

Nest Investment

Leveraging Webflow’s intuitive design tools and responsive features, we developed an engaging website for Nest Investments, showcasing the benefits of investing in high-yielding vacation rental properties and providing a seamless user experience across devices.

What we’ve built with Bubble

Contractor’s CRM

Using Bubble’s powerful database and workflow capabilities, we developed Contractor’s CRM, an online portal and mobile app that centralizes project management and communication for contractors. The platform improves client experience, streamlines workflows, and enhances efficiency with its range of integrated tools and features. For a deeper understanding of the benefits and versatility of using no-code and low-code platforms for CRM solutions, explore our guide on how to build a no-code CRM.

Copious.Land

Leveraging Bubble’s membership functionality and database management, we built Copious.Land, a members-only marketplace for professional land investors to find, buy, and sell wholesale properties. The platform ensures a high-quality, trustworthy environment for property transactions among experienced investors.

Talintd

Employing Bubble’s flexible design and data integration features, we created Talintd, an MVP that allows users to consolidate their professional skills, experiences, and achievements into a comprehensive profile. The platform empowers users to manage their professional reputation and present themselves effectively to employers and recruiters.

Explore more: Bubble app examples

The Bottom Line

When to use Webflow?

Webflow is a visual website design tool that enables users to create responsive websites without writing code. With its intuitive interface, Webflow allows both developers and non-developers to efficiently build functional web services. Webflow offers a variety of pre-built templates, making it easy to replicate designs and set up websites quickly. Common use cases include online stores, blogs, and portfolio sites.

When to use Bubble?

Bubble is designed for more complex projects in the no-code web development space. While it typically does not require user-written code, users can still modify their code if desired. This grants skilled users a competitive edge. Bubble is a good choice for complex web applications, mobile apps, digital solutions, and prototypes.

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Discover the power of no-code and low-code tools with our expert assistance! If you’re comparing Webflow and Bubble for your project, our dedicated teams at the Webflow Agency and Bubble Agency are here to help. With over 273 successful projects under our belt, we have the experience and expertise to bring your vision to life. Let us turn your ideas into reality with the perfect platform tailored to your needs. Don’t wait any longer—book a free discovery call with us today and take the first step towards your dream project!

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