Bubble vs. Adalo for Startups: Which No-Code Platform is Best for MVPs?

Introduction

In the fast-paced world of startups, building a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) efficiently can mean the difference between success and failure. Traditionally, startups had to hire developers, invest in expensive technology, and spend months coding before launching a product. However, no-code platforms likeBubble and Adalo have changed the game, allowing founders to develop functional apps quickly, without needing extensive coding experience.

If you're a startup founder, you may be wondering:

✅ Which platform is best for my MVP?
✅ What are the strengths and limitations of each?
✅ Which no-code tool will allow my business to scale?

This in-depth comparison of Bubble vs. Adalo will answer these questions by covering features, scalability, costs, and real-world use cases. By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of which no-code platform is right for your startup.

1. Understanding No-Code MVP Development

What is an MVP? Why is it Crucial for Startups?

A Minimum Viable Product (MVP) is the simplest functional version of a product that allows startups to test their idea, gather feedback, and refine the concept before scaling. MVPs serve as a low-risk approach to product development, preventing startups from wasting resources on ideas that may not resonate with their target audience.

Benefits of MVP Development

🚀 Faster Time to Market – A startup can launch an MVP in weeks instead of months and quickly assess demand.
💰 Cost-Effective – Avoid hiring an entire development team, cutting initial costs significantly.
📊 Data-Driven Decisions – Real user feedback helps refine features before scaling.
🔄 Easier Iterations – Quickly tweak and modify features based on early user behavior.
🎯 Attract Investors – A working prototype demonstrates potential, increasing funding opportunities.

Why Choose No-Code for MVP Development?

No-code platforms like Bubble and Adalo provide non-technical founders with the ability to create functional, user-friendly applications without hiring expensive developers.

Key reasons startups choose no-code for MVPs:
✅ Rapid Prototyping – Develop an app within days, test ideas, and iterate efficiently.
✅ Reduced Development Costs – Eliminate the need for back-end coding.
✅ Scalability – Some platforms allow you to start with a no-code MVP and later transition to a custom-built product.
✅ Increased Accessibility – Non-technical founders can directly contribute to product development.

Now, let's break down Bubble and Adalo, two of the most popular no-code platforms for MVP development.

2. Bubble vs. Adalo: Platform Overview

What is Bubble?

Bubble.io is a powerful no-code development platform that enables users to build fully functional web applications with a drag-and-drop editor and custom workflows. It is particularly suited for web-based MVPs, SaaS applications, and startups that require scalable, data-driven platforms.

Key Features of Bubble

✅ Visual Drag-and-Drop UI Editor – Design fully customizable user interfaces with pixel-perfect precision.
✅ Advanced Workflows & Logic – Implement complex automation and backend logic without code.
✅ Robust Database Management – Store, manipulate, and retrieve structured data efficiently.
✅ API Integration & Plugins – Connect seamlessly with third-party services like Stripe, Zapier, and Google Sheets.
✅ User Authentication & Permissions – Secure login systems and user roles for different access levels.
✅ Scalability & Custom Code Support – Allows businesses to scale without performance limitations.

💡 Best For:

• Startups building SaaS applications, marketplaces, and enterprise tools.
• Businesses requiring complex workflows and automation.
• Scalable MVPs that will later transition into fully developed products.

What is Adalo?

Adalois a mobile-first no-code app builder designed for users who want to create iOS and Android applications quickly. Unlike Bubble, Adalo is geared towards mobile app development, making it ideal for startups targeting mobile-first users.

Key Features of Adalo

✅ Mobile App Development – Build native iOS and Android apps with real-time previews.
✅ Drag-and-Drop Interface – Easy-to-use UI builder with pre-built design elements.
✅ Built-in Database – Store and manage user data within the platform.
✅ Native App Publishing – Directly publish your app to Google Play and the Apple App Store.
✅ Integration with Stripe & Zapier – Easily add payments and automate tasks.
✅ Push Notifications – Engage users with real-time updates and notifications.

💡 Best For:

• Startups focused on mobile-first applications.
• MVPs that require quick deployment with minimal complexity.
• Non-technical founders who need an intuitive no-code experience.

3. Ease of Use & Learning Curve

One of the most important factors for startups choosing a no-code platform is how easy it is to use, especially for non-technical founders. The goal of an MVP is to launch quickly, test ideas, and iterate based on user feedback, so the learning curve of the platform can significantly impact development time.

Bubble: High Customization, Steep Learning Curve

Bubble offers an advanced visual programming interface that allows for extensive customization, but this power comes with complexity. The drag-and-drop editor gives complete control over UI design, workflows, and database management, but users must invest time in learning how to structure data, configure workflows, and manage conditional logic.

For first-time users, Bubble’s depth of features can be overwhelming. Mastering database relationships, dynamic data, and workflow automation takes time, and startups with no prior experience in application design may face a steep learning curve. However, once learned, Bubble’s flexibility is unmatched, making it a great option for those willing to invest time in learning.

Adalo: Beginner-Friendly, Faster to Learn

In contrast, Adalo prioritizes ease of use with a more intuitive and beginner-friendly interface. Its pre-built components, such as forms, lists, and buttons, simplify the app-building process. Unlike Bubble, which requires users to define complex workflows, Adalo automates most of the logic behind the scenes, making it much easier to launch a prototype quickly.

However, the simplicity of Adalo comes with limitations. The design and customization options are not as flexible as Bubble, and the platform lacks support for complex databases, advanced logic, and extensive API integrations. For startups that need a simple mobile MVP without complex backend processes, Adalo is an excellent choice.

Comparison Table: Ease of Use & Learning Curve

💡 Verdict: If you need an MVP with advanced customization, Bubble is worth learning. If you need a quick and simple app, Adalo is the better option.

4. Speed of MVP Development

Bubble: Powerful but Time-Intensive

Bubble provides an extensive range of customization options, allowing developers to build scalable, feature-rich applications. However, this power comes at the cost of speed. Since Bubble allows you to create complex workflows, dynamic data processing, and third-party integrations, setting up an MVP can take longer compared to Adalo.

The learning curve also affects development time. New users may require weeks of practice before efficiently building functional applications. That said, once mastered, Bubble is significantly faster than traditional development methods and allows for rapid scaling.

Adalo: Fastest Way to Launch an MVP

Adalo excels in speed because of its drag-and-drop simplicity and pre-configured elements. Startups can create a functional mobile app within hours or days, making it ideal for quick prototyping and user testing. Unlike Bubble, which requires more setup and customization, Adalo lets users focus on the design and user experience without worrying about backend complexity.

However, Adalo’s speed advantage comes with limitations. If an MVP requires complex logic, user permissions, or integrations, Adalo’s simplicity may become a bottleneck, requiring startups to switch platforms as they scale.

Comparison Table: Speed of MVP Development

💡 Verdict: Adalo is the fastest way to launch an MVP, but Bubble provides more flexibility for long-term growth.

5. Customization & Scalability

Customization and scalability are critical when selecting a no-code platform for an MVP. While an MVP starts with basic functionality, startups often need to add features, integrate APIs, and scale performance over time.

Bubble: Unmatched Customization & High Scalability

Bubble is designed for highly customized applications. It allows users to modify every aspect of the app, from UI elements to backend logic. The platform supports:

• Complex database structures
• Advanced conditional workflows
• Custom API integrations
• User authentication & permissions

Bubble is infinitely scalable because it supports server-side workflows, dynamic data processing, and external databases. Startups planning to transition their MVP into a full-fledged web app will find Bubble a future-proof choice.

Adalo: Limited Customization & Moderate Scalability

Adalo provides basic customization with a focus on mobile apps. While it allows users to design attractive interfaces quickly, the backend customization and logic options are limited. Users cannot create complex workflows or deeply integrated API-driven applications like Bubble.

Adalo is sufficient for small-scale projects, but scaling to enterprise-level applications is challenging. Startups needing advanced logic will eventually outgrow Adalo and may need to migrate to another platform.

Comparison Table: Customization & Scalability

💡 Verdict: Bubble wins in customization and scalability, making it the best choice for startups looking to grow beyond their MVP.

6. Cost Comparison

Cost is a major factor for startups on a tight budget. No-code platforms are significantly cheaper than hiring developers, but they still have subscription costs based on features and usage.

Bubble: Higher Cost, More Features

Bubble has a free plan, but serious startups will need a paid plan for database scaling, custom domains, and security features. The starter plan ($29/month) is good for small MVPs, but larger applications may require the Growth Plan ($129/month).

Adalo: Affordable for Small MVPs

Adalo also offers a free plan, but publishing mobile apps requires a paid plan. The starting cost is slightly higher ($36/month), but the Pro Plan ($54/month) includes mobile publishing and more features.

Comparison Table: Cost & Pricing

💡 Verdict: Adalo is more budget-friendly for mobile MVPs, but Bubble provides better long-term value.

Conclusion

When choosing between Bubble and Adalo for your startup's no-code MVP, the decision ultimately depends on your project's complexity, long-term goals, and budget. Bubble is the ideal choice if you need a highly customizable, scalable, and feature-rich web application. While it has a steeper learning curve and takes longer to develop an MVP, its powerful database management, advanced workflows, and API integrations make it a long-term solution for growing startups. On the other hand, Adalo is perfect for founders who want to quickly build and launch a simple mobile app without diving into complex development logic. It offers a faster learning experience, but its limited customization and scalability mean you may need to switch platforms as your startup expands.

For fast prototyping and quick market validation, Adalo is the better option, but if you're aiming for a robust, scalable product that can evolve beyond an MVP, Bubble is the superior choice. Carefully assess your startup’s needs, budget, and technical expertise before making a decision. Regardless of which platform you choose, both Bubble and Adalo empower startups to bring their ideas to life without traditional coding, making the no-code revolution an exciting space for innovation.