
Choosing the right no-code platform can make or break your app project. If you're weighing Adalo against Bubble for building web, iOS, and Android apps, you're likely wondering which tool will actually get your product into users' hands fastest.
Adalo is a no-code app builder for database-driven web apps and native iOS and Android apps—one version across all three platforms, published to the Apple App Store and Google Play. Bubble, by contrast, is a web-first visual development platform designed primarily for complex browser-based applications and SaaS products, with mobile app store publishing requiring additional third-party tools.
When comparing these platforms, what matters most is app success: launching as fast as possible with an MVP and reaching the biggest audience. That means not just deploying a web app, but getting native apps into the Apple App Store and Google Play—unlocking massive distribution channels and critical features like push notifications that drive engagement and retention.
Adalo and Bubble are two leading platforms for building apps without coding, but they serve different needs. Adalo excels in creating mobile-first apps for iOS, Android, and web with a single build, making it ideal for quick MVP launches or straightforward business tools. Bubble, on the other hand, is tailored for complex web apps and SaaS platforms, offering advanced backend logic and scalability.
Key Takeaways:
- Adalo: Best for mobile apps with built-in publishing to app stores, simple drag-and-drop design, and fast development timelines. Ideal for startups and small businesses.
- Bubble: Best for web-first applications with robust backend functionality, scalability for up to 1 million users, and extensive API integrations. Suited for data-heavy projects.
Quick Comparison:
| Feature | Adalo | Bubble |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Mobile-first apps | Web-first apps |
| Ease of Use | Beginner-friendly | Steeper learning curve |
| Publishing | Direct to App Stores | Requires third-party wrapper |
| Scalability | Limited (50,000 records) | High (up to 1M users) |
| Starting Price | $45/month | $32/month |
Adalo is perfect for those prioritizing mobile app speed and simplicity, while Bubble is better for complex web applications requiring advanced features. Choose based on your project needs and target audience.
Adalo vs Bubble Comparison Chart: Features, Pricing, and Use Cases
What is Adalo?
Adalo is a no-code app builder for database-driven web apps and native iOS and Android apps—one version across all three platforms. AI-assisted building and streamlined publishing enable launch to the Apple App Store and Google Play in days rather than months. With it, you can build a single app and publish it across the web, iOS, and Android - all from one place. No need to manage separate codebases or rebuild for different platforms. Once you design your app, it works seamlessly everywhere, including full distribution to the App Store and Google Play.
This platform combines a visual editor with a hosted backend and database, eliminating the need to cobble together multiple services just to launch. Using a drag-and-drop interface, you can create functional apps with screens, databases, and user flows. Plus, the builder's preview gives you a real sense of how your app will look and function for end users. This streamlined approach makes Adalo a standout option for app development.
Adalo is built for apps ready for real-world use. Over 1,000,000 apps have been created on the platform, serving more than 2,000,000 users. These apps handle over 20,000,000 data requests daily and maintain an impressive uptime of over 99%. These aren't just prototypes - they're fully functional apps serving active users.
To speed up development, Adalo includes AI-powered tools like Magic Start and Magic Add. It also offers a marketplace with over 50 components for features like payments, maps, and more.
"Adalo is by far the easiest web app builder in terms of functionality x flexibility. For the vast majority of apps, Adalo is your best bet." - Erik Goins, Founder, erikgoinsHQ
Adalo's Main Features
Adalo's strength lies in its single-build, multi-platform system. You design your app once, and it automatically adjusts to fit mobile, tablet, and desktop screens. When you're ready to launch, you can publish to a custom domain, the Apple App Store, and Google Play - all from one dashboard.
Its visual WYSIWYG editor allows you to assemble interactive components without writing a single line of code. You can drag and drop elements onto a canvas and link them to your data. Adalo also comes with a relational database that supports logic, formulas, and conditional visibility, letting you manage complex data without needing to learn SQL.
For added convenience, Adalo offers Feature Templates like user profiles, appointment scheduling, and payment collection. These pre-built sections save you time by eliminating the need to build common features from scratch. The platform also supports native app features like push notifications, geolocation, camera access, and in-app purchases through Stripe or IAPHUB.
Adalo integrates with tools like Zapier (connecting to over 5,000 apps), Make, REST APIs, and external backends like Xano or Airtable. For enterprise users, it can even connect to older systems without APIs using DreamFactory integrations.
When Adalo Works Best
Adalo shines when you need to quickly launch mobile-first MVPs or early-stage products. Entrepreneurs can test and validate ideas in a matter of days or weeks instead of months, all while cutting development costs significantly. Studies show that platforms like Adalo can reduce development expenses by about 48% and speed up delivery by 50%.
"What I know is that when a client says 'No-code native mobile app' Adalo is the first + best choice." - Will Hawkins
Adalo is also a great fit for businesses looking to bring existing data to mobile apps. It connects seamlessly with systems like Google Sheets, Airtable, MS SQL Server, and PostgreSQL, enabling you to build mobile interfaces without overhauling your existing setup. Thanks to its single-codebase design, updates made once are instantly reflected across all platforms.
For those just starting out, Adalo's free tier allows you to build unlimited test apps with up to 200 data records and publish to the web on an Adalo subdomain. This makes it easy to validate your idea before committing to a paid plan for app store distribution.
What is Bubble?
Bubble is a full-stack visual platform designed for building web applications and Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) without writing a single line of code. It uses a drag-and-drop editor combined with a workflow builder, making it a go-to option for creating nearly 5 million applications over the past decade.
This platform is web-first, meaning it's optimized for browser-based applications. While Bubble apps can be accessed directly through browsers, they don't natively integrate with the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. To publish a Bubble app on these platforms, you'll need a third-party wrapper service to package it as a mobile app.
What sets Bubble apart is its blank canvas approach, which combines frontend design, backend management, and workflow logic into a single tool. Traditional development often requires separate frameworks for each layer, but Bubble simplifies this process. The platform boasts a 99.46% uptime and is SOC 2 Type II compliant, ensuring reliability and security.
"Bubble is one of the original pioneers in the no-code app-building game." – Adalo Team
One standout example of a Bubble-built app is Beelango, an e-learning platform for language acquisition. As of May 2026, Beelango has grown to serve over 100,000 users worldwide and generates more than $300,000 in annual revenue.
Bubble's Main Features
Bubble offers several standout features that make it a powerful platform for building web applications:
- Visual Workflow Editor: This tool allows users to create complex logic without needing any coding skills. You can automate processes, set up conditional triggers, and even build server-side actions using a simple point-and-click interface.
- Built-In Relational Database: Bubble includes a scalable database where you can define custom data schemas and manage relationships between various data types.
- API Connector: The platform supports REST, SOAP, and GraphQL APIs, enabling seamless integrations. It also offers access to over 5,300 plugins, which expand its functionality without requiring custom code.
- AI App Generator: This feature helps you get started by turning a simple text description of your app idea into a functional prototype.
- SEO Tools: Built-in tools like server-side rendering and sitemap management help web apps perform better in search engine rankings.
| Feature | Bubble Capability |
|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Web Applications & PWAs |
| Backend | Built-in scalable relational database |
| Logic | Visual workflow editor with conditional triggers |
| Integrations | 5,300+ plugins and API Connector |
| Mobile Support | Web-first; requires third-party wrappers for App Store/Google Play |
When Bubble Works Best
Bubble shines when building complex, data-driven web applications like SaaS platforms, marketplaces, or internal dashboards. With the right data structures, it can handle up to 1 million users, making it suitable for large-scale projects. Its flexibility allows for advanced backend logic, custom workflows, and extensive API integrations.
"Bubble stands out with deeper backend logic, powerful database capabilities, and a high degree of customization - making it well-suited for building complex SaaS platforms." – Stefania Vichi, Head of Growth, Noloco
The platform is ideal for desktop-first applications, where users primarily interact via web browsers. While Bubble apps can be made responsive for mobile screens, achieving a mobile-friendly design often requires extra effort and manual adjustments. The learning curve is moderate - rated 3/5 for ease of use - and typically takes weeks or months to master.
For those just starting out, Bubble offers a free plan that allows you to build and test your app on a Bubble subdomain. Paid plans begin at $29.99 to $32/month for the Starter tier, which includes a custom domain and 175,000 workload units.
Adalo VS Bubble Comparison - Which one is Better?

How Easy Each Platform is to Use
How simple a platform is to use can significantly affect how quickly you can get started and how efficiently you can develop your project. Adalo is tailored for non-technical users, featuring a drag-and-drop editor that allows most people to build a working app in just a few hours. On the other hand, Bubble provides more advanced control over logic and data, but this comes with a steeper learning curve - it often takes weeks or even months to fully grasp.
Adalo's interface is designed with simplicity in mind. It offers a mobile-first canvas where you can drag and drop components directly onto the screen, making it feel intuitive and beginner-friendly. Bubble, by contrast, combines a more intricate properties panel for styling with a workflow builder for backend tasks. While this layered approach offers flexibility, it can be overwhelming for newcomers.
Both platforms recognize the importance of onboarding and provide resources to help users get started. Adalo features an App Academy and a user-friendly interface that naturally guides you through the app-building process. Bubble offers Bubble Academy, which includes over 200 tutorial videos and an AI App Generator to assist new users. According to a recent survey, Adalo scored 4/5 for ease of learning, while Bubble received a 3/5 rating.
| Feature | Adalo | Bubble |
|---|---|---|
| Learning Curve | Low; build functional apps within hours | Steep; requires weeks to months |
| Interface Clarity | Simple drag-and-drop visual builder | Complex editor with deep logic control |
| Onboarding | App Academy with templates and AI tools | Academy with 200+ videos and AI Generator |
| Design Philosophy | Visual-first; mobile-centric | Logic-first; web-centric |
| Time to Build | Within hours to a day | Typically weeks to months |
Adalo is particularly well-suited for launching Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) quickly. For instance, the Scholarcash app was built and launched in just one week. This speed makes Adalo a great choice for those looking to test an idea without needing technical expertise. Bubble, on the other hand, is ideal for more complex, data-heavy projects. A good example is Beelango, an e-learning platform that scaled to 100,000 users and generated $300,000 in annual revenue. However, achieving such results with Bubble often requires a significant upfront time investment to master the platform.
Web vs Mobile App Support
The way each platform approaches multi-platform deployment highlights a major difference in their design philosophies. Adalo embraces a "design once, deploy everywhere" strategy. With a single app built on a mobile-first canvas, Adalo automatically deploys it to the web, iOS, and Android. Essentially, you're creating three versions of your app from one design, while Adalo takes care of the technical complexities like build formats and app store certifications.
While Adalo focuses on mobile-first development, Bubble takes a different path by prioritizing desktop design. However, Bubble now includes a native mobile builder powered by React Native. This tool allows you to share the same backend and database across web and mobile versions, but it uses distinct UI components - referred to as "views" instead of "pages" - to tailor the mobile experience.
When it comes to native app publishing, Adalo offers built-in support for both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Bubble's new mobile builder simplifies what used to require third-party wrappers, making the process more streamlined.
"Bubble's mobile builder has been easier to use than trying to wrap a web app with plugins. They never quite feel native." - Justin Kyser, LRS Healthcare
Bubble's mobile builder brings mobile-specific interactions into the mix, such as swiping, haptic feedback, and bottom sheets. It also includes Over-the-Air (OTA) updates, letting you push changes without needing to resubmit to app stores. Meanwhile, Adalo provides native features as part of its mobile-first design philosophy.
| Feature | Adalo | Bubble |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Mobile-first (Native iOS/Android) | Web-first (Complex Web Apps) |
| Deployment Approach | Single-build for web, iOS, and Android | Separate UI views for web and mobile |
| Mobile Framework | Proprietary visual components | React Native (for native mobile) |
| App Store Publishing | Built-in native support | Native support with new builder |
| Responsive Design | Automatic scaling from mobile to web | Manual configuration required |
| Navigation | Standard screen-link system | Tab, Stack, and Modal navigation |
Next, we'll dive deeper into the features and deployment differences.
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Features and What Each Platform Can Do
Database and Backend Systems
Adalo features a built-in relational database, structured into "collections" that function much like spreadsheets. This setup allows for visual connections between data and app components. With over 20 million data requests processed daily and more than 2 million unique end-user accounts registered, Adalo delivers reliable, production-ready performance. For apps requiring more robust backend solutions, Adalo seamlessly integrates with external data sources like Xano, Airtable, and Google Sheets through its "External Collections" feature. This scalability supports projects with over 1 million monthly active users. To simplify setup, Adalo leverages AI-powered tools like "Magic Start" and "Magic Add", which can generate complete database structures from simple text prompts, making the initial stages of app creation faster and more intuitive.
Integrations and Automation
Adalo provides a variety of native integrations, including Stripe, Gmail, and Airtable, making it easier to connect your app to essential services. Through Zapier's two-way integration, users gain access to over 5,000 additional apps. For more advanced needs, Adalo supports REST API connections via "Custom Actions", enabling you to pull data or trigger external processes from any service with an API. Enterprise users can benefit from Adalo Blue, which integrates with legacy systems through DreamFactory, allowing existing data to be repurposed into mobile-friendly interfaces without requiring a complete system overhaul. Additionally, the Component Marketplace offers over 50 specialized elements, such as geolocation tools and payment processing features, to enhance app functionality.
AI Tools and Advanced Features
Adalo's AI-driven "Magic Text" feature can dynamically create new screens based on data inputs, while its marketing tools assist with SEO and PPC strategies. For rapid development, Feature Templates - pre-built modules for common app functions like user profiles or chat systems - can be added with a single click, cutting development time by as much as 90%. For those looking for more customization, developers can design custom components through the marketplace. However, it's worth noting that Adalo does not support running custom code directly within the app interface.
"Adalo is by far the easiest web app builder in terms of functionality x flexibility." – Erik Goins, @erikgoinsHQ
Pricing: Adalo vs Bubble
When deciding between Adalo and Bubble, pricing plays a crucial role alongside features and performance. Adalo uses a straightforward pricing structure, charging a flat fee per published app and editor seat. In contrast, Bubble's pricing is based on Workload Units (WUs), which measure the processing power consumed by database operations, logic, and integrations.
For example, Adalo's Starter Plan costs $45/month and includes native mobile publishing for both iOS and Android. On the other hand, Bubble's Starter Plan starts at $32/month, but deploying apps to app stores requires additional third-party wrappers, adding to the overall cost.
| Feature | Adalo (Starter Plan) | Bubble (Starter Plan) |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price (Monthly) | $45 | $32 |
| Free Tier Limit | 200 Records per app | 50,000 Workload Units |
| Web Publishing | Included (Custom Domain) | Included (Custom Domain) |
| App Store Publishing | Native (Included) | Requires 3rd Party Wrapper |
| Primary Metric | Published Apps | Workload Units (Usage) |
| Storage | 5GB per team | 50GB |
| Best For | Native Mobile & Web Apps | Complex Web Applications |
Adalo's pricing is predictable: you'll pay an additional $25/month for each extra app and $15/month for each extra editor seat. Bubble, however, has variable costs. If your app exceeds the included WU limit, you'll be charged $0.30 for every 1,000 additional WUs, which can make costs less predictable for apps with high usage. Additionally, both platforms require developer accounts for app store publishing - Apple charges $99/year, while Google Play has a one-time fee of $25.
"Adalo has helped me to speed up this project at such a low cost that it's crazy. I am able to fulfill my dreams in half the time & that is the largest cost-benefit." – Alexandrina Mabonga, Maker of Sunscreen
Adalo is a great choice for native mobile apps and predictable pricing, while Bubble excels at handling complex web applications if you're prepared to manage usage-based fees. Both platforms offer free tiers for prototyping: Adalo is perfect for testing mobile-first designs, while Bubble is better for experimenting with intricate web logic.
Scalability and Performance
The platform you choose plays a big role in determining how efficiently your app can grow.
Adalo is a solid choice for launching MVPs, internal tools, or small-to-medium apps quickly. But it's not built for handling enterprise-level demands. For instance, Adalo has a database cap of 50,000 records, even on its highest-tier plans. As your app grows in complexity or traffic, performance can take a hit.
On the other hand, Bubble is designed as a full-stack platform, making it better suited for apps that need to handle higher user volumes. With an optimized data structure, Bubble can scale to support up to 1 million users. To date, it has powered nearly 5 million applications [5,29] and maintained an impressive 99.46% uptime over a 90-day period in early 2026 [5,29]. Its relational database is robust and supports complex queries and many-to-many relationships, making it ideal for data-intensive apps with sophisticated backend requirements.
"Bubble was made to be very scalable, which is reflected in its strong database structure and management tools. With proper data structures, Bubble can handle up to 1 million users without compromising performance." – Jesus Vargas, Founder, LowCode Agency
That said, Bubble's scalability comes with a caveat. Its pricing is tied to Workload Units (WUs), which means costs can increase as usage grows. Adalo, by contrast, offers more predictable pricing based on features and the number of published apps. For users looking to scale quickly on Adalo, many turn to external backends like Xano to handle heavier workloads.
When it comes to reliability, both platforms are able to resolve outages within four hours. However, Bubble tends to outperform Adalo in infrastructure quality, reflected in their 2026 independent ratings: Bubble scored 4/5, while Adalo received a 3/5. Bubble also stands out for its transparency, with a dedicated status page and timely updates [5,29].
When to Choose Each Platform
The best platform for your project depends on what you're building and how you plan to share it. Here's a quick breakdown to help you decide.
Choose Adalo if you need a native mobile app for the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. With Adalo, you can publish directly from a single editor, making it perfect for quick deployment. This is a great choice when time is tight - whether you're testing a mobile app idea or creating straightforward business tools like directories, booking systems, or checklists.
"What I love about Adalo is that I'm able to create a really quick sequence to test an idea a client has to see if we can reasonably achieve what they want for their MVP." - Christina Cheng, Adalo user
Choose Bubble if you're building complex web applications, SaaS products, or marketplaces that need advanced backend logic and strong API integrations. Bubble is designed for scalable, intricate web apps, making it ideal for projects requiring a relational database to handle complex data relationships and heavy processing. Think custom CRMs, internal dashboards, or customer portals. It's also built to scale, supporting up to 1 million users with well-structured data. If you want full control over every UI element or are focused on web-based experiences, Bubble offers unmatched flexibility.
Here's how to think about your app strategy:
- For MVPs, use Adalo for fast mobile launches and Bubble for web prototypes that rely on data-heavy operations.
- For internal tools, Adalo is great for simple directories or task lists, while Bubble is better for managing complex systems with large datasets.
- For customer-facing apps, Adalo excels in mobile environments with native features like push notifications, GPS, and camera access. On the other hand, Bubble is perfect for web-based portals and sophisticated marketplaces.
Each platform has its strengths, so the choice ultimately depends on the specifics of your project and user needs.
Which Platform Should You Choose?
The right platform depends on your project's needs and how quickly you want to get up and running. If you're looking to create a production-ready app that works seamlessly across web, iOS, and Android from a single build, Adalo is a strong contender. Starting at $45/month, Adalo lets you publish directly to the Apple App Store and Google Play Store - no need for third-party wrappers or rebuilding for each platform. Many users manage to launch functional apps in just days or weeks, a stark contrast to platforms that might take months to master.
Adalo's learning curve is refreshingly short - most users achieve basic proficiency within 1 to 3 days. This makes it ideal for launching MVPs, internal business tools, or customer-facing mobile apps with features like push notifications and GPS. Its track record shows it's reliable enough for real-world use.
On the other hand, Bubble shines when your project involves complex, data-heavy web applications with intricate backend logic - think custom CRMs, SaaS platforms, or marketplaces. However, mastering Bubble can take months, and its entry-level plan doesn't include native mobile publishing. If your focus is on mobile users, Adalo's multi-platform capabilities and faster deployment make it the more practical choice.
With 70% of new apps expected to use low-code solutions by 2026, getting your app to market quickly is becoming more critical than ever. Adalo has already powered over 1 million apps, making it a proven option for those who want to launch a real app that users can download from app stores - not just a web prototype. If immediate mobile availability is your priority, Adalo offers the fastest path from idea to production.
Related Blog Posts
- How to Launch Your First Mobile App Without Coding
- What To Do With Your Vibe-Coded Prototype? Build, Launch, Monetize
- How to Build Prototypes in Days with No-Code
- Ultimate Guide to No-Code MVP Templates
FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I easily build a mobile app without coding and publish it to app stores? | Yes, with Adalo's No Code App Builder, you can easily build a mobile app without coding and publish it directly to the Apple App Store and Google Play. Adalo's drag-and-drop interface and built-in publishing features allow you to create and launch production-ready apps in days rather than months. |
| Why choose Adalo over other App Builder solutions? | Adalo is a no-code app builder for database-driven web apps and native iOS and Android apps—one version across all three platforms. AI-assisted building and streamlined publishing enable launch to the Apple App Store and Google Play in days rather than months. This direct app store publishing capability is crucial because getting your app into users' hands through app stores is often the hardest part of launching a new app or business—Adalo removes this barrier entirely. |
| What is the main difference between Adalo and Bubble? | Adalo is mobile-first, allowing you to build one app and deploy it to web, iOS, and Android with native app store publishing included. Bubble is web-first and better suited for complex web applications and SaaS platforms, though it requires third-party wrappers for mobile app store deployment. |
| How long does it take to learn Adalo compared to Bubble? | Adalo has a much shorter learning curve—most users can build functional apps within hours and achieve basic proficiency in 1-3 days. Bubble typically requires weeks to months to master due to its more complex interface and logic-first approach. |
| Which platform is better for building an MVP quickly? | Adalo is ideal for quickly launching MVPs, especially mobile-first ones. Its streamlined interface and pre-built Feature Templates can reduce development time by up to 90%, allowing entrepreneurs to test and validate ideas in days rather than months. |
| What are the scalability limits for each platform? | Adalo supports up to 50,000 database records on its highest plans and is best suited for small-to-medium apps, though it can integrate with external backends like Xano for larger workloads. Bubble can scale to support up to 1 million users with proper data structures, making it better suited for enterprise-level web applications. |










