Many teams turn to Bubble for no-code app development, but it isn’t always the right fit. Whether you're looking to build secure internal tools, lightweight portals, or mobile apps, this guide explores the best Bubble alternatives to help your business scale smarter in 2025.
Why Look for a Bubble Alternative?
While Bubble has become one of the leading tools for building web apps without code, it's not a one-size-fits-all solution and it has certain cons depending on the use case. Originally designed to help startups and indie makers launch full-fledged SaaS products, Bubble excels at building complex, front-facing web applications. However, for many small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and internal teams, the needs are different.
Here are common reasons why companies seek Bubble alternatives:
- Limited internal tooling support: Bubble’s strength lies in public-facing applications, not internal systems like CRMs or back-office tools.
- Steep learning curve: For non-technical users, the platform can be daunting and time-consuming to master.
- Complexity in permissions: Granular user access and secure role-based permissions are lacking compared to some newer no-code platforms.
- Performance bottlenecks: Apps built on Bubble sometimes face performance issues at scale.
- Workflow limitations: Bubble’s automation tools can be limited compared to purpose-built internal app platforms.
For IT professionals, operations managers, and business analysts looking to streamline processes without extensive training or coding, exploring Bubble.io alternatives can help simplify work, ensure better security, and reduce development bottlenecks.
Key Features to Consider in a No-Code Platform
According to Gartner, 70% of new business applications will use no-code or low-code technologies by this year (up from 25% in 2020). However, not all no-code tools are created equal. When choosing a Bubble no-code replacement, it's crucial to understand your use case and select a platform that aligns with your goals.
Here’s what to look for:
1. Integrated Workflows & Automations
Tools like Noloco’s AI-powered workflows let you automate internal processes—from status updates to client onboarding—without third-party tools.
2. Native Data Handling
Platforms that offer a native data layer like Noloco Tables, or seamless integrations with Airtable, Google Sheets, or SQL, provide much-needed flexibility.
3. Ease of Use for Non-Technical Teams
Your platform should enable business users to create, update, and deploy applications without relying on developers or learning a new scripting language.
4. Granular Permission Management
Solutions with advanced permission controls let you decide who sees or edits specific data views, workflows, or interface components. This is a vital feature for operations teams handling sensitive information.
5. Templates and Pre-Built Components
Time-saving templates for CRMs, project tracking, or client portals can dramatically speed up time to value.
6. Support and Scalability
Responsive support and a solid track record of performance at scale are essential, especially for internal business apps that employees or clients rely on daily.
The 5 Best Alternatives to Bubble.io
If Bubble isn’t quite the right fit, here are five Bubble coding alternatives worth exploring in 2025:
Noloco: Ideal for Custom Internal Business Apps for Operations
Best for: SMBs building secure internal tools, CRMs, back-office systems, and client portals.
Noloco is purpose-built for business teams and IT professionals who need to formalize internal processes without writing code. Unlike Bubble, Noloco is designed with internal business use cases in mind, offering unmatched control over access permissions, intuitive automation, and a simple point-and-click interface.
Key Features:
- Enterprise-level permissions editor
- Native support for client portals, back-office apps, CRMs, and intranets
- Pre-built templates to get started fast
- AI-powered workflow automation
- Seamless integrations with tools like Airtable, Google Sheets, SQL, Stripe, and more
Why choose Noloco over Bubble?
Bubble is powerful but more suited for SaaS front-ends. Noloco offers an easier experience for building secure internal tools, helping IT managers, operations leads, and database admins save time, avoid technical debt, and control user access without dev overhead.
Softr: Lightweight Website and Portal Builder
Best for: Marketing teams or creators building simple websites and membership portals.
Softr focuses on enabling non-technical users to turn Airtable bases into basic web portals and websites. It’s great for small-scale apps and landing pages but lacks deeper customization and workflow logic needed by operations teams.
Key Features:
- Drag-and-drop site builder with Airtable backend
- Membership access controls (limited granularity)
- Pre-built templates for marketplaces, job boards, and directories
Disadvantages:
- Lacks relational database support beyond Airtable
- Workflow and automation features are basic compared to Noloco
- Not ideal for internal operations or CRM systems
Adalo: Mobile App-Focused No-Code Platform
Best for: Startups and makers building iOS/Android apps.
Adalo is tailored toward mobile app creation and allows users to publish directly to app stores. While it's ideal for public-facing apps, it’s not optimized for secure, complex internal business tools.
Key Features:
- Publish to Apple App Store and Google Play
- Visual mobile-first design
- Native components and interactions
Disadvantages:
- Limited backend functionality
- Workflow and permission controls are basic
- Can become expensive at scale
Glide: Spreadsheet-based Mobile App Development
Best for: Teams already working in Google Sheets or Excel, building lightweight mobile apps.
Glide turns spreadsheets into basic mobile and web apps with surprising speed. It’s easy to use but lacks deeper control over permissions, workflow, and database relationships that business teams need for internal operations.
Key Features:
- Spreadsheet as a database model
- Pre-built UI components
- Good for quick MVPs
Disadvantages:
- Permissions aren’t granular
- Relational data and complex logic are limited
- Less suited for growing operations teams with advanced workflows
Appgyver: Enterprise-Grade Logic for Advanced Builders
Best for: Power users or IT teams needing more control over logic, APIs, and front-end behavior.
Appgyver (now part of SAP) is a free, full-featured no-code platform that caters to advanced users and enterprise teams. It allows you to build pixel-perfect web and mobile apps with rich logic flows, but has a steeper learning curve than tools like Noloco or Softr.
Key Features:
- Visual builder with advanced logic and variable handling
- REST API integrations and custom data sources
- Component-level styling and customization
- Strong support for conditional logic and expressions
Disadvantages:
- Less beginner-friendly—steeper learning curve
- Not ideal for small teams or quick internal tools
- Limited out-of-the-box templates
- Some performance overhead with large apps
While Appgyver is powerful, it’s better suited for experienced builders or tech-savvy IT teams. For SMBs looking for speed, simplicity, and business-ready internal tools, Noloco offers a more intuitive and scalable solution.
Comparing the Top 5 Bubble Alternatives
Noloco vs. Bubble: A Feature Comparison
Before choosing the right no-code platform, it helps to see how Bubble and Noloco stack up side-by-side. While both tools allow you to build custom applications without code, their focus areas, user experience, and feature sets differ significantly—especially when it comes to internal business tools and operations use cases. The table below highlights the key features and benefits to help you make a confident choice.
If you're building tools to manage internal processes, serve clients, or empower teams Noloco is the smarter choice. It gives you everything needed to move from spreadsheets or Airtable to a fully-operational, secure, and scalable business app.
Final Thoughts: Which Bubble Alternative Is Best for You?
As the no-code landscape matures, it's important to choose tools not just for what they can build, but for who they’re built for.
- If you're launching a complex, user-facing SaaS product, Bubble may still be your best bet.
- If you're a business looking to simplify internal operations, manage workflows, or empower teams without hiring developers—Noloco is purpose-built for that mission.
- For lightweight portals or simple marketing sites, Softr fits the bill.
- For mobile-first MVPs, Adalo or Glide offers fast results with a minimal setup.
Ultimately, the best Bubble alternative is the one aligned with your team’s technical ability, operational needs, and growth goals.
If you're an IT leader or business manager dealing with disconnected tools, SaaS bloat, or clunky spreadsheets, Noloco is the smarter, simpler solution.
Getting Started with Noloco Today
There’s never been a better time to reimagine your internal operations. With Noloco, you can build and launch secure, flexible business apps tailored to your workflows—without developers or steep learning curves.
- Centralize your data with our many data integrations
- Build tools your teams will actually use—like custom CRMs or client portals
- Reduce manual work with AI-powered workflows
- Implement enterprise-grade permissions to protect sensitive data
Try our no-code app builder today and empower your team to do more with less.
FAQs about Bubble Alternatives
What is the best Bubble alternative for business applications?
Noloco is the top Bubble alternative for business use cases like internal tools, CRMs, and client portals. It’s easier to use, more secure, and designed specifically for operational teams and IT professionals in small and medium-sized businesses.
How does Noloco compare to Bubble for building internal tools?
While Bubble is geared toward building public SaaS apps, Noloco is focused on internal business processes. It offers an intuitive app builder, enterprise-level permissions, and built-in automations—perfect for IT teams and operations leads.
What are the key differences between Noloco and Bubble?
The key differences between Noloco and Bubble are:
- Noloco is optimized for internal tools; Bubble for public SaaS apps.
- Noloco has built-in permission controls and workflow automation.
- Noloco integrates directly with business tools like Airtable, Google Sheets, and SQL.
- Bubble requires more technical setup and customization.
What are some other resources related to no-code app development?
Here are some useful resources, templates, and use cases to dive deeper into no-code platforms: