Bubble vs Webflow: Which No-Code Platform to Choose

May 26, 2025
5 min read

Choosing between Bubble and Webflow depends on your project needs:

  • Bubble is ideal for building complex, data-driven web applications like marketplaces, CRMs, and booking systems. Its plans start at AU$29/month, with advanced backend capabilities and custom workflows.
  • Webflow is best for visually stunning, content-focused websites like portfolios, blogs, and e-commerce stores. Plans begin at AU$14/month, offering a design-first approach with built-in responsive tools.

Quick Comparison

Feature Webflow Bubble
Focus Design-first websites Full-stack web applications
Ease of Use Short learning curve Steeper learning curve
Backend Limited, CMS-based Advanced, full-stack
Pricing (AUD) From $14/month From $29/month
Best For Static websites, content Interactive apps, workflows

Summary:
Use Webflow for visually engaging, content-rich sites. Choose Bubble for powerful, functionality-driven apps with advanced backend needs.

Webflow vs Bubble.io In-Depth Comparison: Choosing the Right No-Code Platform

Webflow

What Are Bubble and Webflow?

Bubble and Webflow are two prominent no-code platforms, each designed to meet specific needs. While Bubble focuses on creating complex, functional web applications, Webflow excels in crafting visually stunning and responsive websites. Let’s dive into what sets them apart.

Bubble: Building Web Applications

Bubble is a powerful no-code platform tailored for creating interactive and data-driven web applications. Without needing to write traditional code, users can build intricate systems that handle everything from data management to user interactions. Bubble is ideal for:

  • Enterprise applications like SaaS tools or CRM systems
  • Online marketplaces
  • Social networking platforms

A great example of Bubble’s capabilities is Copious.Land, a marketplace for land investors. Built in just eight weeks, it includes features like a property database, satellite imagery, and networking tools.

Webflow: Creating Websites

Webflow, on the other hand, is all about designing beautiful, responsive websites. Its user-friendly interface makes it a go-to choice for creatives and businesses looking to establish a strong online presence. It works particularly well for:

  • Corporate websites
  • E-commerce stores
  • Portfolio sites
  • Content-rich blogs

Take SecondShare, an Australian real estate company. They used Webflow to craft a custom website with immersive visual galleries and a content management system that simplifies property listing updates.

Main Platform Differences

Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide which platform might suit your project better:

Aspect Webflow Bubble
Focus Design-first approach Logic-first approach
Strength Visual design and responsiveness Application functionality and data management
Learning Curve Shorter, especially for designers Steeper, requires knowledge of data modelling
Backend Capabilities Limited, needs external solutions Full-stack functionality
Best For Static websites and content platforms Interactive applications and web solutions

For example, MaidManage takes advantage of Bubble’s full-stack features, using tools like a rate calculation engine and Stripe Connect integration to streamline operations.

In short, Bubble is your go-to for projects requiring user authentication, database management, and advanced workflows. Meanwhile, Webflow shines when you need a visually engaging, content-focused website.

Core Features Comparison

Take a closer look at how these platforms differ in their design, backend, and automation features.

Design Tools and Options

Both Webflow and Bubble provide tools for creating visually appealing websites, but their methods cater to different priorities. Webflow's design interface is tailored for those familiar with professional design software, offering a CSS grid system and precise control over every visual detail. Its Visual Editor allows real-time updates, so you can see changes as you make them.

Webflow also shines in responsive design, offering customisation options tailored to various screen sizes - a must-have for Australia's mobile-first audience. The style guide feature ensures consistency across your site by letting you set global rules for typography, colours, and other design elements.

On the other hand, Bubble's UI builder leans more towards functionality. While it doesn't quite match Webflow's design finesse, it excels in creating interactive and dynamic user interfaces. Bubble's focus is on functionality over aesthetics, making it ideal for applications where usability takes centre stage.

Design Feature Webflow Bubble
Visual Editor CSS-based direct manipulation Drag-and-drop components
Responsive Design Built-in breakpoint system Responsive engine with flexible layouts
Design Control Pixel-perfect precision Function-first approach
Template Options Design-focused templates 1,300+ application templates

Now, let’s explore how these platforms manage backend operations.

Database and Backend Tools

The backend capabilities of Webflow and Bubble reveal their distinct strengths. Bubble includes a built-in database system capable of handling complex data relationships and queries, all without requiring SQL knowledge. This makes it a great choice for data-intensive applications like healthcare portals or property management systems.

Webflow, on the other hand, focuses on content management through its CMS Collections, which are excellent for organising and displaying structured content. The platform offers more than a dozen field types to define your data. However, for advanced data operations, you’ll likely need to rely on third-party integrations.

Backend Feature Webflow Bubble
Database Type CMS Collections Full application database
Data Relationships Basic content relationships Complex data modelling
Query Capabilities Content filtering Advanced data queries
Custom Fields CMS field types Custom data types

Finally, let’s look at automation capabilities.

Automation Capabilities

When it comes to automation, Bubble offers a robust workflow engine that allows users to set up complex processes without writing any code. With access to over 5,000 plugins, users can connect to external tools like Google Sheets and Airtable, significantly expanding its functionality.

Webflow, while once offering its own native automation tool called Logic, discontinued it as of 27 June 2025. However, automation is still possible through Webflow's Apps marketplace, which provides integrations for content management, e-commerce, customer service, and marketing. These solutions often require third-party services to achieve the same level of complexity that Bubble offers.

"With Logic, we can automate essential marketing workflows for our clients, such as routing leads to the right place or adding subscribers to an email campaign. Being able to do this natively in Webflow makes the whole process smoother and more efficient for us - from QAing workflows to client handoff to making changes later." - Bailey Fisher, Founder, Black Peak

For businesses needing extensive automation and control over intricate workflows, Bubble provides more flexibility and adaptability.

Technical Performance

For Australian businesses looking to scale effectively, understanding the technical performance of each platform is crucial.

Speed and Traffic Management

Webflow and Bubble handle performance and traffic in distinct ways. Webflow leverages a globally distributed CDN, ensuring quick load times across Australia - even for businesses operating in multiple states and territories.

Take the example of Healius, one of Australia’s largest pathology service providers. After moving from WordPress to Webflow, they saw major performance improvements:

"With WordPress, we had to rely on third-party services, constantly update plugins, and carefully manage security risks. Webflow transformed our operations: We now have peace of mind and can focus on reaching more customers." - Stéphane Recouvreur, Product Manager, Healius

The migration delivered measurable results:

  • 3x overall cost savings
  • 20% reduction in CMS and hosting expenses
  • Capability to handle over 100 daily site updates
  • 55% improvement in SEO health score

Bubble, on the other hand, uses a different hosting model, as shown in this comparison:

Feature Webflow Bubble
Hosting Type Static site generation with CDN Dynamic application hosting
Traffic Scaling Automatic CDN distribution Dedicated instances available
Performance Optimisation Built-in asset optimisation May require additional optimisation
Server Locations Global CDN presence Flexible hosting regions

These contrasting hosting strategies highlight how each platform caters to Australia's diverse business needs.

Australian Market Features

Both platforms are evolving to address the specific demands of the Australian market. Webflow offers tools for localised content, which can significantly boost engagement. Additionally, the rising need for Australian-specific hosting options aligns with local privacy and data regulations.

For businesses heavily focused on performance, Bubble provides enterprise-level solutions and access to dedicated technical support teams to ensure smooth scaling. Meanwhile, Webflow’s static site generation ensures consistent performance during high-traffic periods, making it ideal for content-driven websites and marketing campaigns. Combined with localised features and compliance capabilities, Webflow offers a strong value proposition for Australian businesses.

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Costs and Pricing

Let’s dive into the pricing models and extra expenses for Bubble and Webflow, broken down in Australian dollars (AUD). This section provides a detailed look at what you can expect when budgeting for each platform.

Full Cost Breakdown

Bubble and Webflow follow different pricing structures:

  • Bubble:
    • Free plan (includes 50,000 workload units or WUs)
    • Starter (~AU$48/month for 175,000 WUs)
    • Growth (~AU$201/month for 250,000 WUs)
    • Team (~AU$600/month for 500,000 WUs)
    • Enterprise (custom pricing available)
  • Webflow:
    • Free plan
    • Basic (~AU$21/month)
    • CMS (~AU$35/month)
    • Business (~AU$59/month)
    • Enterprise (custom pricing available)

Both platforms also come with potential additional expenses:

  1. Domain and Hosting
    Webflow includes hosting in its site plans, but adding a custom domain typically costs an extra AU$15–75 annually. On the other hand, Bubble users might face extra hosting charges or overage fees if their app is media-heavy or consumes more workload units than allocated.
  2. Third-Party Integrations
    If your project requires third-party tools - like payment gateways, APIs, or analytics services - both platforms may involve extra charges for these integrations.

Scaling Costs

As your business grows, the cost structures for Bubble and Webflow adjust differently:

  • Webflow: Costs may increase if you require more CMS items, higher bandwidth, or additional team member seats on workspace plans. However, Webflow’s fixed pricing model offers a level of predictability, making it easier to plan your budget as your site expands.
  • Bubble: Pricing here is more fluid. As your app grows in traffic and complexity, higher database activity, more API calls, and additional workflow executions will consume more workload units, leading to higher costs.

For businesses prioritising predictable expenses, Webflow’s fixed pricing can simplify financial planning. However, if your operations are larger or rapidly evolving, Bubble’s dynamic pricing may better accommodate your needs. In such cases, reaching out to their sales team for a custom plan might be the best option.

Next, we’ll look at how these pricing models align with the ideal use cases for each platform.

Best Uses for Each Platform

Each platform shines in its own area of expertise, making them suited for different types of projects.

When to Use Webflow

Webflow is a top choice for projects that prioritise design and content-focused features:

Marketing and Portfolio Websites
Webflow is perfect for creating visually stunning portfolios. For example, Beyond uses Webflow to feature dynamic scrolling and holographic effects that captivate visitors.

E-Commerce Sites
For product catalogues that prioritise striking visuals, Webflow delivers. Rogue and Rosy are great examples of how Webflow can elevate an online store’s design and user experience.

Content-Rich Platforms

"Webflow's visual-first CMS has been very powerful in helping us save time on shipping new pages. We no longer need to rely on an in-house web developer to build new content".

While Webflow thrives in visually appealing and content-driven projects, it may not be the best fit for data-heavy or functionality-focused applications.

When to Use Bubble

Unlike Webflow, Bubble is geared toward projects that demand complex functionality and data management:

Marketplace Development
Platforms like Copious.Land highlight Bubble's ability to handle intricate user interactions and transactions seamlessly.

Booking Systems
Bubble powers booking platforms like Maid Manage, which efficiently handle scheduling, client data, and service tracking.

Educational Platforms
Remote Quiz leverages Bubble to create interactive learning environments with features like user management, content delivery, and assessments.

Project Management Solutions
GL Hunt uses a custom app built on Bubble to coordinate subcontractors and streamline project management.

Bubble’s adaptability is also evident in MVP development, as confirmed by Budget Better’s CEO, who praises its flexibility.

Project Focus Best Platform
Visual Design Webflow
Complex Functionality Bubble
Content Management Webflow
Data-Heavy Applications Bubble

For projects that require stunning visuals and content-driven designs, Webflow is the go-to. On the other hand, if your project demands intricate functionality or data-heavy operations, Bubble is the better choice.

Making Your Choice

Main Differences

Bubble and Webflow cater to different needs, with their strengths lying in distinct areas. Bubble shines when it comes to functionality and managing complex backend processes, while Webflow stands out for its design capabilities and visual polish.

Development Approach: Bubble speeds up development significantly, offering a 3–9x faster process compared to traditional methods. In fact, 96% of users report a quicker time to market.

Cost Considerations: Bubble provides a free tier alongside paid plans that start at AU$32/month (Starter) and go up to AU$399/month (Team). Webflow's plans, on the other hand, range from AU$14/month to AU$212/month. Keep in mind, Bubble's usage-based pricing can lead to higher costs as your traffic and data needs grow.

Performance and Scale: Here's a quick comparison of key features:

Aspect Bubble Webflow
Traffic Handling Scales with usage-based pricing Global CDN distribution
Database Operations Handles complex data management Limited database features
Development Speed 3–9x faster than traditional methods Rapid for static sites
Enterprise Features SOC 2 Type II compliance Advanced design tools

Decision Guide

Choosing the right platform depends on your project's goals, functionality needs, budget, and scalability requirements. Below is a guide to help you decide.

Choose Bubble When:

  • You're building complex web applications.
  • Your project requires advanced database operations.
  • You're creating marketplace platforms.
  • You need to develop MVPs with intricate functionality.

"Traditional deployments need a three-hour maintenance window and 20 people. On Bubble, it's one click and 30 seconds." – Sean, CTO at Ezra Coaching

Choose Webflow When:

  • Visual design and aesthetics are a top priority.
  • You’re focusing on content-rich websites.
  • SEO is a critical component of your strategy.
  • You’re building marketing-driven platforms.

For Australian businesses, Bubble can result in significant cost savings - ranging between AU$300,000 and AU$1,000,000 annually - by reducing development expenses. Meanwhile, Webflow's SEO and content management capabilities make it an excellent choice for market-facing websites.

Expertise Required: Webflow is more accessible for designers and marketing professionals, thanks to its user-friendly interface. Bubble, however, is better suited for those comfortable handling both front-end and back-end development tasks.

FAQs

How do I decide between Bubble and Webflow for my project?

When deciding between Bubble and Webflow, it all comes down to what your project needs. If your focus is on creating a visually appealing website with user-friendly design tools, Webflow is a solid choice. Its intuitive interface and responsive features make it ideal for crafting sleek, professional websites. However, if your project requires intricate workflows, backend capabilities, or is heavily reliant on data, Bubble stands out with its advanced customisation options and ability to handle more complex applications.

Cost is another factor to weigh up. Webflow’s pricing starts at around AUD 21 per month, geared towards hosting and design features. Meanwhile, Bubble provides a free plan, with paid tiers designed to support more sophisticated app functionality. Think about whether your priority lies in straightforward design or powerful app development to determine which platform aligns best with your goals.

How do Bubble and Webflow pricing models impact long-term costs for projects?

When it comes to pricing, Bubble and Webflow take different approaches, and this can influence your project's long-term costs depending on its size and requirements.

Bubble offers a tiered subscription system, starting with a free plan and reaching up to AUD 630 per month. However, as your app grows, costs can rise because Bubble's pricing is partially tied to resource usage. So, if you're planning to scale your project significantly, you might face higher expenses.

Webflow, by contrast, keeps things straightforward with a more predictable pricing model. Plans range from free to AUD 61 per month for the Business plan. Since Webflow's fees are fixed and less dependent on resource usage, it could be a more budget-friendly option for projects anticipating growth while wanting to keep costs steady.

Which no-code platform is better for managing complex data and automating workflows: Bubble or Webflow?

Both Bubble and Webflow are standout tools in the no-code space, but they excel in different areas, especially when it comes to data management and automation.

Bubble is perfect for tackling complex data structures and advanced automation. It lets you create detailed databases, set up relationships between data types, and automate workflows like sending notifications or processing payments - all without needing to touch a single line of code. This makes it an excellent choice for businesses that require custom logic or need to handle a lot of data manipulation.

Webflow, meanwhile, is more focused on website automation and integrations. It’s great for simplifying tasks like updating content, connecting to CRM systems, and improving marketing workflows. However, when it comes to managing more intricate data setups, it doesn’t quite match the capabilities of Bubble.

To summarise: go with Bubble if your project demands sophisticated data handling and automation. If your focus is on enhancing website functionality and integrations, Webflow is the way to go.

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