Softr vs Bubble: Choosing The Best Tool For App Development

There are a lot of no code platforms to choose from for building applications. If you want to focus on data management and advanced features, Bubble and Softr are serious contenders.

Choosing the right tool for app development can be a challenge. Softr vs Bubble is a hot topic these days. This guide will help you decide which is better for you.

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What is Softr?

Softr is a no-code platform that allows users to quickly and easily create custom applications for their business by connecting to various data sources such as PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQL Server, and MariaDB. It is also ideal for creating basic web apps. It enables users to transform their spreadsheets and databases into functional applications such as customer portals, internal tools, project management systems, lightweight CRMs, content calendars, and applicant trackers without any coding knowledge. Additionally, Softr excels at creating landing pages, making it perfect for rapid deployment and straightforward building processes.

What is Bubble?

Bubble is a powerful no code platform that allows users to design, develop, and deploy fully functional applications without traditional coding skills. Bubble is the market-leading no-code platform that makes it easy to build complex, scalable applications for a wide range of users without requiring coding skills. It excels in building complex web apps, providing full backend access, logic capabilities, and the ability to connect to various APIs. For custom styling and design, Bubble may require CSS knowledge and potentially writing custom code.

Softr vs Bubble features

Here’s a breakdown of the key features of Softr and Bubble to help you decide which platform is best for your needs:

Softr features

• Easy Integration: Connect Softr apps to PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQL Server, and MariaDB data sources.
• No-Code Development: Build custom apps without coding, using drag-and-drop functionality.
• Pre-Built Blocks: Utilize functional blocks like Lists, Charts, Forms, Tables, Calendar, and Maps.
• Wide Data Source Support: Connect to Airtable, Google Sheets, HubSpot, BigQuery, and more.
• Granular Permissions: Define permissions and access levels for secure data handling.
• Device Agnostic Publishing: Build and publish apps on any device.
• Seamless Integrations: Integrate with tools like Zapier, Google Analytics, Stripe, Hotjar, and Mailchimp.
• Templates Available: Start from hundreds of pre-built templates or create from scratch.
• Community Hubs: Create hubs for resource sharing, job boards, and member directories.
• Automation: Automate workflows by connecting apps with Zapier or Make.
• Client and Internal Portals: Build custom-branded portals for clients and internal tools for business processes.
• Interactive Data: Turn data into interactive layouts like List, Table, Kanban, Calendar, and Charts.
• Customizable Design: Apps look great out of the box but can be customized extensively.
• Support and Community: Access excellent support and a vibrant community for learning and collaboration.

Bubble features

Build Without Code:

• Drag-and-drop editor for easy product creation.
• Start building for free.

Development:

• Create interactive, multi-user web apps for desktop and mobile.
• Customizable UX, data management, and integrations.
• Build real-time interactive elements like chats and news feeds.

Design:

• Total design freedom with mobile-friendly layouts.
• Pixel-perfect designs with dynamic content.
• Multilingual app creation and responsive design.

Hosting:

• Robust, hosted infrastructure with scalable resources.
• Version control, backups, and security features.
• Seamless scalability from demo apps to enterprise level.

Growing:

• Engage customers with email, SEO, and integration tools.
• Measure and track user behavior with analytics.
• Payment processing capabilities.

Collaborate:

• Real-time collaboration for up to 40 teammates.
• Customizable permissions for team members.
• Private development environment.

Additional Highlights:

• Over 6.5K integrations and plugins available.
• No hard limits on users, traffic, or data storage.
• Bubble Academy for learning and certification.
• Enterprise-level security with SOC 2 Type II compliance and data encryption.
• Active community and marketplace for extended functionality.

Softr vs Bubble integrations

Both Softr and Bubble have quite a lot of integrations. They can connect with other apps to make work easier. Let’s look at how Softr and Bubble can do this:

Softr integrations

Here are a few widely used Softr integrations:

• Google Analytics: Easily install Google Analytics, the most common and free web analytics solution.
• Fathom Analytics: Gather relevant data on your users while respecting their privacy.
• Hotjar: Get unique insights on user experience and journey.
• HubSpot Chat: Interact with your users on your Softr app. Automatically manage conversations on HubSpot.
• Intercom: Let users easily reach out to you by integrating Intercom’s chat widget in your Softr application.
• Stripe: Stripe is the gold standard for processing online payments. Just connect your Stripe account to the Softr checkout block.
• Paypal: Create checkout buttons for your products. Integrate directly with PayPal to send money online.
• Gumroad: Get paid for digital products. Create your Gumroad link and easily add it to your Checkout or Button.
• Facebook Pixel: Enable re-marketing campaigns on Facebook’s vast advertising network.
• Google Tag Manager: Add one single tag to your Softr app. Integrate with any web tracker you want using Google Tag Manager.
• Mailchimp: Grow your mailing list or newsletter. Send new subscribers or form responses to Mailchimp.
• Mailerlite: Collect emails from your users. Automatically send them to your MailerLite account to grow your list.
• Typeform: Integrate your custom Typeform surveys on any page of your application.
• Airtable Form: Integrate directly with Softr custom forms or embed Airtable forms for your custom use case.

Bubble integrations

Here are a few of the many popular Bubble integrations:

• Airtable Integration: Organize and manage your data seamlessly. Connects your app with Airtable databases.
• Algolia Integration: Enhance search functionality within your app. Algolia offers advanced search capabilities.
• Box Integration: Integrate with Box to manage and share files. Streamline your document storage.
• Facebook Integration: Connect with Facebook for social media interactions. Easily integrate Facebook login and sharing.
• Figma Integration: Import Figma designs into your app. Maintain design consistency.
• Google Maps Integration: Add Google Maps to your app. Customize maps with markers and location data.
• Google Optimize Integration: Conduct A/B testing on your app. Improve user experience with data-driven decisions.
• Google Sign-In Integration: Simplify user login with Google accounts. Enhance security and ease of access.
• Intercom Integration: Integrate customer communication tools. Manage user support and engagement.
• Mailchimp Integration: Connect with Mailchimp for email marketing. Automate and manage your campaigns.
• Make Integration: Automate workflows within your app. Streamline processes and improve efficiency.
• Mixpanel Integration: Track user interactions and data analytics. Gain insights to enhance your app.
• OneSignal Integration: Implement push notifications. Keep users informed and engaged.
• Peltarion Integration: Incorporate AI models into your app. Leverage machine learning for advanced features.
• Stripe Integration: Manage payments and transactions. Facilitate seamless e-commerce integration.
• Buffer Integration: Schedule social media posts. Integrate Buffer for efficient social media management.
• Calendly Integration: Schedule appointments easily. Integrate Calendly for better scheduling.
• Clarifai Integration: Add image and video recognition. Enhance app capabilities with AI.

Softr vs Bubble pricing

Softr pricing

Free

• Cost: Free
• Includes: Unlimited app visitors, 5 internal / 100 external app users, 5 workspace collaborators, 1 custom domain.

Basic

• Cost: Monthly $125/month, Annually $99/month.
• Includes: Everything in Free, plus: Custom CSS/JS, 10 internal / 1000 external app users, Embed Softr apps, Option to buy extra custom domains.

Professional

• Cost: Monthly $125/month, Annually $99/month.
• Includes: Everything in Basic, plus: Charts, Calendar, Inbox, Kanban, 50 internal / 5000 external app users, 10 workspace collaborators, Remove Softr branding.

Business

• Cost: Monthly $125/month, Annually $99/month.
• Includes: Everything in Professional, plus: Org chart, Timeline, SMS login, 100 internal / 10000 external app users, 15 workspace collaborators, and Downloadable mobile apps (PWA).

Enterprise

• Cost: Custom
• Includes: Everything in Business, plus: SSO for app users (SAML, OpenID), Security audit, Dedicated success manager, Team training, and Custom invoicing.

Bubble pricing

Free

• Cost: Monthly $125/month, Annually $99/month.
• Includes: Development version, API connector, Component library, 1 app editor, 50k workload units/mo, 6 hours of server logs.

Starter

• Cost: Monthly $29/month, Annually $32/month.
• Includes: Everything in Free, plus: Live app, Custom domain, Recurring workflows, Basic version control, 175k workload units/mo, 2 days of server logs.

Growth

• Cost: Monthly $134month, Annually $119/month.
• Includes: Everything in Starter, plus: 2 app editors, Premium version control, Two-factor authentication, 10 custom branches, 250k workload units/mo, and 14 days of server logs.

Team

• Cost: Monthly $399/month, Annually $349/month.
• Includes: Everything in Growth, plus: 5 app editors, Sub apps, 25 custom branches, 500k workload units/mo, 20 days of server logs.

Enterprise

• Cost: Custom
• Includes: Everything in Team, plus: Choice of hosting location, Centralized admin, Dedicated server, Priority support, Enhanced security, and Custom workload units.

Softr vs Bubble: Ease of Use

When it comes to ease of use, Softr wins hands down. It’s designed with beginners in mind, featuring a very intuitive interface and drag-and-drop functionality. This makes it a great option if you’re new to website building or don’t have any coding experience. The user-friendly interface of Softr ensures a straightforward building process, making it ideal for those prioritizing simplicity and rapid deployment.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Softr

• Pros: Extremely user-friendly, great for beginners, drag-and-drop interface, easy to get started quickly
• Cons: Less customization compared to Bubble

Bubble

• Pros: Powerful features, highly customizable, can build complex applications
• Cons: Steeper learning curve, requires more time and effort to master

Is Softr better than Bubble?

If you’re new to app development, Softr is a good choice among no code tools. It’s easy to use and can quickly turn spreadsheets and databases into apps. It’s ideal for building customer portals, project management systems, or content calendars. Softr is easy to use with data sources like PostgreSQL, MySQL, and Airtable.

Bubble is for more advanced users who need more control over their apps. Its integration with tools like Google Maps, Stripe, and Mailchimp, along with robust hosting and security features, make it a comprehensive choice for serious app developers.

The choice between Softr and Bubble depends on your needs and skill level. Softr is best for those who want a quick, easy-to-use solution without coding, while Bubble is better for those who need more advanced features and customization options. User ratings on platforms like Capterra and G2 show high satisfaction for both Softr and Bubble.

Final thoughts

Both tools are great, but Bubble is better for more complex web apps, while Softr is better for simple web apps. Consider trying both platforms as they offer a free plan.

If you have already tried these tools and are still having trouble building your app, consider contacting an agency that specializes in app development, such as Idea Link.