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No-Code · head to head

Bubble vs ProtoPie

Bubble logo

Bubble

No-Code

No-code platform for building web and mobile applications visually

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
ProtoPie logo

ProtoPie

Design

Create advanced interactive prototypes

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Bubble apps are tied to Bubble's proprietary runtime, making migration to another stack difficult if the platform is later outgrown.; ProtoPie the free plan allows 2 prototypes, 8 scenes per prototype and 50MB of cloud storage
  • They diverge on capability: Bubble covers Visual app editor, ProtoPie covers Interactive prototyping.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Bubble and ProtoPie actually diverge.

Attributes where Bubble and ProtoPie differ
AttributeBubbleProtoPie
Platformsweb, ios, androidWindows, Macos, Web, Ios, Android
CategoryNo-CodeDesign
FoundedUnknown2013

Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (freemium), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Bubble

  • Visual app editor
  • Built-in database
  • Visual workflow logic
  • Plugin marketplace
  • Responsive design engine
  • Custom domains

Only in ProtoPie

  • Interactive prototyping
  • Data binding
  • Advanced interactions
  • Animation
  • Collaboration
  • Cloud sharing
  • Device testing
  • Code export

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Bubble

  • Building MVPs and startup web apps without a dev teamnot ProtoPie
  • Internal business apps with custom database logicnot ProtoPie
  • Marketplace and SaaS prototypesnot ProtoPie
  • Mobile app wrappers around a Bubble web appnot ProtoPie

ProtoPie

  • Interactive prototype designnot Bubble
  • User testing and handoff managementnot Bubble
  • Team design collaborationnot Bubble

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Bubble

  • Apps are tied to Bubble's proprietary runtime, making migration to another stack difficult if the platform is later outgrown.
  • Complex apps can hit performance limits compared to hand-coded applications as data and workflow complexity grows.
  • The visual workflow editor has a steep learning curve for genuinely complex business logic.
  • Free tier cannot host apps on a custom domain, limiting it to prototyping rather than production launches.

ProtoPie

  • The free plan allows 2 prototypes, 8 scenes per prototype and 50MB of cloud storage
  • Free prototypes carry a watermark and shareable links require the Basic plan
  • Saving prototypes locally requires the Pro plan
  • Team libraries and handoff recordings require the Pro plan
  • Basic caps storage at 500MB and prototypes at 20
  • Single sign on, private servers, custom fonts and custom hardware integrations are Enterprise only
  • Enterprise requires a minimum of 3 seats and is priced by quote
  • Connect Core is a paid add on at $20 per user per month

Pricing, plan by plan

Bubble

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Bubble review.

ProtoPie

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 2 prototypes
    • 8 scenes per prototype
    • 50MB cloud storage
  • Basic$25/month
    • 20 prototypes
    • 10 scenes per prototype
    • 500MB storage
  • Pro$47/month
    • Unlimited prototypes
    • Unlimited handoff recordings
    • 5GB team storage

Which should you pick?

Choose Bubble if

  • You need visual app editor.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on web, ios, android.
  • You also want built-in database.
Bubble review

Choose ProtoPie if

  • You need interactive prototyping.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Web, Ios, Android.
  • You also want data binding.
ProtoPie review

Questions people ask

Is Bubble or ProtoPie better?
Neither clearly leads. Bubble starts at Free and ProtoPie at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Bubble or ProtoPie?
Bubble starts at Free and ProtoPie at Free.
Does Bubble or ProtoPie run on more platforms?
Bubble runs on web, ios, android. ProtoPie runs on Windows, Macos, Web, Ios, Android.
Can I use Bubble for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Bubble best used for?
Bubble is most often used for building mvps and startup web apps without a dev team, internal business apps with custom database logic, marketplace and saas prototypes, mobile app wrappers around a bubble web app. Of those, building mvps and startup web apps without a dev team and internal business apps with custom database logic are not what ProtoPie is typically brought in for.
What can Bubble do that ProtoPie cannot?
Bubble covers Visual app editor, Built-in database, Visual workflow logic, Plugin marketplace. ProtoPie covers Interactive prototyping, Data binding, Advanced interactions, Animation.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Bubble: Does Bubble publish pricing information on their main website?

Bubble's pricing details are not available on the main homepage. Detailed pricing information would need to be found on their dedicated pricing page or terms of service.

Source
ProtoPie: How much does ProtoPie cost?

ProtoPie offers a free plan ($0/month), Basic at $25/month, and Pro at $47/month per editor. Annual billing offers up to 26% savings. Enterprise pricing is custom for minimum 3 seats.

Source
ProtoPie: Is there a free version of ProtoPie?

Yes. The free plan includes 2 prototypes, 8 scenes per prototype, and 50MB cloud storage. Perfect for trying the platform.

Source
ProtoPie: What is included in the Pro plan?

Pro plan at $47/month includes unlimited prototypes, unlimited handoff recordings, 5GB team storage, local saving, and team libraries per editor.

Source
ProtoPie: What add-on products does ProtoPie offer?

Connect Core ($20/month per user), Connect Enterprise and Connect Embedded (custom pricing), and User Testing (custom pricing, annual-only for Pro plan users).

Source
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