Softwr

No-Code · head to head

Bubble vs Valkey

Bubble logo

Bubble

No-Code

No-code platform for building web and mobile applications visually

From
Free
Free plan
Yes
Visit BubbleFull review
Valkey logo

Valkey

Databases

Open-source in-memory data store forked from Redis

From
Free
Free plan
Yes
Visit ValkeyFull review

The short version

  • Both are free.
  • Only Bubble lists visual app editor; only Valkey lists BSD licensed.
  • Where Bubble falls short: apps are tied to Bubble's proprietary runtime, making migration to another stack difficult if the platform is later outgrown.
  • Where Valkey falls short: younger project, so its track record is short even though the codebase is not.
  • Prices and features on this page were last checked on 29 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Bubble and Valkey actually diverge.

Attributes where Bubble and Valkey differ
AttributeBubbleValkey
Pricing modelFreemiumOpen source, no licence fee; managed cloud billed separately
PlatformsWeb, iOS, AndroidLinux, macOS, Self-hosted
CategoryNo-CodeDatabases

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes).

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 Valkey

  • Redis-compatible
  • BSD licensed
  • Rich data structures
  • Replication and persistence

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 Valkey
  • Internal business apps with custom database logicnot Valkey
  • Marketplace and SaaS prototypesnot Valkey
  • Mobile app wrappers around a Bubble web appnot Valkey

Valkey

  • Continuing on a permissively licensed in-memory store after the Redis licence changenot Bubble
  • Caching and session storage where a foundation-governed project is a procurement requirementnot Bubble
  • Migrating from Redis without rewriting application codenot 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

Valkey

  • Younger project, so its track record is short even though the codebase is not
  • Divergence from Redis grows over time, so compatibility is strongest near the fork point and weakens as both evolve
  • Ecosystem tooling and documentation still frequently assume Redis, leaving translation work

Pricing, plan by plan

Bubble

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Bubble review.

Valkey

Free
  • ValkeyFree
    • Full functionality
    • Self-hosted
    • No usage limits

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 Valkey if

  • You need redis-compatible.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Linux, macOS, Self-hosted.
  • You also want bsd licensed.
Valkey review

Questions people ask

Is Bubble or Valkey better?
Neither clearly leads. Bubble starts at Free and Valkey at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Bubble or Valkey?
Bubble starts at Free and Valkey at Free.
Does Bubble or Valkey run on more platforms?
Bubble runs on Web, iOS, Android. Valkey runs on Linux, macOS, Self-hosted.
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 Valkey is typically brought in for.
What can Bubble do that Valkey cannot?
Bubble covers Visual app editor, Built-in database, Visual workflow logic, Plugin marketplace. Valkey covers Redis-compatible, BSD licensed, Rich data structures, Replication and persistence.

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
Valkey: Is Valkey free?

Yes, BSD-licensed open source under the Linux Foundation.

Valkey: Why does Valkey exist?

Redis changed its licence away from BSD in 2024. Valkey is the community fork continuing under permissive terms, backed by AWS, Google Cloud and Oracle among others.

Valkey: Can I switch from Redis to Valkey?

At the fork point it is drop-in compatible with existing clients and data. The further both projects move from that point, the more you should verify the specific features you use.

Share

Related pages

More on Bubble

More on Valkey

Keep looking

Other head to heads