Bubble vs React Native: Which One Is Right for Your Next Phase?

As a founder or startup team, you probably launched your first version fast — using a no-code platform like Bubble. It's a great way to validate an idea and save time early on. But now that you've found product-market fit or have bigger ambitions, the question becomes:

Should you keep building in Bubble, or is it time to migrate to React Native?

Let's compare the two based on what matters most in the growth phase: performance, ownership, flexibility, and scalability.

Speed of Development

• Bubble: Excellent for prototyping and MVPs. You can drag-and-drop screens, workflows, and logic without writing a line of code.
• React Native: Requires developers and setup, but once in place, changes can be just as fast — with better long-term structure and flexibility.

Verdict: Bubble wins for MVP speed. React Native wins beyond MVP.

Code Ownership and Portability

• Bubble: Your app exists on Bubble's infrastructure. You don't fully own the source code or backend logic. This can limit customization or force you to pay for plugins.
• React Native: You own everything — the code, the architecture, the deployment. You can switch teams, audit code, and build however you want.

Verdict: React Native gives you full control.

Performance

• Bubble: It runs on the web and wraps into mobile apps using third-party tools. This adds lag, loading issues, and inconsistent behaviour on mobile.
• React Native: It's designed for native performance. Your app feels smooth, responsive, and reliable — just like top-tier mobile apps.

Verdict: React Native is the clear winner for mobile performance.

Scalability and Complexity

• Bubble: As complexity grows (more users, data, or logic), things slow down. You may start hitting limitations you can't fix without workarounds or plugins.
• React Native: Built for growth. You can optimise logic, scale APIs, separate layers, and introduce complex features like animations, offline sync, or AI.

Verdict: React Native scales with your business.

App Store Readiness

• Bubble: Requires third-party wrappers (like BDK) to submit apps to the App Store and Play Store. Push notifications, biometric login, and deep linking can be tricky.
• React Native: Built with mobile in mind. Native features, permissions, and app store requirements are fully supported.

Verdict: React Native is production-grade mobile.

Cost

• Bubble: Cheaper in the short term. Great if you're bootstrapped or just testing.
• React Native: Higher upfront cost, but more cost-effective in the long run. No monthly limits, fewer constraints, and cheaper to maintain at scale.

Verdict: Bubble is better early on. React Native pays off long-term.

Feature Comparison

When to Migrate?

Consider switching to React Native when:

• You're planning to grow or fundraise
• You need mobile-first experience or app store presence
• You've hit plugin or performance limitations
• You want to fully own your product's tech
• You need integrations not supported by Bubble

How Migration Works

At Appelian, we specialise in helping startups move from Bubble to React Native — quickly and strategically. You'll receive:

• A free migration plan
• Architecture & feature suggestions
• A ballpark estimate in hours & price
• A dedicated team to rebuild your app with real code

Final Thoughts

Bubble is amazing — for the right stage. But once you outgrow it, React Native opens the door to performance, freedom, and long-term success.