When No-Code Slows Down: Performance Issues & React Native Fixes

No-code platforms like Bubble, Adalo, and Glide make it incredibly easy to launch apps fast. But once you move past the MVP stage, many builders run into a frustrating reality:

My app is slow, laggy, and I have no idea how to fix it.

If you've tried clearing workflows, limiting repeating groups, or splitting your app into multiple pages — and it's still sluggish — you're not alone. Let's explore why this happens, and how React Native offers a real fix.

Why No-Code Apps Slow Down Over Time

No-code tools abstract complexity. That's great for speed, but not so great for performance — especially as your app grows. Here are the most common culprits:

1. Heavy Workflows

No-code builders like Bubble run workflows in the browser or in platform-managed backends. When a button click triggers 12+ actions — conditionals, API calls, DB writes — latency builds up quickly.

2. Inefficient Repeating Groups / Lists

Displaying dynamic lists with multiple images or data pulls causes rendering delays. Every scroll or page load becomes a loading spinner moment.

3. Large Pages with Everything at Once

Many no-code apps load multiple workflows, elements, and states on a single page — even if they're not visible yet. That means bloated memory usage and longer initial load times.

4. Third-Party Plugins

Plugins are great for extending functionality, but poorly built or unsupported plugins can be major performance bottlenecks — especially for UI components or integrations.

5. Platform Limits

Ultimately, you're still running inside someone else's environment. You can't tune server settings, optimise memory use, or offload logic the way you could with real code.

The React Native Advantage: Real Speed, Real Control

When performance becomes a blocker, it's time to move from abstraction to execution — and that's where React Native delivers.

Native Rendering

React Native renders components using native APIs, not web views. That means faster transitions, smoother animations, and a better experience for your users.

Fine-Grained State Management

Instead of relying on hidden workflows, React Native apps use structured logic with tools like Redux, Zustand, or React Context. You control exactly when and how data is updated.

Lazy Loading and Optimisation

You can load only what's needed, when it's needed — screens, components, or data. This keeps startup times fast and memory usage efficient.

True Native Performance

Push notifications, background sync, biometric login, and geolocation all work natively — no wrappers or delays.

Testing and Debugging Tools

React Native comes with developer tools for profiling performance, measuring memory usage, and debugging logic — things no-code builders can only dream of.

What Migration Looks Like (with Applurk)

We've helped no-code founders rebuild apps that:

• Took 5+ seconds to load on mobile
• Lagged when users scrolled lists or submitted forms
• Crashed under modest user loads
• Struggled with real-time updates or notifications

At Applurk, we:

• Audit your existing app to identify performance bottlenecks
• Rebuild it using React Native best practices (Expo, native APIs, modular architecture)
• Optimise every layer — from screen rendering to data loading
• Hand over full source code you can maintain or expand confidently

When to Consider the Switch

You should start thinking about migrating when:

• Your users complain about speed or freezing
• You've already tried optimising in Bubble/Adalo, but it didn't help
• You want to improve app store reviews, retention, or reliability
• You plan to scale up users or features — and need a strong technical foundation

Final Thoughts

Performance isn't just about speed — it's about trust. If your app feels unreliable, users will quietly stop using it. And when no-code hits its limits, React Native gives you a way forward.

Let's make your app smooth, stable, and scalable — the way it should be.