Softr vs Bubble: A Comprehensive Guide for No-Code App Builders in 2024
You want to build your own website or a community platform but you can't decide which website builder to use and are going back and forth between Softr vs Bubble?
On one hand, many people say that Softr is super user-friendly and everyone can use it without prior knowledge, but on the other hand, some say that Bubble is a more powerful website builder and has more features.
That's why we decided to test both tools in an attempt to create different platforms and websites and help you make an informed decision. Plus, if you don’t want to choose between ease of use and advanced features, we’ll introduce you to a tool that may bridge the gap between the two.
Softr vs Bubble: full comparison
Softr and Bubble apps are no-code web development platforms designed primarily for people without advanced coding knowledge.
Softr is mostly known for its intuitive interface that allows people to create web applications, websites and landing pages pretty quickly and based on a simple drag-and-drop principle.
In contrast, Bubble has a more complex toolset allowing users to craft more sophisticated web applications. It's also better for managing backend processes, data operations and user authentication.
Softr requires zero coding experience, whereas you need to know at least some coding to make use of Bubble's advanced features such as custom plugins, complex database queries and advanced design customization.
Softr vs Bubble: features
Here are the main features we took into consideration when comparing these tools.
Website builder
Softr and Bubble both operate on the no-code principle and have drag-and-drop features allowing you to create your very first websites and web apps.
Softr uses data from Airtable and Google Sheets to build web apps using drag-and-drop building blocks, such as lists, charts, forms, tables, calendars and maps. These elements are pre-made and customizable, and you can launch a new website within minutes, as there's no need to create anything from scratch.
Source: Capterra.com
Bubble's drag-and-drop functionality empowers users to visually design applications without the need for coding. The tool claims that it operates on the principle of "What You See Is What You Get" (WYSIWYG) editing, enabling users to create and adjust their application's user interface precisely as it will be presented to their end-users.
However, for custom styling and design and making sure that your website is 100% unique, Bubble requires some CSS knowledge and you might even need to know how to write custom code.
Source: Capterra.com
Templates
Here the main difference is that Softr focuses more on templates, while Bubble focuses on providing all types of building blocks.
Softr offers hundreds of professionally crafted templates at no additional cost, covering different categories such as blogs, team wikis, sales CRMs, donation trackers and more.
You can incorporate your data into these templates and use them as your website's design, or personalize them according to your branding. Softr templates are optimized for viewing on web, mobile and tablet devices.
Source: Capterra.com
On the other hand, Bubble provides over 1,000 building blocks designed for various types of applications.
While templates are accessible on Bubble, they are not native to the platform. Therefore, you need to get them from the community marketplace, hoping that someone already created a template for what you need.
You can find templates for landing pages and idea boards for product managers, for example.
Source: Medium.com
Security
These no-code platforms offer an advanced level of security for their users. They enforce strict security protocols to safeguard user data, ensuring compliance with SOC 2 Type II and GDPR regulations.
Softr takes the lead when it comes to securing payments within the application. Using Softr, you can easily establish a payment gateway, relying on its robust security measures.
Softr's integrated payment system streamlines transactions while proactively addressing regulatory and security considerations.
Source: Capterra.com
On the other hand, Bubble's file security features are on the next level. Its secure file hosting guarantees the safe storage of all your uploaded files, including images, documents or other media.
Bubble uses HTTPS encryption to secure all data transmitted between your browser and Bubble's servers.
Source: Capterra.com
Softr vs Bubble: use cases
The most common use of both no-code platforms is website creation and web app development.
What is Softr Used For?
- Simple websites
- Basic web apps*
- Landing pages
- Community portals
- Customer self-service portals
- Job boards
- Membership sites
- Q&A platforms
Softr Shines With:
- Landing pages
- Community portals
- Membership sites
- Basic business websites
*It's also good for mobile app development, as all your web apps can be transformed into user-friendly mobile apps with a few clicks.
On the other hand, Bubble enables you to create interactive, multi-user applications. You can also use third-party tools to package Bubble websites as native mobile apps and submit them to the App Store and Google Play.
What is Bubble Used For?
- All types of web apps (including complex ones)
- Apps that connect to APIs
- Community site
- A real-time voting app
- Simple social networks and games
- Online marketplace
Bubble Excels In:
- Complex web applications
- Custom marketplace platforms
- Advanced database management
- API-driven applications
Softr vs Bubble: UI/UX
Using Softr app builder was an effortless experience as the tool is very intuitive, features are color-coded and everything is easy to find.
However, when we wanted to test the websites and client portals we built, we realized that the templates weren't as responsive as we thought they would be. There were occasional glitches, and some elements couldn't be optimized for mobile screens.
Source: Capterra.com
Bubble offers more options for customization and building blocks than Softr but it can be a bit overwhelming to figure out where to find them and how to use them. For example, it takes a long time to figure out how to add integrations and payment options.
Also, its user interface could benefit from modernization, as its colors are limited to grayscale, as you can see in the dashboard picture below.
Source: Capterra.com
Softr vs Bubble: integrations
Softr has over 30 integrations with different tools, however its most useful integration is its built-in payment integration that secures all payments within the app. Other Softr integrations include:
- Payment platforms, such as Stripe
- Email marketing tools, such as Mailchimp and Mailerlite
- Web analytics tools, such as Google Analytics
- Support and chat platforms, such as Crisp and Drift
- Custom API integrations, such as Zapier and Make
However, Bubble beats Softr in terms of integrations. Not only because it integrates with more tools but also because of its powerful API connector that allows users to integrate with almost any third-party service. Here are its most popular integrations
- CRM and communication tools, such as Slack and Twilio
- Marketing and email campaigns, such as Mailchimp and Facebook
- Data management and analysis tools, such as Airtable and Segment
- Automation and workflow management tools, such as Zapier and Box
Softr vs Bubble: pricing
Both tools offer free plans that are pretty limited but allow you to explore the tool and its interface and see which one suits you better.
Softr Pricing Model
- Free plan: for individuals building passion projects
- Basic plan: $59 per month or $49 per month if paid annually
- Professional plan: $167 per month or $139 per month if paid annually
- Business plan: $323 per month or $269 per month if paid annually
- Enterprise plan: custom price available upon request
Bubble Pricing Model
- Free plan: for beginners learning how to build websites
- Starter plan: $32 per month or $29 per month if paid annually
- Growth plan: $134 per month or $119 per month if paid annually
- Team plan: $399 per month or $349 per month if paid annually
- Enterprise plan: Custom price is available upon request
Softr vs Bubble: pros
These no-code platforms both come with their pros and cons.
Soft pros
- Intuitive and user-friendly interface
- Infinite customization possibilities
- No steep learning curve
- eCommerce features off the charts
Bubble pros
- More advanced app development features
- 24/7 live chat support
- Starter plan is more affordable than Softr's
- Collaborative features off the charts
Softr vs Bubble: user ratings
Softr users are mostly non-developers and they're satisfied with the ease of use, variety of templates and speed.
Capterra: 4.7
G2: 4.8
Many users liked the way Bubble allowed them to build advanced web apps without the need to hire a programmer.
Capterra: 4.6
G2: 4.4
Making Your Choice
Choose Bubble if you need:
- Complex functionality
- Advanced customization
- Scalable applications
- Database-driven features
Choose Softr if you want:
- Quick deployment
- Simple interface
- Basic website functionality
- Community features
A free alternative to Softr and Bubble
What if we told you you no longer have to choose between a user-friendly tool and building complex web apps?
Yes, that's right. Bettermode combines the best of both worlds. Our goal was to create a website builder that allows even complete beginners to create professional web apps and sites.
We provide you with ultra modern design both backend and frontend – not only are our templates super responsive and adjust well to every device, but your whole website creation experience will be effortless, like a breeze.
Our customers are surprised by how quick and smooth the deployment is. Depending on the project, you can build and create a site or knowledge base in only a few minutes and have it ready right away.
In this article, we guided you through our step-by-step process by explaining how to create a knowledge base and you can use the same process to create any type of app, site or community portal.
Features
Here are Bettermode's key features:
- Variety of templates: We’re launching 25 fully functional templates for 25 different use cases that are ready to use. When you click on “C” on your keyboard on any of the template pages, it will lead you to an editor where you can customize your website templates. There's a live preview of templates to see what they would look like on your website.
- Built-in CMS: Bettermode is one of a few website builders that offer its own CMS, so you no longer have to use sheets or import Airtable data, which saves you valuable time and money spent on 2 software.
3. Design studio: You can create your own layout using wide variety of building blocks such as banners, feed, posts, buttons, and more and configure it effortlessly without any coding required.
Use cases
You can use Bettermode for everything, from creating a simple web app in under ten minutes to building static and dynamic websites, and creating self-service for your SaaS. Here are its most popular uses:
- Landing pages
- Client portals
- Community hubs and forums
- HR tools
- Help desk
- Customer support forum
- Intranet
- Product roadmaps
- Knowledge base
- Freelance marketplace
UI/UX
The user-inferface is clear and very intuitive, making it suitable for people who have never used a similar tool before. Also, we’ve recently released new navigation bar that makes it easy to find whatever feature you might be looking for.
Integrations
Bettermode integrates with many popular apps and tools and you can connect them with only a few clicks. Here are some of the most popular integrations:
- HubSpot
- SalesForce
- Zendesk
- Slack
- Google Analytics
- Mailchimp
- Intercom
- Hotjar
- Zapier
Also, you can use Zapier to integrate with almost any other tool you might need.
And the best part is that you can use our tool for free, forever, and create up to 5 spaces. Sign up for free and try it out.
Bettermode pros
- Super user-friendly
- Responsive and customizable templates
- Quick deployment
- Built-in CMS
User ratings
Here are some of the things users listed as a reason for switching to Bettermode and staying with it:
- Easy set up with zero knowledge about the cloud infrastructure or coding!
- Their website is filled with useful articles on how to use all the features and customer success team is always available to help!
- I am amazed at the price. You can't get software with this great quality anywhere else at this price!
Capterra: 4.8
G2: 4.6
Comparison Table
Conclusion
If you're looking for an extremely easy website-building tool with all the features you need, such as built-in CMS, plenty of templates and a high level of customization, Bettermode is a solution for you.
With over 25 use cases, you won't need other tools as you can build everything you need: from custom web apps to client portals and maintaining an engaged and active community.
Launch your Community Now - It’s free!
FAQs
Which is better Softr or Bubble?
Softr is better for complete beginners as its user interface is more friendly, but Bubble allows you to create more complex websites and web apps and offers more customization.
What is Softr used for?
Softr is used for creating simple websites, community portals, client portals, job boards and even basic web apps.
Is Bubble the best no-code platform?
Bubble is one of the most advanced no-code platforms as it allows you to build complex projects, but we wouldn't say it is the best due to its difficult learning curve and occasional issues regarding speed. Bettermode might be an excellent solution for those who want the best of both worlds – a no-code platform that's user-friendly and intuitive, while also allowing you to create a variety of projects.
Is Softr easy to use?
Yes, Softr has a user-friendly interface and even complete beginners find it pretty intuitive and easy to use, as it's based on the drag-and-drop principle.
