In short
Bubble makes sense when you want to validate an idea, launch an MVP or an internal tool quickly on a small budget: as a guide, from a few hundred to a few thousand euros. Custom development makes sense once you have traction, need high performance or very specific technical requirements; in Spain a serious custom MVP usually starts at around €8,000. The right choice depends on your project.
The difference in one sentence
With Bubble you build the app on a visual platform that already handles the server, database and deployment. With custom development a team codes everything from scratch and the app is entirely yours, but every piece costs hours of programming.
Quick comparison
Indicative ranges from the Spanish market. The final price always depends on screens, logic and integrations.
| Aspect | Bubble | Custom development |
|---|---|---|
| Build cost | From a few hundred to €3,000–5,000 or more | A serious MVP usually starts around €8,000; the average project is about €40,000 |
| Monthly cost | Bubble plan: from $0 to about $349 a month depending on usage | Servers and code maintenance |
| Timeline | Usually faster: ready-made building blocks | Longer: every feature is coded |
| Changes | Quick and cheap | Need developers |
| Code ownership | The app lives on Bubble; your data can be exported | 100% your code |
| Performance at scale | Enough for most MVPs and internal tools | No platform limits |
No commitment
Free 30-minute consultation
We review your business, your website and your presence on Google, and tell you what we'd do first. Free, no commitment, by video call.
- A quick check of your website and SEO
- Concrete ideas to win more clients
- A rough quote if you need one
What custom development costs in Spain
Price guides published in 2026 put a freelance developer in Spain at €25–120 an hour depending on experience, and an agency at €80–120 an hour. At those rates even a simple MVP adds up to many hours, which is why custom quotes start at several thousand euros.
On Bubble much of that work (users, database, server, deployment) is already done, so the budget goes into your screens and your business logic.
When to choose Bubble
Bubble is usually the best option if:
- You want to validate an idea with real users before investing heavily.
- You need an MVP to show investors or first customers.
- It's an internal tool: admin panel, CRM, bookings, payroll.
- Your budget is hundreds or a few thousand euros, not tens of thousands.
- You expect to change the app a lot in the first months.
When to choose custom development
Coding from scratch makes more sense if:
- You already have many users and the app is the core of your business.
- You need very high performance or heavy real-time processing.
- Technical or legal requirements mean you must control all the code.
- You need a native app with advanced phone features.
- An investor or buyer requires full ownership of the code.
A common path: start on Bubble, migrate if needed
Many projects start on Bubble to validate the market and, if they grow a lot, later migrate to custom code using what they learned. That way you don't spend tens of thousands of euros on an idea that isn't proven yet.
We have built products on Bubble such as Eye Industry, a B2B marketplace with seven user types, subscriptions and matching between manufacturers and distributors.
Ranges are indicative: the final price depends on your website, your project and what you need. We give you a fixed quote after a free call.
Frequently asked questions
Can I export my Bubble app's code?
No: the app runs inside Bubble. You can export your data, and if you migrate one day, the proven logic serves as a blueprint for custom development.
Can Bubble handle lots of users?
For most MVPs and internal tools, yes. If your app grows a lot, the Bubble plan goes up and it's worth reviewing whether migrating pays off.
How long does a Bubble MVP take?
It depends on screens and integrations. It's usually much faster than coding from scratch.
Can you help me decide?
Yes. It depends on your idea, budget and timeline. In a free call we tell you which option fits and give you a price range.
