Prior to the pandemic, mobile applications have already made huge strides in progress, with nearly 90% of users glued to their phones. Still, this year’s virus outbreak has supercharged software development as organizations are turning to collaboration tools for cohesive remote work arrangements, streamlining business efforts, and similar transactions. Additionally, the demand for coronavirus-driven apps has seen a boost, too, as private entities and government agencies alike are furthering contact tracing initiatives.
In all of this, no-code platforms like Betty Block and Bubble are some of the most popular visual programming tools available in the market today. Optimizing drag-and-drop application-building, the development of customized software has become more feasible and a tad more enjoyable, too. Because no line of code is required in this context—they are, after all, called no-code platforms—the rise of citizen developers has been apparent in recent years.
But which one is better?
We’ll get to specifics in a while. For now, here’s a summarised side-by-side comparison from our friends at Finances Online.
| Bubble | Betty Blocks | |
| Features | Workflow-based programmingReal-time updatesUser managementVersion controlLogicSearch EngineIntegration | Custom back office for SMBDigital Innovation PlatformMobile AppCustom CRM ApplicationCustom Project Management ApplicationBranded Self-Service Portal |
| Customers | Large Enterprises, Medium Business | Small Business, Large Enterprise, Medium Business |
| Pricing Plans | Starts at $25 | Starts at $600 |
| Integrations | MailChimp PostgreSQL MSSQL MySQL | MailChimp SalesForce HubSpot Facebook |
| User Satisfaction | 86% | 92% |
(source: https://comparisons.financesonline.com/betty-blocks-vs-bubble)
Getting to know Betty Blocks
Like many platforms today, Betty Blocks is an enterprise-focused no-code provider that helps organizations develop workforce applications. Through the platform, users can create both native and web apps, suitable for a variety of purposes.
A drag-and-drop editor comprises its front-end development, and you can combine templates and HTML. Despite the absence of room to improve aesthetics, it’s worth noting that their designs allow for rapid development and pack visual consistency.
What’s more, the platform allows the inclusion of third-party plugins, too, so connecting your app to outside platforms like Slack, Google Sheets, Salesforce, and Twitter, for example, shouldn’t be too hard to do. Perfect for non-coders, Betty Blocks’ utilizes pre-built components, aptly called blocks, to make development simple to understand. Examples of blocks are web services, actions, pages, models, and even tools for making reservations, generating customer quotes, and scheduling conferences.
Mostly catering to the corporate space, Betty Blocks users include professionals who belong to several industries, covering human resources, insurance, education, healthcare, IT, and more. To businesses who are looking to empower their employees by coming up with digital solutions of their own, this platform is a competent bet.
Comparing Betty Blocks and Bubble
Similarities
Both Betty Blocks and Bubble are no-code platforms that employ drag-and-drop visual editors. Furthermore, both tools also allow the integration of B2B tools and third-party APIs. Both providers also support web app development.
Differences
Users — as an enterprise-centric app, Betty Blocks focuses on bigger projects, designed for large teams and corporations. Bubble, on the other hand, is best for freelance creatives, solopreneurs, startups, and small businesses.
Customization — while Betty Blocks supplies clean and pleasing templates, Bubble allows for the complete customization of dynamic web apps, while still extending templates to those who prefer them.
Native Apps — Betty Blocks works best for leaders who wish to publish both native and web apps. Although Bubble supports only the development of web apps, users have discovered ways to convert their web apps into native-functioning applications. However, the process will take longer with Bubble as one will have to turn to third-party wrappers like Cordova, GoNative, or Dropsource to make this happen.
Pricing — Bubble extends a free plan to budding creatives and solo users, but those who wish to enjoy fuller no-code development perks can build apps for companies on the platform with plans starting at $115. Oppositely, because Betty Blocks is for organizations, they require a 3-year contract with rates varying, depending on app structure.
Getting to know Bubble
Referred to by many as the leader in no-code, Bubble provides a cloud-hosting platform, using a robust point-and-click web editor. Users can build visually anything, ranging from simple MVPs to complex SaaS products and extensive two-sided marketplaces.
The platform’s users are racing towards the seven-digit figure, with some going on to participate in top accelerator programs.
More than just a regular no-code tool, Bubble fosters a community of talented builders and entrepreneurs, fuelled by the belief that software development is an experience for everyone.
Conclusion
Overall, both platforms are stellar no-code tools, each catering to niche markets. While both have their strengths and opportunities, users will find that the capacity to customize an app’s look is integral in communicating to an audience.
Both platforms carry the technology to fortify communication efforts, but it all boils down to who a company’s market is and what they need these applications for.
Work With Us
If you have programs you want to build but don’t know where to start, give us a call. We’re one of Bubble’s biggest accredited agencies, and you’re sure to realize your vision with us. Let us know what you need, and we won’t just help you build an app—we’ll help you make a change, too.
