5 alternatives to Bubble
Compare free and open-source solutions before building your own. Check each option’s license, setup, and limitations.
Custom web apps with data, forms, screens, and automations; design freedom is far below Bubble's.
LicenseGPL-3.0
PlatformsOn your server
InstallationDocker image or Docker Compose; Kubernetes is also supported
ModelsModel-agnostic; the agent builder supports bring-your-own AI provider credentials
DataBuilt-in app data and app definitions are stored in CouchDB, files in MinIO/S3-compatible object storage, and connected external data remains in its source system
Limitations compared to BubbleBudibase's component and layout system is optimized for internal business screens and is far less flexible for polished public consumer interfaces than Bubble.
SetupRequires Docker and persistent storage; production use also means owning upgrades, TLS, backups, and database/network access
Facts verified 2026-08-10
A full database-backed web-app builder with pages, roles, actions, workflows, and plugins; more business app than consumer startup.
LicenseNocoBase Community
PlatformsOn your server
InstallationNocoBase CLI or Docker deployment with MySQL, MariaDB, or PostgreSQL
ModelsBuilt-in AI employees can connect to common LLMs; exact provider support depends on installed AI plugins
DataBusiness data lives in standard relational tables in the configured MySQL, MariaDB, or PostgreSQL database; files use configured local or object storage
Limitations compared to BubbleNocoBase is fundamentally a database-backed administrative app builder, so it gives up Bubble's consumer-app design freedom and front-end plugin ecosystem.
SetupRequires a database, secrets, and deployment administration; the community license also preserves NocoBase branding and restricts some uses
Facts verified 2026-08-10
A self-hosted business-app suite with records, pages, workflows, charts, and enterprise-grade amounts of configuration.
LicenseApache-2.0
PlatformsOn your server
InstallationDocker Compose with a configured MySQL or PostgreSQL database
DataRecords and configuration live in the configured SQL database; uploaded attachments live in the server persistence directory
Limitations compared to BubbleCorteza is a record-and-workflow suite, not a pixel-flexible public web-app designer, so a consumer-facing Bubble product will look and behave much more constrained.
SetupDocker, a database, secrets, persistent-volume permissions, and a reverse proxy/TLS are the first operational hurdle
Facts verified 2026-08-10
Forms, lists, workflows, and role-aware apps from a product old enough to have survived several no-code fashions.
LicenseGPL-3.0
PlatformsOn your server
InstallationDownload the Community Edition bundle or deploy its Docker image/on-premises package
DataApplication definitions, workflow state, and records live in the configured relational database; uploaded files live on the Joget server
Limitations compared to BubbleJoget excels at forms and workflows but cannot approach Bubble's freedom for bespoke public-facing layouts, interactions, and responsive design.
SetupThe first real hurdle is administering a Java web stack and database rather than clicking through a managed signup
Facts verified 2026-08-10
A sober business-app builder with forms, reports, roles, workflows, and no per-user meter.
LicenseMIT
PlatformsOn your server
InstallationNative Linux/Windows server package or Docker Compose, connected to PostgreSQL
DataHuman-readable application records and configuration live in a PostgreSQL database controlled by the operator
Limitations compared to BubbleREI3's utilitarian forms, reports, and pages are a poor substitute for Bubble's highly customized public front ends and interaction design.
SetupYou must provision PostgreSQL and configure a server/reverse proxy; it is not a managed one-click workspace
Facts verified 2026-08-10
Updated 2026-08-10 · no paid listings
Bubble FreeA development sandbox with no live production site; the core job begins when you pay.
SaltcornIt does the job, but its own security page lists fresh critical RCE, SQL injection, path-traversal, and cross-tenant bugs.
| Tool | License | Setup | Platforms | Stars | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budibase | GPL-3.0 | Docker on your server | web, self-hosted | 27,902 | 2026-07 |
| NocoBase | NocoBase Community | Docker on your server | web, self-hosted | 23,600 | 2026-08 |
| Corteza | Apache-2.0 | Self-hosted with ongoing maintenance | web, self-hosted | 2,100 | 2026-03 |
| Joget Community Edition | GPL-3.0 | One-click installation | web, macos, windows, linux, self-hosted | 607 | 2026-05 |
| REI3 | MIT | One-click installation | web, windows, linux, ios, android, self-hosted | 571 | 2026-08 |
They pay because future changes can be made visually without owning a codebase. If those points do not matter to you, the options above could save $708 per year.
Is there a free alternative to Bubble?
Yes: Budibase, NocoBase, Corteza. This page lists 5 free or open-source options. Check the limitations of each.
Should I build my own Bubble?
Our verdict: With trade-offs. A specific Bubble app is often vibecodable now; rebuilding Bubble's editor, workflow engine, plugin ecosystem, hosting, and scaling layer is not. The complete prompt is on the Bubble page on Vibe Radar.
