Best backends for Bubble: Firebase vs Supabase vs Xano

Choosing the best backend for Bubble matters more than ever. In 2025 alone, over 2 million apps have been built on Bubble, running more than 28.6 billion workflows and processing over $1 billion in transactions.

That scale changes the question from “Can Bubble handle it?” to “What backend setup helps you scale safely?” The right backend decides performance, data security, costs, and how far your product can grow without breaking under real users and real traffic.

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Why backend choice matters for Bubble apps

Choosing the right backend affects how your Bubble app performs under real-world conditions. You want your app to handle data smoothly and respond quickly to user actions.

We rely on the backend to manage data storage, workflows, and integrations. Picking a backend that fits your app’s needs prevents slowdowns and costly rebuilds later.

• Performance impact: The backend controls how fast your app processes requests, which directly affects user satisfaction and retention rates over time.
• Scalability limits: Some backends handle growth better, letting you add users and features without major changes or downtime.
• Data security: Your backend choice determines how well your app protects sensitive user information from breaches or leaks.
• Integration options: Different backends support various APIs and services, influencing how easily you connect external tools or automate workflows.
• Maintenance effort: A backend that matches your technical skills and resources reduces ongoing work and helps you fix issues faster.

We see that the backend is not just a technical detail but a foundation for your app’s success. Choosing wisely saves time and keeps your users happy.

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Read more | Types of apps you can build with Bubble.io

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Bubble’s native database vs external backends

Choosing where to store and manage your app’s data is crucial for performance and flexibility. Bubble’s native database offers simplicity and deep integration, but external backends provide more control and scalability.

You need to weigh your app’s current needs against future growth and complexity. Understanding these options helps you avoid costly migrations and technical roadblocks later on.

• Integration simplicity: Bubble’s native database is tightly integrated, letting you build and deploy apps faster without managing separate servers or APIs, which reduces initial setup time significantly.
• Scalability limits: Native databases may struggle with very large datasets or complex queries, whereas external backends can handle higher loads and advanced data operations more efficiently.
• Customization flexibility: External backends allow you to design custom data schemas and logic, giving you more control over how data is stored and processed beyond Bubble’s built-in constraints.
• Security control: With external backends, you can implement advanced security measures and compliance standards, which might be necessary for sensitive or regulated data beyond Bubble’s default protections.
• Maintenance responsibility: Using external backends means you manage updates, backups, and uptime, while Bubble’s native database is maintained automatically, reducing your operational overhead.

Weighing these factors helps you choose the best data solution for your app’s needs. The right choice balances ease of use with the ability to grow and adapt as your project evolves.

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Read more | FlutterFlow vs Bubble vs Adalo

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When Bubble’s built-in backend is enough

You want to build an app quickly without juggling multiple tools. Bubble’s built-in backend can handle many common needs, saving you time and complexity.

Knowing when its backend is sufficient helps you avoid unnecessary integrations and keeps your project simpler and easier to maintain.

• Simple data management: Bubble’s database works well for apps with straightforward data models and moderate user loads, letting you store and retrieve data without extra setup.
• Basic workflows: You can automate user actions and app logic directly inside Bubble, which covers many typical use cases without needing external servers or code.
• Authentication and user roles: Bubble supports user sign-up, login, and role-based access control, which is enough for apps that don’t require complex security or multi-factor authentication.
• API integration support: Bubble allows you to connect to external APIs when needed, but for many apps, its native backend handles data and logic without relying heavily on outside services.
• Scalability limits: For apps with moderate traffic and data size, Bubble’s backend performs well; however, very high scale or complex processing might require additional infrastructure.

When your app fits within these boundaries, Bubble’s built-in backend keeps development fast and manageable. You can focus on building features without worrying about backend maintenance or extra tools.

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Read more | Bubble alternatives

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1. Why Choose Xano as a Backend for Bubble Apps

When building with Bubble, you might find its built-in backend limiting for complex logic or scaling. Xano offers a no-code backend that handles data, APIs, and business logic efficiently, freeing you from those constraints.

By connecting Xano to Bubble, you gain a powerful backend that supports faster development and easier maintenance. This approach lets you focus on your app’s front end while Xano manages the heavy lifting behind the scenes.

Key Benefits of Using Xano with Bubble

• Scalable Data Management: Xano handles large datasets and complex queries without slowing down your Bubble app, ensuring smooth user experiences as your app grows.
• Custom API Creation: You can build and customize APIs in Xano to fit your app’s unique needs, then connect them seamlessly to Bubble through API workflows.
• Advanced Logic Handling: Xano supports complex business rules and data processing that might be difficult to implement directly in Bubble, enhancing your app’s capabilities.
• Improved Performance: Offloading backend tasks to Xano reduces load on Bubble’s servers, which can improve response times and app reliability.
• Security and Control: Xano provides granular control over data access and user authentication, helping you secure your app’s backend effectively.

How to Integrate Xano with Bubble

Start by setting up your database and API endpoints in Xano. Then, use Bubble’s API Connector plugin to connect to Xano’s endpoints. This setup allows you to send and receive data between Bubble and Xano effortlessly.

Test each API call within Bubble to ensure data flows correctly. Use Bubble’s workflows to trigger Xano API calls based on user actions, creating dynamic and responsive app behavior.

Best Practices for Using Xano and Bubble Together

• Design Clear API Structures: Plan your API endpoints in Xano carefully to keep them organized and easy to maintain as your app evolves.
• Optimize Data Calls: Minimize the number of API requests from Bubble to Xano by batching data or caching results when possible to improve speed.
• Secure Your Endpoints: Use authentication tokens and role-based access controls in Xano to protect sensitive data and operations.
• Monitor Performance: Regularly check API response times and error rates to catch issues early and maintain a smooth user experience.
• Document Your Setup: Keep clear documentation of your Xano backend and Bubble integration to help with future updates or team collaboration.

Using Xano as a backend for your Bubble apps unlocks new possibilities for building complex, scalable applications without code. With careful integration and best practices, you can create powerful apps that grow with your users’ needs.

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Read more | Bubble.io capabilities and limitations

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2. Supabase as a backend for Bubble apps

Choosing the right backend can make or break your Bubble app’s performance and scalability. Supabase offers a robust, open-source backend solution that integrates well with Bubble, giving you more control over your data and user management.

We can leverage Supabase to handle real-time data syncing, authentication, and storage, which are essential for dynamic Bubble applications. This setup helps you avoid common limitations of Bubble’s native backend and unlocks new possibilities for your app’s growth.

• Real-time database syncing: Supabase uses PostgreSQL with real-time capabilities, allowing your Bubble app to update data instantly without manual refreshes or complex workflows.
• Flexible authentication options: You can implement various sign-in methods like email, OAuth, and magic links, giving your users a seamless and secure login experience integrated with Bubble.
• Scalable API endpoints: Supabase provides RESTful and GraphQL APIs that Bubble can call directly, enabling efficient data retrieval and manipulation beyond Bubble’s built-in database.
• File storage management: Supabase offers scalable storage for user files and media, which you can easily connect to Bubble workflows for uploads and downloads without external services.
• Open-source and customizable: Since Supabase is open-source, you can customize your backend logic or extend functionality, giving you more freedom than Bubble’s proprietary backend.

Using Supabase as your Bubble app’s backend enhances flexibility and performance. It empowers you to build more complex features while maintaining the no-code simplicity Bubble offers.

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Read more | Bubble.io review

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3. Firebase as a backend for Bubble apps

Using Firebase as a backend for Bubble apps can solve common challenges like real-time data syncing and user authentication. Firebase offers robust cloud services that complement Bubble’s visual development environment.

Integrating Firebase allows you to extend Bubble’s capabilities with scalable databases, secure authentication, and cloud functions. This combination helps you build dynamic apps without writing backend code.

Why Choose Firebase with Bubble?

• Real-time database: Firebase provides a real-time NoSQL database that syncs data instantly across users, enhancing Bubble apps with live updates without manual refreshes.
• Authentication services: Firebase supports multiple sign-in methods, including email, social logins, and phone authentication, which you can integrate into Bubble for secure user management.
• Cloud functions: You can run backend logic with Firebase Cloud Functions, allowing you to handle complex workflows or external API calls triggered by Bubble app events.
• Scalability and reliability: Firebase is built on Google Cloud infrastructure, ensuring your Bubble app backend scales smoothly as your user base grows without extra server management.
• Easy integration: Using Bubble’s API connector or plugins, you can connect Firebase services with minimal setup, enabling seamless data exchange and backend operations.

How to Connect Firebase with Bubble

Start by creating a Firebase project and configuring your database and authentication methods. Then, use Bubble’s API connector to call Firebase REST APIs or utilize plugins designed for Firebase integration. This setup lets you read and write data, authenticate users, and trigger cloud functions directly from your Bubble app’s workflows.

By combining Firebase’s backend strengths with Bubble’s no-code front end, you gain a powerful development environment that handles both user experience and backend complexity effectively.

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Read more | Bubble pros and cons

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Comparing Xano vs Supabase vs Firebase for Bubble

Choosing the right backend for your Bubble app can shape how smoothly your project runs. Each option offers unique strengths that impact development speed, scalability, and ease of use.

We need to weigh these platforms carefully because they affect how you manage data, user authentication, and server-side logic. Picking the right one helps avoid costly changes later.

• Ease of integration: Xano provides a no-code-friendly API builder that fits well with Bubble’s visual workflows, making backend setup straightforward without deep coding knowledge.
• Open-source advantage: Supabase is built on open-source tools, giving you more control and flexibility, which can be crucial if you want to customize or self-host your backend.
• Real-time capabilities: Firebase excels in real-time data syncing and push notifications, which is ideal if your app requires instant updates or live collaboration features.
• Scalability concerns: Firebase offers robust infrastructure managed by Google, supporting large-scale apps, while Xano and Supabase scale well but may require more manual tuning as you grow.
• Pricing models: Xano and Supabase often provide more predictable pricing for startups, whereas Firebase’s pay-as-you-go can become expensive with high usage, impacting your budget planning.

Understanding these differences helps you align your backend choice with your app’s goals and technical needs. This ensures smoother development and better long-term performance.

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Read more | Bubble scalability

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What Logic Should Live in the Backend vs Bubble Workflows

We often face choices about where to place our app’s logic. Deciding between backend and Bubble workflows impacts performance, security, and maintainability. You want your app to run smoothly without exposing sensitive operations.

When you separate concerns properly, you reduce errors and improve user experience. Knowing what logic to keep server-side versus client-side helps you build smarter apps that handle data and processes efficiently.

• Security-sensitive tasks: Keep authentication, payment processing, and data validation on the backend to protect user information and prevent unauthorized access or manipulation.
• Heavy data processing: Perform complex calculations or bulk data operations in backend workflows to avoid slowing down the user interface and ensure faster response times.
• User interface interactions: Use Bubble workflows for UI-driven actions like button clicks, form submissions, and visual feedback to maintain responsiveness and smooth user experience.
• Third-party API calls: Place API integrations that require secret keys or sensitive data in backend workflows to keep credentials secure and avoid exposing them in the client environment.
• Real-time updates: Use Bubble workflows for immediate UI changes triggered by user input, while syncing critical data changes through backend workflows to maintain consistency.

Balancing backend and Bubble workflows lets you build apps that are both secure and user-friendly. You gain control over critical operations while keeping the interface fast and reactive.

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Read more | Bubble vs FlutterFlow

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Performance and scalability impact of backend decisions

Choosing the right backend architecture directly affects how fast your application responds and how well it handles growth. Poor decisions can cause slow load times and crashes under heavy use.

We must balance immediate performance needs with future scalability to avoid costly rework. Understanding backend impacts helps you build systems that stay reliable as demand increases.

• Database selection: The type of database you choose influences query speed and data handling under load, affecting overall responsiveness and scalability limits.
• API design: Efficient API endpoints reduce server processing time and bandwidth, improving user experience and supporting more simultaneous users.
• Server infrastructure: Deciding between cloud, on-premises, or hybrid setups impacts resource availability, scalability options, and maintenance complexity.
• Caching strategies: Implementing caching reduces repeated data fetching, lowering latency and server load, which boosts performance during traffic spikes.
• Load balancing: Proper load distribution prevents server overload, ensuring consistent performance and enabling horizontal scaling as user demand grows.

Backend choices shape how well your application performs now and scales later. Thoughtful decisions help maintain speed and reliability as your user base expands.

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Security and access control considerations for Bubble backends

When you build your backend on Bubble, protecting your data and controlling who can access it is critical. Without proper security, your app risks data leaks or unauthorized actions that can harm users and your reputation.

You need to set clear rules for data visibility and user permissions to keep your backend safe. Understanding how Bubble handles security lets you design effective access controls that match your app’s needs.

• Data privacy rules: Define privacy rules in Bubble to restrict which users see or modify specific data fields, ensuring sensitive information stays protected from unauthorized access.
• User roles setup: Create distinct user roles with tailored permissions so each user only accesses features and data relevant to their role, reducing security risks.
• API security measures: Secure your Bubble API endpoints by requiring authentication tokens and limiting data exposure, preventing unauthorized external requests.
• Workflow access control: Control who can trigger backend workflows by setting conditions based on user roles or states, avoiding unintended or malicious actions.
• Data validation checks: Implement validation in workflows to verify inputs and user permissions before processing data, reducing errors and security vulnerabilities.

By carefully applying these security and access control practices, you protect your Bubble backend from common threats. This approach helps maintain trust and keeps your app running smoothly.

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Read more | Bubble security

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Cost planning when adding an external backend

Adding an external backend can quickly change your project’s budget if you don’t plan carefully. You need to understand all the cost factors involved to avoid surprises and keep your expenses manageable.

We often overlook hidden fees or underestimate integration complexity, which leads to overspending. You must evaluate both direct and indirect costs to make smart decisions about your backend choice.

• Licensing fees: External backends often charge monthly or yearly fees based on usage, which can increase as your app scales or requires more resources.
• Integration complexity: The time and effort to connect your frontend with the backend can add development costs, especially if custom connectors or APIs are needed.
• Data transfer costs: Moving data between your app and the backend may incur charges, particularly if large volumes or frequent syncs are involved.
• Maintenance and support: Ongoing backend updates and troubleshooting require budget for support plans or developer time to keep the system running smoothly.
• Scalability expenses: As user demand grows, you might need to upgrade backend plans or add resources, which increases monthly costs beyond initial estimates.

By carefully analyzing these cost areas, you can create a realistic budget that aligns with your project goals. This helps you avoid unexpected expenses and maintain control over your backend investment.

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How to migrate from Bubble DB to an external backend safely

Moving your data from Bubble's built-in database to an external backend can feel risky without the right approach. You want to keep your data intact and avoid disrupting your app's users during the switch.

We focus on practical steps that help you transfer data securely while maintaining app functionality. This way, you reduce errors and keep your app running smoothly throughout the migration.

• Backup your data first: Always export your Bubble database completely before starting any migration to avoid accidental data loss during the transfer process.
• Map data structures carefully: Match Bubble's data types and fields exactly to your external backend schema to prevent data mismatches and ensure consistency.
• Test with a subset: Run migration tests on a small portion of data first to catch issues early without risking your full dataset or app stability.
• Use API automation: Automate data transfer using Bubble's API workflows or external scripts to reduce manual errors and speed up the migration process.
• Plan for downtime or sync: Decide if you need a brief downtime or a syncing period to keep data updated between Bubble and the new backend during migration.

Following these steps helps you move your Bubble data safely and keeps your app reliable. Careful planning and testing are key to a smooth transition.

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Bubble App Development

Bubble Experts You Need

Hire a Bubble team that’s done it all—CRMs, marketplaces, internal tools, and more

Let's talk

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Build the Right Bubble Backend With LowCode Agency

At LowCode Agency, we help you make backend decisions that fit your current stage and your long-term plans. We look at your workflows, data volume, integrations, and growth risks before recommending any setup.

• Backend strategy for Bubble apps
  We help you decide when Bubble’s native database is enough and when you should use an external backend like Xano, Supabase, or custom APIs based on scale, performance, and security needs.
• External database setup and integration
  We design and connect external databases to your Bubble app without breaking existing workflows, user data, or live features, so your product keeps running smoothly.
• Scaling and performance planning
  We plan backend architecture that supports higher traffic, complex logic, and automation-heavy workflows without hitting Bubble limits too early.
• Migration to fully custom code when needed
  If Bubble stops being the right tool, we help you move your app to a fully custom backend or hybrid setup while keeping your product logic and users intact.

If you want to know which backend setup is best for your Bubble app, we can review your product and help you choose a path that avoids future rebuilds and supports real growth. Reach out, and let's discuss the best backend for your Bubble app today.