You have a startup idea but can't code. You have two options: learn to code or use no-code tools.
Learning to code takes months. No-code tools let you build functional products in weeks.
This guide covers everything you need to know about no-code MVP development services in 2025.
What Is No-Code Development?
No-code development uses visual tools to build applications without writing code. You drag, drop, configure, and connect—everything you could do with code, but without the programming.
Key benefits:
- Launch in weeks, not months
- No technical co-founder needed
- Iterate fast based on feedback
- Lower initial investment
- Focus on product, not code
Key limitations:
- Less flexibility than custom code
- Platform dependencies
- Scaling limitations
- Subscription costs
- Design constraints
No-Code Platforms Compared
1. Bubble
What it is: Visual programming platform for building web applications.
Best for: Complex web applications, SaaS products, marketplaces
Pricing:
| Plan | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Testing only |
| Starter | $29/month | Custom domains |
| Professional | $115/month | Priority support |
| Production | $295/month | Everything |
Strengths:
- Most powerful no-code platform
- Complex workflows possible
- Large plugin ecosystem
- Strong community
- Can build almost anything
Weaknesses:
- Steeper learning curve
- Design limitations
- Performance can suffer at scale
- Subscription costs add up
What you can build:
- SaaS applications
- Marketplaces
- Social networks
- Booking systems
- CRM tools
2. Flutterflow
What it is: Visual builder for native mobile apps using Flutter.
Best for: Mobile-first applications, consumer apps
Pricing:
| Plan | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Testing only |
| Pro | $30/month | Export code |
| Team | $70/month | Collaboration |
Strengths:
- True native mobile apps
- Excellent performance
- Beautiful UI components
- Firebase integration
- Export to code (partial)
Weaknesses:
- Mobile only (no web)
- Less flexible than Bubble
- Flutter learning curve if you need custom code
- Design can feel template-y
What you can build:
- Consumer mobile apps
- Social apps
- Fitness apps
- Marketplace mobile apps
- Utility apps
3. Softr
What it is: No-code platform for building web apps connected to Airtable, Google Sheets, or SQL databases.
Best for: Internal tools, simple CRUD applications, data-driven apps
Pricing:
| Plan | Price |
|---|---|
| Free | $0 |
| Starter | $19/month |
| Pro | $49/month |
| Business | $95/month |
Strengths:
- Very easy to learn
- Connects to Airtable/Google Sheets
- Great for internal tools
- Fast prototyping
- Good design components
Weaknesses:
- Less flexible than Bubble
- Performance depends on data source
- Limited custom logic
- Best for simpler applications
What you can build:
- Member portals
- Internal dashboards
- Simple CRUD apps
- Directory sites
- Content platforms
4. Webflow
What it is: Visual website builder with CMS and logic capabilities.
Best for: Marketing websites, content sites, portfolios
Pricing:
| Plan | Price |
|---|---|
| Free | $0 |
| Core | $19/month |
| Business | $39/month |
| Enterprise | Custom |
Strengths:
- Beautiful design control
- Excellent for websites
- CMS built-in
- Designer-friendly
- Strong hosting
Weaknesses:
- Limited application logic
- Not great for complex apps
- More website-focused
- Less flexibility than Bubble
What you can build:
- Marketing websites
- Blogs with CMS
- Portfolios
- Landing pages
- Simple web apps
Platform Comparison Table
| Platform | Type | Best For | Difficulty | Flexibility | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bubble | Web apps | SaaS, marketplaces | Medium | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $29-295/mo |
| Flutterflow | Mobile | Consumer apps | Medium | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $30-70/mo |
| Softr | Web + data | Internal tools | Easy | ⭐⭐⭐ | $19-95/mo |
| Webflow | Websites | Marketing sites | Easy | ⭐⭐⭐ | $19-39/mo |
| Glide | Mobile | Simple apps | Very Easy | ⭐⭐ | $25-99/mo |
| Draftbit | Mobile + code | Hybrid apps | Medium | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $42/mo |
No-Code vs Custom Code Comparison
| Factor | No-Code | Custom Code |
|---|---|---|
| Time to MVP | 2-8 weeks | 8-16 weeks |
| Initial cost | $1,000-10,000 | $10,000-100,000+ |
| Monthly cost | $100-500 | $50-500 |
| Scalability | Limited | Unlimited |
| Flexibility | Platform limits | Complete control |
| Hiring developers | Easier to replace | Harder to replace |
When to Choose No-Code
Choose no-code if:
-
You can't code and can't find a technical co-founder
- No-code lets you build without depending on developers
-
Speed is more important than scale
- Launch in weeks, validate, then decide
-
Your MVP requirements are within platform limits
- Simple CRUD, standard flows, common features
-
You have limited budget
- $100/month vs $10,000+ for developers
-
You're validating an idea
- Test before investing in custom development
No-Code MVP Cost Breakdown
| Item | Cost Range |
|---|---|
Platform subscription (first 3 months) | $150-900 |
Design assets (optional) | $0-500 |
Integrations (Airtable, etc.) | $0-200 |
Custom domain & SSL | $20-50 |
| Analytics tools | $0-100 |
| Total | $200-1,750 |
Note: These are self-build costs. Hiring a no-code developer adds $3,000-15,000.
Platform Selection Guide
Your Need | Recommended Platform |
|---|---|
SaaS web application | Bubble |
Consumer mobile app | Flutterflow |
| Internal tool | Softr |
Marketing website + blog | Webflow |
| Simple mobile app | Glide |
Mobile app with code export | Draftbit |
The Bottom Line
No-code is legitimate for MVPs.
Choose no-code if:
- Speed to market matters more than flexibility
- Your requirements fit platform capabilities
- You want to validate before investing in custom code
Choose custom code if:
- You have technical co-founder
- Unique functionality required
- Performance is critical
- You're building for massive scale
Recommended platforms:
- Bubble for web/SaaS
- Flutterflow for mobile
- Softr for internal tools
At Startupbricks, we've helped dozens of founders build no-code MVPs. We can help you choose the right platform, plan your build, and avoid common mistakes.