Bubble vs Knock: Full Comparison (2026)
Pricing, features, scores, and a clear verdict on which one is right for you.
The bottom line
Bubble positions itself as "visual full-stack no-code app builder" while Knock goes after "notification infrastructure for developers" — so the right pick depends on which problem you're actually solving. Both use freemium pricing, but Bubble charges flat while Knock charges per message — a meaningful difference for larger teams. Bubble (founded 2012) has had more time to build out its ecosystem and integrations, while Knock (2021) tends to move faster on modern UX and newer workflows.
At a glance
| Bubble | Knock | |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 71/100 | 84/100 |
| Starting price | Free | Free |
| Free tier | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Visual full-stack no-code app builder | Notification infrastructure for developers |
Pricing comparison
Calculate your cost
Feature comparison
core
| Feature | Bubble | Knock |
|---|---|---|
| Visual builder | Yes | No |
| Database (built-in) | Yes | No |
| Workflows/logic | Yes | No |
| API integrations | Yes | No |
| User auth | Yes | No |
| Multi-channel notifications | No | Yes |
| Workflow builder | No | Yes |
| User preferences | No | Yes |
| In-app feed | No | Yes |
| Template management | No | Yes |
Ratings breakdown
What the data tells us
How costs scale
Knock's pricing curve is steeper — the jump from its entry plan to its top tier is more dramatic than Bubble's. If you're a growing team, model the 12-month cost at your projected team size, not just today's. Bubble tends to stay more predictable as you add seats or usage.
Key capabilities you'd miss
Choosing Bubble means going without Multi-channel notifications, Workflow builder, User preferences (which Knock offers). Choosing Knock means losing Visual builder, Database (built-in), Workflows/logic. These are the features that typically drive the final decision — check whether your workflow depends on any of them before committing.
What company size tells you
Bubble (51-200 employees) has the engineering bench to ship features across many fronts but may iterate slower on individual requests. Knock (1-10 employees) typically ships faster on its core product but may lag on peripheral features. Consider which matters more for your roadmap.
Choose Bubble if...
- You want a free tier to get started
- You value powerful features over simplicity
- You need enterprise-grade capabilities
Choose Knock if...
- You want a free tier to get started
- You value an intuitive, easy-to-use interface
- Getting strong value for money is a priority
Frequently asked questions
Is Bubble or Knock better?
Knock scores 84/100 compared to Bubble's 71/100 on VendorVS. However, the best choice depends on your needs — Bubble excels at ease of use (7/10) while Knock scores 9/10.
How much does Bubble cost compared to Knock?
Bubble starts at free (free tier available). Knock starts at free (free tier available). Bubble is the more affordable option.
Does Bubble or Knock have a free plan?
Yes, both Bubble and Knock offer free tiers, so you can try each before committing to a paid plan.
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