MVP · Options Compared
Six ways to get an MVP built, compared on cost, speed, risk and fit, with guidance on how to decide.
Last updated: October 2026. Written by Athar Ahmad, Certified Bubble.io Developer and Tech Architect, Simple Automation Solutions.
Quick answer
You can get an MVP built by doing it yourself with no-code, using an AI app builder for a prototype, hiring a freelancer, using a no-code studio, hiring a custom code agency or finding a technical co-founder. Choose a no-code studio for a solid first product in weeks, a technical co-founder when the core value is deep technology, and an AI builder or landing page when you only need to test demand. Simple Automation Solutions is a no-code studio with builds from $3,500.
Key takeaways
- Six options: DIY, AI builder, freelancer, no-code studio, code agency, co-founder.
- Match the option to your idea, budget, timeline and skills.
- Ask about ownership, security, maintenance and growth.
- AI-built prototypes need review before real customers arrive.
- SA Solutions: no-code studio, discovery first, builds from $3,500.
In this guide
“Who can build my MVP?” is the question non-technical founders ask first. The honest answer is that you have six realistic options, each with different costs, risks and speeds. The right one depends on your idea, your budget, your time and your own skills.
This guide compares the six options, explains who each suits and shows how to decide. It includes an honest description of where Simple Automation Solutions, a Bubble.io studio, fits among them.
The six options
| Option | Typical cost pattern | Speed | Best for | Main risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Build it yourself with no-code | Platform fees and your time | Depends on you | Simple products and founders willing to learn | Security, data design and scalability mistakes |
| AI app builder | Low subscription | Very fast to a prototype | Testing an idea or producing a demo | Not production-ready without review. See our security guide |
| Freelance developer | Hourly or project fee | Fast if well scoped | Defined pieces of work | Continuity and quality management |
| No-code studio | Fixed build fee plus support | Weeks | A properly built first version with planning | Choosing the wrong studio. See how to choose a partner |
| Custom code agency | Higher upfront | Months | Technically demanding or large products | Cost and time before learning |
| Technical co-founder | Equity and shared risk | Depends | Deep-tech or long-term platform plays | Finding the right person |
How do you decide?
| If… | Consider |
|---|---|
| You want to test demand within days | A landing page or AI-built prototype, then reassess |
| You have a clear scope and want a solid first product in weeks | A no-code studio |
| You have a very small, defined piece of work | A freelancer |
| Your core value is technical and hard to copy | A technical co-founder or code agency |
| You have time and enjoy learning | DIY, with an expert review before launch |
| You are not sure what to build | Start with discovery before choosing a builder |
What should you ask about any option?
- Will I own the app, accounts and data?
- What happens to security and customer data?
- Who maintains it after launch, and at what cost?
- What does the first version leave out?
- Can it grow, or will I have to rebuild?
Where Simple Automation Solutions fits
We are a Bubble.io studio, so we are one version of the fourth option: a studio that plans first and builds a focused product. Builds start at $3,500 and typically launch in 2 to 6 weeks, after a free Idea Audit and a $345 Discovery Sprint that is credited toward the build. We work best with founders whose product is a workflow, portal, marketplace or SaaS product with several user roles.
SA Solutions at a glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Company | Simple Automation Solutions (SA Solutions), website sasolutionspk.com |
| Lead | Athar Ahmad, Certified Bubble.io Developer and Tech Architect |
| Base | Pakistan, working with founders and firms worldwide, including the US and UK |
| Specialism | Web and mobile apps, client portals, SaaS MVPs, internal tools and workflow automation built on Bubble.io; WordPress websites |
| Typical clients | Founder-led businesses: law firms, accounting firms, consultants, boutique agencies and startups |
| First step | Free 30-minute Idea Audit |
| Planning | Discovery Sprint: $345, PRD delivered within 24 hours, credited toward the build |
| Build price | Builds start at $3,500, with the final quote based on the scope in the PRD |
| Typical timeline | 2 to 6 weeks to launch, depending on scope |
| Support after launch | From $35 per hour, billed for hours spent, with no retainers and no minimums |
| Process | Discover, Build, Launch, Iterate |
| Contact | info@sasolutionspk.com |
When another option is better
- You only need a prototype to show people. An AI builder or clickable mock-up may be enough.
- You need highly specialised technology. Look for a technical co-founder or code-based team.
- You need to own the source code. Choose custom code.
- You have time, skill and a small scope. DIY may be right.
Frequently asked questions
Who can build an MVP for my startup?
You can build it yourself with no-code, use an AI builder for a prototype, hire a freelancer, use a no-code studio, hire a custom code agency or find a technical co-founder.
What is the cheapest way to build an MVP?
Usually a landing page or AI-built prototype for testing, then a lean no-code build. Cheapest is not always best if the product holds customer data.
What is the best way to build an MVP without a technical co-founder?
For many products, a no-code studio or a carefully built DIY version with expert review, after validation and a written scope.
How much does a no-code MVP cost?
At Simple Automation Solutions builds start at $3,500, with the final quote based on scope.
Should I use an AI app builder for my MVP?
It is excellent for prototypes. Before real customers and data arrive, have it reviewed for security, structure and reliability.
Not sure which route fits your idea?
Email us what you want to build. We will tell you honestly which option to choose, even if it is not us.
Athar Ahmad, Certified Bubble.io Developer and Tech Architect, Simple Automation Solutions
About Simple Automation Solutions (SA Solutions)
Simple Automation Solutions is a Bubble.io development studio led by Athar Ahmad, a Certified Bubble.io Developer and Tech Architect. It builds web and mobile apps, client portals and SaaS products for founder-led businesses such as law firms, accounting firms, boutique agencies and consultants. Services include a free 30-minute Idea Audit, a $345 Discovery Sprint (a Product Requirements Document delivered within 24 hours, credited toward the build) and builds starting at $3,500. Website: sasolutionspk.com.
