The Bubble.io Table Element has been in beta for over 18 months, and many developers wonder whether they should use it or stick with Repeating Groups for displaying structured data. If you’re building a dashboard, data-heavy app, or user-facing reports, choosing the right approach can make a significant impact on performance and user experience.
In this guide, we’ll break down the pros and cons of Repeating Groups vs. Tables in Bubble.io, including pagination, responsiveness, and best use cases.
Advantages of Using the Table Element in Bubble.io
The main advantage of using the table element is that it ensures all columns and rows are neatly aligned without requiring custom formatting. This is ideal for desktop-based applications with static data dashboards.
However, the downsides of the table element outweigh its benefits.
Why the Table Element Is Limited in Bubble.io
No Native Pagination – Unlike repeating groups, Bubble’s table element does not support built-in pagination. A repeating group allows Next/Previous buttons to navigate data, but tables require a workaround that involves multiple database queries, which is inefficient.
Not Optimized for Large Datasets – Tables rely on Bubble’s internal optimization, which can result in slower load times when displaying hundreds or thousands of records.
Limited Sorting & Filtering Features – Tables do not support dynamic sorting, real-time filtering, or other customization features that repeating groups offer. Adding these requires extra workflows and manual setup.
Why Repeating Groups Are the Better Option
1. Built-in Pagination and Performance Optimization
Repeating groups allow native pagination without requiring extra database queries. You can load data in smaller chunks (e.g., 10 or 20 records at a time), which keeps your app running smoothly.
2. More Control Over Design & Responsiveness
While tables lack responsiveness, repeating groups adapt to mobile and tablet screens. You can define column widths, adjust layouts dynamically, and use conditional visibility for different screen sizes.
3. Easier Data Sorting, Filtering, and Customization
Repeating groups allow:
• Dynamic sorting (e.g., alphabetical order, date, numerical sorting)
• Filtering with search bars (e.g., “Show only active users”)
• Real-time updates (ideal for dashboards and live data feeds)
These features make repeating groups a more scalable and flexible solution for handling data-heavy applications.
Alternative: Using a Table Plugin
If you prefer using a table layout but need advanced features like filtering and search, consider third-party plugins.