Before I built my first app, I kept running into two terms that confused me: minimum viable product (MVP) and proof of concept (POC). At first, they sounded like the same thing—both are early versions of an idea. But when I started talking to clients and building real no-code apps, I realized they serve very different purposes.
If you're planning to build a product—whether with code or no-code—you’ll likely need both at different stages. But knowing which one to build first and why can save you weeks of work, money, and confusion. In this guide, I’ll break things down clearly and simply so you know exactly when to go with an MVP and when to start with a proof of concept.
Let’s clear up the difference and help you decide what fits your idea right now.
A proof of concept (POC) is like a small test to see if your idea is even possible. You’re not trying to build a full product yet. You just want to see if the basic idea works.
For example, let’s say you want to create an app that tracks plant health using your phone’s camera. A POC might be a basic test using AI tools to see if the camera can correctly identify sick leaves. You’re proving the concept works, even if the app isn’t ready yet.
Here’s what I usually tell clients about POCs:
● It’s not for users yet. It’s for you and maybe your team.
● It helps check if the technology works (or if the idea is even realistic).
● It’s often done before writing a single line of code or before opening a no-code builder.
You can use tools like OpenAI for testing AI models or APIs like Google Cloud Vision to create simple POCs without building the full app. In the no-code world, we often connect platforms like Make.com or Zapier to test if different tools can talk to each other.
An MVP, on the other hand, is a working version of your product. It has just enough features for early users to try it and give feedback. You’re not testing if the idea is possible—you’re testing if people actually want it.
Let’s go back to the plant health app. If the POC showed that the AI can detect sick plants, your MVP could be a simple mobile app where users upload a photo, get a result, and maybe get tips to treat the plant.
Here’s what an MVP usually includes:
● A simple user interface
● Only the must-have features
● A way to collect user feedback
● Real users can test it
You can build MVPs quickly using no-code tools like Webflow, Bubble, Glide, or Thunkable. If you’re unsure where to start, check this list of the best no-code app builders to choose the right tool.
Some people also work with an MVP development agency to speed things up. Agencies help you build, launch, and test your MVP while saving time and avoiding common mistakes.
While both MVPs and POCs are early steps in product development, their purposes are very different.
A POC is meant to answer one question: “Can we do this?” You’re checking if the idea is technically possible. This stage doesn’t need users or design. Sometimes, it’s just a backend test or a connection between tools.
An MVP, however, is about the market. You’ve already proven the idea can work. Now, you want to see if people will use it. This version needs to look and feel like a product, even if it’s basic. You also start to track how users interact, what they like, and what needs to change.
So, if your idea involves new or complex technology, a POC comes first. If the tech is already proven and you want to test the idea with users, start with an MVP.
You should go for a proof of concept first when:
● You’re trying to use new or complex technology.
● You’re not sure if two tools can work together.
● You’re building something no one has done before.
I’ve worked with founders who wanted to use blockchain with logistics tracking. Before anything else, we created a POC using Ethereum testnet to see if we could record shipment updates properly. Only when that worked did we move to an MVP.
A POC is like dipping your toe in the water before jumping in.
If you already know your idea is possible, skip the POC and go straight to an MVP. It makes sense when:
● You’re using known tools and methods (like food delivery apps).
● Your idea is simple and doesn’t rely on new tech.
● You need early user feedback to shape your product.
Let’s say you want to build a booking system for fitness classes. You know the features: calendar, payment, and reminders. You don’t need to prove anything new—just build and test. No-code platforms like Tilda, Softr, or Bubble can help you launch in a week or two.
Absolutely. In fact, no-code tools are perfect for both.
Here’s how I break it down:
● POC with No-code: Use tools like Airtable, Google Sheets, Zapier, and simple APIs. You’re just testing if the parts work together.
● MVP with No-code: Use full app builders like Bubble, Glide, or Adalo to create something users can interact with.
One of the best things about no-code is that you can go from POC to MVP without starting over. You can just add layers and features on top of your initial test.
Many MVP development agencies now specialize in no-code because it reduces cost and time while keeping quality high. If you're looking for quick delivery and flexibility, this path makes a lot of sense.
Whenever someone comes to me with an idea, I ask three simple questions:
If the answer to the first two is no, we start with an MVP. If they’re trying something new or technical, we start with a POC.
This saves them from wasting time and helps build trust with investors, partners, or team members. If you're ever pitching your startup, a working POC can be a game changer. And once your MVP is out, you’ll have real data to show what’s working.
Whether you're building it yourself or looking to hire mobile developer, no-code tools let you validate fast without sacrificing quality.
If you’re planning to turn an idea into reality, understanding the difference between a minimum viable product and a proof of concept is key.
● A POC proves that your idea is technically possible.
● An MVP tests whether people actually want to use it.
● You usually build a POC first, then turn it into an MVP.
● Both steps are easier and faster with no-code tools.
● Working with an MVP development agency can also help speed things up and avoid costly mistakes.
In the end, it’s not about skipping steps—it’s about building smart. If you’re trying to move fast and avoid waste, start with the right tool at the right time. Whether that’s a rough proof or a working product, now you know what to build next.
A proof of concept usually comes first. It helps you see if the idea can work. Once that’s clear, you move on to building the MVP, which is for testing with real users.
Yes, if the idea is simple and uses tools that already exist. But if your product involves new tech or unknown steps, it’s better to build a quick POC first.
Not always. Some investors are happy with a working MVP. But having a POC helps show that your idea is possible, especially for deep tech or AI-based products.
A POC usually takes a few days to a couple of weeks. It depends on the idea and how complex the technology is. Most of the time, you don’t need a full app—just a working demo.
Bubble is great for complex web apps, Glide works well for mobile apps, and Softr is perfect for building MVPs from Airtable data.
Disclaimer: The views expressed herein are for reference only and don't necessarily represent the official views of Alibaba Cloud.
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