Workload tiers are a subscription add-on option available to any app on a Starter plan or above. If you outgrow the workload units (WU) that come bundled into your app plan, you can purchase a workload tier to get additional workload units and unlock lower overage rates to meet your project’s usage needs.
Common Scenarios
Can I use a higher workload tier for just a few days? Yes, you can upgrade to a higher tier for a few days to cover temporary increases in usage. Charges will be prorated based on the days the higher tier was active.
What happens if I downgrade before the billing period ends? Downgrading early can result in overage charges for usage exceeding your new tier’s capacity. Consider waiting until the billing cycle ends before making tier adjustments.
Do I get a refund for unused days after downgrading? Yes, proration ensures any unused portion of the downgraded tier is credited back and applied to your next billing cycle.
Additionally, if overages are not enabled and your app exceeds its workload capacity, it may temporarily go offline until necessary actions, such as purchasing additional workload tiers or enabling overages, are taken.
Billing for workloads is aligned with the calendar of your main application subscription, offering synchronized billing schedules. Additionally, workload tier subscriptions automatically renew at the end of each billing cycle unless canceled or downgraded. These features ensure uninterrupted access to the added workload units while streamlining payment processes.
In case you decide to cancel a workload tier, the charges are prorated, ensuring you are only billed for the days used, and any unused amount is credited seamlessly.
Proration plays a crucial role in managing billing for workload tiers. For instance, if you upgrade your tier halfway through a billing cycle, charges are calculated based on the days remaining in that cycle. Similarly, downgrading partway through results in a credit for unused days, which will appear on your next invoice. This ensures you pay only for what you use, offering cost-efficiency and flexibility.
We currently have 4 workload tiers, which offer a range of 200K to 20M additional workload units for your app. See our workload tier comparison chart for more details.
Bubble resets monthly workload usage at 12 AM UTC on the 1st of each calendar month, independent of your billing date. To optimize tier usage, consider upgrading for high-demand months and downgrading just before the reset for lower-traffic periods, reducing costs effectively.
To optimize costs, take advantage of Bubble’s proration system by upgrading your tier for high-traffic months and downgrading during low-traffic periods. Planning these changes alongside your monthly workload reset ensures maximum efficiency. Regularly reviewing app usage trends can also help identify the best times for tier adjustments, minimizing costs while ensuring adequate coverage.
It’s important to upgrade your tier well ahead of high-traffic periods to prevent any service interruptions. Similarly, monitor your usage closely to identify optimal downgrading periods.
When anticipating increased app usage, strategically upgrade your workload tier ahead of time. Once the higher tier is active, it safeguards against overage charges during high demand. Similarly, avoid downgrading until near the end of the billing cycle to fully utilize your current tier allocation and prevent additional charges.
