Bolt.new — Describe a web app, Bolt builds and runs it in the browser. Makers and developers who want to turn an idea into a working web app in minutes. Editorial rating: 4/5 (Recommended).
What is Bolt.new?
Bolt.new holds a trump card few rivals have: it's made by StackBlitz, the inventor of WebContainers — the tech that runs a real Node environment right inside the browser tab. As a result, Bolt doesn't just write code from a prompt: it actually runs it, installs npm dependencies, starts the dev server and shows you the app running, all as you chat.
That's what makes it one of the most jaw-dropping 'prompt-to-app' tools to start with: you describe a full-stack web app, watch it come to life, iterate visually by chatting, then export the code or deploy. Ideal for turning an idea into a working MVP in minutes.
Two common-sense caveats. Free tokens burn fast (each generation consumes some), and the code is built to start strong, not to ship straight into heavy production: on a real project, plan a hand-off and hardening pass with a developer. For prototyping and pitching, though, it's formidable.
Bolt.new review: our hands-on test
Bolt.new
Official visual coming soon
Stunning for going from idea to a web prototype that actually runs. Use it to start fast, then harden the code for production.
Bolt.new pricing
Pricing verified in June 2026, subject to change — check the official site.
Pros and cons
Strengths
- Prompt → running full-stack web app
- Installs dependencies and runs the project
- Fast visual iteration
- Code export and deployment
Weaknesses
- Free tokens burn quickly
- Better for prototyping than heavy production
- Code needs hardening for large projects
Who is it for?
Makers and developers who want to turn an idea into a working web app in minutes.
Use cases
Bolt.new vs v0
Bolt.new in video
Frequently asked questions
- Is Bolt.new free?
- Bolt.new offers a free version, then paid plans (Free (tokens) · from $25/mo).
- Who is Bolt.new for?
- Makers and developers who want to turn an idea into a working web app in minutes.
- What are the alternatives to Bolt.new?
- Alternatives to Bolt.new include: v0, Lovable, Claude. Compare them to choose based on your needs and budget.
Best alternatives to Bolt.new
v0
Generate polished React/Tailwind UIs from a text prompt.
Lovable
Build a full application by chatting, without coding.
Claude
The assistant that shines at long-form writing and reasoning.