Bolt
Bolt builds and runs full-stack apps in your browser from a prompt. Best for going from idea to a running web app, fast.
The Spinoza Score
Reviewed by Kamran Arshad. See how we evaluate · Updated 2026-07-13.
- Category
- coding
- Starts at
- Free
- Platforms
- Launched
- Jan 2024
- Last reviewed
- 2026-07-13
The quickest way to a working full-stack app in the browser. Great for prototypes and non-heavy builds.
Bolt (bolt.new) prompts a full-stack web app into existence and runs it right in the browser, no setup. It scaffolds the frontend, backend, and preview, and you refine by chatting. It sits between no-code builders and real IDEs: friendlier than Cursor, more capable than a pure prototyper. For fast MVPs and web apps, it's a joy; for large production codebases, a real editor still wins.
What Bolt actually looks like
Scroll inside the panel to see the full homepage. Live screenshot — updates as the product evolves.
Best for
- Fast MVPs and prototypes
- Web apps without local setup
- Builders between no-code and IDE
Not for
- Large production codebases
- Fine-grained developer control
What it actually does
Prompt to full-stack app
Describe an app and Bolt scaffolds frontend, backend, and a live preview, all in the browser.
Runs in the browser
No local setup: the whole dev environment and preview run in a tab.
Chat to refine
Iterate by talking to it, and see changes run instantly.
Deploy fast
Push a working app live in a few clicks.
Live preview
Watch the app update in real time as you prompt and refine.
Framework support
Works with popular web frameworks out of the box, no config.
Composite of hands-on testing and editorial review — five dimensions, each rated 0–5 against the same published rubric for every tool in the category. How we score →
- Overall
- 4.4/5
- Code Quality
- 4.2/5
- Capability
- 4.4/5
- Ease of Use
- 4.5/5
- Speed
- 4.5/5
- Value
- 4.2/5
What it costs, by tier
Free tokens to start; paid from around $20/mo for more usage. Confirm current pricing.
Free token allowance.
More usage and larger builds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bolt best for?
Turning an idea into a running full-stack web app quickly, entirely in the browser.
Bolt or Cursor?
Bolt to spin up a working app fast without setup. Cursor for deep, ongoing development in a real codebase.
Is Bolt free?
There's a free allowance of tokens; paid plans (from about $20/mo) add more usage.
Can Bolt deploy apps?
Yes, you can push a working app live in a few clicks.
Ready to try Bolt?
Prompt a running full-stack app into your browser.
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