AI app builders
Bolt: review, pricing, data and alternatives
Bolt creates applications from descriptions and lets users preview and edit them in a browser. It serves people who want to add databases, publish sites or retrieve project code. A free tier exists; the first paid plan costs $216 per year. Access and transparency score: 66/100, #4 of 12 in its category.
| Access | 25/30 | |
|---|---|---|
| Openness | 10/30 | |
| Trust | 31/40 |
What is Bolt?
Bolt creates applications from descriptions and lets users preview and edit them in a browser. It serves people who want to add databases, publish sites or retrieve project code.
According to its documentation, Bolt lets you:
- create an application from a description
- preview and edit an application in the browser
- add a database
- publish a site with a custom domain
- retrieve the project's code
We file it under AI app builders, the category of tools to build an app or site without coding, and it also overlaps with website builders. The category lists 12 verified tools on this site.
The publisher is StackBlitz, Inc., based in United States. The service launched in 2024.
Who is it for?
It is mostly useful to these profiles: developers, freelancers, small business owners, and graphic designers. The need it covers is simple to state: build an app or site without coding.
Bolt is a good candidate if:
- you want to try before paying
Before deciding, run a trial on a real task and measure the time saved: it is the only criterion that really counts.
How much does Bolt cost?
Pricing model: freemium (limited free use, then paid). A free plan is offered, usually limited in volume or features.
The first paid plan costs $216 per year (Pro, billed annually, equivalent to USD 18 per month, excluding taxes), according to the pricing page, checked on October 24, 2026.
Per month, that is close to the category median ($20 per month, based on tools with a published price).
To estimate what the same work would cost done directly with an AI model, use our API price calculator. Prices change often: always check the official site before subscribing.
Data and privacy
According to its privacy policy, data is processed in several regions depending on the plan.
Exporting your content: yes (details on the official site). Being able to get your data back makes switching tools easier later.
Three habits apply to every AI tool:
- turn off the use of your content for training if the option exists
- use a work account separate from your personal account
- review everything the tool produces before publishing or sending it
Platforms, languages and API
Bolt runs on: web browser.
Interface languages are not specified.
There is no public API: the tool is used only through its interface.
How we scored it
Our 66/100 score does not judge output quality: it measures what can be publicly verified about access to the tool, its openness and how far the publisher can be trusted.
| Criterion | Points | What counts |
|---|---|---|
| Access | 25/30 | free tier, published price, French interface |
| Openness | 10/30 | API, data export, open code |
| Trust | 31/40 | identified publisher, declared hosting, age, presence in reference lists |
The full calculation is explained on our method page.
Comparison with alternatives
Bolt against other tools in the aI app builders category:
| Tool | Free | Entry price | API | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bolt | Yes | $216 per year | No | 66 |
| Taskade | Yes | $10 per month | Yes | 86 |
| v0 | Yes | $30 per month | Yes | 75 |
| AppDeploy | Yes | $200 per year | Yes | 68 |
| Lovable | Yes | $25 per month | – | 66 |
| Base44 | Yes | $16 per month | Yes | 65 |
| Berrry Computer | Yes | $20 per month | Yes | 58 |
| Mage — GPT Web App Generator | Yes | not published | – | 58 |
Verdict
Bolt is a decent option; compare its price and terms with the category leaders.
Strengths
- Free tier to try it
Limitations
- No API
Avoid if…
- You plan to automate it or connect it to an agent
Alternatives
Categories and jobs
Learn more
Frequently asked questions
Is Bolt free?
Yes, a free plan exists, with usage limits. The first paid plan costs $216 per year.
Where is Bolt data stored?
According to the publisher, in several regions depending on the plan.
Does Bolt have an API?
No, no public API so far.
What are the alternatives to Bolt?
In the same category: Taskade, v0, AppDeploy, and Lovable.
Bolt or Taskade: which one to choose?
Bolt starts at $216 per year, Taskade at $10 per month, only Taskade offers an API, and our score is 66/100 for Bolt and 86/100 for Taskade. Try both on the same task before paying.
Related articles
- Creating videos with AI: what works todayOctober 10, 2026
- Generating images with AI: tools, pricing, and limitationsOctober 9, 2026
- How to use NotebookLM: a complete guideOctober 8, 2026
- Free ChatGPT alternatives: what they actually offerOctober 7, 2026
Neutrality. No affiliate links. No vendor pays to be reviewed, rated or ranked. Reviews are directed by François Chollet, neutral and factual, and every data point is dated and sourced. How we score