Complete comparison of Bolt.new, Lovable, and v0 for AI app development. Features, pricing, and which AI builder to choose for MVPs and prototypes in 2025.
Bolt.new vs Lovable vs v0: Which AI App Builder Should You Use in 2025?
Building apps without coding is no longer a fantasy. AI app builders have gone from novelty to necessity.
Three platforms dominate: Bolt.new, Lovable, and v0 by Vercel.
All three can turn text descriptions into working applications. But they're built for different users and use cases.
Here's how to choose.
The Quick Comparison
| Factor |
Bolt.new |
Lovable |
v0 |
| Best For |
Developers, browser coding |
Non-tech founders |
Frontend/UI components |
| Output |
Full-stack apps |
Full-stack apps |
React UI components |
| Backend |
Yes |
Yes (Supabase) |
No (frontend only) |
| Deployment |
Built-in |
Built-in |
Vercel |
| Pricing |
$20/month |
$20/month |
$20/month |
| Unique Feature |
WebContainer (no setup) |
Plain English → full app |
Image-to-code |
TL;DR:
- Choose Bolt.new for developer-friendly browser-based coding
- Choose Lovable for non-technical founders building MVPs fast
- Choose v0 for high-quality React UI components
What These Tools Actually Do
All three use AI to generate code from descriptions. But they approach it differently.
Bolt.new
Bolt runs your entire development environment in the browser via WebContainer technology. No local setup, no installs—code runs instantly in your browser tab.
What you describe: "Build a task management app with user auth"
What you get: Full application running in browser, deployable immediately
Lovable
Lovable takes a true no-code approach. Describe your app in plain language, and it generates UI, backend, and database schema automatically.
What you describe: "I need an app where users can track expenses and split bills with friends"
What you get: Complete full-stack app with Supabase backend
v0 (Vercel)
v0 focuses on generating production-ready React components. It's not a full app builder—it's a UI component generator integrated with the Next.js/Vercel ecosystem.
What you describe: "A pricing page with three tiers and a toggle for monthly/annual"
What you get: Clean React component with Tailwind CSS, ready to drop into your project
Head-to-Head: Full-Stack Capability
Bolt.new
Frontend: React, Vue, Svelte, vanilla JS
Backend: Node.js, Express, any framework
Database: Any (via code)
Auth: Any solution you implement
Capability: Full-stack, but you're writing code (AI-assisted)
Lovable
Frontend: React
Backend: Supabase (built-in integration)
Database: Supabase Postgres
Auth: Supabase Auth (built-in)
Capability: Full-stack with opinionated stack (Supabase)
v0
Frontend: React with Tailwind
Backend: None (UI only)
Database: None
Auth: None
Capability: Frontend components only
Verdict: Lovable is most "complete" for non-developers. Bolt.new is most flexible for developers. v0 is frontend-only.
Head-to-Head: Ease of Use
Bolt.new
Learning curve: Medium
Bolt is easier than traditional development but still code-centric. You'll see code, edit code, and debug code—AI just helps you write it.
Best for: Developers who want AI acceleration, not AI replacement.
Lovable
Learning curve: Low
Truly describe what you want in plain English. Lovable generates everything. You can refine by describing changes.
Best for: Non-technical founders, product people, anyone who can describe but not code.
v0
Learning curve: Low to Medium
Simple to generate components. Understanding how to integrate them into your codebase requires basic React knowledge.
Best for: Developers building UIs, designers creating mockups.
Verdict: Lovable is easiest for non-developers. Bolt.new for developers. v0 is easy but limited scope.
Head-to-Head: Output Quality
Bolt.new
Code quality: Varies based on prompting
Production ready: Usually needs cleanup
Customization: Unlimited (it's code)
The AI generates reasonable code, but complex apps need refinement. Think "fast prototype" not "ship tomorrow."
Lovable
Code quality: Consistent, opinionated
Production ready: Good for MVPs
Customization: Limited without coding
Lovable produces clean, working code quickly. The Supabase integration is well-done. Good enough to launch and iterate.
v0
Code quality: Very high
Production ready: Yes
Customization: Easy (React components)
v0 produces the cleanest code because scope is limited. UI components are production-quality, properly styled with Tailwind.
Verdict: v0 for quality (limited scope). Lovable for MVP quality (full apps). Bolt.new varies by complexity.
Head-to-Head: Unique Capabilities
Bolt.new: WebContainer
The killer feature is WebContainer—run full Node.js environment in your browser.
- No local setup ever
- Works from any device
- Instant preview of changes
- Deploy directly from browser
For developers: This is significant. Start coding from an iPad, Chromebook, anything.
Lovable: Plain English → Full App
Lovable's strength is true non-technical app building.
- Describe app in plain English
- AI handles architecture decisions
- Database schema auto-generated
- Iterate by describing changes
For non-developers: Actually works. You can build and launch without touching code.
v0: Image-to-Code
v0 is the only platform with image-to-code:
- Upload a Figma screenshot
- v0 generates matching React component
- High fidelity reproduction
- Perfect for design handoff
For design teams: Game-changing for turning mockups into code.
Verdict: Each has a unique strength. Choose based on which matters most.
Real-World Use Cases
Use Case 1: MVP for Startup Idea
Best choice: Lovable
Scenario: You have a startup idea and need a working prototype to show investors.
Why Lovable: Describe your app, get a working prototype with real backend, deploy same day. No coding needed.
Use Case 2: Internal Tool for Your Team
Best choice: Bolt.new
Scenario: You need a custom internal tool and have some technical ability.
Why Bolt.new: Flexibility to build exactly what you need. No local setup means fast iteration.
Use Case 3: New Feature UI for Existing App
Best choice: v0
Scenario: You need UI components for a feature in your existing React app.
Why v0: Generate high-quality components that drop directly into your codebase. Best code quality for UI.
Use Case 4: Client Prototype
Best choice: Lovable or Bolt.new
Scenario: Agency needs to show client a working prototype quickly.
Why either: Both can produce impressive demos fast. Lovable for non-technical team members, Bolt for developers.
Use Case 5: Learning React/Development
Best choice: Bolt.new
Scenario: Learning to code and want AI assistance.
Why Bolt.new: See the actual code, understand what's happening, learn by doing with AI guidance.
Pricing Breakdown
Bolt.new
| Plan |
Cost |
Features |
| Free |
$0 |
Limited usage |
| Pro |
$20/month |
Unlimited |
| Team |
Custom |
Collaboration |
Lovable
| Plan |
Cost |
Features |
| Free |
$0 |
Limited projects |
| Starter |
$20/month |
Full features |
| Pro |
$50/month |
Priority + more credits |
v0
| Plan |
Cost |
Features |
| Free |
$0 |
Permanent free tier |
| Premium |
$20/month |
More generations |
Note: All three received major updates in October 2025—pricing and features may evolve.
Verdict: All similarly priced at $20/month. Free tiers let you test before committing.
Integration and Deployment
Bolt.new
- Deploy directly from browser
- Netlify integration
- Export code to GitHub
- Run locally if desired
Lovable
- One-click Lovable hosting
- Supabase backend included
- Custom domain support
- Export code available
v0
- Optimized for Vercel deployment
- Export to any React project
- Shadcn/ui component system
- Drop into existing codebases
Verdict: Lovable is most turnkey. v0 integrates best with existing projects. Bolt.new is most flexible.
Limitations to Know
Bolt.new Limitations
- AI can struggle with complex business logic
- Browser environment has constraints
- Not ideal for heavy backend processing
- Quality depends heavily on prompting skill
Lovable Limitations
- Locked into Supabase ecosystem
- Limited to React frontend
- Complex customization requires coding
- May generate unnecessary code
v0 Limitations
- No backend at all—UI components only
- Limited to React + Tailwind
- Requires existing codebase to use output
- Not for complete app building
When to Use Each
Choose Bolt.new If:
- You're a developer who wants AI acceleration
- You work across devices and want browser-based dev
- You need flexibility in tech stack choices
- You're learning to code and want to see the AI's work
- You want to customize deeply after initial generation
Choose Lovable If:
- You're non-technical but need a working app
- You want the fastest path to deployed MVP
- Supabase fits your needs (most MVPs: yes)
- You're validating a startup idea before investing in dev
- You prefer describing over coding entirely
Choose v0 If:
- You're building UI components for existing React apps
- You have Figma designs to convert to code
- You're on the Vercel/Next.js ecosystem
- You need production-quality frontend code
- Backend is already handled or separate
The Hybrid Approach
Many teams use multiple tools:
- v0 for UI component generation
- Lovable for rapid prototyping
- Bolt.new for custom development work
They're not mutually exclusive. Use the right tool for each task.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Bolt.new build full-stack apps?
Yes. Bolt.new supports full-stack development with React/Vue/Svelte frontends and Node.js backends. Unlike Lovable's opinionated stack or v0's frontend-only approach, Bolt gives you flexibility but requires more technical involvement.
Is Lovable really no-code?
Essentially yes. You describe your app in plain English, and Lovable generates UI, backend, database, and auth. You can launch without touching code. For customization beyond basic changes, some coding helps.
Can v0 build complete applications?
No. v0 generates React UI components only—no backend, database, or auth. It's designed to create production-ready frontend components that you integrate into existing projects, not complete applications.
Which is best for non-technical founders?
Lovable. It's purpose-built for non-developers to describe apps and get working products. Bolt.new requires comfort with code, and v0 requires existing technical infrastructure.
Can I export code from these platforms?
Yes, all three allow code export. Bolt.new and v0 produce standard React code you can run anywhere. Lovable code exports cleanly but is optimized for Supabase backend.
Which produces the best code quality?
v0 produces the cleanest code, but it's limited to UI components. For full applications, Lovable produces consistent, well-structured code. Bolt.new quality varies based on prompt complexity.
The Bottom Line
The AI app builder space is evolving rapidly. All three platforms can help you build faster.
Bolt.new: Browser-based development for developers who want AI assistance without giving up control.
Lovable: True no-code for non-technical founders who need working apps, not just mockups.
v0: UI component generator for teams building on React/Next.js who need production-quality frontend code.
For most non-technical founders building MVPs: Lovable gets you to launch fastest.
For developers wanting AI assistance: Bolt.new gives you flexibility and learning opportunity.
For UI development within existing apps: v0 produces the best component code.
The barrier to building software has never been lower. These tools are your entry point.
Need help turning your app idea into reality? Cedar Operations helps companies evaluate tools and implement technology solutions. Let's discuss your project →
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