Bolt.new - Replit alternative

Bolt.new is a browser-based AI platform for developing, editing, and deploying full-stack web applications, giving AI models complete control over the entire environment including the filesystem, node server, package manager, terminal, and browser console. It integrates AI models with an in-browser development environment powered by StackBlitz's WebContainers, allowing users to install and run npm tools and libraries like Vite and Next.js. Solo developers favor this Replit alternative because it eliminates local setup requirements while providing instant deployment and shareable URLs. It runs JavaScript/Node.js projects locally in your browser via WebContainers rather than on a remote VM.

Strengths

Full-stack development capability in the browser with npm package installation, Node.js server execution, third-party API integration, and one-click production deployment
Prompt-based development generates functional web applications from plain English descriptions with real-time editing and instant feedback on errors
Token-based pricing with multiple tiers (10M to 120M tokens monthly) and real-time collaboration features for multiplayer coding
Supports top-tier AI models including GPT-4 and Claude for code generation
Integrated deployment through platforms like Netlify without requiring separate hosting accounts
Browser-based IDE allows manual code modification and source editing after AI generation

Weaknesses

Complex projects may require significant token consumption and manual adjustments to generated code
Effective use requires learning to craft precise prompts, which can take time for new users
Browser-based environment can affect performance during intensive development tasks
JavaScript/Node.js projects only; complex or non-JS technology stacks are out of scope
Monthly tokens do not roll over between billing cycles

Best for

Indie hackers, solo founders, and rapid prototypers who build JavaScript full-stack applications and prefer browser-based development with AI assistance. Ideal for MVPs, educational projects, and developers who value quick turnaround without local environment configuration.

Pricing plans

Free Plan — $0/month — 150,000 tokens daily, 1M tokens monthly
Pro Plan — $20/month — 10M tokens monthly, real-time collaboration, Claude/GPT-4 access
Pro 50 Plan — $50/month — 26M tokens monthly, priority support
Pro 100 Plan — $100/month — 55M tokens monthly, priority support
Pro 200 Plan — $200/month — 120M tokens monthly, priority support
Teams Plan — $30/month per member — 10M tokens monthly per member
Teams 60 Plan — $60/month per member — 26M tokens monthly per member
Teams 110 Plan — $110/month per member — 55M tokens monthly per member
Teams 210 Plan — $210/month per member — 120M tokens monthly per member
Enterprise — Custom pricing — Contact for quote

Tech details

Type: Browser-based AI-powered IDE
IDEs: Built-in browser editor with syntax highlighting and code modification capabilities
Key features: Prompt-based development, real-time editing, custom components/templates, integrated deployment, AI-assisted error detection, full-stack development with database and API integration
Privacy / hosting: Cloud-based platform running in browser via WebContainers. Projects can be published to .bolt.host domains or deployed to third-party services like Netlify. No local installation required.
Models / context window: Claude Sonnet 3.5, GPT-4, and other top-tier AI models. Context window size Unknown.
Supported frameworks: Astro, Vite, Next.js, Svelte, Vue, Remix, and Expo for mobile apps
Browser compatibility: Works best in Chrome and Chromium-based browsers. Ad blockers may interfere with functionality

When to choose this over Replit

You want AI-first development where natural language prompts generate entire applications without manual scaffolding
You need instant deployment with shareable URLs and integrated Netlify hosting without managing separate deployment pipelines
You prefer token-based pricing that scales with actual AI usage rather than fixed subscription costs for compute resources

When Replit may be a better fit

You work with non-JavaScript languages or technology stacks outside the Node.js ecosystem
You require persistent development environments with heavy computational tasks that may strain browser-based execution
You need collaborative features beyond code editing, such as multiplayer terminals, database management, or team workspace organization

Conclusion

Bolt.new delivers a browser-based AI platform for full-stack web development with zero local setup. Its token-based pricing model, flexible plans from free to $200/month, and deep AI integration make it suited for fast-moving product builders. The platform excels at rapid prototyping and JavaScript application development. It's excellent for rapid prototypes, learning environments, and shareable demos, though complex or non-JavaScript stacks remain out of scope.

Sources

FAQ

What frameworks does Bolt.new support?

Bolt.new supports Astro, Vite, Next.js, Svelte, Vue, and Remix for web applications, plus Expo for mobile app development. Most popular JavaScript frameworks and libraries that run on StackBlitz will work on Bolt.new.

Do I need coding experience to use Bolt.new?

While basic coding knowledge is helpful, Bolt.new is designed to be accessible to beginners and experienced developers, though effective use may require clear prompting and some understanding of web development concepts.

How does token-based pricing work in Bolt.new?

Tokens are the "currency" used when generating AI code or prompts inside Bolt. Higher plans provide more tokens for AI model usage like Claude or GPT-4. The free plan includes 150,000 tokens daily and 1 million tokens monthly. Monthly tokens do not roll over, but extra purchased tokens will roll over while on a paid subscription.

Can I modify the AI-generated code manually?

Yes, Bolt.new provides a browser-based IDE where you can manually add changes and modify the source code after AI generation. The platform supports both AI-driven and manual code editing workflows.

Does Bolt.new provide hosting and deployment?

Bolt.new itself does not host applications but integrates with deployment services like Netlify for easy deployment. All users can publish projects to .bolt.host domains without needing third-party accounts.

What happens when I reach the free usage limit?

Once your free daily token limit is reached, AI interactions are paused until the next day or until you upgrade your plan. You can continue editing code manually, but AI generation features become unavailable until token limits reset.

Bolt