Bolt.new
Open source, lightning-fast prototyping platform
Overview
Bolt.new stands out in the AI coding landscape for its open source transparency and blazing speed. With an average time of just 28 minutes from concept to working prototype, Bolt.new is the fastest tool for rapid prototyping. Its open source engine supports both cloud and local AI models, giving developers unprecedented transparency and control.
Key Features
- Fastest to Prototype: Average 28 minutes from idea to working app
- Open Source: Full transparency into how it works
- Flexible AI Models: Supports cloud and local models
- Full Code Access: Complete visibility and export capabilities
- Multi-Framework Support: Works with various frameworks
- No Vendor Lock-in: Export and host anywhere
Target Audience
Best For:
- Developers needing rapid prototypes
- Teams valuing transparency and open source
- Builders who want local AI options
- Projects requiring code export
- Hackers and experimenters
Performance Metrics
Code Quality
Fast generation, may need refinement
Speed to Prototype
28 Minutes
Fastest in the industry
Market Position
Open Source
Community-driven development
Technology Stack
Engine: Open source code generation engine
AI Models: Flexible - supports OpenAI, Anthropic, local models
Frameworks: React, Vue, Svelte, and more
Deployment: Export code for hosting anywhere
Open Source Advantage
Bolt.new's open source nature provides unique benefits:
- Transparency: See exactly how code is generated
- Customization: Modify the engine for specific needs
- Privacy: Run locally with your own AI models
- Community Contributions: Benefit from collective improvements
- No Surprises: No hidden algorithms or data collection
Pros and Cons
Advantages
- Fastest prototyping speed
- Complete transparency
- Open source flexibility
- No vendor lock-in
- Local AI support
- Community-driven
- Full code export
Limitations
- Lower code quality rating
- Less polish than commercial tools
- Setup complexity for local models
- Limited backend scaffolding
- No built-in hosting
- Requires technical knowledge
Pricing
Open Source: Free to use, modify, and distribute
Cloud Models: Pay for AI API usage (OpenAI, Anthropic, etc.)
Local Models: Free if running locally
Verdict
Bolt.new is the ideal choice for developers who value speed, transparency, and control. Its open source nature and 28-minute average prototyping time make it perfect for rapid experimentation. While code quality may require more refinement than commercial alternatives, the freedom from vendor lock-in and ability to customize the engine are compelling advantages.
Best for: Rapid prototyping, open source enthusiasts, developers wanting control
Consider alternatives if: You need highest code quality, prefer managed solutions, or want integrated hosting