Comparison
FromScratch vs Lovable vs Bolt
Three AI app builders that turn a prompt into a working app. Here’s how they differ — and which one fits what you want to build.
Lovable, Bolt and FromScratch all let you describe an app in plain language and get working software back. The differences are in what happens after the first screen: where the app runs, how the back-end is handled, and how you ship it.
The short answer
- Choose FromScratch if you want a complete full-stack app — database, API, auth, even an online store — running on a real server and published in one click, in English or French.
- Choose Lovable if you mainly want polished React front-ends and are happy to connect Supabase (or their built-in cloud) for the back-end.
- Choose Bolt if you’re a developer who wants an in-browser code editor and the freedom to pick any JavaScript framework.
Side by side
| FromScratch | Lovable | Bolt.new | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where the app runs while you build | Its own server sandbox (a real container per project) | Cloud preview | In your browser (WebContainers) |
| Back-end & database | Generated inside the project (Python API + database) | Through Supabase or Lovable Cloud | Through Supabase or Bolt Cloud |
| Stacks | React + Python, PHP, Node, e-commerce | React (Vite) | Most JavaScript frameworks |
| Online store with admin | Built-in e-commerce template (catalog, cart, admin) | Via integrations | Via integrations |
| Publish | One click — public URL or your domain with HTTPS | One click — subdomain or custom domain | One click — Bolt hosting or Netlify |
| Own your code | Download ZIP or push to GitHub | GitHub sync | Download or GitHub |
| Bring existing code | Import a ZIP (Node / Python) | — | — |
| Interface language | English & French | English | English |
| Pricing model | Free plan, then monthly credits | Free tier, then message credits | Free tier, then tokens |
Where FromScratch stands out
- A real server, not a browser tab. Every project gets its own sandbox, so back-ends, databases and background services run exactly as they will in production.
- Full-stack without plugging in services. The database, API and authentication are generated and wired together inside your project — no third-party account to connect first.
- E-commerce out of the box. Start from a store template with product catalog, cart, checkout and an admin panel, then customize it by chatting.
- Built for French and English teams. The whole product — interface, agent and support — works in French as well as English.
- An API for agencies. Developer mode lets your own apps generate, publish and screenshot sites programmatically.
When Lovable or Bolt may suit you better
If your project is a front-end only — a landing page, a UI prototype — Lovable’s design output is excellent. If you’re a developer who wants to edit files in a full code editor and choose your own JavaScript framework, Bolt gives you that flexibility. FromScratch is the pick when you want the whole product, back-end included, live on your domain.
FAQ
Is FromScratch a good alternative to Lovable and Bolt?
Yes, especially if you need a real back-end. FromScratch generates the database, API and authentication inside your project, runs it on its own server sandbox, and publishes it in one click to a URL or your own domain.
Can I export my code from FromScratch?
Yes. You can download your project as a ZIP or push it to a GitHub repository at any time — the code is yours.
Do I need to know how to code?
No. You describe what you want and refine it by chatting. Developers can still read, export and edit the generated code.
Is there a free plan?
Yes. FromScratch has a free plan with starting credits, so you can build and preview an app before choosing a paid plan.
Comparison based on publicly available information as of September 2026. AI app builders evolve quickly — check each product’s current features and pricing before you decide.
Build your app from a prompt
Describe it, preview it live, publish in one click. Free to start.
Start building free →