Vibe-code an MVP web app
The fastest way for a non-specialist or a solo builder to ship a working MVP with login, data and a live URL, without getting stuck in a tool you can't leave.
Not hands-on tested yet. The picks below are based on vendor documentation and pricing we verified on 19 Oct 2026. Test results will appear here once we've run our standard task. We don't publish made-up test results.
Lovable
Chat-to-app builder with hosting and a backend included. Paid plans unlock code editing, code download and custom domains, and Git sync is on every plan, so you aren't locked in. Since 14 October 2026 it can also turn a goal like 'my first 100 signups' into a growth plan, with SEO fixes and Google or Meta ad campaigns you approve before any spend.
source, checked 19 Oct 2026
Bolt.new
Generous free tier for prototyping in the browser (1M tokens/month) with hosting and databases included. Upgrade only once you need a custom domain or want the branding removed.
source, checked 19 Oct 2026
Lovable Free plan, for anything you plan to ship
On Free you can't edit or download code, use a custom domain, or remove the 'Edit with Lovable' badge, and build credits stop at 30 a month. It's fine for testing an idea, but don't launch on it.
The full stack
- Prototype: Lovable (or Bolt.new on a budget)
Prompt the first version: pages, auth, data model. - Own the code: GitHub (Git sync)
Sync the project to a repo from day one so you can leave the builder whenever you want. - Refine: An AI code editor such as Cursor
Make precise edits and refactors the chat builder struggles with. - Review before shipping: CodeRabbit or Greptile
An automated PR review catches security and logic slips in AI-written code. See our AI code review page.
Also considered
| Tool | Why it's not the pick | Pricing (verified) |
|---|---|---|
| Replit | A strong all-in-one agent and IDE; better if you want a full dev environment rather than a chat-first builder. | Core $20/mo ($18/mo billed annually); Pro $100/mo ($90/mo annually). (source, 19 Oct 2026) |
| Cursor | An editor, not an app builder: best for the refine step once you have code. Plans are now sold through X subscription tiers. | Free (limited); Plus $8/mo (Grok models only); Premium $30/mo; Super $100/mo; Ultra $200/mo. Third-party models billed at API list price. (source, 19 Oct 2026) |
Test notes
Pending hands-on test
Pending hands-on test. Planned standard task: 'Build a to-do app with email login, per-user data and a public URL', run on Lovable, Bolt.new and Replit. We'll record time to first working deploy, credits or tokens used, the number of fix-up prompts, and whether the exported code runs locally.
Who this is for
Solo founders, indie hackers and creators who want a real, working product (login, database, live URL) and are happy to prompt their way there.
How to choose
- You want to ship this week: start in Lovable or Bolt.new, and connect GitHub straight away.
- You already write some code: prototype in a builder, then move to an AI editor for the details.
- You’re on £0: Bolt.new’s free tier gives the most room to prototype. Upgrade only when you need a custom domain.