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A year ago "build an app with a prompt" was a demo. Now people ship real products this way — plenty of the indie apps on Zivvi started as a single prompt.
The quick answer
- Want a full app with a database and login? Start with Lovable or Bolt.
- Want polished UI components for an app you're coding? Use v0.
- Want an environment that writes, runs, and hosts code? Try Replit.
- Already a developer? Use an AI editor like Cursor.
Lovable
Lovable turns a description into a full-stack web app and keeps iterating as you chat. It connects to Supabase for data and auth, so you get a real backend, not just a mockup. Best for founders and makers who want a working product fast.
Bolt
Bolt builds and runs full-stack apps right in the browser. You can watch the code being written, edit it, and deploy. It suits people who want AI speed but still like seeing the code.
v0
v0 from Vercel focuses on interface: describe a screen and get clean React and Tailwind components. It pairs naturally with deploying on Vercel.
Replit
Replit is a cloud dev environment with an AI agent that can plan, build, and host your app in one place. Good for learning and for quick internal tools.
When to use a no-code builder instead
If you're building a website, portal, or simple internal tool, classic no-code may be faster and easier to maintain:
- Webflow for marketing sites with a visual designer and CMS
- Bubble for complex web apps without code
- Softr and Glide for apps on top of spreadsheets and Airtable
- Carrd for one-page sites
Tips for building with AI
- Describe the user, not the features. "A booking page for a dog groomer" beats a list of buttons.
- Build one flow at a time. Get sign-up working before payments.
- Own your data. Prefer builders that use a real database you can export.
Built something? Launch it on Zivvi — see every app made with each tool on the built-with pages.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best AI app builder?
For full-stack apps, Lovable and Bolt are the most popular. v0 is the best for UI, and Replit for an all-in-one code, run, and host environment.
Can I build an app with AI without coding?
Yes. Lovable and Bolt let you describe an app in plain English and keep refining it by chatting. Knowing a little about how apps work helps you get better results.
Is Lovable or Bolt better?
Both build full-stack apps from prompts. Lovable leans toward a guided, chat-first experience with Supabase built in; Bolt puts the code front and center in the browser. Try the free tier of each with the same prompt.
Are AI app builders free?
Most have a free tier with limited messages or credits, then paid plans for heavier use.
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