If you’re new to coding or looking for an affordable AI-powered coding tool, Bolt.new and Cursor are two popular options. Both leverage AI to simplify development, but they cater to different needs and skill levels. In this post, we compare their pricing, features, and beginner-friendliness to help you decide which is right for your next project—without breaking the bank.
Pricing: Where’s the Best Value?
- Bolt.new:
- Free Tier: Generous 100,000 daily tokens, perfect for prototyping small web apps. Tokens reset daily but can run out with heavy use.
- Pro Plan: $18/month for 10 million monthly tokens, a budget-friendly option for more active coding.
- Business Plan: $40/user/month, aimed at teams, not solo beginners.
- Why It’s Affordable: Lower Pro Plan cost and no setup fees since it’s browser-based. One-click Netlify deployment keeps things cheap.
- Catch: Token limits (even on paid plans) may interrupt larger projects, and token usage isn’t always clear.
- Cursor:
- Free Tier: Limited to 50 prompts/month, enough for testing but not serious coding. You can use your own OpenAI/Claude API keys for pay-as-you-go flexibility.
- Pro Plan: $20/month for unlimited completions, ideal for frequent coders who want predictable costs.
- Business Tier: Higher-priced, enterprise-focused, not for beginners.
- Why It’s Worth It: No token limits in the Pro Plan, but local installation and external deployment tools (e.g., Vercel) may add time or cost.
- Catch: Slightly pricier than Bolt.new, and the free tier is restrictive.
Winner: Bolt.new takes the edge for budget-conscious beginners. Its free tier is more generous, and the $18/month Pro Plan is cheaper than Cursor’s $20/month. However, Cursor’s unlimited completions may be a better deal if you code daily and hit Bolt.new’s token caps.
Features: Which is Easier for Newbies?
- Bolt.new:
- What It Does: A browser-based tool by StackBlitz, Bolt.new lets you build web apps (React, Next.js, Vue, etc.) using natural language prompts. Think “ChatGPT for coding” with one-click Netlify deployment.
- Why Beginners Love It:
- No Coding Needed: Describe your app, and Bolt.new generates a full project structure—perfect for non-coders.
- Simple Interface: Clean UI with prompts and code previews, no overwhelming menus.
- No Setup: Runs in your browser, so you’re coding in seconds.
- AI Error Fixes: One-click suggestions for debugging, a lifesaver for novices.
- Standout Features:
- Full-stack support with npm packages and backend integration (e.g., Supabase).
- Rapid prototyping with downloadable code for further editing.
- Built-in testing tools for quality assurance.
- Downsides:
- Limited to web apps, not ideal for mobile or desktop projects.
- Less flexible for manual coding or complex projects.
- Occasional stability issues for bigger apps.
- Cursor:
- What It Does: An AI-powered code editor built on Visual Studio Code, designed for developers working on complex, multi-file projects across various languages.
- Why It’s Powerful:
- Smart AI: Offers context-aware code suggestions, multi-file edits, and error fixes, great for refining code.
- Customizable: Supports countless frameworks and integrates with your local setup.
- Versatile: Handles web, mobile, or desktop apps, unlike Bolt.new’s web focus.
- Why Beginners Might Struggle:
- Steeper Learning Curve: The VS Code-like interface feels like a pro tool, intimidating for those new to coding.
- Setup Time: Requires local installation and configuration, unlike Bolt.new’s instant access.
- No Built-In Deployment: You’ll need external tools like Vercel, adding steps.
- Downsides:
- Not designed for non-coders or quick prototyping.
- Free tier is too limited for real work.
Winner: Bolt.new is the clear choice for beginners. Its prompt-driven, no-install approach lets anyone create a web app without coding knowledge. Cursor shines for those with some experience, but its complexity can overwhelm newcomers.
When to Choose Each Tool
- Pick Bolt.new if:
- You’re a beginner or non-coder wanting to whip up a web app (e.g., a portfolio or MVP) fast.
- You love a simple, browser-based tool with minimal setup.
- You’re on a tight budget and want a solid free tier or low-cost Pro Plan ($18/month).
- Example: A student building a demo site or a freelancer testing an idea.
- Pick Cursor if:
- You know some coding or want a tool to grow with as you learn.
- You’re tackling complex projects needing deep customization or multi-file edits.
- You don’t mind spending $20/month for unlimited coding power.
- Example: A developer refining a large app or integrating with an existing codebase.
What’s the Community Saying?
On platforms like X, Bolt.new is praised for its speed in spinning up web app prototypes, with users loving the instant previews and deployment. However, some move to Cursor for complex projects due to its flexibility. Cursor earns kudos from developers for its powerful AI and seamless integration, though beginners often find it daunting.
Final Verdict: Start with Bolt.new
For new coders on a budget, Bolt.new is the way to go. Its free tier, affordable $18/month Pro Plan, and beginner-friendly, prompt-based workflow make it perfect for creating web apps without coding expertise. If you hit token limits or need more control for bigger projects, Cursor’s $20/month plan offers unmatched power—but it’s best once you’re comfortable with coding basics.
Ready to try them out? Visit Bolt.new for instant prototyping or Cursor for a pro-grade coding experience. Let us know in the comments which tool you’re trying and how it works for you!