Agentic AI Comparison:
Bolt.diy vs Bubble.io
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Introduction
This report provides a detailed comparison between Bolt.diy (https://github.com/stackblitz-labs/bolt.diy) and Bubble.io (https://bubble.pxf.io/c/5985809/2684388/15270), two modern app-building agents. The analysis focuses on five key metrics: autonomy, ease of use, flexibility, cost, and popularity, highlighting the strengths and limitations of each platform based on recent evaluations and expert reviews as of June 2025.
Overview
Bubble.io
Bubble.io is a mature no-code platform aimed at building complex web applications without coding. It features a robust visual drag-and-drop editor, supports full-stack development (frontend and backend), and offers consistent, comprehensive app outputs. It’s designed for both non-technical and technical users, providing granular control over design, logic, and data management. Bubble’s ecosystem is large and well-supported, making it a popular choice for scalable web app projects.
Bolt.diy
Bolt.diy is an AI-driven app builder that leverages AI chat-driven iteration for fast prototyping and design updates. While it excels in initial UI and app generation and supports Figma integration, it lacks a visual drag-and-drop editor and relies heavily on prompt-based AI interactions. This can result in blocked progress due to rate limits or unresolved AI errors, making it more suitable for technically skilled users who can manually edit code if needed.
Metrics Comparison
autonomy
Bolt.diy: 7
Bolt.diy’s AI can autonomously generate initial app designs and implement changes from natural language prompts. However, its autonomy is hampered by frequent AI errors and strict token/rate limits; progress often stalls unless the user can manually code fixes.
Bubble.io: 8
Bubble.io offers strong autonomy through its AI-powered features and visual editor. While the AI is less involved in iteration (as of mid-2025), the platform’s underlying workflows and built-in backend enable automated app creation that works reliably from the start.
Bolt.diy edges ahead in AI-driven iteration, but Bubble.io provides more consistent autonomous output and fewer workflow interruptions.
ease of use
Bolt.diy: 5
Bolt.diy lacks a visual editor and depends on AI-powered prompts or direct code edits, making it less beginner-friendly. Non-technical users may find progress frustrating when AI limitations or errors arise, especially with unclear token consumption and frequent rate limiting.
Bubble.io: 9
Bubble.io’s drag-and-drop visual editor and comprehensive documentation make building apps intuitive, even for non-coders. Users remain in control throughout the process, regardless of technical skill, and can iterate visually without relying on prompt accuracy or coding knowledge.
Bubble.io is significantly easier to use for all skill levels, thanks to its visual builder and robust onboarding.
flexibility
Bolt.diy: 6
Bolt.diy offers some flexibility via prompt-based AI design changes and Figma integration, but overall options are limited compared to traditional visual builders. Manual coding is required for the most advanced customizations, limiting flexibility for non-developers.
Bubble.io: 9
Bubble.io excels in flexibility, supporting complex UI/UX, backend workflows, custom databases, and integration with third-party APIs. Users can create everything from simple MVPs to enterprise-grade applications, visually and without code.
Bubble.io offers superior flexibility for a wider range of use cases, from simple to highly complex apps.
cost
Bolt.diy: 8
Bolt.diy has a free plan with a generous daily token allowance (150,000 tokens), but users quickly encounter rate limits and may need to upgrade for extended use or advanced features. More affordable for light or experimental use, but plan limitations can be frustrating.
Bubble.io: 7
Bubble.io offers a free plan with most core features available, but advanced capabilities and app scaling require paid subscriptions. Costs scale with usage and feature needs, which can add up for larger or heavily trafficked projects.
Bolt.diy starts out cheaper, but its rate limits can obstruct real projects. Bubble.io’s costs scale with needs, but its plans are better suited for serious or long-term app development.
popularity
Bolt.diy: 5
Bolt.diy is relatively new and has a smaller user base compared to competitors. Community support, third-party resources, and plugin ecosystems are limited in scope.
Bubble.io: 10
Bubble.io is one of the most popular no-code platforms, with a large and active community, extensive resources, and a robust marketplace for plugins and templates. It is widely adopted for a range of web apps.
Bubble.io is significantly more popular, with a thriving community and ecosystem, while Bolt.diy remains fairly niche.
Conclusions
Bubble.io stands out as the more mature, user-friendly, and flexible platform for building web applications without code. It is better suited for non-technical users, offers more robust design and backend features, and benefits from strong community support and consistent output. Bolt.diy is a promising AI-powered builder favored for rapid prototyping and design iteration through chat—but is held back by limited usability, frequent rate limits, and a lack of a visual editor. While Bolt.diy will appeal to tech-savvy users seeking cutting-edge AI-driven development, Bubble.io remains the top choice for those needing reliability, scalability, and accessibility for a broad range of app projects.