# Bolt vs Claude Code

> Bolt: Describe an app or website in chat and publish it with built-in hosting and database
> Claude Code: Anthropic's coding agent that edits code and runs commands from terminal, IDE or browser

- Bolt profile: https://finderatlas.com/tools/bolt-new
- Claude Code profile: https://finderatlas.com/tools/claude-code
- Comparison page: https://finderatlas.com/compare/bolt-new-vs-claude-code
- Last reviewed: October 2026

## Verdict

Bolt and Claude Code are both Coding AI tools. Claude Code scores higher in FinderAtlas's editorial review (8.7 vs 8.1 out of 10). Only Bolt has a free plan or trial. Only Claude Code is available on Windows, macOS and CLI and offers an API.

### Choose Bolt if

- You want a tool built for prototypes and MVPs.
- Chat-to-app flow with live preview, requiring no local setup.
- Built-in database, authentication, hosting and custom domains in one project.

### Choose Claude Code if

- You want a tool built for Multi-file refactors and migrations.
- Works across terminal, VS Code, JetBrains, desktop app, web and Slack with shared settings.
- Runs commands and tests and handles git commits and pull requests.

## Pricing

| | Bolt | Claude Code |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Paid |
| Free plan or trial | Yes | No |
| Starting price | $0 | $20 |

## Features

| Feature | Bolt | Claude Code |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Prompt-to-app building | Yes | Not listed |
| Standard and Max agents | Yes | Not listed |
| Plan Mode | Yes | Not listed |
| Bolt Cloud | Yes | Not listed |
| Code view and visual edits | Yes | Not listed |
| Design system support | Yes | Not listed |
| Figma and GitHub import | Yes | Not listed |
| Expo mobile apps | Yes | Not listed |
| Bolt Slides | Yes | Not listed |
| Collaboration | Yes | Not listed |
| Codebase understanding | Not listed | Yes |
| Multi-file editing | Not listed | Yes |
| Command execution | Not listed | Yes |
| Git and pull requests | Not listed | Yes |
| Subagents and parallel sessions | Not listed | Yes |
| MCP connections | Not listed | Yes |
| CLAUDE.md, skills and hooks | Not listed | Yes |
| Scheduled and cloud tasks | Not listed | Yes |
| Auto mode | Not listed | Yes |
| Agent SDK | Not listed | Yes |

## Platforms

| Platform | Bolt | Claude Code |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | No | Yes |
| macOS | No | Yes |
| iOS | No | No |
| Android | No | No |
| API | No | Yes |
| Browser Extension | No | No |
| CLI | No | Yes |
| Linux | No | Yes |
| VS Code Extension | No | Yes |
| JetBrains Plugin | No | Yes |
| Slack App | No | Yes |

## Bolt strengths

- Chat-to-app flow with live preview, requiring no local setup
- Built-in database, authentication, hosting and custom domains in one project
- Free plan includes hosting, unlimited databases and private projects
- Expo integration covers iOS and Android apps from the same prompt flow
- Imports from Figma, GitHub and Lovable, and supports MCP connectors
- Paid plans roll unused tokens over

## Bolt limitations

- Token-based usage: the Free plan is capped at 1M tokens per month and 300K per day, and larger projects use more tokens per message
- Max agent, custom domains and Bolt branding removal require a paid plan
- Free-plan sites go offline for the rest of the month when hosting limits are exceeded
- Projects started for web do not easily convert to mobile; mobile must be requested in the first prompt
- No public API and no native mobile app for Bolt itself

## Claude Code strengths

- Works across terminal, VS Code, JetBrains, desktop app, web and Slack with shared settings
- Runs commands and tests and handles git commits and pull requests
- Included with Pro at $20 per month, with no separate purchase
- Extensible through MCP, skills, hooks, subagents and an Agent SDK
- Composable in scripts and CI through a non-interactive mode

## Claude Code limitations

- Not available on the Free plan; paid access starts at $20 per month
- Usage limits are shared with chat, and heavy users may need Max at $100 to $200 per month or per-token API billing
- JetBrains plugin requires the CLI to be installed separately
- Terminal-first workflow suits users comfortable with the command line

## FAQ

**Is Bolt better than Claude Code?**

It depends on your workflow. Bolt is built for prototypes and MVPs. Claude Code is built for Multi-file refactors and migrations.

**What are the key feature differences between Bolt and Claude Code?**

Bolt: Describe an app or website in chat and publish it with built-in hosting and database. Claude Code: Anthropic's coding agent that edits code and runs commands from terminal, IDE or browser. Claude Code is rated 5.0/5 from 1 user review.

**Does Bolt or Claude Code have a free plan?**

Bolt has a free plan or trial; Claude Code is paid only.

**Which is cheaper, Bolt or Claude Code?**

Bolt starts at $0 and Claude Code starts at $20. See the pricing table above for what each tier includes.