# Bolt vs Claude

> Bolt: Describe an app or website in chat and publish it with built-in hosting and database
> Claude: Anthropic's AI assistant for writing, analysis, coding and working with files

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

## Verdict

Bolt is listed under Coding AI and Claude under AI Assistants. Claude scores higher in FinderAtlas's editorial review (9.1 vs 8.1 out of 10). Both have a free plan or trial. Only Claude is available on Windows, macOS and iOS 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 if

- You want a tool built for coding and code review.
- Free plan includes web search, file creation, code execution and memory.
- Artifacts show generated code and pages beside the chat.

## Pricing

| | Bolt | Claude |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Free plan or trial | Yes | Yes |
| Starting price | $0 | $0 |

## Features

| Feature | Bolt | Claude |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 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 |
| Artifacts | Not listed | Yes |
| Projects | Limited | Yes |
| Claude Code | Not listed | Yes |
| File creation and code execution | Not listed | Yes |
| Web search and Research | Not listed | Yes |
| Memory | Not listed | Yes |
| Connectors | Not listed | Yes |
| Vision and document reading | Not listed | Yes |
| Claude in Chrome | Not listed | Yes |

## Platforms

| Platform | Bolt | Claude |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | No | Yes |
| macOS | No | Yes |
| iOS | No | Yes |
| Android | No | Yes |
| API | No | Yes |
| Browser Extension | No | No |
| Linux | No | Yes |
| Chrome Extension | 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 strengths

- Free plan includes web search, file creation, code execution and memory
- Artifacts show generated code and pages beside the chat
- Claude Code is included with Pro, Max, Ultra and Team
- Connectors use MCP to reach Slack, Google Workspace and other tools
- Available on web, desktop, iOS and as a Chrome extension, plus an API and major cloud platforms

## Claude limitations

- Usage limits on every plan, with weekly caps (and five-hour caps below Ultra) and no published message counts
- Does not generate images
- The higher individual tiers are costly: Max is $100 per month and Ultra is $200 per month
- Linux desktop app is still in beta

## FAQ

**Is Bolt better than Claude?**

It depends on your workflow. Bolt is built for prototypes and MVPs. Claude is built for coding and code review.

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

Bolt: Describe an app or website in chat and publish it with built-in hosting and database. Claude: Anthropic's AI assistant for writing, analysis, coding and working with files. Claude is rated 4.5/5 from 2 user reviews.

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

Yes, both do. Bolt is freemium and Claude is freemium, and each has a free plan or trial.

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

Both can be used for free. Paid plans differ in limits and features, so compare the tiers in the pricing table above.