# Bolt vs Cursor

> Bolt: Describe an app or website in chat and publish it with built-in hosting and database
> Cursor: AI coding agent and VS Code-based editor for multi-file edits and cloud agents

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

## Verdict

Bolt and Cursor are both Coding AI tools. Cursor scores higher in FinderAtlas's editorial review (8.7 vs 8.1 out of 10). Both have a free plan or trial. Only Cursor is available on Windows, macOS and iOS.

### 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 Cursor if

- You want a tool built for Multi-file feature work, codebase-wide refactoring, delegating tasks to background agents, reviewing pull requests.
- Familiar VS Code-based editor with extension and keybinding support.
- Local and cloud agents that can run in parallel on multi-file tasks.

## Pricing

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

## Features

| Feature | Bolt | Cursor |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 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 |
| Agents | Not listed | Yes |
| Cloud agents | Not listed | Yes |
| Tab and inline edits | Not listed | Yes |
| Codebase indexing | Not listed | Yes |
| Model choice | Not listed | Yes |
| Bugbot code review | Not listed | Yes |
| CLI | Not listed | Yes |
| Slack app and iOS app | Not listed | Yes |
| Marketplace and rules | Not listed | Yes |
| Privacy mode | Not listed | Yes |

## Platforms

| Platform | Bolt | Cursor |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | No | Yes |
| macOS | No | Yes |
| iOS | No | Yes |
| Android | No | No |
| API | No | No |
| Browser Extension | No | No |
| Linux | No | Yes |
| CLI | 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

## Cursor strengths

- Familiar VS Code-based editor with extension and keybinding support
- Local and cloud agents that can run in parallel on multi-file tasks
- Choice of models from several providers, including Cursor's own
- Covers editor, CLI, web, Slack, iOS and PR review in one product
- Privacy mode and SOC 2 and ISO certifications for team use

## Cursor limitations

- Third-party model usage is billed separately from the plan at API list price
- Pricing is bundled with Grok and uses weekly usage pools, which makes costs harder to predict
- No Android app, and the iOS app only controls local agents
- Indexing can be heavy on very large repositories

## FAQ

**Is Bolt better than Cursor?**

It depends on your workflow. Bolt is built for prototypes and MVPs. Cursor is built for Multi-file feature work, codebase-wide refactoring, delegating tasks to background agents, reviewing pull requests.

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

Bolt: Describe an app or website in chat and publish it with built-in hosting and database. Cursor: AI coding agent and VS Code-based editor for multi-file edits and cloud agents. Cursor is rated 5.0/5 from 1 user review.

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

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

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

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