A Bolt.new alternative that gives you the whole codebase
IDEA is an alternative to Bolt.new for people who want the full-stack source code. Bolt.new is an AI development environment from StackBlitz that builds and runs JavaScript applications in the browser. IDEA generates the frontend, backend API, data models and authentication as files you own, checks them with a real compiler, and is free right now.
- IDEA output
- A full-stack repository
- AI model
- Ours, or your own key
- Price
- Free right now, no card
- Export
- ZIP, GitHub, or deploy
| Feature | IDEA | Bolt.new |
|---|---|---|
| Backend languages | Node.js, plus Python, Ruby and PHP stacks at beta or pilot status | JavaScript and TypeScript frameworks |
| Verification | Structure checks, TypeScript compiler, schema checks, bounded repair | Runs the app in a browser-based environment |
| AI model | IDEA account, or your own key across seven providers | Managed by Bolt |
| Price | Free right now | Free tier and paid token plans; see their pricing page |
Details about Bolt.new come from its own public description and were last checked in October 2026. They can change, so confirm them on the Bolt.new website. Bolt.new is a trademark of its owner, and IDEA is not affiliated with it.
When Bolt.new is the better choice
- You want an in-browser development environment with a terminal.
- Your project is JavaScript end to end and you want to drive it step by step.
When IDEA is the better choice
- You want a whole project planned and generated from one brief.
- You want a Django backend, or to follow the Rails, Laravel, FastAPI and Flask pilots.
- You want generation to resume from checkpoints instead of starting again after a failure.
What IDEA does not do yet
IDEA is in active development. One stack, Next.js with Express, is generally available; React with Django is in beta; the other four are pilots with reduced verification. The checks are automated and are not a security audit.
Questions, answered
What is a good alternative to Bolt.new?
IDEA is an alternative to Bolt.new if you want a full-stack codebase you own. It generates frontend, backend API, data models and authentication from a brief, verifies the code, and lets you download it or deploy it yourself.
Is there a free alternative to Bolt.new?
IDEA is free right now for every account, with no trial and no card. Generation on our AI account has an hourly quota, which does not apply when you connect your own AI provider key.
Can I move a project from Bolt.new to IDEA?
There is no importer. You can describe the same application in a brief and generate it fresh in IDEA, then compare the two codebases.
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