Meku vs Bolt.new

Looking for a Bolt.new alternative?

Meku and Bolt.new both use AI to accelerate application development, but they are built for very different workflows. This page explains the real differences so you can choose the right platform for building and shipping products in 2026.

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Quick Verdict

  • Choose Meku if you want to generate and deploy a complete, production-ready application with frontend, backend, database, authentication, and hosting handled for you.
  • Choose Bolt.new if you want a browser-based AI coding environment where you generate code, edit it live, and manage deployment yourself.

In short:

  • Meku is optimized for product delivery.
  • Bolt.new is optimized for in-browser development.

What Is Meku?

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Meku is an AI-powered full-stack app and website builder designed to take you from idea to a live application with minimal setup. You describe what you want to build, and Meku generates a structured, deployable codebase covering frontend UI, backend logic, database integration, authentication, and hosting.

Meku is built for founders, startups, and teams that want to ship real software, not just prototypes.

Meku Core Capabilities

  • Full-stack app generation from natural language
  • Frontend, backend, database, and auth included
  • Supabase integration for data and authentication
  • Figma to React+Tailwind Code
  • Built-in hosting and deployment
  • GitHub integration and full code export
  • Custom domains with SSL
  • Iterative refinement through prompts
  • Free tier available

What Is Bolt.new?

Bolt.new is an AI-powered, browser-native development environment built on StackBlitz’s WebContainers technology. It combines AI code generation with a live in-browser IDE, allowing developers to generate, edit, run, and preview applications entirely in the browser.

Bolt.new emphasizes hands-on coding with AI assistance, rather than abstracting the development process.

Bolt.new Core Capabilities

  • AI-generated full-stack project scaffolding
  • Runs entirely in the browser (no local setup)
  • Live code editor with real-time preview
  • Supports React, Next.js, and related stacks
  • GitHub integration
  • Deployment via external providers (Vercel, Netlify)
  • Token-based pricing model

Product Builder vs AI IDE

This comparison is not about which tool is “more powerful.” It is about how you want to build.

Meku’s Approach

End-to-End Application Generation

You describe the product. Meku generates:

  • Application structure
  • Frontend UI
  • Backend APIs
  • Database integration
  • Authentication flows
  • A deployable environment

The focus is speed to production.

Bolt.new’s Approach

Browser-Native AI Development

You describe the code. Bolt.new generates:

  • A working project scaffold
  • Editable source code in a browser IDE
  • Live preview and runtime

The focus is developer control and live iteration.

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

CapabilityMekuBolt.new
Primary FocusProduct delivery and deploymentIn-browser development experience
Full-Stack App GenerationEnd-to-end app generation with production intentFull-stack scaffolding for manual refinement
Frontend UIApp-ready UI tied to real user flowsUI generated for rapid iteration
Backend APIsGenerated with product logic and workflowsGenerated, but requires developer refinement
Figma to CodeYes, design-aware workflows supportedNot supported
Database IntegrationSupabase with structured schema and app contextSupported via configuration and setup
AuthenticationIncluded as part of app generationRequires manual setup and wiring
Hosting & DeploymentBuilt-in and managed by defaultExternal providers required
Infrastructure ManagementAbstracted away for speedDeveloper-managed
Iteration ModelProduct refinement through promptsLive code editing and iteration
Architecture ConsistencyHigher consistency across changesDepends on developer decisions
Code OwnershipFull export, production handoff readyFull export via GitHub
Browser IDENot requiredCore experience
Best FitMVPs, SaaS, internal toolsDeveloper-first, browser-based workflows

Deployment & Hosting

Meku

  • Hosting included by default
  • Automatic deployment
  • Custom domains supported
  • SSL managed automatically
  • Minimal infrastructure decisions required

Bolt.new

  • Deployment handled through external providers
  • Strong integration with Vercel and Netlify
  • More flexibility, but more setup responsibility
  • Better fit for developers managing infrastructure themselves

Code Ownership & Flexibility

Both platforms provide full code ownership.

  • Meku emphasizes exporting a complete, production-ready codebase that can be extended or self-hosted.
  • Bolt.new emphasizes live editing and developer control through its browser IDE, with export via GitHub.

There is no forced vendor lock-in with either tool.

When Meku Is the Better Choice

Choose Meku if you are:

  • Building a startup MVP
  • Shipping a SaaS product
  • Creating internal dashboards or tools
  • Converting ideas or designs into real apps
  • Optimizing for speed and simplicity
  • Looking for an all-in-one AI app builder

When Bolt.new Is the Better Choice

Choose Bolt.new if you are:

  • A developer who prefers hands-on coding
  • Working entirely in the browser
  • Prototyping and iterating rapidly
  • Comfortable managing deployment and infrastructure
  • Using AI as a coding assistant, not a product builder

Can You Use Both?

Some teams:

Prototype or experiment in Bolt.new

Move finalized concepts into Meku

Generate a structured, deployable app

Ship faster with fewer tools

However, for most MVPs, Meku alone is sufficient.

Is Meku a Good Bolt.new Alternative?

Yes. If you are evaluating Bolt.new alternatives because you want:

  • Less manual setup
  • Faster time to production
  • Built-in hosting and deployment
  • A product-first workflow

Then Meku is the more complete solution.

Bolt.new remains excellent for browser-native development, but it is not optimized for end-to-end product delivery.

Final Recommendation

  • Use Meku to build and ship real applications.
  • Use Bolt.new to code interactively in the browser.
  • Choose based on whether you want product velocity or development control.

If your success depends on launching working software quickly, Meku aligns better with real-world startup and product needs.

Try Meku

Build full-stack applications from a single prompt. Deploy instantly without managing infrastructure. Own your code from day one.

Start building with Meku today.


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