AI Tool · last scan Nov 2026
Bolt.new Problems & Issues
AI app builder that turns prompts into full-stack web and mobile apps in the browser
VERDICT TRY WITH CAUTION
52/100
Try with caution
- signals
- 14
- sources
- 44
- known errors
- 10
// answer first
Should you use Bolt.new?
Try with cautionBolt.new works for some teams, but users report recurring problems (score 52/100). Most reported issues: Bolt.new tokens burn fast on larger projects; Error-fix loops waste tokens; Tokens spent on planning and thinking with no code change. Not a good fit for: Teams building production SaaS; Anyone needing refunds or guaranteed support. Users most often switch to Lovable, Replit, Cursor.
Top problems
- Bolt.new tokens burn fast on larger projects
- Error-fix loops waste tokens
- Tokens spent on planning and thinking with no code change
Good for
- Founders validating an idea
- Designers and PMs making demos
- Hackathon and weekend builders
Avoid if you are
- Teams building production SaaS
- Anyone needing refunds or guaranteed support
score breakdown
- Pricing
- 42Pricing score 42 of 100
- Usability
- 72Usability score 72 of 100
- Performance
- 52Performance score 52 of 100
- Support
- 38Support score 38 of 100
- Reliability
- 48Reliability score 48 of 100
- Onboarding
- 80Onboarding score 80 of 100
- Security
- 50Security score 50 of 100
- Integrations
- 62Integrations score 62 of 100
// score breakdown, 0-100
- Pricing
- 42Pricing score 42 of 100
- Usability
- 72Usability score 72 of 100
- Performance
- 52Performance score 52 of 100
- Support
- 38Support score 38 of 100
- Reliability
- 48Reliability score 48 of 100
- Onboarding
- 80Onboarding score 80 of 100
- Security
- 50Security score 50 of 100
- Integrations
- 62Integrations score 62 of 100
how these scores were set
Very fast for prototypes, but token metering, error-fix loops and a 2.0/5 Trustpilot rating hold it back for production work.
Overview
Bolt.new is StackBlitz's AI app builder. You describe an app in chat and it writes, runs and publishes it in the browser, with built-in hosting, databases and Netlify or GitHub integration. It suits founders and developers who want fast prototypes, but usage is metered in tokens that can drain quickly on larger projects.
- company
- StackBlitz, Inc.
- founded
- 2024
- hq
- San Francisco, California, USA
- website
- bolt.new
Bolt.new Not Working? Common Errors & Fixes
10 entries// step-by-step fixes for the errors users hit most
- E-01Bolt.new Tokens Burning FastBolt spends tokens on every prompt and on its full project context, so big projects and fix loops drain allowances. Use Plan mode, specific prompts, Version History and clear context.
- E-02Bolt.new Error LoopBolt error loops come from repeating automatic fixes. Stop clicking Attempt fix, switch to Plan mode, ask for logging and error handling, or revert in Version History.
- E-03Bolt.new Ran Out of TokensWhen Bolt tokens run out, free users can still edit in Code view, paid users can upgrade or reload. Free tokens reset daily and monthly; paid tokens on renewal.
- E-04Bolt.new Project Too Large to DeployThis error means project files exceed 100MB, usually from images or videos. Delete unused media, then move the rest to external storage and use URLs.
- E-05Bolt.new Netlify Publish FailedIf Bolt fails to publish to Netlify, run the build, download the project and deploy it manually via Netlify drag and drop. Check status.bolt.new first.
- E-06Bolt.new Site Shows 404 After PublishingStatic hosting needs HTML output and an SPA redirect rule. Ask Bolt to build static or prerendered output and add a redirect so refreshing non-home routes works.
- E-07Bolt.new Supabase Connection Not WorkingCheck status.bolt.new, then confirm the Supabase URL and keys match the intended project and fix RLS. Re-add environment secrets on the host if you exported.
- E-08Bolt.new GitHub Sync Not WorkingReauthorize the GitHub app from the Bolt homepage. If one GitHub account is linked to two Bolt accounts, remove the link from the old account first.
- E-09Bolt.new Missing Secrets and CORS ErrorsAPI calls from server functions fail when secrets are missing or CORS headers are wrong. Add secrets via the database icon and check Access-Control headers.
- E-10How to Cancel Bolt.new SubscriptionOpen the sidebar, click your account name, Subscription, then Cancel subscription under Billing details. It takes effect next billing period; subscriptions are non-refundable per the Terms.
Try it: accept AI completions, review an agent's multi-file diff and run the tests
A hands-on sandbox of how Bolt.new-style tools work, including where users run into trouble. Simplified illustration, not the real Bolt.new app. Nothing is saved.
SANDBOX · bolt-new LIVE, NOTHING SAVED
Our team built this sandbox from scratch. Want a real Bolt.new-style tool built around how you work?
Get a quote// We build software. Any software.
Have an idea for an app? We'll build it.
We're a small team of developers who build custom software fast. Not just tools like Bolt.new: web and mobile apps, games, desktop software, AI tools, internal tools: whatever you have in mind. 50+ custom products built for clients so far, and we run our own products too: booking platforms, games, learning apps. See our work
- Web apps & SaaS
- Mobile apps (iOS & Android)
- Games
- Desktop software
- AI tools & automations
- Internal tools & dashboards
- Client portals & booking
- Your own version of any tool
- ✓ Free 15-min call to scope it
- ✓ Price agreed up front
- ✓ Your data, your code
Signals & Issues
14 signals · sorted by impact// patterns extracted from real user feedback, not raw reviews
Bolt.new tokens burn fast on larger projects✓ verified
Because the project context is sent with each prompt, token use per request grows with project size. Users report monthly allowances being used up in a small number of prompts on bigger apps. Typical for projects past the prototype stage.
reported 9xnegativevia Reddit (4)
impact9/10Tokens spent on planning and thinking with no code change✓ verified
Reviewers on Trustpilot report tokens consumed on plans or processing that never produced the requested change, with no automatic restoration.
reported 7xnegativevia Trustpilot (3)hidden costs
impact8/10No refunds: Bolt subscriptions are non-refundable✓ verified
The Terms of Service say subscriptions are non-refundable. Users who lost tokens to errors or crashes report difficulty getting restored tokens or money back.
reported 7xnegativevia Trustpilot (3)hidden costs
impact8/10Tokens vanish when you cancel✓ verified
Allocated and rollover tokens are lost when the billing cycle ends after cancelling. Rollover tokens also expire after two months.
reported 5xnegativevia Other (3)expectation mismatch
impact6/10Token reloads only for the highest Pro tier or annual plans✓ verified
Buying extra tokens is restricted, so people on lower monthly tiers must upgrade instead of topping up.
reported 5xnegativevia Other (2)hidden costs
impact5/10
Error-fix loops waste tokens✓ verified
Clicking Attempt fix repeatedly can spend tokens without solving the problem, and Bolt's own docs warn against repeating it. Users describe millions of tokens lost chasing one bug, often authentication or setup.
reported 9xnegativevia Reddit (5)workflow failure
impact9/10Sessions crash or stall near completion✓ verified
Trustpilot reviewers describe sessions ending abruptly or failing near the end of a build, losing work and tokens.
reported 6xnegativevia Trustpilot (3)workflow failure
impact7/10
Project too large to publish (100MB limit)✓ verified
Publishing fails when project files exceed 100MB, usually due to images and videos stored in the project. Media must move to external storage.
reported 6xnegativevia Other (3)scaling breaks
impact6/10
Supabase connection and credentials problems✓ verified
Users report Supabase credentials reverting to the wrong database, RLS rules that expose or hide data, and connection errors after export and re-import.
reported 6xnegativevia Other (4)workflow failure
impact7/10Netlify publish fails or breaks after forking✓ verified
Publishing can fail at the Netlify step, and forking a project creates a new Netlify site so the old connection and custom domains are lost.
reported 6xnegativevia Other (3)workflow failure
impact6/10
Prototype ceiling: complex apps get brittle✓ verified
Reviews say Bolt is great for first versions but the AI rewrites large files for small fixes and breaks working features as the app grows.
reported 8xnegativevia Reddit (4)scaling breaks
impact7/10
Slow or unhelpful support, reply to few complaints✓ verified
Trustpilot shows 78% 1-star ratings (2.0/5 from 217 reviews) and Bolt replying to about 12% of negative reviews. Some users do praise support.
reported 6xnegativevia Trustpilot (2)support breakdown
impact6/10
Generated apps ship with weak security by default✓ verified
AI-generated Supabase apps can have disabled RLS or missing policies, exposing data until fixed.
reported 5xnegativevia Other (3)expectation mismatch
impact7/10
Setup and npm install failures in new projects✓ verified
Some users burn tokens just getting a basic project running, with npm install failures a common trigger.
reported 4xnegativevia Other (2)
impact5/10
What Users Love
Fast prompt-to-app prototypes
Users report working prototypes in hours or days with no setup.
Built-in hosting, databases and publishing
Publish to a bolt.host URL, custom domain on Pro, unlimited databases, no separate infrastructure.
GitHub, Netlify, Supabase, Stripe via server functions
Common services connect through integrations and secrets without leaving the editor.
Plan mode and Version History
Plan mode discusses without changing code and costs fewer tokens; history lets you revert without prompting.
Free plan with 1M tokens per month
Free tier lets you test before paying, though a 300K daily cap applies.
Mobile app support
Builds are not limited to web apps; mobile projects are supported via Expo.
Pricing Plans
Users: 1 person
Storage: 10MB upload limit
- ✓1M tokens per month
- ✓300K tokens per day
- ✓Public and private projects
- ✓Website hosting
- ✓Unlimited databases
Limitations: 300K daily and 1M monthly token limit, Bolt branding, 10MB upload limit, no custom domain, no rollover
Users: 1 person
Storage: 100MB upload limit
- ✓From 10M tokens per month
- ✓No daily limit
- ✓Token rollover for up to two months
- ✓Custom domains
- ✓No Bolt branding
- ✓Private site sharing
- ✓SEO boosting
- ✓Expanded database capacity
Limitations: Higher token tiers cost more
Users: Per member
- ✓Everything in Pro
- ✓Centralized billing
- ✓Team access management
- ✓Admin controls
- ✓Private NPM registry support
Limitations: Token amount per member not stated on pricing page
Users: Custom
- ✓SSO
- ✓Audit logs
- ✓Compliance support
- ✓Dedicated account manager
- ✓SLAs
Features
Core
- Prompt to full-stack app
Web apps and Expo mobile projects
- Plan mode
Discuss without changing code
- Version History
Revert without spending tokens
Deploy
- Built-in hosting (bolt.host)
Publish button; custom domain on paid plans
Integrations
- Netlify and GitHub integration
Data
- Supabase database
Bolt-provisioned or connected
Pricing
- Annual billing discount
Up to 28% off, paid upfront
- Cash refunds
Terms say non-refundable
Who Should Use This?
Good Fit
Founders validating an idea
Fast prototype with hosting included.
Designers and PMs making demos
Quick clickable apps without code.
Hackathon and weekend builders
Free tier covers small projects.
Neutral
Developers wanting real code control
Code export and GitHub exist, but an IDE like Cursor offers more control.
Non-technical users on a tight budget
Token burn from error loops can drain a plan with no recourse.
Avoid
Teams building production SaaS
Brittleness, token cost and security defaults make it risky at scale.
Anyone needing refunds or guaranteed support
Subscriptions are non-refundable and support feedback is mixed.
Regret Patterns
Common buyer's remorse scenarios reported by users.
Monthly allowance is gone before the app is finished because of fix loops.
Tokens spent on attempts that did not solve the error, with no refund.
Changes start breaking working features as the app grows.
Allocated and rollover tokens disappear at the end of the cycle.
RLS missing or wrong, noticed only after launch.
When It Breaks Down
Scenarios where this product tends to fail users.
Each prompt carries more context, so tokens per request rise.
Common source of long fix loops and token burn.
Publishing blocked above 100MB.
Bolt hosting needs static HTML, so SSR apps publish as 404 pages until converted.
Netlify site and custom domains disconnect.
Alternatives Users Switch To
Lovable
9x mentionedSimilar prompt-to-app flow aimed at non-technical founders. Trade-off: also credit-metered with its own error loops.
Replit
8x mentionedAgent with terminal, database and hosting; more stacks and easier debugging. Trade-off: usage-based charges.
Cursor
8x mentionedIDE with full code control for developers who outgrow prompt builders. Trade-off: requires coding knowledge.
Bubble
5x mentionedVisual no-code builder with fixed structure and mature hosting. Trade-off: lock-in and a learning curve.
GitHub Copilot
5x mentionedAssistant inside your existing editor and repo, no token metering per app. Trade-off: no one-click hosting.
Frequently Asked Questions
See how Bolt.new compares in our Best AI Coding Software rankings, or calculate costs with our Budget Calculator.
Have an app idea? Our small team builds any software: web and mobile apps, games, desktop, AI tools. Price agreed together.
Talk to usWork at Bolt.new or spotted something outdated? Suggest a correction — we verify every change against public sources. See our methodology.