Building an app used to require extensive coding knowledge and technical skills.

But with the rise of AI-powered app building tools and vibe coding, creating your own application has become more accessible than ever before.

But with so many new AI app builders out there, it can be difficult to know which one to use.

After reviewing dozens, we break down the top six right now and highlight which one is best for you depending on what you're looking for and what you're trying to do.

1. Base 44: All-in-One AI App Builder

​Base44 has quickly made a name for itself in the AI app-building space, recently being acquired by Wix for $80 million.

What sets it apart from many other tools is its all-in-one approach.

Instead of having to piece together different services for your backend, authentication, and storage, Base44 integrates everything directly into its platform.

This means you don’t need to set up a separate database like Supabase or Neon, and you don’t have to worry about bolting on a login system for your users.

It’s all there from the start, which makes it incredibly beginner-friendly. For someone just getting into building AI-powered apps, this kind of integration can save a lot of time and frustration.

That said, the convenience of Base44 comes with some trade-offs.

Because everything is bundled together, you lose some flexibility.

Developers who want complete control over their database or prefer to customize every layer of their stack might find Base44 limiting. If you’re aiming to scale a complex project with very specific technical requirements, you may eventually feel boxed in.

However, for those who value simplicity and speed over granular control, Base44 strikes a great balance.

It allows you to get an app up and running without a steep technical learning curve. This is why it’s becoming a go-to choice for beginners and creators who want to focus on building quickly rather than managing infrastructure.

​Here's our review of Base44:​

Base44 Summary

• Built-in database and authentication system
• Ideal for beginners due to its all-in-one nature
• Less flexibility with database customization

While the integrated approach makes it easier to get started, it may limit control for more advanced users who want complete database flexibility.

2. Bolt: AI App Builder with Powerful Integrations

​Bolt, also known as Bolt.new, takes a slightly different approach than Base44 by leaning into integrations.

One standout feature is the ability to pull in a Figma design file and begin building directly from it.

Bolt also integrates with GitHub, which is especially useful if you’re collaborating or want to maintain version control over your projects.

Another key distinction is its pricing model. Instead of charging by message like some platforms, Bolt charges by tokens, meaning the complexity of your request impacts cost.

For example, a more detailed or layered prompt will use more tokens than a simple one. This model can work in your favor depending on how you plan to build, but it’s something to keep in mind as your usage grows.

Overall, Bolt offers a flexible system with solid integrations and is worth exploring if you want a tool that meshes well with external workflows.

​Learn more about Bolt here:​

Bolt Summary

• Figma and GitHub integration for seamless workflow
• Token-based pricing model
• External database connectivity (e.g., Supabase)

The token-based pricing means you're charged based on the complexity of your AI tasks, which can be more cost-effective for some projects.

3. Lovable: Popular AI-Powered App Creation Platform

​Lovable has quickly become one of the most well-known AI app builders alongside Bolt.

Like Bolt, it doesn’t include an integrated database, so you’ll need to connect to something like Supabase to handle your app’s data.

Lovable has been updating its pricing model recently, moving from a per-message setup to what they call “AI agent mode.” Instead of a flat rate per message, the platform now adjusts pricing based on the complexity of the task you assign to the AI.

This shift reflects how Lovable is positioning itself as a more dynamic and adaptable tool.

Feature-wise, it shares many similarities with Bolt, so much of the decision comes down to which platform you feel more comfortable working in.

For many builders, Lovable provides a smooth experience, especially if you’re looking for a tool that’s widely used and continuously evolving.

​Learn more about Lovable here:​

Lovable Summary

• New AI agent mode for more advanced capabilities
• Recent pricing model changes
• Supabase database integration

Lovable's new AI agent mode promises to handle more complex tasks, potentially making it a good choice for users looking to push the boundaries of what AI can do in app development.

4. Memex: Versatile AI Coding Assistant

​Memex is a bit of a different beast compared to the others.

While tools like Bolt, Lovable, and Base44 lean into integrated or semi-integrated workflows, Memex prides itself on flexibility with coding languages.

Unlike other platforms that tend to steer you toward React or specific frameworks, Memex lets you work with Python or almost any language you want.

Another big distinction is that it’s a desktop app.

Your code lives locally, giving you more ownership, though you can still sync with GitHub if needed.

Functionally, Memex sits in the middle ground between beginner-friendly tools like Base44 and more advanced environments like Cursor. It has enough power and flexibility for experienced developers but remains accessible for those who don’t want to get lost in the weeds of setup and debugging.

​Learn more about Memex here:​

Memex Summary

• Supports multiple programming languages, including Python
• Local code storage with GitHub sync option
• Balances beginner-friendly features with advanced capabilities

This tool is excellent for developers who want to work with various programming languages or those looking to transition from beginner to more advanced app development.

5. Emergent: Agentic AI App Generator

Emergent stands out because of how it handles AI agents.

Rather than requiring you to guide the build process step by step, Emergent takes a single prompt and runs with it, using multiple agents to flesh out your app, debug it, and carry tasks through to completion.

This makes it particularly appealing for people who want to rely on automation to handle the heavy lifting.

In practice, you can feed it a high-level idea, and it will generate much of the structure on its own. While this level of automation won’t appeal to every builder, especially those who want more control.

It does save a lot of time and demonstrates the potential of agentic AI tools.

If you’re curious about how far automation can go in app development, Emergent is worth a serious look.

:Learn more about Emergent here:​

Emergent Summary

• Generates entire apps from a single prompt
• Uses multiple AI agents for different aspects of development
• Includes autonomous debugging features

This tool is perfect for those who want to quickly prototype ideas or generate complex applications with minimal input.

6. Replit: Integrated AI Development Platform

Replit is already a familiar name to many developers, and it brings strong brand recognition to the AI app-building space.

Like Base44, it has the advantage of an integrated database, meaning you don’t need to set up an external system for data storage.

This makes it easier for newcomers to jump in without juggling multiple services. While some users—including the creator of the transcript—have found Replit a bit harder to build with compared to competitors, the platform is rapidly improving. Its popularity, strong team, and wide adoption make it a safe bet to explore, especially if you value a platform that continues to grow and evolve.

Even if your early experience feels a little clunky, chances are the tool will only get better with time.

Replit Summary

• Built-in database functionality
• Backed by a strong team and growing popularity
• Potential for rapid improvement and feature expansion

While some users report occasional hiccups, Replit's strong backing and active development make it a platform to watch in the AI app building space.

Bonus Tool: Cursor for Advanced AI-Assisted Software Development

Cursor is a little different from the other app builders because it leans more toward a traditional coding environment while still offering AI assistance. It’s best suited for users who already have some technical knowledge or are comfortable working with code.

Like Bolt and Lovable, Cursor allows you to chat with an AI agent that writes and edits code for you, but the key difference is the level of control it gives you.

Instead of abstracting everything away, Cursor keeps you closer to the actual codebase, which can be valuable if you want to refine details, reduce costs, or transition into more advanced development.

For beginners, it may feel intimidating at first, but the built-in agent can guide you through what commands to use or how to troubleshoot issues.

Many developers see Cursor as a natural “next step” once they’ve outgrown more beginner-friendly platforms, making it a smart tool to graduate into when you want more power and flexibility without losing the benefits of AI support.

​Learn more about how to integrate Cursor with Lovable here:​

Cursor Summary

• Chat-based code generation
• Cost-effective scaling for larger projects
• A more traditional coding environment with AI assistance

Cursor can be an excellent choice for those who want to maintain more control over their code while still benefiting from AI assistance.

Choosing the Right AI App Building Tool

When selecting an AI app builder, consider the following factors:

• Your technical skill level
• The complexity of your project
• Budget constraints
• Desired level of control over the development process
• Integration requirements with other tools or platforms

It's crucial to try multiple tools to find the one that best fits your workflow and project needs. Many of these platforms offer free tiers or trial periods, so take advantage of these to get hands-on experience before committing.

Getting Started with AI App Building

If you're new to app development or looking to leverage AI in your existing workflow, here are some steps to get started:

1. Define your app's purpose and core features
2. Research and select an AI app building tool that aligns with your needs
3. Start with a simple project to familiarize yourself with the platform
4. Gradually increase complexity as you become more comfortable with the tool
5. Seek feedback and iterate on your designs

Remember, the key to success with these tools is experimentation and persistence. Don't be afraid to try different approaches or switch between tools if one isn't meeting your needs.

Ready to take your app development skills to the next level? Sign up for No Code MBA and gain access to in-depth tutorials, expert guidance, and a community of fellow app builders. 

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Are AI app building tools suitable for professional development?

Yes, many AI app building tools are suitable for professional development. They can significantly speed up the development process and allow teams to focus on more complex aspects of app creation. However, for highly specialized or complex applications, traditional coding methods may still be necessary.

Do I need coding experience to use these AI app builders?

While coding experience can be helpful, many of these tools are designed to be user-friendly for beginners. Tools like Base 44 and Lovable are particularly accessible for those with little to no coding experience. If you're just starting out, you might want to check out our guide on the best no code app builders for beginners.

How do AI app builders compare to traditional app development methods?

AI app builders can significantly reduce development time and lower the barrier to entry for app creation. They're particularly useful for rapid prototyping and simple to moderately complex applications. However, for highly customized or performance-critical applications, traditional development methods may still have advantages.

Can I create both web and mobile apps with these AI tools?

Many AI app building tools support both web and mobile app development. However, the specific capabilities vary between platforms, so it's important to check the features of each tool to ensure it meets your requirements. For more information on building websites without coding, check out our guide to no code tools.

How much do AI app building tools typically cost?

Pricing varies widely between platforms. Many offer free tiers for basic use, with paid plans ranging from around $20 to several hundred dollars per month for more advanced features and higher usage limits.

Some, like Bolt, use token-based pricing, which can be more cost-effective for certain types of projects. If you're interested in building an AI app, you might want to explore our article on building an AI app without code.