Building apps without coding has become increasingly accessible, but choosing the right platform can determine your project's success. This comprehensive guide compares Adalo, the established no-code mobile and web app builder, with Bolt.New, StackBlitz's AI-powered development platform launched in October 2024.
The bottom line: Adalo emerges as the superior choice for most app builders, offering a mature, reliable platform with predictable pricing, true native mobile app capabilities, and an intuitive visual interface that doesn't require constant debugging or expensive token consumption. While Bolt.New shows promise with its AI capabilities, it faces significant limitations in production readiness, cost predictability, and platform stability that make Adalo the wiser investment for serious app development.
Platform overview and core philosophy
Adalo's proven no-code approach
Adalo has established itself since 2018 as "The #1 Best No-Code Mobile and Web App Builder," serving over 2 million end users through apps created on its platform. The company's philosophy centers on democratizing app development through visual, drag-and-drop interfaces that require zero coding knowledge.
Key differentiators:
- Build once, deploy everywhere: Create a single app that works natively on iOS, Android, and web
- True no-code experience: Visual interface requires no programming knowledge
- Mature ecosystem: 6+ years of platform refinement and community development
- Predictable pricing: Monthly subscriptions without usage-based surprises
Bolt.New's experimental AI approach
Bolt.New represents StackBlitz's attempt to revolutionize development through AI-powered code generation. Launched in late 2024, it uses natural language prompts to generate full-stack web applications, relying on Claude 3.5 Sonnet AI models.
Core characteristics:
- AI-first development: Chat-based interface for app generation
- Browser-based environment: No local setup required
- Token-based pricing: Pay-per-use model that can become expensive
- Limited production readiness: Better suited for prototypes than production apps
Feature comparison: Building capabilities
Visual development vs AI generation
Adalo's Visual Builder provides a WYSIWYG editor with:
- 50+ built-in components: Buttons, forms, lists, images, videos, maps, and more
- Component marketplace: Additional premium components from third-party developers
- Custom layouts: Complete control over design with responsive capabilities
- Real-time preview: Test apps instantly during development
- Template library: Pre-built app templates for common use cases
Bolt.New's AI Interface offers:
- Chat-based development requiring clear prompting skills
- AI-generated code that often needs debugging
- Limited to JavaScript/Node.js technologies only
- Token consumption for every interaction and modification
- Frequent error loops requiring expensive debugging sessions
Database and backend capabilities
Adalo's Integrated Solution:
- Built-in database: Excel-like functionality with visual management
- External integrations: Connect to Xano, Airtable, Google Sheets
- API access: Every Adalo app includes its own API
- Real-time updates: Live data synchronization across platforms
- Relationship support: Complex database relationships without coding
Bolt.New's Limitations:
- JavaScript/Node.js backend only - no Python, PHP, or other languages
- Requires external services for databases (Supabase, Firebase)
- Complex debugging when database issues arise
- Token costs escalate with backend complexity
- Limited scalability for data-intensive applications
Pricing analysis: Predictable costs vs token uncertainty
Adalo's transparent pricing structure
Adalo's pricing offers predictable monthly costs (when billed annually):
Key Advantage - UNLIMITED App Actions: As of Adalo 3.0 (February 2025), all plans include unlimited app actions. You'll never pay overages or worry about your app going viral and breaking the bank.
Free Plan:
- Test and learn the platform
- Cannot publish to app stores
- Perfect for evaluation
- Free forever with app hibernation after 60 days of inactivity
Starter Plan ($36/month billed annually):
- 1 published app
- App Store and Google Play publishing
- Custom domain support
- UNLIMITED app actions (as of Adalo 3.0)
Professional Plan ($52/month billed annually):
- 2 published apps
- UNLIMITED app actions
- Advanced features like Google Maps
- Custom actions and geolocation
Team Plan ($160/month billed annually):
- 5 published apps
- UNLIMITED app actions
- Design version history
- Priority support
Bolt.New's unpredictable token system
Bolt.New's token-based pricing creates significant uncertainty:
Token Consumption Issues:
- Simple functions: 50-100 tokens
- Complex apps: 1000+ tokens per interaction
- Debugging sessions: Users report spending $1,000+ on tokens for simple fixes
- No way to predict monthly costs accurately
- Token limits reset daily on free plan, disrupting workflow
Pricing Tiers:
- Free: 150K daily tokens (constant interruptions)
- Pro plans: $20-$200/month for varying token amounts
- Enterprise: Custom pricing for heavy usage
Publishing capabilities: App stores and beyond
Adalo excels in multi-platform deployment
Native Mobile Apps:
- iOS App Store: Generate IPA files for Apple submission
- Google Play Store: Create AAB files for Android deployment
- TestFlight support: Beta testing for iOS apps
- App store compliance: Built-in features meet store requirements
Web Deployment:
- Progressive Web Apps: Full PWA support
- Custom domains: Deploy to your own domain
- Free hosting: Adalo subdomain included
- Responsive design: Automatic optimization for all devices
Bolt.New's limited deployment options
Mobile Limitations:
- Mobile apps only through Expo integration (additional complexity)
- Requires separate developer accounts and knowledge
- No direct app store submission support
- Additional costs for app deployment
Web Deployment:
- Primary focus on web applications
- Netlify integration for hosting
- Export limitations with missing dependencies
- No built-in app store publishing pipeline
Ease of use comparison
Adalo's beginner-friendly approach
Learning Resources:
- Adalo App Academy: Comprehensive course platform
- Documentation: Extensive help center
- YouTube tutorials: Step-by-step guides
- Community forum: Active peer support
User Experience:
- Intuitive drag-and-drop: Similar to PowerPoint or Canva
- No coding required: True no-code experience
- Visual feedback: See changes instantly
- Guided workflows: Clear paths from idea to published app
Bolt.New's technical challenges
Steep Learning Curve:
- Requires understanding of web development concepts
- Prompting skills essential for effective use
- Debugging knowledge needed when AI fails
- Technical expertise required for production apps
Common User Frustrations:
- AI overwrites good code with problematic code
- Error loops consume expensive tokens
- Incomplete exports require manual fixes
- Limited documentation for troubleshooting
Performance and scalability analysis
Adalo's production-ready infrastructure
Current Performance (Adalo 3.0 Updates):
- 20 million+ daily requests: Proven at scale
- Global user base: Apps deployed worldwide
- 98% backend migration complete: Infrastructure overhaul nearly finished
- 33% image compression improvement: Through enhanced Imgix configuration
- Dedicated database isolation: For paid plans with better stability
Scalability Options:
- UNLIMITED app actions on all plans: No more usage limits or overage charges
- External database support for large datasets
- Performance best practices documented
- Native pagination component for better list performance
- Regional data hosting in US, Europe, and Japan
Bolt.New's prototype limitations
Performance Constraints:
- Browser-based limitations affect complex apps
- Token costs escalate dramatically with scale
- Context window limitations restrict project size
- No proven track record for production applications
User Reports:
- Significant slowdowns in complex projects
- Expensive debugging sessions for simple issues
- Incomplete file exports hinder migration
- Not suitable for enterprise applications
Customer support and community
Adalo's established ecosystem
Support Channels:
- Email support at hello@adalo.com
- Direct contact with leadership (james.crennan@adalo.com)
- Active community forum
- Priority support on Team and Business plans
- Adalo Experts network for professional help
Learning Ecosystem:
- Comprehensive documentation
- Video tutorial library
- Community-created templates
- Regular webinars and monthly updates
- Canny changelog for transparency
Bolt.New's limited support structure
Current Support:
- Basic documentation at support.bolt.new
- Discord channel (through StackBlitz)
- GitHub issues for technical problems
- Limited professional support options
Community Challenges:
- New platform with smaller user base
- Limited third-party resources
- Few established best practices
- Minimal professional service providers
Integration capabilities
Adalo's extensive integration ecosystem
Native Integrations:
- Zapier: Connect to 5,000+ services
- Payment processing: Stripe and IAPHUB
- Data sources: Airtable, Google Sheets, Xano
- Maps: Google Maps with geolocation
- Automation: Make.com integration
- Third-party components for extended functionality
- Social login options
- Advanced UI elements
- Custom business logic components
Bolt.New's limited integration options
Current Integrations:
- Basic npm package support
- Netlify deployment only
- Limited third-party service connections
- No established marketplace or ecosystem
- Requires manual integration coding
Templates and starting points
Adalo's comprehensive template library
- E-commerce: Complete online stores
- Social media: Facebook-like platforms
- Booking systems: Appointment scheduling
- Directories: Business listings
- Educational: Course management
- Real estate: Property browsing
Industry-specific solutions:
- Healthcare and fitness tracking
- Restaurant and food delivery
- Professional services
- Community platforms
Bolt.New's limited templates
Current Offerings:
- Basic starter templates only
- No industry-specific solutions
- Limited customization options
- Requires AI prompting for variations
Use cases and success stories
Adalo's proven track record
Successful Applications Built:
- Mile High Karate: Student training app
- Local marketplaces: Fruit and vegetable delivery
- Professional tools: CRM and business management
- Educational platforms: Course delivery systems
- Community apps: University social networks
Customer showcases demonstrate:
- Real businesses using Adalo
- Diverse industry applications
- Scalable solutions
- Revenue-generating apps
Bolt.New's experimental stage
Current Use Cases:
- Rapid prototyping only
- Educational demos
- Proof-of-concept development
- Not recommended for production apps
- No established success stories
Final verdict: Why Adalo is the superior choice
Adalo's clear advantages
For Businesses:
- Predictable costs: Monthly pricing (billed annually) with no surprise charges
- UNLIMITED app actions: Never worry about usage limits or overages
- Production-ready: Proven with millions of users
- True no-code: No debugging or technical knowledge required
- Native apps: Direct app store deployment
- Established platform: 6+ years of refinement with Adalo 3.0 improvements
For Development:
- Visual development: See what you build
- Comprehensive features: Everything needed built-in
- Strong community: Active support and resources
- Professional services: Expert help available
- Continuous improvements: Regular platform updates
When to consider Bolt.New
Bolt.New may only be suitable for:
- Quick experiments or demos
- Developers wanting AI assistance
- Projects with unlimited budgets
- Non-production prototypes
- Learning web development concepts
Making the right choice
For serious app development, Adalo provides the stability, features, and support necessary for success. While Bolt.New's AI approach seems innovative, its expensive token system, debugging challenges, and production limitations make it unsuitable for real business applications.
Start building with Adalo today at adalo.com and join thousands of successful app creators who've chosen the proven path to mobile and web app development. With Adalo's free plan, you can test the platform risk-free and experience the difference a mature, user-focused no-code platform makes.
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Choose reliability over experimentation. Choose predictable pricing over token uncertainty. Choose Adalo for your next app project.
