VS

Bolt.new vs Cline

Bolt.new: Prompt, run and deploy full-stack apps in the browser. Cline: An open-source coding agent for VS Code that plans, edits files and runs commands. Here is how they compare on features, pricing, platforms, pros and cons.

Quick verdict

Bolt.new

Best for: Developers and makers prototyping web apps quickly.

Stands out for: Runs a real dev environment in the browser; Fast from idea to live preview.

Cline

Best for: Developers who want a transparent, controllable coding agent.

Stands out for: Free and open source; You choose the model.

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of Bolt.new, Cline
Bolt.new
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Cline
Visit cline.bot (opens in a new tab)
What it isPrompt, run and deploy full-stack apps in the browser.An open-source coding agent for VS Code that plans, edits files and runs commands.
Pricing
Free + Paid
Open source
Free to useYesYes
CategoryAI CodingAI Coding
Editor rank#9 in category#16 in category
Made byStackBlitzCline Bot Inc.
Best forDevelopers and makers prototyping web apps quickly.Developers who want a transparent, controllable coding agent.
Key features
  • Prompt to running app
  • In-browser development environment
  • One-click deploy
  • Plan and act modes
  • File edits with approval
  • Terminal and browser actions
  • Works with many model providers
Pros
  • Runs a real dev environment in the browser
  • Fast from idea to live preview
  • You can edit the generated code directly
  • Free and open source
  • You choose the model
Cons
  • Token limits on the free plan
  • Large projects can confuse the AI
  • API usage costs can add up on big tasks
Use it to
  • Generate a full-stack app from a prompt
  • Edit and preview code in the browser
  • Deploy a prototype to share with others
  • Have the agent add a feature across several files
  • Debug a failing build step by step
  • Use a local or cheaper model for coding
Web app
VS Code

Bolt.new vs Cline: questions

Is Bolt.new better than Cline?

Neither wins for everyone. Our editors rank Bolt.new slightly higher overall in AI Coding, but Cline can be the better fit: Developers who want a transparent, controllable coding agent.

Which is free, Bolt.new or Cline?

Both can be used without paying: Bolt.new is free + paid and Cline is open source. Paid plans add more usage or features.

Can I use Bolt.new and Cline together?

Yes. Many people keep both and pick per task, for example generate a full-stack app from a prompt with Bolt.new, and have the agent add a feature across several files with Cline.

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