Best AI Coding Tools compared (2025)

Understanding AI Tools: Bolt, v0, Cursor, Copilot, and Replit

Many people struggle to understand the differences between AI tools like Bolt, v0, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, and Replit. Since I’ve been using all of them for several months now (with subscriptions), I’m going to summarize their key points here.

Bolt

Bolt is an awesome tool I've been using since day 1. You can quickly build your own specs in GPT/Claude and fire it at Bolt. You will get really good results. The team behind Bolt is also super fast at adding new features and improvements. If you need to start a lot of projects, like doing demos or building multiple apps in a month, then Bolt is a viable tool.

But if you're working on an existing codebase, keep in mind that it’s mostly a generator right now. At some point, you might hit a wall. They’ve added helpful features like "Lock" and "Target File," but as someone coding 8 hours a day, you’ll need more consistency to keep things smooth. Also, Bolt and v0 work better with React than, for example, with other frameworks like Nuxt/Vue. I’ve tested the same app repeatedly, and it always ran into issues with Nuxt.

So, Vue/Nuxt support isn’t quite there yet, which also applies to most code generators.

Deployments: Netlify Preferred

Have a look at my article on building web apps fast using Bolt.new.

v0

A few days ago, I would have said that v0, compared to Bolt, is stronger in building frontends (the shiny interface the user sees when opening an app or website). This seems to be because they heavily rely on Shadcn, a very popular framework-agnostic component design library. With this focus on the framework, you can consistently achieve a decent UI. Since v0 announced full-stack features a few days ago, including acquiring Grep (which means having a database of over 500k+ GitHub repos), it will be similar in features to Bolt.

Deployments: Vercel Preferred

Cursor

First of all, Cursor is a programming IDE (a fork of Visual Studio), not a browser-based all-in-one code generator. Learning a programming IDE is very different from picking up software like Blender or Adobe Photoshop. For example, if you learn Blender, you’ll spend months creating 3D renders. Not only will you master the tool, but you’ll also be able to produce incredible 3D scenes. The catch is you master the tool (Cursor), but you still don’t know how to code. This is what frustrates people without programming knowledge.

On the other hand, if you're an experienced developer, Cursor will be the main tool you will be working with. Although, as I said, you can quickstart projects in v0 and Bolt, but you will eventually end up in Cursor. With Cursor, you can add your own codebase, like adding Nuxt UI or any specific framework. You can also add extensions, use file references, and more.

Here's a step by step on working with Cursor.

GitHub Copilot

GitHub Copilot integrates with popular IDEs like Visual Studio Code, JetBrains, and Neovim. It suggests code snippets as you type, making it great for handling small tasks and offering quick fixes. It’s especially helpful for beginners who are just learning to code.

Copilot works best for smaller, simpler tasks. It’s not designed to handle complex, multi-file projects or offer deep customization. If you’re looking for a lightweight assistant to help you get unstuck or write boilerplate code, Copilot is a solid choice.

Replit

Replit is a cloud-based IDE that’s great for beginners and small teams. It supports real-time collaboration and many programming languages. You can write code directly in your browser without setting up a local environment, making it easy to get started.

Replit is ideal for learning or working on small projects. Its simplicity and collaboration features make it valuable for educational settings. However, it’s not suited for large-scale applications, and some advanced features require a paid subscription.

Softgen AI

Softgen turns user ideas into web applications with a backend database, eliminating the need for coding and making development accessible to all.

It offers real-time collaboration, a built-in IDE, task management, full-stack capabilities, and customizable projects. You will get a complete development environment with customisable setups, real-time interaction, and full project control.

Lovable

Lovable simplifies web development with a user-friendly chat interface, offering version control and backend support for both technical and non-technical users. Key features include live rendering, instant undo, live collaboration, and one-click deployment. What sets Lovable apart is its ability to reduce cognitive load with structured workflows and custom knowledge bases, ensuring consistency throughout the process.

Creatr

Creatr makes developing websites, apps, and digital products quick and easy by simplifying the design and development process. With an intuitive interface, it offers features like a visual sitemap planner, wireframing tools, and a whiteboard for brainstorming. What makes Creatr unique is its ability to assist throughout the entire product lifecycle, going beyond just code editing.

Codesandbox

CodeSandbox is an online platform that enables real-time code creation, sharing, and collaboration. It offers features like real-time collaboration, full-stack development, and AI-powered coding assistance. What sets CodeSandbox apart is its strong emphasis on team collaboration and seamless integration with deployment services.

Create.xyz

A newer platform that uses AI to generate full-stack applications with a focus on visual design. It offers AI-driven design and code generation, supports various frameworks, and provides instant previews. What makes it unique is its seamless integration of design tools with code generation, catering to both designers and developers.

Lazy AI

Lazy AI simplifies coding by managing the entire software development lifecycle. It features a frontend builder, automatic backend setup, and support for natural language commands. Its unique approach offers a comprehensive, personalized, and efficient solution to software development.

Conclusion

Think of it like this: Bolt and v0 are like Canva. They’re beginner-friendly and great for fast results, but they lack the depth for heavy customization. Cursor is more like Figma, a powerful and flexible tool for developers who know their craft. GitHub Copilot is your coding assistant for quick suggestions, and Replit is perfect for small-scale projects or team collaborations.

Even though Bolt and v0 make it easier to get started, learning to code is essential. These tools can feel like slot machines, giving you quick wins and a dopamine rush at first. But soon, you’ll face challenges that require deeper programming knowledge. Building a prototype isn’t just about the user interface, it’s about connecting APIs, backend systems, frontend logic, and databases.

With AI tools, you can speed up your learning by solving real problems as you go. Start with Bolt or v0 for quick wins, then expand your project using Cursor. If you need help along the way, Copilot and Replit can fill in the gaps.

Happy coding!🚀