Compare
A Bolt.new alternative for people who don't code
Bolt.new (by StackBlitz) writes and runs your app's code right in the browser, and it shines in a developer's hands: you see the files, edit the code, export it and host it anywhere. theo hides the code on purpose: you describe the system your business needs — or start from a ready-made template — and get a running app with database, login and team permissions.
Two different ideas
Bolt is an AI development environment: the chat writes code, and the code stays in view for you to follow and adjust. theo is a system builder: the code exists, but you work with the app — screens, data, team — and ask for changes in plain language.
Where Bolt goes further
- Visible, exportable code, with GitHub integration (history and commits) and ZIP download.
- Your choice of infrastructure: publish on Bolt or Netlify, with Bolt's database or Supabase.
- Import an existing repository and continue from it.
For developers, or a team that will maintain the product, that means full control.
Where theo is simpler
- No files to look after: database, login and hosting are built in, and the app works on phone and desktop.
- Team roles and permissions, with everyone signing in on their own account.
- Ready-made templates for CRM, finance, clinic, scheduling, construction and gyms.
- Adjust without code by clicking on the screen, and ask the chat for the rest.
- Connects to Claude over MCP.
Code and lock-in
With Bolt, the code is the product. With theo the main path is to run the app on theo itself, behind its publish link. If you need to take the code with you, you can download the app as a React + Node project with Docker and the database schema, or push the code once to a GitHub repository — a starting point for a developer, not a continuous sync.
Pricing
Bolt charges in US dollars using tokens: the free plan has a daily and monthly allowance, and paid plans raise it. theo starts free, with no credit card and no time limit. The platform's AI has a monthly message allowance; if you add your own AI key (Anthropic, OpenAI or Google) that allowance does not apply and you pay the provider directly. There is no paid plan today.
Facts about the other tool were checked against its own documentation and pricing page in September 2026. Prices and plans change — check the official site before you decide.
Which one to choose
- Bolt, if you code (or will hire someone who does) and want the code in hand from minute one.
- theo, if you want your business system running with your team, without opening a code file.
| Criterion | theo | Bolt.new |
|---|---|---|
| Built for | Non-developers who need an internal system | Developers, with AI writing the code |
| What you see | The app: screens, data, team | The code and the running app |
| Code | Lives in theo; export as a React + Node project or push once to GitHub | Visible, exportable, GitHub integration |
| Database and login | Included (managed PostgreSQL) | Bolt's database or Supabase |
| Hosting | On theo, with a publish link | Bolt or Netlify |
| Team and permissions | Per-person login, roles and permissions | Whatever the generated app implements |
| To get started | Free, no card, no time limit | Free with a token allowance; paid plans in USD |
Frequently asked questions
- Is theo a Bolt alternative for non-developers?
- Yes — that is who it was built for. You describe the system (or start from a template) and get a working app, without handling files, databases or hosting.
- Can I see and edit the code in theo?
- The app's code exists and you can open it in the builder's editor, next to the live preview. Day to day, though, you work through the screens and ask for changes in the chat.
- Which is better for a product I plan to sell?
- For a product that a development team will maintain, Bolt (or Lovable) is usually better, because the code is yours from the start.
- How much does theo cost?
- It starts free, with no credit card and no time limit. The platform's AI has a monthly message allowance; with your own AI key that allowance does not apply.
Build your business system without code
Describe what you need or open a ready-made template. Free, no credit card.
Free, no credit card · Database hosted in Brazil