Bolt.new

Bolt.new Summary

Bolt.new is a cloud-based, AI-native Integrated Development Environment (IDE) focused on rapid, full-stack application generation through a browser-based workflow, using Anthropic's Claude AI models. It aims for "speed-of-thought" prototyping with minimal setup.

Like Bolt.new, Dyad helps you build full-stack applications with AI assistance, including support for Supabase integration. However, Dyad offers a fundamentally different approach centered on user control.

Key Differences

• Dyad runs locally; Bolt.new runs in the cloud – This is the core distinction. Dyad operates directly on your machine, ensuring your code and data remain private and allowing seamless integration with your favorite IDEs like VS Code or Cursor. Bolt.new's browser-based approach offers initial convenience but has performance overhead and compatibility limitations.
• Dyad gives you full control over AI models; Bolt.new limits your choice – With Dyad, you pick your AI. Choose from leading models (Gemini 2.5 Pro, Claude Sonnet 3.7, GPT-4.1) or even run local models via Ollama/LM Studio for ultimate privacy. Bolt.new curates its models from Anhtropic, limiting your flexibility and control over the AI's behavior and cost.
• Dyad is open-source; Bolt.new is mostly proprietary – Dyad champions transparency with an Apache 2.0 license and gives you full control over your tools. Bolt.new is a mostly proprietary platform (the open-source Bolt.new GitHub project is not regularly updated), meaning you're dependent on their ecosystem and choices.

Which Should You Choose?

If you prioritize control, cost-effectiveness, privacy, and flexibility, Dyad is the compelling choice. It's ideal for users willing to invest in a slightly more complex setup who want to use AI to build apps without the lock-in.

If your primary need is the fastest initial prototype in a fully managed cloud environment, and you're less concerned about having full control over your tool, then Bolt.new might appeal.