Comparing Applet with other tools

We’ve done our best to give fair and accurate comparisons between Applet and some related tools. This includes highlighting use cases where Applet might not be the best fit for you.

Use the heading links on the right to jump to a specific comparison 👉

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Start with the quick tl;dr 👇 Copied! Link to this section

• Compared to other vibe coding tools (like Lovable, Bolt, or v0): Applet’s big difference is our visual-first approach, with wireframing tools and an infinite canvas that puts UI design at the center of the prototyping process, and lets you be truly creative.
• Compared to traditional no-code app builders (like Bubble): Applet prioritizes AI-assisted speed and simplicity. You can sketch an idea and have it working in minutes, with minimal setup or manual configuration.
• Compared to design tools (like Figma, UXPilot, MagicPath, or Magic Patterns): Applet produces functional, interactive prototypes, not just static designs. You can test, click through, and experience real behavior instantly.
• Compared to website builders (like Squarespace, or Webflow): Applet Lets you build actual functional web-apps and is not limited to pre-made templates. It gives you creative freedom to explore custom interactions, powered by AI, on a flexible canvas.

In short: Applet is your fastest path from idea to working prototype.

Applet vs Lovable Copied! Link to this section

Lovable is a chat-based AI app builder that generates full-stack applications through conversational prompts. You’ve heard of them I’m sure 😉

It specializes in building apps and sites based on easily-describable and familiar UX patterns.

Choose Applet to quickly prototype new apps or websites, with the flexibility and creativity that comes with board mode.

Choose Lovable if you have a straightforward idea that you can easily describe in chat prompts, or need simple integrations like Shopify.

Applet vs Bolt Copied! Link to this section

Bolt (by StackBlitz) is a code-focused AI app builder that runs a full Node.js dev environment in your browser. Bolt is aimed at those comfortable with code, offering a behind-the-scenes IDE experience.

Bolt takes a chat-only approach to prompting, with no canvas or board mode for visual inputs.

Choose Applet to prototype new apps or websites, with no coding experience needed. Especially if you’re collaborating with others or prefer a visual approach.

Choose Bolt when you anticipate customizing the code or need integrations like payments (Stripe) and external APIs early on. It gives you more flexibility under the hood (you can debug, adjust files, run a terminal) and integrates well with developer tools.

Applet vs v0 (by Vercel) Copied! Link to this section

v0 is an AI builder focused on UI code generation with transparency. It shows you the code and architecture decisions as it builds. While you can use it with no coding experience, it also offers direct code editing, integration with GitHub and other programmer-first features.

v0 takes a chat-only approach to prompting, with no canvas or board mode for visual inputs.

*In my tests with v0, adding a backend broke the app I had built for a while, but I did manage to get it back without running out of credits. 😅

Choose Applet to prototype new apps or websites, with no coding experience needed. Especially if you’re collaborating with others or prefer a visual approach.

Choose v0 if you have some development experience or plan to edit the code yourself. Great if you prefer chat-only prompting, with no need for visual inputs.

Applet vs Figma Copied! Link to this section

Figma is a design and prototyping tool for static mockups. You can use it to design the look and link screens together manually for click-through demos (no real code output or logic).

Choose Applet to build working, shareable prototypes of web apps and sites quickly with AI.

Choose Figma If you prefer full control over every pixel, detailed manual design options and a large gallery of starter templates. Read about Figma Make’s options to prototype with AI. 👇

Applet vs Figma Make Copied! Link to this section

Figma Make is an AI-powered extension for Figma to turn designs into prototypes. Essentially, integrating AI-prototyping into your existing Figma workflow. You can paste your Figma designs into Make, and prompt it to turn them into prototypes.

*Figma hasn’t published the number of daily credits available to free users. When testing I sent three prompts before I ran out, and one of those prompts caused an error. 😬

Choose Applet if you’re looking to quickly turn your ideas into working prototypes and apps with lightweight wireframing, and whiteboarding.

Choose Figma Make if you already have a seat in Figma.

Applet vs Bubble Copied! Link to this section

Bubble is a no-code platform for building full-scale web applications through manual configuration. It's a heavyweight builder capable of complex apps, but requires more time and skill to use effectively.

Choose Applet for turning ideas into interactive prototypes at the speed of thought. No learning curve.

Choose Bubble when you need more control and long-term scalability - for example, building a full product or startup MVP that you intend to maintain and grow. While Bubble requires more upfront effort (and patience to learn), it can ultimately build comprehensive apps.

Applet vs Webflow Copied! Link to this section

Webflow is a professional web development tool that lets you build production websites without coding (but with a higher skill requirement). It gives you design precision and full control over the final site.

Choose Applet when you are pursuing a novel app idea or custom functionality that isn’t covered by off-the-shelf site templates – for example, a unique web app, an interactive tool, or a specific user flow you want to test.

Choose Webflow if your goal is a production-ready website with content management features.

Applet vs Squarespace Copied! Link to this section

Squarespace is a template-based website builder geared towards quick deployment of standard websites (like portfolios, blogs, or small business sites) with polished, preset designs.

Choose Applet if you have a novel idea or want to build an app, or a website with custom functionality that isn’t covered by off-the-shelf site templates.

Choose Squarespace if your goal is to get a classy website online with as little effort as possible, especially if your use case is a common one (like a portfolio, blog, or online store).

Applet vs Replit Copied! Link to this section

Replit started as a cloud IDE with AI assistance, catering to those who are at least comfortable with some code, though you can use it with no coding experience (like Applet). It offers more programming-first options, such as choosing your tech-stack, and direct code-editing. Replit is a full programming workspace in the browser that uses AI to speed up development.

Much like Bolt, Lovable, and v0, Replit takes a chat-only approach to prompting, with no canvas or board mode for visual inputs.

Choose Applet to prototype new apps or websites, with no coding experience needed. Especially if you prefer a visual approach, with wireframes from board mode.

Choose Replit if you have preferences for your tech-stack, or plan to edit the code yourself. Great if you prefer chat-only prompting, with no need for visual inputs.

Applet vs Magic Patterns Copied! Link to this section

Magic Patterns provides AI-generated UI components, patterns, and front-end code you can use in your projects. It also offers a built-in function to collect user feedback when you share your prototypes. The focus here is design, rather than functionality.

Choose Applet for fast, collaborative prototyping of new app ideas. Perfect when you want to experience a concept end-to-end (without worrying about pixel-perfection).

Choose Magic Patterns if you’re in the design phase of a project and want to explore different UI visuals, then easily collect user feedback.

Applet vs MagicPath Copied! Link to this section

MagicPath is a “vibe-design” tool that emphasizes high-quality UI generation and component reuse, with the ability to export production-ready front-end code (on their $21/mo Pro plan).

When testing it out, I was blown away by the quality of the designs it generated for me. It was genuinely stunning after a single prompt, so they’ve nailed the design aspect. 👌

Choose Applet for fast, collaborative prototyping of new app ideas. Particularly if you want something functional that you can test or share immediately.

Choose MagicPath if you prefer to spend the time generating pixel-perfect design quality and a smooth path to production.

Applet vs UXPilot Copied! Link to this section

UXPilot is a UI design tool that generates assets (wireframes, high-fidelity designs, and some front-end code) with AI.

It made some pretty nice mobile app designs for my tests, and was much faster than MagicPath.

Choose Applet For rapid, collaborative prototyping of new app ideas. Especially when you need something functional to test or share right away.

Choose UXPilot if you’re looking for quick, hi-fi designs you can easily bring into Figma.