Bolt.new vs Cursor vs Replit Agent: Which AI coding tool is best?

As 2024 is coming to an end, AI coding tools have changed the way we build apps. Three popular options - Bolt.new, Cursor, and Replit Agent - each take different approaches to AI development.

Let's explore how they compare and which one might be right for you.

1. Overview
2. Key features
3. Target audience
4. Development process
5. Pros and Cons
6. Which one should you choose?
7. Conclusion

Overview

Cursor

Cursor is an AI-powered code editor built on top of VSCode. It's designed primarily for developers, offering features like code generation, editing, and multi-file operations through Cursor Composer.

cursor.com website

Replit Agent

Replit Agent is an AI platform that aims to automate the entire development process. It handles everything from environment setup to deployment, making it accessible to both developers and non-developers.

replit.com website

Bolt.new

Bolt.new is a browser-based AI development platform similar to Replit Agent. It focuses on rapid prototyping and simple applications, making it ideal for quick MVPs and proof-of-concepts.

bolt.new website

Key features

Cursor

• AI code generation and editing
• Multi-file editing with Composer
• Deep integration with your development environment
• Customizable AI behavior through Cursor Rules
• Full control over code and development process

Replit Agent

• Natural language app description
• Automated environment setup
• Dependency management
• Database configuration
• Built-in deployment

Bolt.new

• Browser-based development
• Quick prototyping
• Simple deployment process
• Focus on small, straightforward applications
• Minimal setup required

Target audience

Cursor

Cursor is ideal for:

• Professional developers
• Teams working on complex projects
• Those who want full control over their code
• Developers looking to improve productivity

Replit Agent

Best suited for:

• Non-technical founders
• Developers needing quick prototypes
• Teams wanting to automate development
• Those who prefer a hands-off approach

Bolt.new

Perfect for:

• Non-technical users
• Quick MVP creation
• Simple application prototypes
• Those new to development

Development process

Cursor

With Cursor, you remain in control of the development process. The AI acts as an assistant, helping with:

• Code generation
• Bug fixing
• Feature implementation
• Code optimization

Cursor AI Pane

However, you'll need to handle deployments, hosting, and other operational aspects separately.

Replit Agent

Replit Agent takes a more automated approach:

1. Describe your app in plain English
2. AI sets up the development environment
3. Code is generated automatically
4. Deployment is handled for you

Replit Agent Interface

The AI manages the entire process, though this means less control over individual steps.

Bolt.new

Similar to Replit Agent, but with a focus on simplicity:

1. Describe your application
2. AI generates the code
3. Simple deployment process

While great for basic applications, it may struggle with complex features or extensive customization.

Pros and cons

Cursor

• Complete control over code
• Powerful for complex projects
• Excellent for experienced developers
• Highly customizable

• Steeper learning curve
• Requires coding knowledge
• Manual deployment needed
• More setup required

Replit Agent

• Full automation
• Handles entire development lifecycle
• Accessible to non-developers
• Built-in deployment

• Less control over code
• Harder to debug issues
• May not handle complex logic well
• Limited customization options

Bolt.new

• Browser-based (no installation)
• Quick to get started
• Simple deployment
• Great for basic projects

• Limited for complex projects
• Struggles with database configurations
• Difficult to iterate on existing code
• Not suitable for large applications

Which one should you choose?

• You're a developer wanting to improve productivity
• You need full control over your code
• You're building a complex application
• You want to customize every aspect of development

• You want a fully automated solution
• You're a non-technical founder
• You need quick prototypes
• You prefer a hands-off approach

• You need a simple MVP quickly
• You're building a basic application
• You want a browser-based solution
• You're new to development

Conclusion

While Replit Agent and Bolt.new make development more accessible, Cursor remains the most powerful option for serious development work. Although it has a steeper learning curve, the investment in learning Cursor will pay off for complex projects.