Use-case guide
Best AI tools for building a startup MVP
Short answer: Use Lovable or Bolt.new for fast app drafts, Replit for browser-based build and deploy, Cursor for real codebase iteration, and v0 for UI generation.
Match the tool to the job
Match the builder to the stage
Use one builder for the first pass. Add another only when you need a different build path, browser hosting, real-code iteration, or UI sections.
Shape the first app
Lovable
A fast way to turn a product prompt into a clickable app draft for early feedback.
Alternate pathTry another build path
Bolt.new
Useful for quickly testing a second prompt-to-app direction before committing.
Browser buildBuild and deploy in browser
Replit
Good when you want code, hosting, and iteration in one browser-based workspace.
Real codeIterate the codebase
Cursor
Stronger once the prototype becomes real code that needs debugging and refactoring.
UI sectionsGenerate UI sections
v0
Best for quickly drafting interface pieces that can move into a frontend build.
Cursor, Replit, and v0 are strongest after you know whether the prototype deserves more real engineering time.