Cursor vs Bolt.new
Cursor gets closer to production-ready code. Bolt.new is the fastest path to a working demo. Both need review before launch — code quality, security, and deployment compared.
Cursor is an AI-powered IDE for developers — you write code with AI assistance. Bolt.new is a browser-based builder that generates complete apps from prompts in a WebContainer. Cursor gives you control and context; Bolt gives you speed and simplicity. The code quality reflects these trade-offs.
Head-to-head comparison
Code structure
CursorCursor
Organized Next.js project with clear file structure. Components can be large but follow recognizable patterns. Good TypeScript usage.
Bolt.new
Varies between Vite React and Next.js. File organization is minimal — most logic in a few large files. TypeScript is present but not always strict.
Security
CursorCursor
Missing auth on API routes and server actions. Secrets occasionally in NEXT_PUBLIC_ variables. Fixable with middleware and env var cleanup.
Bolt.new
Often no authentication system at all. API keys hardcoded in source. No input validation, no CSRF protection. The prototype works but has no security layer.
Production readiness
CursorCursor
Needs security hardening and testing but the architecture is production-viable. Usually deploys to Vercel without major changes.
Bolt.new
Prototypes that work in Bolt's WebContainer but often break when deployed. Hardcoded localhost URLs, missing env vars, and CORS errors are common.
Speed of creation
Bolt.newCursor
Requires development knowledge and iterative building. Hours to days for a complete app.
Bolt.new
Generates working prototypes in minutes from a prompt. Best-in-class speed for going from idea to working demo.
Backend capability
CursorCursor
Full-stack with server actions, API routes, database integration. Real backend logic.
Bolt.new
Backend is often minimal or mock — frontend-heavy prototypes. May need an entire backend built before production.
Ease of modification
CursorCursor
Standard codebase that any developer can modify. AI-assisted editing continues to work well in Cursor.
Bolt.new
Exported code can be modified but the structure isn't always clean. Easier to continue iterating in Bolt than editing exported code manually.
Code quality
Cursor produces significantly more production-ready code. Bolt's strength is speed of prototyping — you get a working demo in minutes. But the gap between Bolt's prototype and production is much larger than Cursor's. Bolt apps typically need authentication, a real backend, proper error handling, and deployment configuration before they're production-ready.
Security
Bolt prototypes have essentially no security layer — no auth, no validation, hardcoded credentials. Cursor has security gaps (unprotected routes, exposed secrets) but at least has a security-aware architecture. Both need a security review, but Bolt apps need fundamental security infrastructure built from scratch.
Which should you choose?
Choose Cursor if...
Developers building apps they intend to ship to real users. Best when you need a production-quality codebase from the start.
Cursor servicesChoose Bolt.new if...
Rapid prototyping and idea validation. Best when you need to show stakeholders a working demo quickly and are prepared to rebuild for production.
Bolt.new servicesThe bottom line
Bolt is the fastest way to a working demo. Cursor is the faster way to a production app. If you're validating an idea, start with Bolt. If you're building for users, start with Cursor. If you started with Bolt and need to go to production, expect significant work to bridge the gap.
Whichever tool you used, we'll review the code
Get a professional review of your AI-generated code at a fixed price.
Security Scan
Black-box review of your public-facing app. No code access needed.
- OWASP Top 10 checks
- SSL/TLS analysis
- Security headers
- Expert review within 24h
Code Audit
In-depth review of your source code for security, quality, and best practices.
- Security vulnerabilities
- Code quality review
- Dependency audit
- AI pattern analysis
Complete Bundle
Both scans in one package with cross-referenced findings.
- Everything in both products
- Cross-referenced findings
- Unified action plan
100% credited toward any paid service. Start with an audit, then let us fix what we find.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bolt code good enough for production?
Not without significant work. Bolt creates great prototypes but they're missing authentication, proper error handling, environment variable management, and often a real backend. Think of Bolt output as a detailed specification with working UI — the backend and security layer need to be built.
Can I export from Bolt and continue in Cursor?
Yes, this is a common workflow. Download your Bolt project, open it in Cursor, and use Cursor's AI to add the missing pieces (auth, backend, error handling). The UI from Bolt is usually solid — it's the backend and security that need work.
Other comparisons
Cursor vs Lovable
Cursor produces more production-ready code but requires coding knowledge.
Cursor vs v0
Cursor builds full-stack apps while v0 generates UI components.
Cursor vs GitHub Copilot
Cursor is more capable for building full features.
Lovable vs Bolt.new
Lovable produces more portable code and gets closer to production.
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