Bolt.new vs GitHub Copilot: Which AI Tool Enhances Productivity More?

As builders, we’re always on the lookout for tools that can save us time and enhance our productivity. In the ever-evolving landscape of AI coding tools, two names often come up: Bolt.new and GitHub Copilot. Both promise to streamline the coding process, but do they deliver? I’ve spent time testing both in real-world scenarios, and I’m here to share the details.

Overview of the Tools

What is Bolt.new?

Bolt.new is an AI-powered coding assistant that focuses on rapid code generation and context-aware suggestions. Designed for developers who want to speed up their coding without losing quality, it integrates seamlessly with various IDEs.

What is GitHub Copilot?

GitHub Copilot leverages OpenAI’s Codex model to provide intelligent code suggestions and autocompletion within your coding environment. It’s designed to assist developers by predicting what they want to write next, making coding faster and more efficient.

Feature Comparison

| Feature | Bolt.new | GitHub Copilot | |------------------------|----------------------------------|---------------------------------| | Code Autocompletion | Yes, context-aware suggestions | Yes, based on previous lines | | Language Support | 15 languages, including Python | 30+ languages | | IDE Integration | VS Code, JetBrains | VS Code, Neovim, JetBrains | | Price | Free tier + $15/mo pro | $10/mo per user, no free tier | | Collaboration | Real-time collaborative editing | Limited to GitHub repository | | Customization | High, allows custom snippets | Low, mostly based on AI model | | Learning Curve | Moderate | Low, intuitive for GitHub users |

Pricing Breakdown

• Bolt.new:

  • Free tier available with basic features.
  • Pro version at $15/month, which includes advanced features and priority support.

• GitHub Copilot:

  • $10/month per user, with no free tier. This is a straightforward pricing model, but it can add up if you have a larger team.

Best For

Bolt.new

• Best for solo developers or small teams looking for a budget-friendly solution that offers flexibility and customization in coding.

GitHub Copilot

• Ideal for teams already integrated into the GitHub ecosystem, looking for quick and reliable code suggestions without needing extensive configurations.

Limitations

Bolt.new

• While it offers collaborative editing, it’s not as robust as GitHub Copilot’s integration with GitHub repositories. The learning curve can also be a bit steeper for new users.

GitHub Copilot

• Limited customization options, which may not suit developers who prefer tailored coding experiences. It also relies heavily on the context of existing code, which can lead to less relevant suggestions in some cases.

Our Take

In our experience, we found Bolt.new to be a solid choice for indie hackers and solo founders who need flexibility and are budget-conscious. However, GitHub Copilot excels in team environments where collaboration and integration with existing repositories are crucial.

Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?

If you’re a solo developer or building a side project, start with Bolt.new to maximize your budget while still getting great productivity features. On the other hand, if you’re part of a larger team and already using GitHub, GitHub Copilot is the obvious choice due to its seamless integration and reliability.

What We Actually Use

Currently, we’re using Bolt.new for individual projects due to its cost-effectiveness and customization options. For team collaborations, we lean towards GitHub Copilot for its ease of use and integration with our workflow.