The tools that actually work right now
No-code and AI go further than anyone told you. Here's what to reach for, grouped by what you're trying to do.
How to choose, before you subscribe to anything
- Start with one tool, not ten. Pick a single builder from the first group, stay on its free tier, and build something real. Add a second tool only when you hit a wall: you've run out of free credits, or you need something it genuinely can't do.
- The groups below are stages, not a shopping list. Build first. Refine once your app exists. Measure once people use it. Grow once there's something to grow. Nobody needs a tool from every group on day one.
- Free tiers are the point. Nearly everything here lets you start without paying. Outgrow the free tier first, then pay for the one tool you kept reaching for.
Not sure which builder fits your idea? The Library has guides on choosing tools, briefing developers, and what building should cost.
Build the app
These overlap almost completely, so pick one and stay until you outgrow its free tier. Already using Claude Code or Codex? They can do this job too, so try yours before subscribing to anything new.
Lovable
Free tier · Pro $25/moDescribe an app in plain English and get a working frontend with a database wired in.
Bolt.new
Free tier · Pro from $20/moPrompt full-stack apps in the browser and deploy them in a click.
v0
Free tier · Premium $20/moGenerate React UI from a prompt or a screenshot of something you like.
Replit
Free tier · Core from $20/moBuild and run your whole app in one place: AI agent, database, logins, and hosting included.
FlutterFlow
Free tier · from $29/moBuild real iOS and Android apps visually and publish them to the app stores.
Refine the code
For when your app exists and needs careful changes. These mirror the chat subscriptions: Claude includes Claude Code, ChatGPT includes Codex. Use the one you already pay for before buying anything new.
Claude Code
From $20/moAn AI pair-programmer that builds, debugs, and ships from plain instructions.
Codex
Included with ChatGPTOpenAI's coding agent that builds, fixes, and reviews code from plain instructions. Included with every ChatGPT plan, even Free.
Cursor
Free tier · Pro $20/moAn AI code editor for making targeted changes and understanding what was generated.
Backend & data
Check what your builder already gave you. Lovable, for example, wires in Supabase for you.
Supabase
Free tier · Pro $25/moA Postgres database, user logins, and file storage without managing a server.
Firebase
Free tierRealtime database, auth, and hosting from Google.
Airtable
Free tierA spreadsheet that works like a database. Run your CRM and ops data here before you need anything heavier.
Resend
Free tierSends the emails your app needs, like receipts, resets, and welcomes. 3,000 free emails a month.
Ship & host
Most builders host your app for you, so reach here when you want your own domain or a separate marketing site. The exception is GitHub: connect it early, because owning your code is non-negotiable.
GitHub
FreeThe storage platform where your code lives, with full history. Connect your builder to it so the work is always yours, and hosts deploy straight from it.
Vercel
Free tierDeploy your site and get a live link, instantly.
Framer
Free tier · sites from $10/moDesign and publish your marketing site visually. The fastest route to a landing page you're proud of.
Stripe
Pay per saleTake payments with a shareable link or a drop-in checkout. No code, and you only pay per sale.
Measure & monitor
Add these after launch, once strangers are using the thing. All three run for a long time on free tiers.
PostHog
Free tierSee what people actually do in your product: analytics, session replays, and feature flags. 1M free events a month.
Sentry
Free tierTells you when your app breaks for real users, with enough detail to paste straight into your AI tools to fix.
Microsoft Clarity
FreeHeatmaps and session recordings that show where visitors click, scroll, and give up. Completely free.
Customers & growth
One at a time, as the need appears: a form when you want a waitlist, a booking link when customer calls start.
Tally
Free tierForms that feel like writing a doc: waitlists, surveys, intake. Unlimited forms and submissions, free.
Cal.com
Free for one personA booking link that kills the scheduling back-and-forth, with calendar sync and video calls built in.
Beehiiv
Free to 2,500 subsRun a newsletter with a site and referral program built in. Free up to 2,500 subscribers.
Crisp
Free tierLive chat on your site, answered from your phone. Talk to visitors before they bounce.
Loom
Free tierRecord your screen and face, send the link. Demos, onboarding, and support without booking a meeting.
Research
The free tiers cover founder research. Pay only if you hit the daily limits.
Ops & content
You likely already pay for one of these. Use what you have before adding more.
ChatGPT
Free tier · Plus $20/moCopy, customer-interview scripts, personas, and the everyday operating work.
Zapier
Free tier · from $20/moWhen something happens in one app, do something in another. Automation without code.
Canva
Free tier · Pro $12/moDesign anything that needs to look good: decks, social posts, brand kits.
Gamma
Free tier · from $9/moWrite a prompt, get a presentation. Pitch decks, one-pagers, and updates in minutes.
