SiteDrop vs bolt.new
bolt.new is an in-browser AI app builder (StackBlitz) that scaffolds and runs a project live.
bolt.new is great at building and running a project in the browser from prompts. What it doesn't give you is a permanent, brandable URL you own — its live preview isn't that. SiteDrop is the other half: take the finished build and publish it to your own link in a minute. This page compares the two honestly so you know which to reach for.
Publish your site free →SiteDrop vs bolt.new, side by side
| SiteDrop | bolt.new | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary job | Publish & host a finished site on a permanent link. | Build and run a web app in the browser from prompts. |
| Starting point | You have finished site files. | You start from a prompt in the browser IDE. |
| Permanent owned URL | Core feature — owned link + custom domain from a zip. | In-browser preview URL; an owned link needs export + build. |
| Skill needed | None — upload a zip. | Low to build; hosting the output elsewhere needs a build step. |
| Editing after publish | Visual editor, or re-upload. | Re-prompt in Bolt, then re-export. |
| Dynamic features | Static hosting + built-in form capture. | Full app scaffolding, including backends. |
Which should you use?
Choose SiteDrop when
- You built something in Bolt and want it live on a permanent, brandable link.
- You want a custom domain without wiring up a repo and build settings.
- You'd rather upload a zip than manage a deploy pipeline.
Choose bolt.new when
- You want to build and iterate on the app itself.
- You need a running backend or app features baked in.
- You're happy with an in-browser preview during development.
SiteDrop vs bolt.new — FAQ
Does SiteDrop replace bolt.new?
No — they do different jobs. Bolt builds the app; SiteDrop publishes and hosts the finished result on a link you own. If you just need what you built online permanently, SiteDrop is the simpler route; if you want to keep building, that's Bolt.
How do I get my bolt.new project onto SiteDrop?
Download the project, run npm install && npm run build to produce the static dist folder, then zip its contents (index.html at the top level) and upload. Our bolt.new hosting guide walks through it.
Why not just use Bolt's preview link?
The in-browser preview isn't a permanent, brandable URL you control. Publishing the build with SiteDrop gives you a real link (and a custom domain on paid plans) that doesn't depend on a live session.
Ready to get your site live?
Upload your .zip and get a live, shareable link in under a minute. Free 24-hour preview, no card needed.
Publish it now →