Vibe coding sounds fairly cool.
Not the title. That’s a bit bizarre, to be trustworthy. However we ♥ the thought.
Having the ability to describe an app and watch AI write the code is simply…monumentally thrilling.
The robust half is realizing the place to start out. Which apps are the simplest to make use of? Which of them will really construct one thing helpful? And which of them are going to delete your complete codebase on a whim?
These are all honest questions. And we needed to know the solutions. That’s why we spent the previous week placing the important thing contenders via their paces.
Stick to us for the following jiffy to find what we constructed, how we did it, and which apps got here out on high.
Evaluating vibe coding instruments generally is a problem, as a result of they arrive in lots of flavors:
- IDE plugins: These instruments act as a bridge between AI fashions (like Claude and ChatGPT) and your IDE workflow.
- IDE forks: These apps exchange your current IDE, with AI options in-built. Most attempt to get you on a subscription.
- CLI-based instruments: Comfortable to work within the command line? These instruments are made for this surroundings.
- Net-based platforms: Consumer-friendly net apps that allow you to create software program proper in your browser.
So many selections. However don’t fear, we’re going to make some sense of this AI tasting board.
The DreamHost Testing Rubric
To make it honest, we’ve created our personal scoring system. It goes one thing like this:
- First cross execution (0–10): How effectively does the platform translate your preliminary immediate into working code?
- Error restoration (0–10): How successfully does the platform deal with bugs and errors?
- Iteration functionality (0–10): How effectively does the platform deal with follow-up modifications and changes?
- Consumer expertise (0–10): How intuitive is the platform, each for builders and for non-technical individuals?
- Deployment (0–10): Are you able to deploy straight from the platform, and is the generated code able to ship?
- Prompting effectivity (0–10): What number of prompts are required to realize the specified end result? And the way deep do these prompts have to be?
- Worth for cash (0–10): Free tier limitations and restrictions, pricing mannequin equity, and general bang in your buck.
And the way are we certified to attain this contest?
Nicely, DreamHost supplies internet hosting for a lot of high apps, web sites, and businesses. We all know good code after we see it.
Take a look at the outcomes underneath every device to get the at-a-glance verdict.
IDE Plugins: Add Vibe Coding to Your Regular Workflow
In the event you’re technical sufficient to know what an IDE is, you may wish to begin vibe coding with a plugin. These options are quick, versatile, and pretty low-cost.
The one downsides: that you must configure (and pay for) your individual API key, and most plugins are made for VSCode. In the event you use a unique IDE, you is likely to be out of luck.
1. Cline (VSCode/Cursor /Windsurf Extension)
Testing Rating: 59.5/70
Cline is like the right intern: it all the time makes a plan, asks sensible questions, and works exhausting with out rewriting your complete repository.
In testing, Cline carried out respectably on the primary cross. We had it construct an invoicing system; the plugin delivered clear code with no fuss (thanks partially to Claude working underneath the hood).
However the actual sturdy level of this plugin is iteration. Cline’s strategic strategy helps it sort out errors logically.
Allow autonomous mode, and the plugin can work within the background when you do different issues. Simply be certain that to verify in occasionally, otherwise you’ll burn via a hell of numerous AI credit.
Execs:
- Sturdy planning, and asks clarifying questions.
- Helps a number of AI suppliers.
- Autonomous mode can deal with complicated, multi-file duties.
Cons:
- Can rack up API prices rapidly.
- Generally responsible of over-engineering.
- Occasional lag with giant codebases (>10,000 information).
Pricing: Free; you simply pay for API utilization.
2. Roo Code (VSCode Extension)
Testing Rating: 57/70
There’s nothing very glamorous about Roo Code. It’s an open-source extension that makes no outlandish guarantees. However boy, it does the boring stuff effectively.
Roo Code is especially good at dealing with initiatives that require a number of information. The extension tracks context effectively, and it provides a number of specialised modes. It’s tremendous customizable, too.
The standard of the code you obtain largely is dependent upon what you’re attempting to realize.
In the event you’re working with one or two well-liked languages, Roo Code will excel.
Want your agent to assume exterior the field and work inside frameworks? Cline feels barely extra agile.
However general, there’s not a lot separating these two (completely free) extensions.
Execs:
- Glorious project-wide context consciousness.
- A great deal of customization choices.
- Quick response occasions, even with complicated queries.
Cons:
- Generally overeager to refactor in case your prompts are broad.
- Error explanations are concise however not all the time root-cause-first.
- The DIY deploy path is difficult for non-technical customers.
Pricing: Free; you pay for API utilization.
3. Kilo Code (VSCode/Cursor /JetBrains Extension)
Testing Rating: 56/70
Kilo Code is basically the lovechild of Cline and Roo Code.
It’s really a direct fork of Roo Code — so that you’ll discover a lot of the identical performance right here. However the builders have constructed Cline-like options on high, together with easy setup and auto-acceptance.
In motion, Kilo Code feels barely rougher across the edges than Cline. However that’s to be anticipated, given the app is barely months previous.
And the extension smashed our one-shot check, creating a totally purposeful blog-to-tweet converter in seconds, utilizing the free credit that Kilo provides to new customers. Spectacular stuff.
Execs:
- The characteristic record provides the very best of each worlds.
- Nice for scoped edits and UI polish.
- Low studying curve; stays out of your means.
Cons:
- Nonetheless feels barely beta-ish.
- Not the smoothest setup.
- Deployment may be very DIY.
Pricing: Free for people; group collaboration options from $29/person/month.
IDE Forks: Environments Made for Vibe Coding
Why fiddle with plugins when you may simply seize a free IDE with AI in-built?
That may be the pitch for IDE forks. And loads of individuals appear to be shopping for.
The 2 instruments on this part have 1.8 million customers between them. (For context, DreamHost has 400,000 prospects. Nonetheless not dangerous should you ask us).
Let’s see what the fuss is all about.
4. Cursor
Testing Rating: 57.5/70
The OG of vibe coding. Cursor might be the preferred AI-powered coding device proper now, and for good purpose.
This IDE makes it tremendous simple to begin constructing apps. You don’t want an API key. Simply set up the desktop app and begin making requests.
On the free plan, you get a restricted variety of free requests on barely deprecated fashions (like Claude Sonnet 3.5). In order for you extra, paid plans begin at $20/month.
For that value, you get far more requests than you’ll with API pricing. And the app is tremendous simple to make use of.
The key downside is that Cursor isn’t fairly as sensible as BYOK (deliver your individual key) instruments like Cline.
In testing, it dealt with a easy behavior tracker in a single shot — however the app typically wants assist to remain on observe throughout lengthy vibe coding classes.
Execs:
- Nice interface, with entry to AI for inline edits.
- Sturdy repo-wide modifications with minimal regression.
- Quick and low-cost.
Cons:
- Requires a subscription to entry frontier fashions.
- Lengthy classes profit from a guide recap to keep away from drift.
- Heavy customers should improve to the large $200/month plan.
Pricing: Free to strive with restricted options; paid plans from $20/month.
5. Windsurf
Testing Rating: 56.5/70
Windsurf is Cursor’s cheeky youthful sibling. It’s not fairly as mature or developed, however there’s loads to love.
One large level of distinction is entry to fashions. Windsurf provides free entry to the in-house SWE-1, which isn’t dangerous. However you’ll both must deliver your individual keys or subscribe to a paid plan if you’d like something from Claude, OpenAI, or Gemini.
Apart from this (pretty giant) hiccup, Windsurf may be very user-friendly. The app mechanically scans current codebases and tags all the important thing substances, that means you may get to work sooner. It even learns your coding type over time.
We additionally just like the “App Deploys” characteristic, which helps you to deploy net functions straight by way of Cascade. That’s a giant plus for the non-techy individuals.
Execs:
- Speedy, even with giant codebases.
- Straightforward to make use of for non-developers.
- Learns what you want.
Cons:
- Outputs can get just a little wordy.
- Occasional hesitation should you’re not particular with prompts.
- Plans aren’t overly beneficiant with credit for high fashions.
Pricing: Free to strive; paid plans from $15/person/month.
For the typical pc person, the command line feels harmful. Sort the improper factor and you could possibly simply delete your pc…or one thing.
However for seasoned builders, the command line is kind of merely essentially the most environment friendly device for getting issues executed.
And that’s why some AI coding instruments are made for this surroundings. Listed below are the highlights:
6. Claude Code
Testing Rating: 59.5/70
Say howdy to the GOAT of reasoning. Holy cow, this factor is sensible.
Whether or not you’re constructing a sport of tic-tac-toe in Python, or creating an interactive galaxy in Three.js utilizing star catalog knowledge present in a JSON file — sure, we tried that — Claude Code outputs nice code. It’s speedy, too.
Claude Code works equally effectively on current code bases, and the truth that you’re tapping straight into the shell means you may even use it for “vibe scripting”…if that’s a factor.
So, why isn’t this device high of the pile? The principle limitation is the dearth of project-wide context. In contrast to IDE-based options, Claude Code works finest with targeted, single-file duties (though you should utilize it in your favourite IDE).
Execs:
- Distinctive pure language understanding.
- Works seamlessly over SSH.
- BYOK or get a massively beneficiant subscription.
Cons:
- Restricted to single-file context.
- No visible suggestions or preview.
- Requires Anthropic API key configuration.
Pricing: Pay as you go by way of credit API, or from $200/month on the Max subscription.
7. OpenCode
Testing Rating: 53/70
Whereas Claude Code is completely locked into one platform, OpenCode is the alternative.
This command-line agent really helps greater than 75 totally different AI suppliers, together with all the massive names. You’ll be able to even change between fashions, mid-conversation.
The flexibleness doesn’t cease there. You should utilize OpenCode in any IDE, hook it as much as GitHub, configure specialised brokers, and extra.
Keep in mind, although, we’re speaking a couple of CLI device right here. So, you’ll have to be comfy establishing all these choices by hand. You’re not going to discover a fairly GUI right here.
However hey, OpenCode is totally free. You solely pay for the credit you employ in your chosen AI mannequin.
Execs:
- Helps 75+ AI suppliers, with BYOK.
- Completely free to make use of.
- A great deal of customization choices.
Cons:
- Configuration is sophisticated and takes eternally.
- The standard of the code relies upon completely in your setup.
- You must be very assured within the command line to make use of this factor.
Pricing: Free (with BYOK API prices).
Net-Based mostly Platforms: Consumer-Pleasant Vibe Coding
Our closing class is a magnificence. Actually.
Net-based platforms aren’t all the time essentially the most succesful, however they’re very fairly and pleasing to spend time with. Positively value a second date.
8. v0 (Vercel)
Testing Rating: 57/70
A enjoyable truth: the group at Vercel is closely concerned with sustaining React and NextJS, the favored front-end libraries.
So, it’s no shock that v0 — Vercel’s AI assistant — is made for constructing interfaces.
This device is clearly geared toward of us who wish to immediate greater than code. The app is completely primarily based round chat, with a preview window to see what you’re cooking.
In order for you extra management, you may edit the code by hand or use the built-in controls to vary your design.
The outputs are trendy, responsive, and trendy — we constructed a pleasant touchdown web page. Simply don’t count on to create full apps; v0 doesn’t enterprise into the backend.
Execs:
- Tremendous simple to make use of.
- Generates lovely, trendy UI parts.
- Seamless Vercel integration for immediate deployment.
Cons:
- Restricted to frontend/UI technology.
- Requires Tailwind CSS information for personalisation.
- Can’t deal with complicated software logic.
Pricing: Free for 10 messages/day; paid plans from $20/month.
9. Lovable
Testing Rating: 57/70
Lovable guarantees to construct complete functions from a single immediate. And shockingly, it typically delivers.
Coming straight from v0, the workflow feels very acquainted. You chat with the app on the left, and preview on the correct.
With a transparent immediate, Lovable serves up a terrific first impression. We created a easy job supervisor full with a dashboard and full person administration.
In the event you’re a developer, don’t take a look at the uncooked code except you wish to cringe.
However for non-technical of us, Lovable’s usability is unmatched. We significantly just like the “Edit” perform, which helps you to click on on any particular person factor within the preview and ask for modifications.
These changes aren’t all the time executed completely, however that’s forgivable.
Execs:
- Create and edit full apps with prompts alone.
- Constructed-in deployment and internet hosting resolution.
- Good first-pass execution for easy net apps.
Cons:
- Costly for manufacturing use.
- Not the very best portability.
- Much less fantastic management than every other device on this record.
Pricing: Free to strive with 5 messages/day. Paid plans from $25/month.
And One To Keep away from: Base44
Testing Rating: 35/70
For our assessment of Base44, let’s hand the mic to our Director of search engine optimization, Brian Glassman:
“It’s a complete walled backyard, you may’t export code (even with paid plans). It’s a must to publish on their servers. Sure, you may authenticate your area, nevertheless it’s not sufficient.”
Additionally, the output was incessantly buggy. So many occasions I needed to regenerate prompts for issues to perform appropriately.“
So yeah, perhaps take a look at among the higher choices above?
After testing 9 instruments to their breaking level (and probably ours), we’ve discovered one factor: the very best vibe coding device is the one which matches your vibe.
Simply as importantly, you don’t must commit to 1 device. In actual fact, we suggest mixing and matching to create the right workflow.
Listed below are some starter kits:
- In the event you’re not a coder, however you wish to design issues: Begin with v0 to quickly generate fairly UIs. Then, should you want a full app with some fundamental logic, take your UI ideas and transfer to Lovable. It’ll show you how to sew all of it collectively and even get it on-line.
- In the event you’re a minimum of vaguely technical and completely satisfied to work in VSCode: Use Cline for its sensible planning and iteration, or Roo Code for its glorious project-wide context.
- When that you must sort out a extra complicated venture: Hearth up Cursor as your AI pair programmer. And should you want some further juice to determine issues out, use Claude Code as your super-smart CLI sidekick.
- In the event you’re an skilled developer who’s completely satisfied to experiment: OpenCode is your playground. Experiment with Kilo Code for fast edits and UI polish.
Simply remember that these instruments are divided between two fee techniques.
API Entry vs. Subscription-Based mostly Instruments
Some vibe coding instruments run on API credit. Some use a subscription mannequin.
There’s no improper reply right here. It’s principally the traditional “purchase vs. hire” debate, however for AI brainpower.
Right here’s a fast comparability:
Select API entry should you…
- Learn phrases and circumstances for enjoyable.
- Know what an surroundings variable is (and also you aren’t petrified of it).
- Wish to use absolutely the newest fashions the second they drop.
- Have belief points with subscription companies.
👉Examples: Cline, Roo Code, Claude Code.
Select subscription instruments should you:
- Escape in hives on the sight of configuration information.
- Need predictable month-to-month prices (your accountant will thanks).
- Favor another person to deal with the technical plumbing.
- Consider “limitless” ought to imply limitless (just like the limitless site visitors on DreamHost shared internet hosting).
The Deep Dive: Vibe Coding FAQs
Wish to be taught extra about vibe coding? We’re completely satisfied to assist.
Let’s begin with the fundamentals…
What’s vibe coding precisely?
Vibe coding is principally asking AI to construct software program for you. That would imply something from a easy calculator app to the following large SaaS.
The time period got here from Andrej Karpathy, one of many founders of OpenAI, the corporate behind ChatGPT. He additionally confirmed what was doable with the correct prompts by way of his weblog.
AI lovers rapidly caught on. Curiosity in vibe coding has exploded in current months — associated searches jumped 6,700% in Q2 2025 alone.
Is vibe coding legit or pure hype?
Some individuals say vibe coding is overhyped. It nonetheless takes technical ability to develop good software program. However vibe coding methods are having a measurable impression on software program improvement and entrepreneurship.
Vibe coding appears to be the least well-liked with skilled builders:
- In a single current survey, 72% of builders stated they don’t use vibe coding of their workflow.
- Solely 2.7% {of professional} builders “extremely belief” AI instruments to put in writing good code.
Regardless of the downsides, an enormous variety of individuals are utilizing vibe coding methods to construct software program.
- Round 41% of all new code is written by AI.
- 44% of non-technical founders now construct prototypes utilizing AI coding instruments.
So, who’s proper? In all probability each side.
Vibe coding isn’t good. Even cutting-edge AI fashions make errors worthy of 1,000,000 facepalms.
However should you’re not a coder otherwise you wish to whip up a working prototype, these instruments make it doable to construct one thing in hours reasonably than days.
And that’s adequate for us.
How do you be taught vibe coding?
Whereas there are some on-line programs on vibe coding, the entire thought is that anybody can do it.
So, we might suggest attempting among the instruments talked about above and seeing what you may obtain.
For the very best outcomes, be certain that to:
- Describe the precise options you need.
- Inform the AI which languages and frameworks to make use of (not important, nevertheless it helps).
- Speak to the AI about any bugs you encounter and ask for assist resolving them.
And should you get caught, make sure you try all of the different AI guides on our weblog!
Discovering Your Vibe in Vibe Coding
Vibe coding instruments aren’t a one-size-fits-all resolution. Some shine at complicated reasoning, others at clear design, and some ship the very best worth via open-source flexibility. Our testing confirmed that the “finest” device relies upon much less on uncooked scores and extra on what you really must construct.
In the event you’re a designer, v0 or Lovable may really feel like magic. In the event you’re comfy in VSCode, Cline or Roo Code can quietly supercharge your workflow. And should you’re an experimenter at coronary heart, instruments like OpenCode and Kilo Code provide the playground to discover.
The purpose is straightforward: vibe coding is right here, it really works, and it’s evolving quick.
Whether or not you’re constructing your first prototype or shaving hours off a dev dash, the correct device is on the market to match your vibe.
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