Base44 vs Glue (2026)

Pros

• Extremely fast prototyping — generates full-stack apps with UI, database, auth, and hosting in minutes from a single prompt
• True all-in-one platform with no need for external databases, auth providers, or hosting services
• Professional-quality UI with polished styling out of the box, no CSS knowledge required
• Backed by Wix with enterprise-grade resources post-M acquisition
• Very low learning curve — intuitive enough for complete non-developers to build production apps

Cons

• Severe vendor lock-in — integrated database complicates migration and GitHub export is still in beta
• Credit system depletes quickly, does not roll over, and both simple and complex prompts cost the same
• Support is inconsistent with slow response times funneled through a crowded Discord server
• Struggles with complex business logic and fine-grained UI customization beyond rapid prototyping

Pros

• Novel approach as the first design tool built with AI agents as the primary user
• Open source with zero-cost adoption and zero production impact (devDependencies only)
• Visual annotation workflow provides higher fidelity than text prompting for UI changes
• Strong founder backgrounds from Amazon, Microsoft Copilot Studio, and Meta
• Non-destructive integration that works with existing React projects without modification

Cons

• Very limited framework support — currently only Next.js 14+ and Vite 5+ React projects
• Only Claude Code handoff works today — Codex and Gemini support coming soon
• Extremely early stage with 2-person team and unclear monetization path
• Annotation-based workflow may not scale for large redesigns requiring many UI changes