Base44 vs Sparkles (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

• Clear differentiation by targeting existing codebases rather than greenfield — a much larger market than Lovable/Bolt
• Transparent pricing with a generous free tier of 100 credits/month
• GitHub-native PR workflow means engineers retain control and code quality
• Strong investor signal with YC backing and OpenAI angel investors
• Addresses real pain point of non-technical teams waiting on developers for simple changes

Cons