AI-powered app builders are becoming the go-to for fast product creation. Base44 (by Wix) generates apps inside Wix's managed ecosystem. Lovable builds complete apps using open standards like React and Supabase.
Both generate apps from prompts. The difference: Lovable outputs open-source code you control, making it easier to move from prototype to production without vendor lock-in.
TL;DR
Base44 locks apps to Wix's infrastructure, whereas Lovable generates standard React and Supabase projects that you fully own. Base44 offers only basic visual editing, while Lovable gives you unlimited visual edits (no credit burn) plus full code access. Additionally, Base44 operates within Wix's closed ecosystem, whereas Lovable integrates with GitHub and uses open frameworks, simplifying developer handoff. Overall, Base44 is best suited for apps using off the shelf components, while Lovable allows for much more flexibility, customization, and power.
Key differences:
- Build: Both generate apps from prompts, but Lovable supports open standards and full code ownership
- Edit: Lovable's visual edits don't consume credits and provide more control
- Backend: Base44 runs on Wix; Lovable runs on Supabase, making it portable and extensible
- Ship: Both offer one-click publishing. Lovable adds privacy controls
- Scale: Lovable apps sync to GitHub with React + Supabase; Base44 apps stay tied to Wix's stack
Lovable vs. Base44 at a Glance
| Feature | Lovable | Base44 |
|---|---|---|
| Prompt → App | Yes | Yes |
| Visual Editor | Point-and-click edits (no credit burn) | Point-and-click (credit burn) |
| Code Editor | Yes | Yes |
| Custom Code Creation | Standard frameworks | Wix components only |
| GitHub Integration | Sync + open code | Export limited |
| Backend | Lovable Cloud (Supabase) auto-provisioned | Wix infrastructure; backend functions |
| One-Click Publish | Yes | Yes |
| Real-Time Collaboration | Yes | Yes |
| Roles & Permissions | Yes | Yes |
| SSO | Business | Manual SSO setup |
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
Here's how Lovable and Base44 compare across different features:
Building Experience
Base44 generates working apps from plain-English prompts. Its visual editor lets you adjust colors and spacing without code.
Lovable generates React apps with the same speed, but its visual editor gives you more control—and design changes don't consume credits.
Both platforms move fast from prompt to prototype. The difference? Lovable's open framework means your prototypes become production apps.
Backend & Infrastructure
Base44 runs entirely on Wix's managed infrastructure: great for simplicity, but limited portability. Upload documents, user authentication, and database management all happen automatically within their closed system.
Lovable uses Supabase for data storage and user accounts with a React frontend. Here's what this means for builders:
- Your app runs on battle-tested, open-source technologies that work anywhere
- Code lives in your GitHub repository for full ownership
- Developers can work directly with standard frameworks when customization is needed
- No vendor lock-in limits your growth options
Editing & Iteration
Teams report significantly faster build times when using Base44 and Lovable than traditional development. But the editing experience differs.
Base44 provides visual editing and AI-driven customization within Wix's ecosystem, allowing adjustment of layouts and functionality, but users primarily work without direct code editing.
Lovable combines visual editing with direct code access. Here's what this dual approach enables:
- Fine-tune visuals like Figma without consuming credits
- Modify logic directly when you need specific functionality
- Switch between visual and code modes based on your workflow
- Work at any skill level without hitting capability walls
This approach gives teams Figma-like design freedom with full developer access.
Shipping & Deployment
Base44 includes hosting, analytics, and security validation within Wix. Lovable adds automated security scans to help teams handling sensitive data identify and fix vulnerabilities.
The deployment difference matters for compliance: Lovable offers more privacy controls and safety for teams with stricter data requirements.
Scaling, Ownership, and Handoff
The migration path matters when you outgrow a platform..
Base44 offers GitHub export, but outputs remain Wix-dependent. Here's what happens when you need to scale:
- Moving to external hosting requires rebuild
- Custom features need Wix-specific components
- Third-party integrations work through Wix's API limitations
Lovable syncs continuously to GitHub using React and Supabase. When teams need custom features:
- Developers work directly with standard code
- No rebuild required for production deployment
- Standard frameworks enable any integration
Scaling from prototype to production with Lovable usually doesn't require a complete rewrite. With additional refinement and testing, Lovable apps can transition to handle real-world traffic and custom development.
Collaboration & Team Use
Both platforms support real-time collaboration, roles, and permissions. Teams can collaborate live regardless of technical skill.
Lovable adds SSO and enterprise workspace controls on business plans. Base44 includes authentication via Wix, but lacks comparable enterprise team features such as SSO or advanced workspace controls.
The collaboration difference: teams on either tool can work together in real time, but Lovable adds enterprise-ready identity and workspace control.
When to Choose Base44 vs Lovable
Choose Base44 if:
- You want the simplest way to create a prototype within Wix hosting
- You don't plan to modify or export
- Staying within Wix's stack works for your needs
- You want basic visual edits
Choose Lovable when:
- You want prototypes that can grow into production apps
- You need full code ownership and GitHub control
- You need open standards for future development
- You need granular design control without credit limits
The Path Forward
AI is changing how builders work from idea to app in hours instead of months. The question isn't whether AI can build apps (both platforms prove it can), but whether you want to build within someone else's walls or on open ground.
Lovable's "vibe coding" philosophy lets you describe what you want, see it work immediately, and own the result completely. That's the difference between renting a solution and building an asset.
Start with an idea. Build it in Lovable. Ship it anywhere.
Disclaimer: The information in this article reflects the features and pricing of the tools discussed as of October 2025. Because AI website and app builders evolve rapidly, some details may have changed since this post was last updated. We recommend checking each tool's official website for the most current information.
