Base44
#2 Website Buildersby Base44 (a Wix company) · Best AI builder for functional business apps
Base44 is an AI app builder that turns plain-English prompts into functional apps with a built-in database, authentication, and analytics — no separate setup. It was acquired by Wix in June 2025 (reported ~$80M upfront). A free plan gives 25 message credits plus 100 integration credits monthly; paid plans start at $16/month (Starter, billed annually) and add unlimited apps, in-app code edits, backend functions, and a free domain for a year.
Pricing
$16/mo
Free 25 message + 100 integration credits/mo; Starter $16, Builder $40, Pro $80, Elite $160 (billed annually)
Free tier: Yes · Open source: No
Strengths
- + Generous free tier that builds genuinely functional apps, not just UI
- + Built-in database, auth and analytics — no external wiring
- + Backed by Wix's scale, distribution, and hosting
Limitations
- − Credit limits bite on the lower tiers as apps grow
- − Still being integrated into the Wix ecosystem post-acquisition
Best for
How Base44 works
Base44, founded by Maor Shlomo, went from launch to a Wix acquisition (reported ~$80M upfront in June 2025) in roughly 500 days — one of the fastest exits in the AI-app-builder space. It generates functional applications from natural language, with a database, user authentication, and analytics built in, so the output is a working tool rather than a static page.
That makes Base44 a better fit than template builders when you need logic — a client portal, an internal CRM, a booking or inventory app — rather than a brochure website. Paid plans let you edit the generated code in-app, add backend functions, choose the underlying model, and connect a custom domain (free for the first year) and GitHub.
Pricing is credit-based and noticeably cheaper at entry than most rivals ($16/month Starter), with a free tier that is unusually capable for prototyping. As with all credit models, heavy iteration on complex apps consumes credits faster, so match the tier to how much building you actually do.
What people use Base44 for
Internal business apps
Build client portals, CRMs, and admin dashboards with real auth and a database, without hiring a developer.
Lightweight SaaS MVPs
Stand up a working product with logins and stored data to validate an idea before investing in custom engineering.
Wix-ecosystem builds
Use Base44's app logic alongside Wix's hosting, domains, and small-business distribution.
Base44 pricing in context
At $16/mo, Base44 starts close to the $15/month median entry price for website builders agents in this index. See the full AI agent pricing data for category medians and the verified pricing-change log.
Base44 comparisons
Head-to-head matchups that put Base44 against another agent on pricing, autonomy, and fit.
Alternatives to Base44
Other website builders agents in the index, ranked.
- 1.LovableBest AI website & app builder overall$25/mo
- 3.v0 by VercelBest for polished front-end & UI generation$30/user/mo
- 4.BoltBest in-browser full-stack builder$25/mo
- 5.FramerBest design quality for marketing sites$10/mo
- 6.Hostinger HorizonsBest value all-in-one (build + hosting)$7.99/mo
- 7.DurableBest for local & service businesses$15/mo
Base44 FAQ
Is Base44 owned by Wix?
Yes. Wix acquired Base44 in June 2025 (reported around $80 million upfront, with earn-outs). Base44 continues as its own product, gaining Wix's hosting, distribution, and scale while keeping its prompt-to-app builder.
Is Base44 free?
Base44 has a free plan with 25 message credits and 100 integration credits per month — enough to build a small functional app. Paid plans start at $16/month (Starter, billed annually) and add unlimited apps, code edits, backend functions, and a free domain for a year.
What is the difference between Base44 and Lovable?
Both build functional apps from prompts. Base44 starts cheaper ($16 vs ~$25/month) and emphasizes built-in database, auth, and analytics with Wix's backing; Lovable emphasizes full-stack React output with Supabase and GitHub. Base44 leans business-app, Lovable leans developer-friendly.
Can I edit the code Base44 generates?
On paid plans, yes — Base44 supports in-app code edits, backend functions, choosing the model, and GitHub connection, so you are not limited to what the prompt produces.