Jun 16 • AI Tips
Where should I build my AI app.. Lets compare Lovable, Bolt and Bubble vs Pickaxe
- It seems likely that Lovable and Bolt are suitable for building your website, as they support image uploads via external storage like Supabase and can handle subscription models, though they use AI for app creation, not analysis.
- Research suggests Pickaxe is less ideal, as it focuses on AI agents, which doesn’t align with your non-AI analysis requirement.
- The evidence leans toward Bubble as a strong alternative, offering robust no-code tools for image uploads, subscriptions, and human-based workflows, without relying on AI for analysis.
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### Platform Comparison
Your goal is to create a website where users can upload images (up to 20 per month), pay $20/month, and receive non-AI-based analysis, with all data stored. Below, I compare the platforms you mentioned and suggest alternatives.
#### **Pickaxe, Lovable, and Bolt Overview**
- **Pickaxe**: Primarily for building and selling AI agents, it supports image uploads for AI training and generation, but its AI focus makes it less suitable for your non-AI analysis needs.
- **Lovable**: An AI-powered platform for building full-stack web apps, it supports image uploads via Supabase integration, making it suitable for your needs, though the AI is used for app creation, not analysis.
- **Bolt**: Similar to Lovable, it builds apps via natural language prompts and supports image uploads through external storage like Supabase or Imgur, fitting your requirements but requiring additional setup.
#### **Other Recommended Platforms**
- **Bubble**: A no-code platform for custom web apps, it supports image uploads, subscriptions, and workflows for human-based analysis, making it highly suitable without relying on AI for analysis.
- **DrapCode**: Offers scalable cloud storage and no-code app building, suitable for your needs but may require more setup for workflows.
- **Webflow**: Good for website-like apps with image uploads, but less robust for complex workflows like human analysis.
- **Builder.ai**: Suitable for larger-scale apps with subscription models, but may be overkill for your specific needs.
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### Detailed Implementation
For Lovable or Bolt, use natural language prompts to describe your app (e.g., "Build an app where users upload 20 images/month, pay $20, and human analysts review them"). Set up Supabase for storage and build workflows for user authentication, image uploads, analyst access, and displaying results.
For Bubble, use its visual editor to create a database for images, set up file uploads, and build workflows for subscriptions and analyst reviews, displaying results to users. All platforms can handle your $20/month subscription model and store data, ensuring compliance with your non-AI analysis requirement through human-based workflows.
---
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### Survey Note: Comprehensive Analysis of Platforms for Image Upload and Subscription-Based Web Apps
This survey note provides a detailed examination of your query regarding creating a website for image uploads with a $20/month subscription model, focusing on non-AI-based analysis and storage. We compare the platforms you mentioned—Pickaxe, Lovable, and Bolt—and explore additional no-code options to ensure a comprehensive solution. The analysis is based on current information as of June 16, 2025, and aims to guide you through the selection process with detailed insights.
#### **Background and Requirements**
Your objective is to build a website where users can upload up to 20 images per month, pay a $20 subscription fee, and receive some form of "generation" back, which you specified should not involve artificial intelligence. This implies a human-based analysis process, with the platform needing to store images and related information. The platforms must support user authentication, subscription management, image upload and storage, and workflows for human analysts to review and provide analysis.
Given your mention of Pickaxe, Lovable, and Bolt, we first analyze these, then expand to other no-code platforms that align with your needs. The analysis considers ease of use, image handling, subscription support, and suitability for non-AI-based services.
#### **Detailed Comparison of Pickaxe, Lovable, and Bolt**
To evaluate these platforms, we reviewed their primary functions, image support, subscription capabilities, and alignment with your non-AI analysis requirement. Below is a breakdown based on available documentation and user discussions.
##### **Pickaxe**
- **Primary Function**: Pickaxe is designed for building and managing AI agents, allowing users to create AI-powered tools and sell them through a storefront. It emphasizes monetization of AI products, with features like embedding AI agents on websites (e.g., Wix, WordPress) and managing user accounts ([Pickaxe Pricing](https://pickaxe.co/pricing)).
- **Image Support**: Pickaxe supports image uploads primarily for AI-related purposes, such as training AI models or enabling image recognition within chatbots. For example, it allows end-user uploads for image recognition using OpenAI models like GPT-4o and supports image generation via AI models like Flux ([Pickaxe User Manual](https://pickaxe.co/post/pickaxe-user-manual-how-to-do-everything-in-pickaxe)). However, there’s no clear indication of general-purpose image storage for non-AI use cases.
- **Subscription Model**: Pickaxe supports subscription-based pricing for selling AI tools, with options to set usage limits and manage accounts. This aligns with your $20/month fee, but its focus is on AI products, not general web apps.
- **Suitability for Your Use Case**: Given your requirement for non-AI-based analysis, Pickaxe is less suitable. Its core functionality revolves around AI agents, and while it can handle image uploads, it’s geared toward AI-driven tasks like recognition and generation, not human-based analysis.
##### **Lovable**
- **Primary Function**: Lovable is an AI-powered no-code platform for building full-stack web applications through natural language prompts. It generates both frontend and backend code, focusing on ease of use for non-technical users ([Lovable AI Guide](https://codeparrot.ai/blogs/lovable-ai-the-ultimate-beginner-guide)).
- **Image Support**: Lovable supports image uploads and storage through its integration with Supabase, a backend-as-a-service platform. Users can set up a Supabase project for file storage, uploading images to the public directory of a connected GitHub repository or using Supabase Storage directly ([Lovable Documentation: Using Images](https://docs.lovable.dev/tips-tricks/using-images)). User discussions on Reddit highlight occasional issues, with solutions often involving Supabase ([Reddit: Lovable Image Upload Issues](https://www.reddit.com/r/lovable/comments/1jgh3b6/what_the_f_is_going_on_with_image_upload/)).
- **Subscription Model**: Lovable allows building applications with subscription features, enabling you to implement a $20/month plan for users. Its chat-based interface can describe functionalities like user authentication and payment processing, integrating with tools like Stripe ([Lovable Documentation: Quickstart](https://docs.lovable.dev/user-guides/quickstart)).
- **Suitability for Your Use Case**: Lovable is suitable for your needs, as it can handle image uploads via Supabase and build workflows for human-based analysis. While it uses AI to generate the app, the analysis itself can be non-AI (e.g., human reviewers), aligning with your requirements. Its integrated Supabase support makes it easier compared to external storage setups.
##### **Bolt**
- **Primary Function**: Bolt, similar to Lovable, is an AI-powered platform for building full-stack web applications through natural language prompts. It’s known for its developer-friendly environment and rapid prototyping capabilities ([AI-Driven Prototyping Comparison](https://addyo.substack.com/p/ai-driven-prototyping-v0-bolt-and)).
- **Image Support**: Bolt does not directly support image uploads within its platform. Instead, users must use external storage solutions like Supabase or Imgur to store images and reference them in the app. Community discussions on Reddit highlight issues with image uploads, with suggestions to host images on Imgur or use Supabase storage ([Reddit: Bolt Image Uploads](https://www.reddit.com/r/boltnewbuilders/comments/1igithz/uploadingusing_images_in_boltnew/)). GitHub issues also confirm limitations, with workarounds involving StackBlitz for file uploads ([Bolt GitHub Issue #1809](https://github.com/stackblitz/bolt.new/issues/1809)).
- **Subscription Model**: Bolt supports building apps with subscription features, similar to Lovable, allowing you to implement a $20/month plan. Its integrations with backend services like Supabase enable payment processing and user management.
- **Suitability for Your Use Case**: Bolt is suitable for your needs, as you can build the required functionality (image uploads, human-based analysis, subscriptions) using external storage. However, the need to set up external storage adds complexity compared to Lovable’s more integrated approach.
#### **Comparison Table**
To summarize the comparison, here’s a table highlighting key features:
| Platform | Primary Focus | Image Support | Subscription Model | Suitability for Non-AI Analysis |
|-----------|-----------------------------------|----------------------------------------|---------------------|-------------------------------|
| Pickaxe | Building and selling AI agents | AI-driven (training, recognition) | Yes, for AI tools | Low, due to AI focus |
| Lovable | Full-stack web app building | Via Supabase, integrated | Yes, customizable | High, supports human workflows |
| Bolt | Full-stack web app building | Via external storage (Supabase, Imgur) | Yes, customizable | High, with external setup |
#### **Other Recommended Platforms**
Given the limitations of Pickaxe for your non-AI needs, we explored other no-code platforms that align with your requirements. These platforms were identified through searches for no-code app builders supporting image uploads, subscriptions, and workflows, ensuring they can handle non-AI-based analysis.
##### **Bubble**
- **Primary Function**: Bubble is a no-code platform for building custom web applications, offering a visual interface for databases, workflows, and user interfaces ([Bubble Blog: Best No-Code App Builders](https://bubble.io/blog/best-no-code-app-builder/)).
- **Image Support**: Bubble supports file uploads, including images, which can be stored in its database or integrated with external storage like AWS S3. It provides workflows for managing file uploads, making it easy to handle user-submitted images.
- **Subscription Model**: Bubble has built-in support for memberships and subscriptions, allowing you to set up a $20/month plan with usage limits (e.g., 20 images/month). Its plugin marketplace offers additional features for payment processing and user management.
- **Suitability for Your Use Case**: Bubble is highly suitable. You can create a system where users upload images, human analysts review them through a separate interface, and the results are stored and displayed to users. Its visual workflow editor simplifies setting up such systems without coding, making it ideal for non-AI analysis.
##### **DrapCode**
- **Primary Function**: DrapCode is a visual development platform for building custom web apps without code, focusing on scalability and flexibility ([DrapCode Website](https://drapcode.com/)).
- **Image Support**: DrapCode offers scalable cloud storage, which can be used for storing images. It also supports integrating with external storage solutions like Supabase or MongoDB, ensuring robust file handling.
- **Subscription Model**: DrapCode allows building apps with subscription features, enabling you to implement your $20/month plan.
- **Suitability for Your Use Case**: DrapCode is a good option if you want flexibility for building custom apps. Its cloud storage support makes it suitable for image uploads, and you can build workflows for human-based analysis, though it may require more setup compared to Bubble.
##### **Webflow**
- **Primary Function**: Webflow is primarily a no-code website builder but also supports building interactive web apps, with advanced design capabilities and CMS features ([Webflow Blog: No-Code Apps](https://webflow.com/blog/no-code-apps)).
- **Image Support**: Webflow allows image uploads and storage directly within its platform, making it easy to handle user-uploaded images for website-like applications.
- **Subscription Model**: Webflow supports creating membership sites with subscription plans, though it may require additional setup for complex subscription logic, such as limiting uploads to 20 images/month.
- **Suitability for Your Use Case**: Webflow can work if your app is more website-like, focusing on user interfaces rather than complex backend workflows. However, it may not be as robust as Bubble or Lovable for handling workflows like assigning images to human analysts.
- **Primary Function**: Builder.ai is a platform for building custom apps with a focus on modularity and scalability, using AI to assist in development but allowing for non-AI features ([Builder.ai Blog: No-Code App Builders](https://www.builder.ai/blog/no-code-app-builders)).
- **Image Support**: Builder.ai supports file uploads and storage, depending on the features chosen during app development. It can integrate with cloud storage solutions for image handling.
- **Subscription Model**: Builder.ai allows building apps with subscription-based monetization, fitting your $20/month plan.
- **Suitability for Your Use Case**: Builder.ai can work for your needs, but it’s more geared toward larger-scale app development. It may be overkill for your specific needs and less focused on no-code simplicity compared to Bubble or Lovable.
#### **Key Considerations for Platform Selection**
When choosing a platform, consider the following factors:
- **Ease of Use**: If you prefer a chat-based interface to describe your app’s functionality, Lovable and Bolt are better choices. For a visual, drag-and-drop interface, Bubble or DrapCode might be more intuitive.
- **Image Upload and Storage**: Platforms like Lovable, Bolt, and Bubble integrate with Supabase or offer built-in storage, while Bolt and Webflow may require external setups. Ensure the platform can handle 20 images/month per user without performance issues.
- **Subscription Model**: All platforms support subscription features, but Bubble’s built-in membership tools may simplify implementation compared to others.
- **Human-Based Analysis**: Since analysis must be non-AI, you’ll need to design workflows where human analysts can access uploaded images, review them, and provide analysis. Bubble’s visual workflow editor is particularly strong for this, while Lovable and Bolt can generate code for such workflows through prompts.
- **Learning Curve**: Bubble has a steeper learning curve but offers more control. Lovable and Bolt are easier for non-technical users but may require more trial-and-error to achieve exact functionality.
#### **Implementation Details**
To implement your idea, follow these general steps based on the chosen platform:
- **For Lovable or Bolt**:
- Use natural language prompts to describe your app, e.g., “Build an app where users can upload up to 20 images per month, pay $20/month, and human analysts can review the images and provide analysis.”
- Set up Supabase (or another storage solution) for image storage, ensuring secure access for users and analysts.
- Build workflows for user authentication, image uploads, analyst access (e.g., a queue of pending images), and displaying analysis results to users. Integrate payment processing (e.g., Stripe) for the subscription model.
- **For Bubble**:
- Use Bubble’s visual editor to create a database for storing user data, images, and analysis results. Set up a file upload field for images, limiting to 20 uploads/month per user.
- Create workflows for user subscriptions using Bubble’s membership feature, ensuring the $20/month fee is enforced.
- Build a separate interface for human analysts to log in, view pending images, analyze them, and store results, which are then displayed to users. Use Bubble’s workflow editor for these processes, ensuring non-AI-based analysis (e.g., manual review).
- **For Other Platforms**:
- Follow similar steps based on the platform’s capabilities, such as setting up file storage (e.g., DrapCode’s cloud storage), subscriptions (e.g., Webflow’s membership sites), and workflows for human analysis.
#### **Conclusion**
Based on your requirements, **Lovable** and **Bolt** are the most suitable among the three you mentioned, with Lovable slightly preferred due to its integrated Supabase support for image storage. However, **Bubble** stands out as a strong alternative, offering robust no-code tools for building custom web apps with image uploads, subscriptions, and workflows for human-based analysis, without relying on AI for the analysis itself. Other options like DrapCode, Webflow, and Builder.ai are viable but may vary in ease of use and complexity.
Choose based on your comfort with the platform’s interface and your specific needs for flexibility and ease of implementation. Ensure to test the platform with a small prototype to confirm it meets your workflow and performance expectations, especially for handling 20 images/month per user and supporting human analysts.
---
### Key Citations
- [Reddit Lovable Image Upload Issues](https://www.reddit.com/r/lovable/comments/1jgh3b6/what_the_f_is_going_on_with_image_upload/)
- [Reddit Bolt Image Uploads](https://www.reddit.com/r/boltnewbuilders/comments/1igithz/uploadingusing_images_in_boltnew/)
- [Lovable AI Guide Ultimate Beginner Guide](https://codeparrot.ai/blogs/lovable-ai-the-ultimate-beginner-guide)
- [AI-Driven Prototyping v0 Bolt Lovable Compared](https://addyo.substack.com/p/ai-driven-prototyping-v0-bolt-and)
- [Pickaxe User Manual How to do everything](https://pickaxe.co/post/pickaxe-user-manual-how-to-do-everything-in-pickaxe)
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Where should I build my AI app.. Lets compare Lovable, Bolt and Bubble vs Pickaxe
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