Orchids - Turn Simple Prompts to Full-Stack Apps, No Coding Required

Orchids is an AI-powered app builder made by a Y Combinator-backed team (YC W25). It works as a full-stack coding agent: you describe what you want in plain English, and it builds the app for you. It handles everything from frontend code down to backend logic and manages databases. It supports web apps, mobile apps, Chrome extensions, Slack bots, and AI agents across frameworks like React, Next.js, Python, Swift, and Flutter.

Features:

• Chat-based interface for building full stack apps through natural language
• Supports all major frameworks: React, Next.js, Python, Swift, Flutter, and more
• Full-stack agent: plans features, writes code, runs commands, fixes errors, and deploys
• Bring-your-own-AI-subscription (ChatGPT, Claude Code, Gemini, GitHub Copilot)
• Plug in any API keys and use AI models at cost
• Builds web apps, mobile apps, Chrome extensions, Slack bots, and AI agents
• File uploads for context (images, videos, documents)
• Built-in authentication and built-in databases for complete apps
• Code export, GitHub integration, and deploy to own infrastructure
• Brand guide and design system sync for product teams and small teams

FAQs about Orchids AI:

What is Orchids AI, and how does it work?

Orchids AI is a full-stack app builder that turns a text prompt into a working app through a simple chat interface. You describe what you want to build in plain language, it asks follow-up prompts where needed, then writes the code, sets up the database, handles authentication, and deploys the result.

It's less like a drag-and-drop website builder and more like having a developer on call 24/7. The whole thing runs on a token-based system where each message and output draws from your monthly credit pool.

Is Orchids the best AI app builder for non-developers?

It's one of the stronger options, especially if you want to build something more than a landing page. Non-technical users don't need any coding experience. The AI handles writing code from start to finish.

Where Orchids pulls ahead of most AI app builders is its range: most tools top out at web apps, but Orchids can also build mobile apps, browser extensions, and Slack bots within the same project. That said, the more complex your project gets, the more you'll need to think carefully about how you prompt it.

Can I use integrate Claude Code with Orchids?

Yes, and it's one of Orchids' more practical features. Instead of using up your credits, you can connect your existing Claude Code subscription and use it at no extra cost within the platform.

The same goes for ChatGPT, Gemini, and GitHub Copilot; you only need to bring your own API keys. If you're already paying for one of those, you're getting Orchids' build environment on top of a model you already own, which makes the pricing math work out pretty well for indie hackers and small teams alike.

How do you build apps sing Orchids?

Building an app on Orchids doesn’t require any technical setup. Here's how it works:

1. Describe Orchids your app in plain English. Mention what you want to build, who it's for, and what it needs to do. The more specific you are upfront, the better your first output will be.
2. Let Orchids take your text prompt and build out a full project structure, from frontend code to backend logic, and all, without you writing a single line.
3. Once the app starts taking shape, review it. Check if the screens, features, and flow match what you had in mind.
4. Refine through follow-up prompts through chatting. Ask it to add features, fix issues, or adjust the design. The more specific your follow-up instructions, the closer the real app gets to your original idea.
5. Repeat until it's ready. It's an iterative process, and each round of feedback sharpens the result.

Is Orchids free?

Yes, Orchids has a free plan that gives you 100K credits per month across 3 projects, which is plenty for testing the platform or building something small without spending a cent.

For bigger builds, paid plans are available on monthly or annual billing (annual saves 15%):

• Pro ($25/month)
  The Pro plan offers 2M credits and up to 10 projects. It’s a solid starting point for indie hackers or solo builders working on real apps.
• Premium ($50/month)
  This tier comes with 4M credits, unlimited projects, and a pay-as-you-go option. Good for anyone juggling multiple projects at once.
• Ultra ($99/month)
  The Ultra plan gets you 12M credits plus priority support. It’s built for power users who need faster turnarounds and more room to build.
• Max ($200/month)
  The Max subscription tier bumps up the credit to 30M. It also offers discounted credit rates, and priority access to new features. It’s the go-to for high-volume builds and product teams.
• Enterprise/Teams
  Custom seats, higher limits, team controls, custom integrations, security reviews, and dedicated support. Pricing is available on request.

What AI models and AI tools does Orchids AI support?

Orchids supports connections to ChatGPT, Claude Code, Gemini, and GitHub Copilot through their native subscriptions. You can also plug in raw API keys to use AI models directly at cost, so it's not locked to any single provider.

On the tooling side, the agent handles complex logic, runs terminal commands, manages environment variables, works with built-in workflows, and reads uploaded files for context. It's designed to work with whatever model you prefer rather than forcing you into one option.

Does Orchids have better outputs compared to AI builders like Bolt or Lovable?

1. Orchids

Orchids is a full-stack agent that builds web apps, mobile apps, Chrome extensions, Slack bots, and AI agents from a single chat interface. You can plug in your own Claude, ChatGPT, or Gemini subscription, which keeps costs down for teams already paying for AI tools. The generated code tends to look more considered than typical AI output.

2. Bolt

Bolt is a strong choice for web-only builds with a clean, fast interface. It's a more mature platform, so the experience feels more polished end-to-end. That said, it can't match Orchids on platform range; no mobile apps, no browser extensions, no Slack bots.

3. Lovable

Lovable is probably the best visual editor in this category, especially for customer-facing web apps that need a polished UI. It's web-only though, and unlike Orchids, charges for AI usage on top of the subscription fee. For straightforward web projects, it competes closely; but Orchids pulls ahead once your build goes beyond a single platform.

Bottom line:

• Choose Orchids for multi-platform builds or if you want to use your own AI subscription.
• Choose Bolt for fast, web-only projects with a smooth experience.
• Choose Lovable when design quality on a web app is the top priority.