Google AI Studio (Build mode) review
7.6/10★★★★★Google's free vibe-coding builder with Gemini, a Firebase backend and Cloud Run hosting
- Best for
- Anyone who wants a capable free builder, especially if they already use Google Cloud or Firebase
- Price
- Free
Free: Build mode is free within usage limits; first two Firebase-enabled apps deploy free on Google Cloud's Starter Tier - Platforms
- Web
- Made by
- Google, Mountain View, USA
What it is
Build mode in Google AI Studio turns a description into a working app, previews it live and deploys it to Cloud Run. It sets up Firestore and Firebase Authentication when your app needs them, can generate Kotlin Android apps, and has absorbed the features of the retired Firebase Studio.
Latest: At Google I/O in May 2026, AI Studio gained native Firebase integration and Kotlin Android app generation; Firebase Studio closed to new users in June 2026.
What the AI does
- Prompt-to-app generation with Gemini
- Automatic Firestore and Firebase Auth setup
- One-click Cloud Run deployment
- Kotlin Android app generation
- Export to Google Antigravity
- Google Stitch design-to-code
Pros and cons
- Free to start, including deployment of first apps
- Real Firebase backend rather than a mock
- Can generate native Android apps
- Hand-off to Antigravity for deeper work
- Backend tooling centres on Firebase
- Complex logic needs several iterations
- Google has already retired one app builder (Firebase Studio)
How it scores
Exceptional value and a genuine backend; web-only builder and Firebase-centric.
Feature checklist · 4 of 9
- Built-in database and user logins (yes)
- One-click publishing with hosting included (yes)
- Free plan that can publish an app (yes)
- Custom domains (no)
- Export the code or sync it to GitHub (no)
- Builds iOS or Android apps for the app stores (yes)
- Visual point-and-click editing alongside chat (no)
- Payments built in (e.g. Stripe) (no)
- Build from a phone app (no)
Alternatives
See all Google AI Studio (Build mode) alternatives, ranked →
- Lovable 8.2/10Non-technical founders and teams who want a polished full-stack web app or internal tool from a prompt
- Replit 7.6/10Non-coders and indie builders who want an idea taken all the way to a hosted app in one place
- Base44 7.4/10Founders and operators who need a working internal tool or prototype fast without touching infrastructure
- v0 7.1/10Developers and designers who want production-quality React UI and plan to keep working on the code
Lovable vs Google AI Studio (Build mode)Google AI Studio (Build mode) vs ReplitGoogle AI Studio (Build mode) vs Base44