Shakespeare vs. Base44

Base44 is an all-in-one platform for non-technical users to build apps with AI by conversing with it. So is Shakespeare. So which is best for you? Base44 promises users that, if you can describe your idea, you can build it. But what's actually happening behind those scenes? And more importantly--do you own what you build? Can you take it with you when you go?

We put Base44 through the same evaluation we use for every vibe coding tool, and the results might surprise you.

For a shortcut, read our evaluation of which AI tools are truly open: reallyopen.ai

Do You Own Your Code With Base44?

Base44 claims you own what you build. But online users tell a different story. One Reddit user pointed out that the fine print isn't as clear as the marketing suggests. If you're non-technical and don't fully understand code licensing, you're gambling on whether you can take your app elsewhere.

With Shakespeare, there's no ambiguity. You own 100% of what you build. You can export your code, host it anywhere, and do whatever you want with it. Shakespeare doesn't offer subscription tiers that limit your rights to your code unless you pay monthly at a certain level. You can bring your own API keys (BYOK) for the AI providers of your choice, even OpenRouter. You can also keep your backend free by using Shakespeare's Railway integration.

Base44 vs. Shakespeare: Pricing

Base44 has a free plan with 5 messages per day and 25 messages per month--barely enough to test the waters. Paid plans range from $16 to $160/month (billed annually). If you want GitHub access, that's $40/month minimum. Credits don't roll over. You can't buy standalone credits--if you run out, you wait or upgrade.

Shakespeare lets you pay only for what you use through OpenRouter or any AI provider of your choice, including privacy-focused Maple AI. No subscriptions, no artificial feature gates. Bring your own API keys (BYOK) and control your costs. Git access is always free. You can also back up to GitLab and Nostr.

Base44 vs. Shakespeare: Payment Options

Base44 accepts cards, Google Pay, or bank. Shakespeare accepts Bitcoin and Lightning payments. Pay permissionlessly, without intermediaries, and without handing over personal financial data.

Base44 vs. Shakespeare: AI Choice

Base44 allows you to connect to OpenAI, Claude, Groq, and Mistral. Of these, only Mistral is open source.

Shakespeare gives you full model choice through OpenRouter. Switch between Claude, GPT, Mistral, Llama, and dozens of other models instantly. No paywall blocking your preferences.

Base44 vs. Shakespeare: Local LLM Support

Base44 doesn't allow you to connect to local models.

Shakespeare supports local LLMs for users who want maximum privacy. Run models on your own hardware and keep everything local. Here's a guide we wrote to help you get started with local AI in Shakespeare.

Base44 vs. Shakespeare: Import and Export Existing Projects

Base44 makes exporting a premium feature. You can't import code, upload a zip file, or use Git without paying for a subscription. To export a zip file, you must upgrade to Builder, Pro, Elite or Enterprise plans. This excludes the starter plan at $16/mo. Once you upgrade to a $40/mo or above plan, you can connect with GitHub to make changes directly from your repo.

Shakespeare lets you export your full codebase anytime. Import existing projects, sync with Git, and move your code wherever you want--no paywall required. You can export your files as a zip without paying any extra fees.

Base44 vs. Shakespeare: Deployment Options

Base44 offers one-click deployment to Base44 URLs. On the $40/mo plan, you gain access to one free domain annually.

Base44 vs. Shakespeare: Nostr Support

Base44 knows Bitcoin and Nostr exist and can technically build on Nostr, but you may not get great results.

Shakespeare was built for freedom tech--native Nostr support, Lightning integration, and the ability to build truly decentralized applications.

Base44 vs. Shakespeare: Project Privacy

Base44 has access to users' code, data, and chat interactions within its platform. While Base44 states they do not use your inputs to train public AI models, a 2025 security flaw exposed potential risks of unauthorized access to user data and accounts. Their Terms of Service explicitly states they share user data with third parties for operational purposes but they don't sell your personal information.

Shakespeare prioritizes your privacy. You can build without surveillance, keep your projects private, and never worry about your data being sold to advertisers.

The Bottom Line

Base44 is closed-source, locks basic features behind paywalls, and shares your data with third parties. It might work for quick prototypes you don't plan to keep, but if you want to own what you build--really own it--look elsewhere.

Shakespeare gives you ownership, privacy, model choice, and permissionless payments. No gatekeeping, no data harvesting, no surprises.

Related Reading

• Really Open AI - Our evaluation of which AI tools are truly open
• Shakespeare vs. Lovable
• Shakespeare vs. Replit
• Really Open AI
• Free Software: Free Societies
• How to Use a Local AI Model with Shakespeare