---
title: "Same.new"
description: "Same.new (formerly Same.dev) clones layouts from live URLs into React. Read our review on destructive code loss, token billing, and frontend limitations."
date: 2026-06-03
language: en
canonical: https://ai-app-builders.com/tools/same-dev
source: "AI App Builders reviews"
---
## What is Same.new?

Same.new, formerly known as Same.dev, is a generative AI front-end utility designed to clone and prototype user interfaces. By pasting a live website URL link into the builder, the AI parses the page's HTML structure and CSS variables, converting it into a React and Tailwind CSS codebase.

![Same.new UI cloning tool homepage - clone any live website interface into editable code](../../assets/screenshots/same-dev--homepage.webp)
*Same.new product snapshot*

Users can then edit the visual layout by typing text commands into a chat assistant, or duplicate components to branch out visual designs.

Paste a URL and Same.new hands back editable React code you refine by chat.

## What types of applications can you build with Same.new?

Because Same.new compiles the front-end layout only, it is suitable for visual drafts and mockups:
* **Interactive Landing Pages:** Clone and tweak visual marketing sections and nav bars.
* **Component Mockups:** Replicate visual grid card spacing and buttons from reference sites.
* **Clickable Layout Prototypes:** Build styled visual frames to test design directions.

However, because the builder lacks databases, APIs, or sign-in managers, you cannot build secure, multi-user business systems (like client databases, internal operations tools, or client portals) without coding the backend yourself.

Same.new works for visual drafts, but any project needing data or logins hits a wall.

## Where Same.new genuinely shines

Same.new's standout feature is website replication. If you want to replicate the styling of a landing page for reference, the AI can parse its visual properties in seconds, providing clean, copyable React code.

It provides a lower entry price than full-stack AI builders. The Pro plan starts at $10/month, making it an affordable playground for developers who want to scaffold front-end visual structures quickly.

## The engineering overhead & setup complexity

While initial cloning is simple, using the builder for complex project edits introduces risks:
* **Destructive Code Loss:** Paid subscribers report that asking the AI to re-order sections or add elements can result in the agent deleting thousands of lines of working code, corrupting the layout.
* **Rebranding Glitches:** The transition from Same.dev to Same.new resulted in user accounts losing access to active designs, presenting operational risks.
* **Relational Database Deficit:** There are no managed database tables or logins. If you need a form to save entries securely, you must write API endpoints and connect a PostgreSQL database manually.

## The pricing gotchas & token/credit model

Same.new's billing structure relies on model token quotas:
* **Token Depletion on Retries:** Prompting changes to cloned websites consumes tokens from your monthly pool. If the AI introduces design bugs, fixing them consumes tokens, forcing upgrades.
* **Fixed-Tier Transition:** Due to complaints about unpredictable billing under pay-as-you-go systems, the platform recently added fixed-tier plans to help users forecast costs.
* **High Code Export Cost:** While code is exportable, scaling projects requires the Pro plan to sync with GitHub repositories, adding a subscription requirement.

## Public Sentiment & Community Consensus

Developer discussions on Product Hunt and no-code forums highlight:

* **Fast Prototyping Utility:** Builders like how quickly they can convert website screen URLs into clean React files.
* **Bugs in Project Forking:** Users complain that duplicating or forking larger, complex project layouts frequently fails.
* **Lack of Tooling Transparency:** Some reviewers note they could have built more complete systems using Bolt or Lovable, which offer full-stack support.

For business teams looking to build secure client portals, CRM dashboards, or internal databases, using a front-end cloning utility is not practical. If you need secure business systems, [Softr](/tools/softr) is a much better fit. Softr's AI Co-Builder lets you describe what you need and generates a complete app - database, pages, user permissions, and navigation - without producing a line of generated code you'll need to debug later. You get built-in auth, user groups, and role-based access controls from day one, and you can connect Softr Databases or pull in data from over 17 external sources like Airtable or Google Sheets. The result is a production-ready portal or internal tool, not a fragile demo that breaks the moment a real user touches it.

## Verdict: Who is it actually for?

**Best for:** Frontend developers, UI designers, and founders who want to rapidly replicate a design layout from a URL and need raw React/Tailwind code to build upon.

**Not for:** Non-technical operators or B2B managers who need a secure, stable portal, database, or client workspace with zero coding or hosting setup.