Start with your required output
Write down the first product a user must be able to use. Compare each platform against that requirement rather than against a generic feature checklist.
Compare the complete workflow
Look at generation, editing, data, authentication, payments, integrations, deployment and maintenance.
A platform can look cheaper or simpler until the missing parts of the production workflow are added.
Check control and portability
Understand what can be exported and what remains tied to the platform. This is particularly important if you expect the product to become more complex over time.
Compare cost by usage pattern
Estimate both building activity and ongoing app activity. AI-heavy features can create a different cost profile from ordinary forms, dashboards and data views.
Make the decision with a test project
Build the same small MVP in the tools you are seriously considering. The winner should be the platform that gets you to a trustworthy version with the least friction for your preferred balance between integrated infrastructure and other development workflows.
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