MVP vs prototype vs proof of concept: what is the difference?

A proof of concept shows something can be built. A prototype shows how it will look and feel. An MVP is a working product real customers can use. Each answers a different question, and picking the wrong one wastes money.

How do they differ?

	Proof of concept	Prototype	MVP
Question it answers	Is it technically possible?	Will people understand and want it?	Will people use it and pay for it?
Audience	Your team, investors	Test users, stakeholders	Real customers
Working software?	Narrow technical test	Clickable screens, little logic	Yes, end to end for one workflow
Lifespan	Thrown away	Thrown away or reused as design	Becomes the product
Typical time	Days to a couple of weeks	One to two weeks	Weeks, from our 4 to 6 week MVP Sprint

When do you need a proof of concept?

When the risk is technical: an integration that may not work, an AI approach that may not be accurate enough, or a performance target that may be out of reach.

When do you need a prototype?

When the risk is understanding: users may not grasp the flow, or stakeholders cannot agree what to build. A clickable prototype settles that before engineering starts.

When do you need an MVP?

When you need real usage and, ideally, real revenue. An MVP includes sign-up, one core workflow and the basics of security and launch. Our MVP development starts from $6k, and this guide explains the numbers.

How do you choose?

Ask what you are most afraid of. If it is "it may not work", build a proof of concept. If it is "they may not get it", build a prototype. If it is "no one will pay", build an MVP. Often a short design phase and an MVP cover both fears. Book a scoping call.

FAQ

Can a prototype become the MVP?

The designs can. The clickable code usually cannot, because it lacks real data, security and error handling.

Do I need all three?

No. Most teams need one or two, chosen by the main risk.