Most AI app builders lock you into a single model. If that model has a bad day, raises prices, or just does not handle your use case well, you are stuck. Dyad takes a different approach: you pick the model, switch whenever you want, and bring your own API keys. This makes it one of the few tools where choosing the best AI model for vibe coding is actually your decision to make.
Why model choice matters
AI models are not interchangeable. Each has strengths and blind spots that show up in real coding tasks. A model that generates clean React components might struggle with complex backend logic. A model that writes correct SQL might produce ugly UI layouts.
When you are vibe coding (describing what you want in plain language and letting AI generate the app), model quality directly affects how many iterations you need. The wrong model for a task can send you into a loop of fixes. The right one gets it done in one or two prompts.
This is why finding the best AI model for vibe coding depends on what you are building, not on which model won the latest benchmark.
Claude, GPT, Gemini: what each is good at
Anthropic Claude
Claude models (like Claude 3.5 Sonnet and Claude 4) are consistently strong at code generation. They tend to follow instructions precisely, produce well-structured code, and handle multi-file edits without losing context.
Where Claude stands out:
- Following complex, multi-step prompts
- Generating clean React and TypeScript code
- Editing existing files without introducing regressions
Trade-offs: Anthropic's API has no free tier. Claude models are relatively expensive per token compared to alternatives. If you are doing high-volume iteration on a budget, the cost adds up.
OpenAI GPT
OpenAI offers a range of models. GPT-4.1 and GPT-4.1 mini are the most relevant for coding. GPT-4.1 mini has a generous free tier, making it a practical option for cost-conscious builders.
Where GPT models stand out:
- Broad knowledge base for general-purpose coding
- GPT-4.1 mini offers a good balance of quality and cost
- Strong at generating boilerplate and standard patterns
Trade-offs: GPT models can sometimes be verbose in their output, generating more code than necessary. On complex UI tasks, they may need more guidance than Claude.
Google Gemini
Gemini is what I recommend for most users starting out with Dyad. The reason is simple: Google offers 500 free requests per day on Gemini 2.5 Flash. That is enough to build a real app without spending anything.
Where Gemini stands out:
- 500 free requests per day (generous for any AI model)
- Good quality for the price, especially Gemini 2.5 Flash
- Large context window for working with bigger codebases
Trade-offs: Keep in mind that with Google's free tier, Google reserves the right to use your data for training. If that is a concern, upgrade to a paid API plan or use a different provider.
Local models (Ollama, LM Studio)
If you want zero API cost and full privacy, you can run models locally through Ollama or LM Studio. Dyad detects locally running models and makes them available in the model picker.
Where local models stand out:
- No API cost at all
- Your code never leaves your machine
- No rate limits or quotas
Trade-offs: Local models require decent hardware. Smaller models may struggle to follow Dyad's instructions accurately, producing less useful code. Larger models that perform well (like Llama 3 70B) need significant GPU memory.
How Dyad handles multiple models
Dyad supports OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, OpenRouter, and local models out of the box. You set up API keys in settings, and every model from those providers appears in the model picker. You can switch models mid-project, mid-conversation even.
This is not a theoretical feature. Here is what it looks like in practice:
- Start a project with Gemini (free) to get the initial structure
- Switch to Claude for a tricky refactor that needs precise multi-file edits
- Drop back to Gemini or GPT-4.1 mini for straightforward additions
- Use a local model when you are on a plane with no internet
Auto mode
If you are not sure which model to use, Dyad's Auto mode picks the most suitable model based on which providers you have configured. This is a good default. You can always override it for specific tasks.
Turbo Edits (Pro)
Dyad Pro members get access to Turbo Edits, which offloads routine code changes from your selected model to a faster, cheaper model specialized in editing. The result is up to 50% faster code generation and up to 2x cost savings on your AI credits. You do not need to configure this manually. Dyad decides when to use Turbo Edits based on the type of change.
Saver mode (Pro)
For Pro users who want to stretch their AI credits further, Saver mode routes requests through more cost-efficient models. This is useful for high-volume iteration where you are making many small changes and do not need the top-tier model for every prompt.
Custom models via OpenRouter
If none of the built-in providers have the model you want, you can add any model through OpenRouter or any OpenAI-compatible API. OpenRouter aggregates most publicly available models, including free options like DeepSeek v3. You can also add fully custom providers and models in Dyad's settings.
Choosing the best AI model for vibe coding your project
There is no single best model. But here is a practical framework:
Budget is the priority? Start with Gemini 2.5 Flash (500 free requests/day) or GPT-4.1 mini (free tier available). If you hit limits, add OpenRouter for access to free DeepSeek v3.
Code quality is the priority? Use Claude 3.5 Sonnet or Claude 4. These produce the cleanest code with the fewest iterations, but cost more per request.
Privacy is the priority? Run local models through Ollama or LM Studio. Your prompts and code never leave your machine.
You want all of the above? That is the point. With Dyad, you can switch between strategies depending on the task. Use free models for scaffolding and iteration, premium models for critical logic, and local models when privacy matters.
Why this is not possible in most AI app builders
Most cloud-based AI app builders (Lovable, Bolt.new, Replit, v0) choose the model for you. You cannot see which model they use, and you cannot change it. If they switch to a cheaper model to save costs on their end, your output quality changes with no warning.
This creates single-model dependency, where you inherit one provider's pricing, rate limits, outages, and behavior changes. If model quality shifts after an update, you have no rollback path.
Dyad avoids this entirely. It is open-source (MIT license for the core, FSL 1.1 for pro features), runs locally on Mac, Windows, and Linux, and the generated code is standard React/TypeScript that you can take anywhere. No vendor lock-in on the tool side or the model side.
Getting started
- Download Dyad from dyad.sh
- Open Settings and add at least one API key (I recommend starting with Google Gemini for the free tier)
- Create a new app and start building
- If a model gives you a result you are not happy with, switch to a different one and try again
The best AI model for vibe coding is the one that works for the task in front of you. Dyad makes it easy to find out which one that is without committing to a single provider.
