Lovable
Dyad is a free, local, open-source alternative to Lovable—offering the same friendliness with more control.
Lovable Summary
Lovable is a popular cloud-based full-stack application builder. Like Lovable, Dyad lets you build full-stack applications, including support for Supabase integration.
Key Differences
-
Dyad runs locally; Lovable runs in the cloud – This is the core distinction. Dyad runs apps directly on your machine, which means your code stays local and you can easily switch between Dyad and tools like Cursor or VS Code. However, on older machines, Lovable’s cloud-based approach may offer a better experience.
-
Lovable’s free tier is more restricted – Lovable’s pricing restricts free users to 5 messages per day and public-only projects. Dyad, on the other hand, is bring-your-own-API-key. You can use generous free APIs like Google’s Gemini, which currently offers up to 25 messages/day for its top-tier model. Dyad apps are also private by default.
-
Dyad gives you full control over AI models – Dyad lets you choose from leading or low-cost models across providers. Lovable doesn’t publicly specify which models it uses, which can lead to confusion if the behavior changes unexpectedly. With Dyad, you’re always in control.
Which Should You Choose?
If you prefer a local app builder with greater control, flexibility, and a generous free tier, Dyad is a great choice.
If you’d rather not run apps locally—especially if your computer can’t run Node.js—then Lovable’s cloud-based approach might be a better fit.
All product names, trademarks, and registered trademarks are property of their respective owners. This comparison is for informational purposes only.