Dyad review
A local-first builder for generating, editing, versioning, and exporting AI-powered apps.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Dyad is a desktop, open-source AI app builder that turns natural-language descriptions into runnable web applications. It is aimed at developers and technically inclined teams that want local previews, editable source code, and control over their AI provider. Dyad supports macOS, Windows, and Linux, requires no sign-up on its Free plan, and lets users bring their own API key. Its web-app focus is extended by experimental support for converting React/Vite projects into hybrid iOS and Android applications through Capacitor.
The pricing structure keeps local development available at no cost through Dyad Free, which includes community support and downloadable desktop apps. Dyad Pro costs $20 per month and adds exclusive Pro modes for large codebases, 200 AI credits per month, and Dyad Academy access. Dyad Max costs $79 per month and provides 900 AI credits per month, prioritized office-hours access, and credit reloads at the same price. This makes the product suitable for users who prefer to control provider access on the free tier, while paid plans are more relevant when larger codebases, included credits, or vendor access matter.
Dyad’s strongest fit is a local-first workflow that still connects to a broader application stack. Users can generate and visually edit apps, preview them live, restore earlier versions, synchronize with GitHub, and connect authentication, databases, and server functions through Supabase or Neon. Security scanning and reviews are included, and deployment can proceed through GitHub and Vercel or another cloud provider. Users seeking a desktop-based builder with exportable code and multiple AI-provider choices should consider Dyad. Those prioritizing a fully native mobile workflow or a browser-first experience should look elsewhere, since mobile support is experimental and the product is desktop-based.
Dyad pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Runs locally with OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, Ollama, and LM Studio support
- Includes visual editing, live previews, versioning, and undo/restore
- Connects with GitHub, Supabase, Neon, Vercel, and Capacitor
- Where it doesn't
- Requires a macOS, Windows, or Linux desktop
- Mobile app support through Capacitor is experimental
- Pro and Max plans limit AI credits to monthly allowances
Dyad fact sheet, pricing and score →
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