Dyad
Free, local, open-source AI app builder that runs on your machine with your own API keys.
why this verdict
Keep it — Anthropic has not replaced it
Anthropic's version overlaps, but does not finish the website builders job, so this one is still worth keeping open.
- A named launch, not a vibe named, unlinked
- Hosted prompt-to-app platforms with free tiers and zero setup. Anthropic, July 22, 2025 — no announcement link recorded yet.
- How much of the job it covers not the job editorial call
- Parts of it. The job still needs the tool to get finished.
- Is there a free way to do it? yes
- 3 of 3 listed replacements have a usable free tier: bolt.diy, Cline and Lovable.
- What the call is worth nothing to cancel
- No paid entry tier tracked, so there is no subscription to cancel.
- Threatened by
- Anthropic
- Since
- July 22, 2025
- List price
- free
- Per year
- —
The backstory
Dyad is a desktop app that does what the hosted prompt-to-app tools do, except everything runs locally against your own model keys and the generated code never leaves your machine. Hosted platforms are easier for beginners and have free tiers. Dyad survives because it removes the two things developers dislike about those platforms: opaque credit pricing and code you do not fully control. Local and open source is a durable position.
Escape hatches
Open-source browser-based app builder
stackblitz-labs.github.io open_in_newOpen-source coding agent inside your editor
cline.bot open_in_newHosted alternative when you want zero setup
lovable.dev open_in_new3 of 3 replacements have a usable free tier.