The Dyad Insider’s Guide

Everything we know about Dyad in one document: what it costs, its grades, getting a refund, getting help and what else to look at. Read it here, or keep a copy.

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ToolGPAOctober 2026

Dyad

The Insider’s Guide

Open-source desktop app that builds web apps with AI, locally

Every plan, grade, refund rule and rival among AI app builders, read from Dyad’s own pages.

Made by Dyad Tech, Inc. · checked Oct 5, 2026 · toolgpa.com

2.2GPA

01WelcomeWhat it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first
02Insider tipsWhat most people miss: ways to pay less, settings worth changing and the catches
03What it costsEvery plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
04What it doesIts main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it
05Where it standsIts grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
06The alternativesThe tools it is most often weighed against, side by side
07Quick answersThe questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two
08About ToolGPAWho made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it

ToolGPA put this guide together from Dyad’s own pages, its app-store listings and our grades. Every fact in it is on Dyad’s page too, where it is kept up to date. Checked Oct 5, 2026.

Part 01 · Overview

Welcome

What it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first

2.2

GPA, above 2 of the 26 other AI app builders we grade

Dyad is an open-source AI app builder that runs as a desktop app instead of in the cloud. You describe a web app in chat and it writes the code into a project folder on your own computer, using your own API keys, a ChatGPT subscription or local models. The app itself is free under the Apache 2.0 license; the paid Dyad Pro and Dyad Max plans add monthly AI credits, a fuller Agent mode and learning content.

To get you started, here are 9 things to know about Dyad, taken from its own pages and our grades.

No rating on record, and this one asks for work.

From our grade for ease of use

1
Best for keeping the code on your own computer
Dyad is a free, open-source desktop app where you describe a web app in chat and the code lands in a folder on your disk, written by whichever AI model you bring.
2
Paid plans start at $20 a month
As its pricing page puts it: $20 per month (Dyad Pro).
3
There is a free plan
Dyad Free: the open-source desktop app with no sign-up and no limit on apps, used with your own API keys or local models. Basic Agent mode is capped at 20 messages a day.
4
It runs on 3 platforms
macOS, Windows and Linux.
5
Runs on your own computer
Dyad is a desktop app that keeps project files on your disk and sets no limit on the number of apps. Paired with a local model, it works without an internet connection.
6
Bring your own AI model
Use your own API keys for providers such as Google Gemini, OpenAI, Anthropic and OpenRouter, sign in with a ChatGPT subscription, or run local models through Ollama or LM Studio.
7
Agent mode
Basic Agent checks for build errors, runs tests and debugs from logs, limited to 20 messages a day on Free. Pro Agent adds web search, website cloning and image generation.
8
A 2.2 GPA, above 2 of 26
That is against the other AI app builders we grade, on value, the free plan, features, ease of use and platforms.
9
Keep it
To replace Dyad you would be making a tool that builds and hosts other apps. That is not a weekend's work, with an AI app builder or without one.

Dyad at a glance

Pricing: Free plan, from $20 per month (Dyad Pro)
Free plan: Yes
Free trial: None stated
Runs on: macOS, Windows, Linux
Made by: Dyad Tech, Inc.
Category: AI App Builders
Our grade: 2.2 GPA, fair

The report card

Best for keeping the code on your own computer

Dyad is a free, open-source desktop app where you describe a web app in chat and the code lands in a folder on your disk, written by whichever AI model you bring. It asks more of you than the hosted builders: you sort out your own model access, database and hosting, the free agent stops at 20 messages a day, Linux is untested, and it only builds web apps.

ToolGPA report cardDyadGraded Oct 10, 2026

Subject	Grade	Comment
Value for money	C	Dyad Pro is $20 a month, a shade above the $19 middle for builders here and outside the cheapest quarter, which ends at $16. It buys 200 AI credits and a Pro Agent with web search, cloning and image generation; Max is $79 for 900. The app is free, but then you fund your own model access.
Free plan and trial	B	The desktop app is free and open source under Apache 2.0, with no sign-up and no limit on apps, and with a local model through Ollama it runs offline. Two asterisks: you pay for your own model access, and Basic Agent stops at 20 messages a day, which you'll meet on a real build.
Features	C	It writes full-stack web apps with Supabase or Neon for the database and login, GitHub sync, a security scan for things like SQL injection, and MCP servers. But the gaps are its own: web apps only, the mobile route through Capacitor is experimental, desktop apps unsupported, and hosting is yours to arrange.
Ease of use	C	No rating on record, and this one asks for work. You install it, then connect the pieces yourself: an API key or a local model for the AI, Supabase or Neon for data, GitHub and a host like Vercel to publish. A hosted builder would hand you all of that.
Platforms and integrations	C	Mac, Windows and Linux, which is one family of devices: no browser version, no phone, and the FAQ says Linux is untested and doesn't auto-update. It connects to GitHub, Vercel, Supabase, Neon, OpenAI, Anthropic, Ollama and LM Studio, plus MCP servers.

Grade point averageFair, out of 4.02.2

An A is worth 4 points, a B 3, a C 2, a D 1 and an F nothing. The GPA is the average of the five.

Who Dyad is for

Fits if you want the code on your own machine, not in someone else's cloud
Works for people who already pay for AI model access, or run local models, and want to reuse them

Who it is not for

Skip it if you want hosting, a database and login handled for you in one product
Not for you if you need a phone or desktop app built, as it makes web apps, the mobile route is experimental and desktop apps aren't supported
Tight if you lean on the free agent, which stops at 20 messages a day, and you still pay for your own model access
Watch out: there's no browser or phone version, and the FAQ says Linux is untested, may have bugs and doesn't auto-update
Pricey if 200 credits a month on Pro at $20 isn't enough, since the next step, Max, is $79

Good to know

Good for

Developers and hobbyists who want generated code kept on their own machine
People who already pay for AI model access and want to reuse it
Building full-stack web apps on Supabase or Neon without a hosted builder

Worth knowing

Dyad is a desktop app only: there is no browser or mobile version, and the FAQ says it is not built to run on a server.
Linux support is experimental: the FAQ says Linux is not tested, may have bugs and does not auto-update.
It builds web apps. Turning one into a mobile app through Capacitor is experimental, and desktop apps are not supported.
On the free app you supply and pay for your own AI model access, and Basic Agent stops at 20 messages a day.

Part 02 · Tips

Insider tips

What most people miss: ways to pay less, settings worth changing and the catches

Things most people miss, each from its own help pages

The things about Dyad that are easy to miss until they cost you: ways to pay less, settings worth changing and the catches at renewal or when you leave. Each one is from Dyad’s own pages, linked beside it.

Read on Oct 17, 2026. Read from Dyad's docs (credits guide, Pro modes, versioning, AI rules, migrating, FAQ) and its privacy, cancellation and refund policies on 17 October 2026. Not tried out: these tips are what its own pages say.

1
Pay less
Start a fresh chat often, as long ones burn through Pro credits
Its credits guide says chat history eats context, so start new chats where you can, or press Summarize chat above the input box and carry the summary over. Leave Smart Context and Turbo Edits on, which they are by default. Turbo Edits alone is up to 2x cheaper.
dyad.sh
2
Privacy
Your own API key keeps your code off Dyad's servers, Pro doesn't
Its privacy policy says that with your own key, prompts and code go straight to the model provider, and with a local model they never leave your machine. On Pro they pass through Dyad's servers, which may log parts for a while. It says it doesn't train its own models on them.
dyad.sh
3
Easy to miss
Click Version # at the top of the chat to undo a bad change
Every version is a git commit. Click an older one to preview it, then Restore. Restoring adds a new commit rather than wiping history, so you can change your mind again. The page only talks about code, so don't count on it undoing database changes.
dyad.sh
4
Easy to miss
Put your house rules in an AI_RULES.md file in the project folder
Dyad reads that file as part of its instructions for the project. Use it to say which libraries to use for what, or rules like keeping database changes backwards compatible. Apps made before v0.7.0 may not have one, so copy the default in.
dyad.sh
5
Renewal
Cancel Pro in your Dyad Academy profile, and ask early for a refund
Cancelling is done on the subscription page of your Dyad Academy profile, not in the desktop app, and you keep Pro until the paid period ends. Unused time isn't prorated. If the billing cycle has only just started, its policy says you can ask support for a refund.
dyad.sh
6
Leaving
Moving computers takes two settings files plus your app folders
Copy sqlite.db and user-settings.json from Dyad's data folder (on a Mac, ~/Library/Application Support/dyad) to the same place on the new machine. Your apps aren't in there: copy ~/dyad-apps separately. Upgrades also leave a settings backup in that folder.
dyad.sh

Part 03 · Pricing

What it costs

Every plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved

$20

A month to start. There is a free plan too

Dyad has a free plan. Paid plans start at $20 per month (Dyad Pro).

The app is free, but then you fund your own model access.

From our grade for value for money

Dyad Free
$0
The open-source desktop app with no sign-up. Bring your own API key or a local model; Basic Agent allows 20 messages a day.
Dyad Pro
$20
per month
200 AI credits a month for leading models, Pro Agent with web search, website cloning and image generation, Pro modes and Dyad Academy.
Dyad Max
$79
per month
Everything in Pro with 900 AI credits a month and prioritized access to office hours. Listed as available as an upgrade.

The free plan

Dyad Free: the open-source desktop app with no sign-up and no limit on apps, used with your own API keys or local models. Basic Agent mode is capped at 20 messages a day.

Read from dyad.sh on Oct 5, 2026.

Part 04 · Features

What it does

Its main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it

Places it runs: macOS, Windows and Linux

Open-source desktop app that builds web apps with AI, locally. Here is what it does, as its own site describes it, and what it covers: open source, works offline, local-first, AI features, AI agents, app builder, no-code.

It connects to GitHub, Vercel, Supabase, Neon, OpenAI, Anthropic, Ollama and LM Studio, plus MCP servers.

From our grade for platforms and integrations

Runs on your own computer: Dyad is a desktop app that keeps project files on your disk and sets no limit on the number of apps. Paired with a local model, it works without an internet connection.
Bring your own AI model: Use your own API keys for providers such as Google Gemini, OpenAI, Anthropic and OpenRouter, sign in with a ChatGPT subscription, or run local models through Ollama or LM Studio.
Agent mode: Basic Agent checks for build errors, runs tests and debugs from logs, limited to 20 messages a day on Free. Pro Agent adds web search, website cloning and image generation.
Database and auth integrations: Supabase and Neon connect from inside the app to give a full-stack project its database, schema migrations and user authentication.
GitHub sync and deployment: An app can be connected to a GitHub repository and synced from Dyad. The docs walk through deploying that repository on Vercel, and any other cloud host can be used.
Security scan and MCP servers: A built-in security review looks for problems such as SQL injection and missing auth protection, and MCP servers can be added for browser tools, web search or custom APIs.

Where it runs

macOS
Windows
Linux

What it works with

GitHub
Vercel
Supabase
Neon
OpenAI
Anthropic
Ollama
LM Studio

Who makes Dyad

Dyad is made by Dyad Tech, Inc., a US company. The desktop app is free and open source when you bring your own AI keys; the company earns money from Dyad Pro and Dyad Max subscriptions, which add AI credits, Pro features and members-only lessons.

Based: United Statesdyad.sh
Founders and leaders: Will Chen, Creator of Dyaddyad.sh
Lately: Dyad 1.20.0 Beta 1 · Oct 15, 2026
Dyad v1.19.0 · Oct 12, 2026
Dyad v1.18.0 · Oct 5, 2026
Dyad v1.17.0 · Sep 28, 2026
Follow: Blog
Changelog
GitHub
Reddit
X (Twitter)

Read on Oct 18, 2026 from the company’s own pages and from news reports. What is not stated there is left out.

Part 05 · Standing

Where it stands

Its grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own

2/26

Other AI app builders it is graded above

Dyad's GPA of 2.2 is higher than 2 of the 26 other AI app builders we grade, and level with 5.

It stands best on free plan and trial (B, above 24 of 26) and worst on features (C, above 0).

Its paid plans start at $20 a month, against a middle price of $19 for the category: 15 of the 26 others that charge start lower.

On features, ease of use and platforms it scores 2.0 out of 4. 15 tools score higher and cost less.

Each grade against the category

Every bar is all 27 AI app builders we grade, cut by the letter each got. Dyad’s own letter is outlined.

CValue for money
Above 6 of 26
BFree plan and trial
Above 24 of 26
CFeatures
Above 0 of 26
CEase of use
Above 0 of 26
CPlatforms and integrations
Above 0 of 26

Price against what you get

Each dot is one of 27 AI app builders. Further left costs less; higher up scores better on features, ease of use and platforms. Dyad is the marked dot.

What paid plans start at, a month (each step along is roughly double) →

Keep it, or make your own?

Whether this is something you could build for yourself with an AI app builder, and what you would give up.

Keep it

To replace Dyad you would be making a tool that builds and hosts other apps. That is not a weekend's work, with an AI app builder or without one.

That makes this kind of software worth paying for, not this one in particular: 19 of the 26 other AI app builders grade higher. It costs $240 a year. Dyad is open source, so there is a third way: take its code and run it yourself.

What you could not

A tool that builds and hosts other apps.
A builder that other people can use without writing code.
An AI agent, with the models and the safeguards behind it.
Apps for macOS, Windows and Linux that stay in step with each other.
It plugs into other products, GitHub, Vercel and Supabase among them.

What this rests on. Dyad’s listing: what it does, where it runs, what it plugs into and what it costs. It is a judgement about the kind of software this is. We have not built a replacement for it, and making your own means looking after it too. How we decide, and every tool’s verdict.

Part 06 · Alternatives

The alternatives

The tools it is most often weighed against, side by side

Lovable, Bolt, v0, Replit and Base44

The 5 tools Dyad is most often weighed against, with where each one differs from it.

2.8GPA
Lovable
Free plan · from $21/mo
Chat-based AI builder for full-stack web apps and websites.
- Only Dyad lists a Linux app.
- Only Lovable lists a web app.
- Only Lovable lists iOS and Android apps.
Dyad and Lovable compared in full
2.6GPA
Bolt
Free plan · from $18/mo
Browser-based AI builder for websites, web apps and mobile apps.
- Only Dyad lists macOS, Windows and Linux apps.
- Only Bolt lists a web app.
- Dyad is open source, according to its own site.
Dyad and Bolt compared in full
2.4GPA
v0
Free trial · from $30/mo
Vercel's AI agent for building and deploying full-stack web apps.
- Dyad has a free plan. v0 does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only Dyad lists macOS, Windows and Linux apps.
- Only v0 lists a web app.
Dyad and v0 compared in full
3.0GPA
Replit
Free plan · from $18/mo
Cloud platform where an AI agent builds, hosts and publishes apps.
- Only Replit lists a web app.
- Only Replit lists iOS and Android apps.
- Dyad is open source, according to its own site.
Dyad and Replit compared in full
2.8GPA
Base44
Free plan · from $16/mo
No-code AI builder with a database, login and hosting included.
- Only Dyad lists macOS, Windows and Linux apps.
- Only Base44 lists a web app.
- Only Base44 lists iOS and Android apps.
Dyad and Base44 compared in full

Part 07 · Questions

Quick answers

The questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two

Questions, each answered in a line or two

The short version of everything above, for when you only need the answer. Each one is told in full in its part of the guide.

Is Dyad free?

Dyad has a free plan. Dyad Free: the open-source desktop app with no sign-up and no limit on apps, used with your own API keys or local models.

How much does Dyad cost?

Dyad lists 3 plans. Dyad Free: $0.

What platforms does Dyad work on?

Dyad is available on macOS, Windows and Linux.

Does Dyad have an Android app?

No Android app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 5, 2026. Dyad is listed for macOS, Windows and Linux.

Does Dyad have an iPhone app?

No iPhone app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 5, 2026. Dyad is listed for macOS, Windows and Linux.

Is Dyad open source?

Yes. Dyad is open source, according to its own site.

Does Dyad work offline?

Yes, according to its own site. What works without a connection differs by plan and platform, so check the vendor's page for the detail.

What does Dyad integrate with?

Dyad's listing names GitHub, Vercel, Supabase, Neon, OpenAI, Anthropic, Ollama and LM Studio.

Who makes Dyad?

Dyad is made by Dyad Tech, Inc.

What are the alternatives to Dyad?

The closest alternatives to Dyad in our directory are Lovable, Bolt, v0, Replit and Base44.

How does Dyad compare with other AI app builders?

Dyad's GPA of 2.2 is higher than 2 of the 26 other AI app builders we grade, and level with 5.

Is Dyad good value for money?

ToolGPA grades Dyad C for value for money. Its paid plans start at $20 a month, against a middle price of $19 for the category: 15 of the 26 others that charge start lower.

Could I make my own version of Dyad?

To replace Dyad you would be making a tool that builds and hosts other apps.

Where this guide comes from

The prices, plans, platforms and features were read from Dyad’s own pages on Oct 5, 2026, and the grades were given on Oct 10, 2026. Graded from this listing, whose facts were read from Dyad's own pages on 5 October 2026. Also tested with a demo account on 2026-05-22.

Every tool we list gets five grades, A to F, each with its reason, and a GPA that averages them. How each is decided is at toolgpa.com/grades. This guide is ToolGPA’s own work; it is not made, paid for or approved by Dyad Tech, Inc. Prices change, so check dyad.sh before you buy.

Part 08 · About

About ToolGPA

Who made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it

3,189

Tools graded, in 94 categories

ToolGPA grades software the way a school report grades a pupil: five subjects, a letter for each with the reason written beside it, and a GPA that averages them. Prices, plans and platforms are read from each maker’s own pages and dated, so you always know how fresh a figure is.

Every grade, review and ranking on ToolGPA is our own judgement. No company can pay for a grade or change one. Every tool on the site has a guide like this one, free to download and pass on. It all lives at toolgpa.com.

3,189
tools graded
94
categories
426
price changes on record
579
apps priced in 12 countries

What else is on toolgpa.com

Scan for the live page

Prices and grades as they are today

Quoting this guide?

Please name ToolGPA and link to the live page, so readers can check the figures for themselves:

ToolGPA, "Dyad: The Insider's Guide", checked Oct 5, 2026. https://toolgpa.com/tools/dyad

Know someone choosing between AI app builders?

Send them this guide: toolgpa.com/tools/dyad/guide

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See our other guides

The best-graded AI app builders after Dyad, each with an Insider's Guide of its own.

ToolGPA

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Compare tools at toolgpa.com ›

Everything in this guide is ToolGPA’s own summary of what Dyad’s pages, its app-store listings and public reviews said on the dates shown. Grades are our judgement under the rules at toolgpa.com/grades. Every grade, review and ranking on ToolGPA is our own judgement. No company can pay for a grade or change one. Dyad is a trademark of its owner, and this guide is not made, paid for or approved by Dyad Tech, Inc. Prices and plans change: check dyad.sh before you buy.