A Lovable alternative that gives you the whole codebase
IDEA is an alternative to Lovable for people who want the full-stack source code. Lovable is a chat-based AI app builder that generates React applications and connects them to a Supabase backend. IDEA generates the frontend, backend API, data models and authentication as files you own, checks them with a real compiler, and is free right now.
- IDEA output
- A full-stack repository
- AI model
- Ours, or your own key
- Price
- Free right now, no card
- Export
- ZIP, GitHub, or deploy
| Feature | IDEA | Lovable |
|---|---|---|
| Backend | Generated as code in your repository: Express, Django and other registered stacks | Supabase-based backend |
| Database | MongoDB, PostgreSQL, MySQL or SQLite, including your own | Supabase (PostgreSQL) |
| AI model | IDEA account, or your own key across seven providers | Managed by Lovable |
| Price | Free right now | Free tier and paid plans with usage credits; see their pricing page |
Details about Lovable come from its own public description and were last checked in October 2026. They can change, so confirm them on the Lovable website. Lovable is a trademark of its owner, and IDEA is not affiliated with it.
When Lovable is the better choice
- You want a managed Supabase backend set up for you.
- You prefer to edit the app visually inside the builder.
When IDEA is the better choice
- You want the backend as code in your own repository, in a stack you choose.
- You want to bring your own AI provider key or your own database.
- You want to see which checks ran on the generated code.
What IDEA does not do yet
IDEA is in active development. One stack, Next.js with Express, is generally available; React with Django is in beta; the other four are pilots with reduced verification. The checks are automated and are not a security audit.
Questions, answered
What is a good alternative to Lovable?
IDEA is an alternative to Lovable if you want a full-stack codebase you own. It generates frontend, backend API, data models and authentication from a brief, verifies the code, and lets you download it or deploy it yourself.
Is there a free alternative to Lovable?
IDEA is free right now for every account, with no trial and no card. Generation on our AI account has an hourly quota, which does not apply when you connect your own AI provider key.
Can I move a project from Lovable to IDEA?
There is no importer. You can describe the same application in a brief and generate it fresh in IDEA, then compare the two codebases.
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