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A Lovable alternative for internal business apps
Lovable and theo look alike at first: you chat with an AI and get an app. The difference is what comes next. Lovable is built for people who want to own the code — it generates a React + TypeScript project synced with GitHub that a developer can host anywhere. theo is built for people who want a working system without looking after code or servers: database, login, team roles and ready-made templates come built in.
What they have in common
In both, you describe what you want in a chat and the AI builds a web app. Both let you start for free, publish a link and keep changing the app by asking in the conversation. For a quick prototype of an idea, either one works.
Where Lovable goes further
- You really own the code. Lovable syncs the project with GitHub both ways: a developer can edit locally and the change flows back.
- Host it anywhere. Publish on Lovable or take it to Vercel, Netlify and others.
- A broader backend. Lovable Cloud (built on Supabase) brings database, auth, file storage and server functions; you can also connect your own Supabase.
- Custom domains on paid plans.
For a product team building a SaaS to sell, that matters a lot.
Where theo is simpler
- An internal system ready for your team. Everyone signs in with their own account, and you set roles and permissions — who sees what, who edits.
- Ready-made templates: sales CRM, finance, clinic management, scheduling, construction tracking, gym management. Open one, see it working, make your own copy.
- Adjust without code: change colors, sizes and labels by clicking on the screen; ask in the chat for the rest.
- Connects to Claude and other AI assistants over MCP: the assistant can read and write your apps and notes, with your permission.
theo was built in Brazil and is Portuguese-first; you can describe your app in English, and the interface has an English option.
Code and lock-in
With Lovable, the code in GitHub is the center of the product. With theo the main path is to run the app on theo itself, behind its publish link. If you need to take the code with you, you can download the app as a React + Node project with Docker and the database schema, or push the code once to a GitHub repository — a starting point for a developer, not a continuous sync.
Pricing
Lovable charges in US dollars using credits: the free plan gives a few credits a day and paid plans raise the monthly allowance. theo starts free, with no credit card and no time limit. The platform's AI has a monthly message allowance; if you add your own AI key (Anthropic, OpenAI or Google) that allowance does not apply and you pay the provider directly. There is no paid plan today.
Facts about the other tool were checked against its own documentation and pricing page in September 2026. Prices and plans change — check the official site before you decide.
Which one to choose
- Choose Lovable if you (or someone on your team) codes, wants the code in GitHub and will host and grow the product on your own.
- Choose theo if you want an internal tool running today, with your team using it, without looking after code, databases or servers.
| Criterion | theo | Lovable |
|---|---|---|
| Built for | Internal business apps, no code | Apps and products, code-first |
| How you build | Chat + ready-made templates | Chat with the AI |
| Code | Lives in theo; export as a React + Node project or push once to GitHub | React + TypeScript with two-way GitHub sync |
| Database and login | Included (managed PostgreSQL) | Lovable Cloud (Supabase) or your own Supabase |
| Hosting | On theo, with a publish link | On Lovable or wherever you like |
| Team and permissions | Per-person login, roles and permissions | Whatever the generated app implements |
| Templates | CRM, finance, clinic, scheduling, construction, gym | From the conversation |
| To get started | Free, no card, no time limit | Free with daily credits; paid plans in USD |
Frequently asked questions
- Is theo a good Lovable alternative?
- For internal business apps, yes: you describe what you need and theo builds the app with database, login and team permissions, or you start from a ready-made template. If you want the code in GitHub at the center of your work, Lovable is the more natural choice.
- Can I take my code out of theo?
- Yes. You can download the app as a React + Node project with Docker and the database schema, or push the code once to GitHub. It is a starting point for a developer — the main path is running the app on theo.
- Does theo use Supabase?
- No. Each theo app gets its own tables in a PostgreSQL database managed by theo, hosted in Brazil. You don't need an account anywhere else.
- Which is better for a SaaS I plan to sell?
- For a product that will grow with a development team, Lovable (or Bolt) is usually better, because the code stays with you. theo is stronger for a company's own internal tools.
- How much does theo cost?
- It starts free, with no credit card and no time limit. The platform's AI has a monthly message allowance; with your own AI key that allowance does not apply.
Build your internal tool
Describe what your business needs or start from a template. Free, no credit card.
Free, no credit card · Database hosted in Brazil