TRAE - Lovable alternative

TRAE is an adaptive AI-powered integrated development environment developed by ByteDance. It operates as a VS Code fork allowing users to import settings, extensions, and keyboard shortcuts from Cursor or VS Code. Users communicate with it using natural language commands like @Agent or #Context and delegate complex coding tasks while maintaining control over the process. Developers who prefer line-by-line coding assistance and codebase-wide editing may find TRAE more suitable than full-stack app generators.

Strengths

Offers $10/month Pro plan with 600 fast requests to premium models and unlimited autocomplete, compared to Cursor's $20/month
Supports multiple advanced AI models including Claude 4 Sonnet, GPT-4.1, and Gemini 2.5 Pro with OpenRouter integration for additional models
Provides VS Code extension compatibility, allowing users to customize their development environment with most Visual Studio Code extensions
Features customizable coding agents through MCP (Model Context Protocol) support and .rules configuration files
Includes integrated debugging, testing tools, and webview feature for previewing web applications seamlessly within the editor
Adheres to local-first principles, storing codebase files locally on devices with temporary uploads deleted after processing

Weaknesses

Tab completion feature (Cue) is slower than competitors and needs refinement
Lacks ChatGPT-style memory feature that remembers context across sessions
Privacy policy states code snippets and user interaction data may be used for AI training and product improvement
Has steeper learning curve compared to no-code platforms, requiring familiarity with coding workflows and AI prompt engineering
Official numeric limits for context window size and maximum number of files referenced per response are not publicly documented

Best for

Developers who want IDE-level code assistance with multi-file editing capabilities across diverse programming languages. Teams seeking cost-effective alternatives to Cursor or Windsurf with similar functionality.

Pricing plans

Free Plan — $0/month — 10 fast requests and 50 slow requests per month. Full access to premium models and all features during beta.
Pro Plan — $10/month (first month $3 for new subscribers) — 600 fast requests to premium models per month, unlimited autocomplete and slow requests, pay-as-you-go for additional fast requests.
Annual Plan — $90/year ($7.50/month equivalent) — Same features as Pro Plan with 25% discount.

Tech details

Type: AI-powered IDE (VS Code fork, closed-source)
IDEs: Desktop application for macOS and Windows (10/11), Linux support planned
Key features: Builder Mode for natural language project generation, Chat Mode for AI assistance, multimodal input support (image uploads), GitHub integration, customizable agent system, terminal suggestions
Privacy / hosting: Local-first architecture with codebase files stored locally. Temporary uploads for indexing deleted after processing. Data deployed in US, Singapore, and Malaysia based on account location.
Models / context window: Claude 4 Sonnet (optimized), Claude 3.5/3.7 Sonnet, GPT-4o, GPT-4.1, Gemini 2.5 Pro, DeepSeek R1/V3. Context window size: Unknown.

When to choose this over Lovable

You need flexible code assistance for developers across broader and more customizable development scenarios beyond web app generation
You require support for multiple AI models and custom agent development integrated with varied infrastructure setups
Your workflow involves desktop applications, backend services, or non-web projects requiring full IDE capabilities rather than web-focused full-stack generation

When Lovable may be a better fit

You prioritize autonomous project delivery and ease of use with plain-language prompts for rapid web application development
You need seamless Supabase integration with automatic backend database and authentication setup for full-stack web apps
You are non-technical or semi-technical users looking for lower barrier to entry with iterative design and intuitive preview tools

Conclusion

TRAE positions itself as a developer-focused IDE alternative with strong multi-model support and cost advantages. At $10 monthly compared to Cursor's $20, the price difference matters for many developers, while also packing features that Cursor lacks like custom agents and OpenRouter integration. While it excels at code-level assistance across diverse programming scenarios, it requires more technical expertise than platforms like Lovable which focus on rapid web application generation for non-technical users. The choice depends on whether you need IDE-level coding control or automated full-stack app generation.

Sources

FAQ

What makes TRAE different from Lovable?

TRAE is an AI-powered IDE for line-by-line code development across any programming language, while Lovable generates complete full-stack web applications from natural language prompts. TRAE targets developers who need coding assistance and flexibility, whereas Lovable serves non-technical users building web MVPs quickly.

Can TRAE generate full applications like Lovable?

Yes, through Builder Mode. However, TRAE focuses on developer-guided workflows with more granular control, while Lovable automates the entire full-stack web application generation process with less manual intervention.

Is TRAE truly free?

TRAE is currently available for free through download for macOS and Windows, with a Free Plan offering limited monthly requests. The Pro Plan costs $10/month with expanded limits and priority access to models.

Does TRAE work offline?

Core IDE features work offline, but the AI assistant requires an internet connection to access GPT-4 and Claude models.

Which AI models does TRAE support?

TRAE supports Claude 4 Sonnet, Claude 3.5/3.7 Sonnet, GPT-4o, GPT-4.1, Gemini 2.5 Pro, and DeepSeek models. Users can switch between models and integrate additional models through OpenRouter.

Can I migrate from Cursor or VS Code to TRAE?

Yes, TRAE is a VS Code fork that lets you import settings, extensions, and keyboard shortcuts from Cursor or VS Code, making migration straightforward for developers.

TRAE