kitio.aiHeroUI Chat vs Onlook
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. HeroUI Chat starts at See pricing page and Onlook starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
At a glance
Best for
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Text-to-UI generation
- HeroUI components
- Live preview
- Chat-based iteration
- Exportable React code
- Infinite canvas on live code
- Uses real components
- AI design edits
- Git integration
- Framework support
| Feature | HeroUI Chat | Onlook |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Prompt-to-app generator that builds React UIs with HeroUI components | Visual AI editor for designers working in real React code |
| Category | Coding | Coding |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Starting price | See pricing page | See pricing page |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Made by | HeroUI | Onlook |
| Based in | – | United States |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
HeroUI Chat starts at See pricing page and Onlook starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
2 plans
Free
Free
- Free, local-first desktop editor
- Open source
For Teams
Custom
- Shared project templates
- Branching and version control
- Centralized theming and branding
Prices in USD, checked Oct 28, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
HeroUI Chat
- Output uses a well-known component library
- Code fits existing HeroUI projects
- Made by the library's own team
- Tied to the HeroUI design system
- Front-end only, no backend generation
- Pricing details are not public on the homepage
Onlook
- Design changes become real code
- No separate design system
- Open-source roots
- Needs an existing frontend repo
- Still a young product
Which one should you choose?
Choose HeroUI Chat if you want:
- Output uses a well-known component library
- Code fits existing HeroUI projects
- Made by the library's own team
Watch out: tied to the heroui design system.
Choose Onlook if you want:
- Design changes become real code
- No separate design system
- Open-source roots
Watch out: needs an existing frontend repo.
HeroUI Chat vs Onlook FAQ
What is the difference between HeroUI Chat and Onlook?
HeroUI Chat: Prompt-to-app generator that builds React UIs with HeroUI components. Onlook: Visual AI editor for designers working in real React code. Both are coding tools.
Is HeroUI Chat or Onlook cheaper?
HeroUI Chat starts at See pricing page and Onlook starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do HeroUI Chat and Onlook have free plans?
HeroUI Chat: Yes. Onlook: Yes.
Who makes HeroUI Chat?
HeroUI Chat is made by HeroUI.
Who makes Onlook?
Onlook is made by Onlook, based in United States.
Which should I choose, HeroUI Chat or Onlook?
Choose HeroUI Chat if you value output uses a well-known component library and code fits existing heroui projects. Choose Onlook if you value design changes become real code and no separate design system.