kitio.aiNovel vs Onlook
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Novel is completely free, while Onlook is freemium.
At a glance
Best for
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Notion-style editing
- AI autocompletion
- Tiptap-based
- Vercel AI SDK
- Live demo
- Infinite canvas on live code
- Uses real components
- AI design edits
- Git integration
- Framework support
| Feature | Novel | Onlook |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Open-source Notion-style editor with AI autocompletion | Visual AI editor for designers working in real React code |
| Category | Coding | Coding |
| Pricing model | Free | Freemium |
| Starting price | Free | See pricing page |
| Free plan | Yes, fully free | Yes |
| Made by | Steven Tey | Onlook |
| Based in | – | United States |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Novel is completely free, while Onlook is freemium.
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
Novel
- Free and open source
- Familiar block-editor behavior
- Documentation and demo included
- Developer component, not a finished app
- Needs your own OpenAI key and setup
- Limited detail on features beyond the demo
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 Novel if you want:
- Free and open source
- Familiar block-editor behavior
- Documentation and demo included
Watch out: developer component, not a finished app.
Choose Onlook if you want:
- Design changes become real code
- No separate design system
- Open-source roots
Watch out: needs an existing frontend repo.
Novel vs Onlook FAQ
What is the difference between Novel and Onlook?
Novel: Open-source Notion-style editor with AI autocompletion. Onlook: Visual AI editor for designers working in real React code. Both are coding tools.
Is Novel or Onlook cheaper?
Novel is completely free, while Onlook is freemium.
Do Novel and Onlook have free plans?
Novel: Yes, fully free. Onlook: Yes.
Who makes Novel?
Novel is made by Steven Tey.
Who makes Onlook?
Onlook is made by Onlook, based in United States.
Which should I choose, Novel or Onlook?
Choose Novel if you value free and open source and familiar block-editor behavior. Choose Onlook if you value design changes become real code and no separate design system.