Detailed Comparison 2025
BuilderKit vs Shipfast
Compare BuilderKit and Shipfast side-by-side. We've analyzed features, pricing, and capabilities to help you choose the best boilerplate for your SaaS project.
Quick Overview
BuilderKit
BuilderKit.ai is a boilerplate / starter‑kit built with Next.js + Supabase + Tailwind CSS + TypeScript, aimed at helping developers launch AI‑powered SaaS/web applications quickly. Rather than being a minimal template, BuilderKit comes pre‑wired with modules and features that cover many needs for an AI SaaS: authentication (email, Google auth, magic‑link), payments (via Stripe or LemonSqueezy), email integrations, admin dashboard, SEO‑friendly landing pages & waitlist pages, and even pre-built AI‑app demos. On top of that, BuilderKit bundles 10‑15+ ready-to-use AI tools / applications: for example chat, image generation, PDF‑chat, voice transcription, image‑enhancing / upscaling, and more, so you don’t just get a skeleton, but a suite of working AI‑powered features you can build on or customize. he code is distributed via a GitHub repo, and once set up (with environment variables, dependencies installed, etc.) you can run and deploy the app commonly on platforms like Vercel.
Key Features
Shipfast
ShipFast is a full‑stack SaaS and AI boilerplate built on Next.js, designed to help developers launch web applications and subscription-based products quickly. Trusted by over 135,000 users worldwide, it has been used to generate significant revenue and has proven itself as a reliable foundation for building production-ready SaaS products. The boilerplate includes authentication, payment and subscription management via Stripe or LemonSqueezy, database integration, email workflows, multi-tenant support, and prebuilt responsive UI components, along with templates for landing pages, blogs, and marketing content. ShipFast was created by Marc Lou, a renowned indie hacker and Product Hunt award winner, who actively uses the boilerplate to build and scale his own products. Its fully structured architecture, pre-wired SaaS flows, and ready-to-deploy setup allow developers to skip repetitive boilerplate work and focus on their product’s unique features. While it is highly effective for rapid launches, one limitation is that updates are not extremely frequent, which may require manual maintenance to keep dependencies up to date. Overall, ShipFast offers a trusted, widely adopted solution for indie founders, solo developers, and small teams seeking a fast, scalable, and feature-complete boilerplate for launching SaaS or AI-powered web applications.
Key Features
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | BuilderKit$99 | Shipfast$199 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99 | $199 |
| Developer | Vatsal Sanghvi | Marc Lou |
| Authentication | ||
| Stripe Integration | ||
| Paddle Integration | ||
| Lemon Squeezy | ||
| Dodo Payments | ||
| Polar | ||
| Creem | ||
| Admin Panel | ||
| User Dashboard | ||
| Subscriptions | ||
| Blog | ||
| SEO Optimized | ||
| Documentation | ||
| Support | ||
| Tailwind CSS | ||
| API | ||
| Two-Factor Auth | ||
| Multi-Tenancy | ||
| Teams | ||
| Shadcn UI | ||
| View Details | View Page | View Page |
BuilderKit vs Shipfast: Detailed Analysis
When choosing between BuilderKit and Shipfast, it's essential to understand the key differences that make each boilerplate unique. Both are excellent choices for building SaaS applications, but they cater to different needs and development approaches.
What is BuilderKit?
BuilderKit.ai is a boilerplate / starter‑kit built with Next.js + Supabase + Tailwind CSS + TypeScript, aimed at helping developers launch AI‑powered SaaS/web applications quickly. Rather than being a minimal template, BuilderKit comes pre‑wired with modules and features that cover many needs for an AI SaaS: authentication (email, Google auth, magic‑link), payments (via Stripe or LemonSqueezy), email integrations, admin dashboard, SEO‑friendly landing pages & waitlist pages, and even pre-built AI‑app demos. On top of that, BuilderKit bundles 10‑15+ ready-to-use AI tools / applications: for example chat, image generation, PDF‑chat, voice transcription, image‑enhancing / upscaling, and more, so you don’t just get a skeleton, but a suite of working AI‑powered features you can build on or customize. he code is distributed via a GitHub repo, and once set up (with environment variables, dependencies installed, etc.) you can run and deploy the app commonly on platforms like Vercel.
Developed by Vatsal Sanghvi, BuilderKit has become a popular choice among developers looking for a reliable starting point for their SaaS projects.
What is Shipfast?
ShipFast is a full‑stack SaaS and AI boilerplate built on Next.js, designed to help developers launch web applications and subscription-based products quickly. Trusted by over 135,000 users worldwide, it has been used to generate significant revenue and has proven itself as a reliable foundation for building production-ready SaaS products. The boilerplate includes authentication, payment and subscription management via Stripe or LemonSqueezy, database integration, email workflows, multi-tenant support, and prebuilt responsive UI components, along with templates for landing pages, blogs, and marketing content. ShipFast was created by Marc Lou, a renowned indie hacker and Product Hunt award winner, who actively uses the boilerplate to build and scale his own products. Its fully structured architecture, pre-wired SaaS flows, and ready-to-deploy setup allow developers to skip repetitive boilerplate work and focus on their product’s unique features. While it is highly effective for rapid launches, one limitation is that updates are not extremely frequent, which may require manual maintenance to keep dependencies up to date. Overall, ShipFast offers a trusted, widely adopted solution for indie founders, solo developers, and small teams seeking a fast, scalable, and feature-complete boilerplate for launching SaaS or AI-powered web applications.
Created by Marc Lou, Shipfast offers a robust foundation for building scalable SaaS applications.
Need to Promote Your Startup or Boilerplate?
Check out LaunchDirectories.com to get your startup or boilerplate listed in 100+ product launch directories and gain valuable backlinks from high-authority platforms. This is especially effective for new products looking to quickly build domain authority and gain backlinks.
Payment Integration: BuilderKit vs Shipfast
When building a SaaS application, choosing the right payment integration is crucial for monetization success. Let's compare the payment options available in BuilderKit and Shipfast.
BuilderKit Payment Options
BuilderKit supports Stripe and Lemon Squeezy. This includes Merchant of Record (MoR) options that handle global tax compliance automatically, making it easier to sell internationally without worrying about VAT, GST, or sales tax regulations.
Shipfast Payment Options
Shipfast integrates with Stripe.
Key Differences Between BuilderKit and Shipfast
💰 Pricing
BuilderKit is priced at $99, while Shipfast costs $199. This makes BuilderKit the more budget-friendly option, potentially saving you 100 dollars.
⚡ Features & Capabilities
Both boilerplates include authentication systems, making it easy to implement user login and registration.
Payment processing is available in both options. BuilderKit supports Stripe, Lemon Squeezy, while Shipfast integrates with Stripe.
BuilderKit includes an admin panel, giving you more control out of the box.
🎯 Best Use Cases
BuilderKit
- • SaaS startups looking for quick deployment
- • Projects requiring authentication
- • Teams with limited budgets
Shipfast
- • SaaS applications needing rapid development
- • Projects requiring authentication
- • Teams with limited budgets
When to Choose BuilderKit vs Shipfast
Choose BuilderKit if:
- You're looking for the most cost-effective solution
- You require an admin panel for managing your application
- You want to start with BuilderKit's specific tech stack and approach
- Your project aligns with BuilderKit's feature set
Choose Shipfast if:
- You prefer Shipfast's specific approach and features
- Your requirements match Shipfast's capabilities
Final Verdict: BuilderKit vs Shipfast
Both BuilderKit and Shipfast are excellent choices for building SaaS applications. Your decision should be based on your specific requirements, budget, and technical preferences.
BuilderKit is ideal if you're looking for a more affordable option with built-in authentication.
Shipfast stands out for its comprehensive feature set and is perfect for developers who need authentication.
Ultimately, both boilerplates will help you launch your SaaS product faster and more efficiently. Review the detailed comparison above, consider your project requirements, and choose the one that aligns best with your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions: BuilderKit vs Shipfast
Which is better: BuilderKit or Shipfast?
The "better" choice depends on your specific needs. BuilderKit excels in affordability, while Shipfaststands out for its feature set. Consider your budget, required features, and development timeline when making your decision.
What's the price difference between BuilderKit and Shipfast?
BuilderKit costs $99 while Shipfast is priced at $199. That's a difference of $100. Both are one-time payments with no recurring fees, making them cost-effective long-term investments for your SaaS project.
Can I switch from BuilderKit to Shipfast later?
While technically possible, switching boilerplates mid-project is challenging and time-consuming. Each boilerplate has its own architecture, dependencies, and patterns. It's best to carefully evaluate both options now and choose the one that best fits your long-term needs to avoid costly migrations later.
Do BuilderKit and Shipfast offer similar features?
Both boilerplates offer core SaaS features, but with different implementations and additional capabilities. Check the detailed feature comparison table above to see exactly which features each boilerplate includes. Key differences include payment integrations, authentication systems, and admin panel availability.
Which boilerplate is better for beginners?
For beginners, consider factors like documentation quality, community support, and code complexity. Both BuilderKit and Shipfast are designed to be developer-friendly, but your choice should depend on your familiarity with their respective tech stacks and the learning resources available.
Are there any hidden costs with BuilderKit or Shipfast?
Both boilerplates are one-time purchases with no recurring licensing fees. However, you may incur costs for third-party services they integrate with (like payment processors, email services, or hosting platforms). These operational costs are separate from the boilerplate purchase and apply to any SaaS application.
How long does it take to launch with BuilderKit vs Shipfast?
Both boilerplates significantly reduce development time compared to building from scratch. Depending on your customization needs, you could launch a basic SaaS product in days or weeks rather than months. The exact timeline depends on your specific requirements, team size, and development experience.
Explore More Comparisons
Browse all boilerplates and find the perfect starter kit for your SaaS project.