Detailed Comparison 2025
Dome vs Indie Starter
Compare Dome and Indie Starter side-by-side. We've analyzed features, pricing, and capabilities to help you choose the best boilerplate for your SaaS project.
Quick Overview
Dome
Dome SaaS Validation Template is a full‑stack boilerplate built on Next.js + Tailwind CSS, designed to help developers launch a SaaS MVP (minimum‑viable‑product) quickly. It bundles essential infrastructure authentication (social login, magic link, NextAuth), payment integrations (via Stripe and LemonSqueezy), email support (e.g. using Mailgun), analytics, and customer‑feedback tools (like chatbot or messaging integrations) all preconfigured to spare you the boilerplate wiring. On the frontend, the template provides a ready-to-use landing page, blog, pricing and FAQ pages, standard marketing and SaaS‑site sections (hero, features, testimonials, CTA, banners, etc.), and responsive layout out of the box. That means you don’t start with an empty shell, instead you get a functioning, production‑ready codebase where much of the common SaaS plumbing (UI pages, auth, payments, database logic via Prisma, etc.) is already connected. The main advantage of using Dome’s SaaS Validation Template is speed it reduces the time to launch a SaaS or MVP drastically by handing you a full stack ready for deployment, with integrations and default pages. This lets you focus on business logic, custom features, and go‑to‑market strategy instead of building foundational infrastructure. However, adopting this template also means accepting its architecture and predefined integrations: Next.js, Tailwind CSS, Prisma, Stripe/LemonSqueezy, Mailgun, and the included feedback/analytics integrations. If your project needs a radically different stack, custom database structure, or nonstandard integrations, you may need to refactor or remove parts — which can bring overhead. Also, as with many full‑featured boilerplates, you may end up with features you don’t need (blog, blog CMS, chat support, analytics) which adds extra complexity.
Key Features
Indie Starter
Indie Starter is a boilerplate / starter‑kit built on a modern web stack (Next.js + React + TypeScript + Tailwind CSS + shadcn/ui) that aims to offer a clean, minimal yet ready‑for‑production foundation for SaaS or web applications. The boilerplate integrates backend/infrastructure services via Supabase (for database & auth) plus support for payments via Stripe for subscription or monetization flows. Indie Starter is structured to provide essential building blocks: authentication (including social logins, magic links, email/password), responsive UI components & layouts, a clean project architecture, type-safe configuration (via TypeScript + validation via Zod), and built-in SEO & content‑management setup (blog/landing page templates, metadata, etc.). Indie Starter makes sense for developers, indie makers, small teams or early‑stage founders who want to get a web app or SaaS up quickly without rewriting common infrastructure: auth, UI, payments, content, etc. It’s also suitable when you want type safety, modern stack, and clean architecture giving you a professional and maintainable starting point.
Key Features
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | Dome$119 | Indie Starter$69 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $119 | $69 |
| Developer | Thom Crowe | Ali Hussein |
| 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 |
Dome vs Indie Starter: Detailed Analysis
When choosing between Dome and Indie Starter, 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 Dome?
Dome SaaS Validation Template is a full‑stack boilerplate built on Next.js + Tailwind CSS, designed to help developers launch a SaaS MVP (minimum‑viable‑product) quickly. It bundles essential infrastructure authentication (social login, magic link, NextAuth), payment integrations (via Stripe and LemonSqueezy), email support (e.g. using Mailgun), analytics, and customer‑feedback tools (like chatbot or messaging integrations) all preconfigured to spare you the boilerplate wiring. On the frontend, the template provides a ready-to-use landing page, blog, pricing and FAQ pages, standard marketing and SaaS‑site sections (hero, features, testimonials, CTA, banners, etc.), and responsive layout out of the box. That means you don’t start with an empty shell, instead you get a functioning, production‑ready codebase where much of the common SaaS plumbing (UI pages, auth, payments, database logic via Prisma, etc.) is already connected. The main advantage of using Dome’s SaaS Validation Template is speed it reduces the time to launch a SaaS or MVP drastically by handing you a full stack ready for deployment, with integrations and default pages. This lets you focus on business logic, custom features, and go‑to‑market strategy instead of building foundational infrastructure. However, adopting this template also means accepting its architecture and predefined integrations: Next.js, Tailwind CSS, Prisma, Stripe/LemonSqueezy, Mailgun, and the included feedback/analytics integrations. If your project needs a radically different stack, custom database structure, or nonstandard integrations, you may need to refactor or remove parts — which can bring overhead. Also, as with many full‑featured boilerplates, you may end up with features you don’t need (blog, blog CMS, chat support, analytics) which adds extra complexity.
Developed by Thom Crowe, Dome has become a popular choice among developers looking for a reliable starting point for their SaaS projects.
What is Indie Starter?
Indie Starter is a boilerplate / starter‑kit built on a modern web stack (Next.js + React + TypeScript + Tailwind CSS + shadcn/ui) that aims to offer a clean, minimal yet ready‑for‑production foundation for SaaS or web applications. The boilerplate integrates backend/infrastructure services via Supabase (for database & auth) plus support for payments via Stripe for subscription or monetization flows. Indie Starter is structured to provide essential building blocks: authentication (including social logins, magic links, email/password), responsive UI components & layouts, a clean project architecture, type-safe configuration (via TypeScript + validation via Zod), and built-in SEO & content‑management setup (blog/landing page templates, metadata, etc.). Indie Starter makes sense for developers, indie makers, small teams or early‑stage founders who want to get a web app or SaaS up quickly without rewriting common infrastructure: auth, UI, payments, content, etc. It’s also suitable when you want type safety, modern stack, and clean architecture giving you a professional and maintainable starting point.
Created by Ali Hussein, Indie Starter offers a robust foundation for building scalable SaaS applications.
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Payment Integration: Dome vs Indie Starter
When building a SaaS application, choosing the right payment integration is crucial for monetization success. Let's compare the payment options available in Dome and Indie Starter.
Dome Payment Options
Dome 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.
Indie Starter Payment Options
Indie Starter integrates with Stripe.
Key Differences Between Dome and Indie Starter
💰 Pricing
Dome is priced at $119, while Indie Starter costs $69. Indie Starter offers better value at a lower price point, saving you 50 dollars.
⚡ Features & Capabilities
Both boilerplates include authentication systems, making it easy to implement user login and registration.
Payment processing is available in both options. Dome supports Stripe, Lemon Squeezy, while Indie Starter integrates with Stripe.
🎯 Best Use Cases
Dome
- • SaaS startups looking for quick deployment
- • Projects requiring authentication
- • Teams with limited budgets
Indie Starter
- • SaaS applications needing rapid development
- • Projects requiring authentication
- • Teams with limited budgets
When to Choose Dome vs Indie Starter
Choose Dome if:
- You want to start with Dome's specific tech stack and approach
- Your project aligns with Dome's feature set
Choose Indie Starter if:
- You're looking for the most cost-effective solution
- You prefer Indie Starter's specific approach and features
- Your requirements match Indie Starter's capabilities
Final Verdict: Dome vs Indie Starter
Both Dome and Indie Starter are excellent choices for building SaaS applications. Your decision should be based on your specific requirements, budget, and technical preferences.
Dome is ideal if you're looking for a feature-rich solution with built-in authentication.
Indie Starter stands out for its competitive pricing 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: Dome vs Indie Starter
Which is better: Dome or Indie Starter?
The "better" choice depends on your specific needs. Dome excels in comprehensive features, while Indie Starterstands out for value pricing. Consider your budget, required features, and development timeline when making your decision.
What's the price difference between Dome and Indie Starter?
Dome costs $119 while Indie Starter is priced at $69. That's a difference of $50. Both are one-time payments with no recurring fees, making them cost-effective long-term investments for your SaaS project.
Can I switch from Dome to Indie Starter 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 Dome and Indie Starter 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 Dome and Indie Starter 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 Dome or Indie Starter?
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 Dome vs Indie Starter?
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.
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