Detailed Comparison 2025

Gravity vs ShipAhead

Compare Gravity and ShipAhead side-by-side. We've analyzed features, pricing, and capabilities to help you choose the best boilerplate for your SaaS project.

Quick Overview

Gravity

Gravity is a full‑stack boilerplate for JavaScript/TypeScript projects combining a Node.js backend with a React (or React Native) frontend designed to give developers a head‑start when building SaaS applications. It aims to deliver a working foundation so that you don’t need to assemble all the plumbing (auth, billing, database, UI, API) from scratch. The boilerplate includes support for multiple databases (like Postgres, MySQL, MongoDB, MariaDB and possibly others) which gives flexibility depending on your data/storage preferences. There is also a full “stack” support: server (Node.js + Express/API backend), web client (React + Tailwind or similar), and optionally native mobile clients (via React Native), which helps if you want a unified codebase for web + mobile. Beyond the core stack, Gravity claims to bundle SaaS‑ready features: authentication (email/password, magic links, social logins, 2FA, account security), subscription & billing support (with free plans, trials, seat‑based or usage billing), and a library of UI components & views (dashboard, admin tools, layout components, responsive UI, dark mode, etc.). Gravity also offers a “website/landing page template” (built with a static‑site generator + modern site tooling) useful for marketing, landing pages, pricing pages, etc. — thereby giving you both the “app core” and “public‑facing site” foundation.

$696

by Kyle Gawley

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Key Features

AuthenticationStripeAdmin PanelDashboardSubscriptionsBlog

Best Value

ShipAhead

The NuxtJS boilerplate to ship your SaaS, AI tool, or your next big app. ShipAhead is a Nuxt boilerplate designed to accelerate the development of AI SaaS applications. It provides pre-built features like authentication, payments, internationalization, and security, allowing developers to focus on core product functionality rather than repetitive setup tasks. Key Features: - Authentication: Email/password, magic links, and OAuth (Google, GitHub) support. - Backend: Drizzle ORM, Postgres, Cloudflare R2/AWS S3 storage, admin dashboard, user management, and cron jobs. - Payments: Stripe/Polar/Dodo Payments integration with checkout flows, subscriptions, and multi-currency support. - Frontend & UI: Nuxt, Vue, Tailwind CSS, and daisyUI for responsive design and pre-built UI components. - Internationalization: Multi-language support with Vue i18n. - Security: Cloudflare Turnstile for captcha and Redis for rate limiting. - Email: Transactional emails with pre-built templates using Resend. - SEO: Optimized SEO setup with Nuxt SEO. - PWA: Progressive Web App support for installable apps. - AI Integration: OpenRouter integration for AI features. - Customer Support: Built-in live chat and support widget. - Others: Code templates, tutorials, legal page prompts, and Cursor/Windsurf integration. Use Cases: - Rapid prototyping of SaaS applications. - Building AI-powered tools and services. - Creating platforms with user authentication and subscription models. - Developing internationalized applications with multi-language support.

$99

by Tom Han

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Key Features

AuthenticationStripeAdmin PanelDashboardSubscriptionsBlog

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

Feature	Gravity$696	ShipAhead$99
Price	$696	$99
Developer	Kyle Gawley	Tom Han
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

Gravity vs ShipAhead: Detailed Analysis

When choosing between Gravity and ShipAhead, 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 Gravity?

Developed by Kyle Gawley, Gravity has become a popular choice among developers looking for a reliable starting point for their SaaS projects.

What is ShipAhead?

Created by Tom Han, ShipAhead offers a robust foundation for building scalable SaaS applications.

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Payment Integration: Gravity vs ShipAhead

When building a SaaS application, choosing the right payment integration is crucial for monetization success. Let's compare the payment options available in Gravity and ShipAhead.

Gravity Payment Options

Gravity supports Stripe.

ShipAhead Payment Options

ShipAhead integrates with Stripe and Polar. With Merchant of Record support, you can focus on building your product while the payment provider handles tax compliance, invoicing, and regulatory requirements across different countries.

Key Differences Between Gravity and ShipAhead

💰 Pricing

Gravity is priced at $696, while ShipAhead costs $99. ShipAhead offers better value at a lower price point, saving you 597 dollars.

⚡ Features & Capabilities

Both boilerplates include authentication systems, making it easy to implement user login and registration.

Payment processing is available in both options. Gravity supports Stripe, while ShipAhead integrates with Stripe.

Both include admin panels for managing your application.

🎯 Best Use Cases

Gravity

• SaaS startups looking for quick deployment
• Projects requiring authentication
• Teams with flexible budgets
• Multi-tenant applications

ShipAhead

• SaaS applications needing rapid development
• Projects requiring authentication
• Teams with limited budgets

When to Choose Gravity vs ShipAhead

Choose Gravity if:

You're building a multi-tenant SaaS application
You want to start with Gravity's specific tech stack and approach
Your project aligns with Gravity's feature set

Choose ShipAhead if:

You're looking for the most cost-effective solution
You prefer ShipAhead's specific approach and features
Your requirements match ShipAhead's capabilities

Final Verdict: Gravity vs ShipAhead

Both Gravity and ShipAhead are excellent choices for building SaaS applications. Your decision should be based on your specific requirements, budget, and technical preferences.

Gravity is ideal if you're looking for a feature-rich solution with built-in authentication.

ShipAhead 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: Gravity vs ShipAhead

Which is better: Gravity or ShipAhead?

The "better" choice depends on your specific needs. Gravity excels in comprehensive features, while ShipAheadstands out for value pricing. Consider your budget, required features, and development timeline when making your decision.

What's the price difference between Gravity and ShipAhead?

Gravity costs $696 while ShipAhead is priced at $99. That's a difference of $597. Both are one-time payments with no recurring fees, making them cost-effective long-term investments for your SaaS project.

Can I switch from Gravity to ShipAhead 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 Gravity and ShipAhead 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 Gravity and ShipAhead 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 Gravity or ShipAhead?

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 Gravity vs ShipAhead?

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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