Detailed Comparison 2025
ProtonStack vs Shipfast
Compare ProtonStack 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
ProtonStack
ProtonStack is a full‑stack boilerplate built with Next.js + React + TypeScript + Tailwind CSS, designed to give developers a ready‑made foundation for SaaS and web applications. Out of the box, ProtonStack includes a production‑ready authentication and user‑management system via Clerk.dev, database integration through Prisma (with support for various databases, including Postgres, MySQL, or scalable services like PlanetScale or Supabase), subscription and payment workflows via Stripe, multitenancy (organizations/teams support), plus a UI kit built with component libraries like Shadcn UI / Radix UI. ProtonStack also provides strong developer tooling: linting/formatting (ESLint, Prettier), commit‑hooks (with Husky), schema validation (via Zod), unit and end‑to‑end testing setup (with Jest, React Testing Library, and Cypress), plus built-in support for a blog or documentation using MDX useful for marketing or public‑facing content.
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 | ProtonStack$99 | Shipfast$199 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99 | $199 |
| Developer | Ozan Yildirim | 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 |
ProtonStack vs Shipfast: Detailed Analysis
When choosing between ProtonStack 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 ProtonStack?
ProtonStack is a full‑stack boilerplate built with Next.js + React + TypeScript + Tailwind CSS, designed to give developers a ready‑made foundation for SaaS and web applications. Out of the box, ProtonStack includes a production‑ready authentication and user‑management system via Clerk.dev, database integration through Prisma (with support for various databases, including Postgres, MySQL, or scalable services like PlanetScale or Supabase), subscription and payment workflows via Stripe, multitenancy (organizations/teams support), plus a UI kit built with component libraries like Shadcn UI / Radix UI. ProtonStack also provides strong developer tooling: linting/formatting (ESLint, Prettier), commit‑hooks (with Husky), schema validation (via Zod), unit and end‑to‑end testing setup (with Jest, React Testing Library, and Cypress), plus built-in support for a blog or documentation using MDX useful for marketing or public‑facing content.
Developed by Ozan Yildirim, ProtonStack 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.
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Payment Integration: ProtonStack vs Shipfast
Key Differences Between ProtonStack and Shipfast
💰 Pricing
ProtonStack is priced at $99, while Shipfast costs $199. This makes ProtonStack 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. ProtonStack supports Stripe, while Shipfast integrates with Stripe.
ProtonStack includes an admin panel, giving you more control out of the box.
🎯 Best Use Cases
ProtonStack
- • SaaS startups looking for quick deployment
- • Projects requiring authentication
- • Teams with limited budgets
- • Multi-tenant applications
Shipfast
- • SaaS applications needing rapid development
- • Projects requiring authentication
- • Teams with limited budgets
When to Choose ProtonStack vs Shipfast
Choose ProtonStack if:
- You're looking for the most cost-effective solution
- You require an admin panel for managing your application
- You're building a multi-tenant SaaS application
- You want to start with ProtonStack's specific tech stack and approach
- Your project aligns with ProtonStack's feature set
Choose Shipfast if:
- You prefer Shipfast's specific approach and features
- Your requirements match Shipfast's capabilities
Final Verdict: ProtonStack vs Shipfast
Both ProtonStack and Shipfast are excellent choices for building SaaS applications. Your decision should be based on your specific requirements, budget, and technical preferences.
ProtonStack 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: ProtonStack vs Shipfast
Which is better: ProtonStack or Shipfast?
The "better" choice depends on your specific needs. ProtonStack 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 ProtonStack and Shipfast?
ProtonStack 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 ProtonStack 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 ProtonStack 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 ProtonStack 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 ProtonStack 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 ProtonStack 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.
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