Capacity vs Shipper.now
Looking for a Shipper.now alternative?
Discover why developers choose Capacity.
Both platforms promise AI-powered app development, but they take fundamentally different approaches. This comprehensive comparison will help you choose the right tool for your projects in 2025.
Capacity offers a free tier
vs Shipper.now's $25+/mo
More specification options
Brief, UX, Design, Stories
Code ownership
Export to GitHub anytime
What is Shipper.now?
Shipper.now is a new AI-powered no-code platform that converts natural language descriptions into web applications. It features agentic AI that reasons through requirements and generates code, with built-in hosting and database infrastructure.
Shipper.now Key Features
- Agentic AI that generates and self-fixes code
- Built-in hosting and database infrastructure
- "The Advisor" AI consultant feature
- Code export and ownership capabilities
- Credit-based pricing ($25-39/month)
Shipper.now Limitations
- No specification-first methodology
- Relies on prompt-based generation (vibe coding)
- Limited control over architecture decisions
- No integrated user story management
- Brand new platform with limited track record
Shipper.now Review: A Detailed Look
Shipper.now entered the AI app builder market in 2025 with promises of "91% fewer bugs" and the ability to turn ideas into live businesses in minutes. The platform targets non-technical founders and experienced developers alike, offering an agentic AI that attempts to reason through requirements before generating code.
The standout feature is "The Advisor" - an AI consultant that provides guidance on building, growth, and scaling. While this is a useful concept, it operates separately from the actual code generation, meaning there's a disconnect between strategic advice and implementation.
The main limitation of Shipper.now is its reliance on prompt-based generation - what we call "vibe coding." You describe what you want in natural language, and the AI interprets your intent. This works for simple projects but breaks down for complex applications where precise requirements matter.
Why Choose Capacity Over Shipper.now
Capacity takes a fundamentally different approach to AI development that produces better, more maintainable results.
Spec-First Development
Unlike Shipper.now's prompt-based approach, Capacity uses spec coding - a methodology where you define comprehensive specifications before any code is generated.
- Project brief documentation
- User experience specifications
- Design system definitions
- User story management
AI Co-founder
While Shipper.now offers "The Advisor," Capacity provides a true AI co-founder experience that helps you think through your product holistically.
- Strategic product guidance
- Helps refine specifications
- Understands full project context
- Persistent knowledge across sessions
Instant Live Preview
See your application come to life as you build. Capacity provides real-time preview with hot reloading, so you never lose context.
- Hot reload as you code
- Mobile-responsive testing
- Instant feedback loop
- Debug in real-time
True Full-Stack Apps
Build complete applications with frontend, backend, and database - all integrated seamlessly with Supabase for production-ready infrastructure.
- React + Next.js frontend
- Supabase database integration
- Authentication built-in
- API routes ready to use
How Capacity Works
A step-by-step look at the spec-first development process
Write Your Project Brief
Start by describing your project at a high level. What problem does it solve? Who is it for? What are the core features? Your AI co-founder helps you refine and structure your ideas into a clear, actionable brief. Unlike Shipper.now's single-prompt approach, this creates a foundation for precise development.
Define User Experience
Map out user flows, interactions, and the overall experience you want to create. Define how users will navigate your app, what actions they'll take, and what outcomes they'll achieve. This level of UX specification is simply not possible with Shipper.now's prompt-based system.
Specify Design Requirements
Document your visual preferences, brand guidelines, and design system. Include color palettes, typography, component styles, and layout preferences. AI uses these design specs to generate consistent, beautiful interfaces that match your brand - not generic templates.
Create User Stories
Break down your features into user stories - specific, implementable tasks. Each story becomes a clear instruction for the AI, ensuring nothing gets lost in translation. This structured approach eliminates the guesswork inherent in prompt-based tools.
Generate, Deploy, Iterate
With your specifications complete, AI generates production-ready code. Deploy instantly to your custom domain, connect to GitHub for version control, and iterate by updating your specs - not by fighting with prompts.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
See how Capacity stacks up against Shipper.now across key features
| Feature | Capacity | Shipper.now |
|---|---|---|
| Spec-First Development | ||
| AI Code Generation | ||
| Project Brief Management | ||
| User Story Tracking | ||
| UX Specifications | ||
| Design System Specs | ||
| Real-time Live Preview | ||
| Supabase Integration | ||
| GitHub Integration | Partial | |
| Code Export | ||
| Custom Domains | ||
| Built-in Hosting | ||
| AI Advisor/Co-founder | ||
| Self-Fixing Code | ||
| Iterative Spec Updates | ||
| Living Documentation |
What Can You Build with Capacity?
Real-world applications that benefit from spec-first development
SaaS Dashboard
Build a complete SaaS application with user authentication, subscription management, admin dashboard, and analytics. Capacity's spec-first approach ensures all user roles, permissions, and data flows are clearly defined before development.
E-commerce Platform
Create a full-featured online store with product catalog, shopping cart, checkout flow, and order management. Specify your exact product structure, payment flows, and inventory logic upfront.
Internal Tools
Build custom internal tools for your team - CRMs, inventory systems, project trackers, or data dashboards. Define your workflows and data models in specifications for precise implementation.
Client Portals
Create branded client portals with secure login, document sharing, project tracking, and communication features. Spec coding ensures every user interaction is thoughtfully designed.
Pricing Comparison
Transparent pricing that scales with your needs
The Spec Coding Advantage
Why Capacity's specification-first approach beats Shipper.now's prompt-based generation
Shipper.now's ApproachPrompt-Based Generation
"Build me a task management app"
AI interprets and guesses requirements
Generic output that may not match your vision
- Requires multiple iterations to get it right
- AI fills in gaps with assumptions
- No structured documentation
Capacity's ApproachSpec-First Development
Detailed specs: Brief + UX + Design + User Stories
AI knows exactly what to build
Production-ready code matching your vision
- First output matches requirements
- No guessing - specs are explicit
- Living documentation stays in sync
How to Switch from Shipper.now to Capacity
A step-by-step migration guide for Shipper.now users
Export Your Shipper.now Project
If you have existing code in Shipper.now, export it or document your current features and functionality. Make note of what's working and what needs improvement.
Create Your Project Brief in Capacity
Start fresh with Capacity by creating a comprehensive project brief. Describe your product vision, target users, core features, and business goals. The AI co-founder will help you refine this.
Define User Experience Specifications
Map out your user flows, page structure, and interactions. This is where Capacity shines - you're explicitly defining how users will navigate and use your application.
Set Up Design Specifications
Configure your design system including colors, typography, spacing, and component styles. This ensures your new build maintains brand consistency.
Create User Stories
Break down your features into user stories. Each story becomes a clear, implementable task that the AI can execute precisely based on your specifications.
Generate and Deploy
With your specifications complete, let Capacity's AI generate production-ready code. Connect to GitHub, deploy to your custom domain, and you're live.
Who Should Choose Capacity?
Capacity is the better choice if you're building something that matters
Serious Founders
Building an MVP that needs to be production-ready, not just a prototype.
Technical Teams
Developers who want AI assistance without sacrificing code quality or architecture.
Complex Projects
Applications requiring careful planning, multiple features, and long-term maintainability.
Enterprise Builders
Teams that need structured documentation and clear specifications for compliance.
Budget-Conscious
Those who want a free tier to start and flexible pay-as-you-go pricing.
Fast Iterators
Builders who want to quickly update specs and regenerate code without starting over.
Technical Comparison
A deeper look at the technical differences between platforms
Tech Stack
Capacity
- React 18 + Next.js 14
- TypeScript for type safety
- Tailwind CSS for styling
- Supabase (PostgreSQL, Auth, Realtime)
Shipper.now
- Proprietary stack
- Built-in database (limited details)
- Custom hosting infrastructure
Deployment Options
Capacity
- One-click deploy to Capacity hosting
- GitHub integration for CI/CD
- Export and self-host anywhere
- Custom domains with auto SSL
Shipper.now
- Built-in hosting only
- Code export available
- Custom domains supported
Database & Backend
Capacity
- Supabase PostgreSQL
- Row-level security
- Real-time subscriptions
- Edge functions
- Built-in authentication
Shipper.now
- Proprietary database solution
- Limited documentation on capabilities
Security & Compliance
Capacity
- Supabase SOC2 compliance
- Row-level security policies
- OAuth & social login
- Full code ownership
Shipper.now
- Enterprise SSO available
- Code ownership claimed
- Limited security documentation
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Capacity vs Shipper.now
What makes Capacity different from Shipper.now?
The fundamental difference is methodology. Shipper.now uses prompt-based generation where you describe what you want and AI interprets it. Capacity uses spec-first development where you define detailed specifications (project brief, UX, design, user stories) before code generation. This results in more accurate, maintainable code that matches your exact requirements.
Is Capacity free to try?
Yes! Capacity offers a free tier so you can experience spec-first development before committing. Shipper.now starts at $25/month with no mentioned free tier. This makes Capacity ideal for testing ideas and validating your approach before scaling up.
Can I migrate from Shipper.now to Capacity?
Absolutely. Since Capacity generates standard React/Next.js code and integrates with GitHub, you can start fresh with Capacity's spec-first approach or bring existing concepts to be properly specified. The time investment in specifications pays off with cleaner, more maintainable code.
Which platform is better for complex applications?
Capacity is specifically designed for complex applications. The spec-first methodology ensures that all requirements, user flows, and design decisions are documented before development begins. This prevents the common issue of prompt-based tools where complexity leads to misinterpretation and constant corrections.
Does Capacity support databases?
Yes! Capacity has native Supabase integration, giving you a production-ready database with authentication, real-time subscriptions, and storage. While Shipper.now mentions built-in database infrastructure, Capacity's Supabase integration provides a battle-tested, scalable solution.
Can I export my code from Capacity?
Yes, you own your code completely. Capacity integrates with GitHub and generates standard React/Next.js code that you can deploy anywhere. There's no vendor lock-in - your specifications and code are yours to keep.
Is Shipper.now good for beginners?
Shipper.now can work for beginners who want quick results, but the prompt-based approach often leads to frustration when the AI doesn't understand exactly what you want. Capacity's spec-first approach actually helps beginners think through their product more clearly, resulting in better outcomes even if the initial learning curve is slightly higher.
How does Capacity handle design and styling?
Capacity includes design specifications as part of the spec-first methodology. You define your color palette, typography, component styles, and design system preferences before code generation. This ensures consistent, beautiful interfaces that match your brand, rather than generic AI-generated designs.
What tech stack does Capacity use?
Capacity generates modern, production-ready code using React, Next.js, TypeScript, and Tailwind CSS for the frontend. For backend and database, it integrates with Supabase, giving you PostgreSQL, authentication, real-time subscriptions, and edge functions out of the box.
Can I use my own domain with Capacity?
Yes, Capacity supports custom domains for all deployed applications. You can connect your own domain and have your app running on your brand's URL. SSL certificates are automatically provisioned and managed.
How does Capacity compare to other AI app builders like Bolt, Lovable, or v0?
While tools like Bolt, Lovable, and v0 also use prompt-based generation similar to Shipper.now, Capacity stands apart with its spec-first methodology. Instead of hoping the AI understands your vague description, you define comprehensive specifications that guide precise code generation. This results in fewer iterations, better architecture, and more maintainable code.
Does Capacity work for mobile apps?
Capacity currently focuses on web applications built with React and Next.js. All generated apps are fully responsive and work great on mobile browsers. Native mobile app development (iOS/Android) is on the roadmap for future releases.
The Bottom Line: Capacity vs Shipper.now
Both Capacity and Shipper.now are AI-powered app builders, but they serve different needs. Shipper.now is best for users who want quick, simple apps and don't mind the trial-and-error of prompt-based generation. It's a decent option for basic prototypes.
Capacity is the better choice for serious builders who want production-ready applications. The spec-first methodology means you spend time upfront defining exactly what you want, resulting in code that matches your vision the first time. No more endless prompt iterations or AI guesswork.
If you're building something that matters - an MVP for investors, a SaaS product, or internal tools for your team - Capacity's structured approach will save you time and produce better results. Plus, you can start free and only pay for what you use.