Shipper vs PlayCode: New Startup vs Established Platform

TL;DR - Quick Answer

What is Shipper?

Shipper.now is a newer entrant in the AI app builder space, targeting non-technical founders and solo makers. Their pitch: describe your app idea, get a working product without coding.

They emphasize simplicity and "hiding the code" - you never see technical details, just describe and build. The marketing is slick, the promise is appealing.

Shipper's Approach

• Non-technical focus - Built for people who don't want to see code
• AI Advisor feature - Helps plan before building
• Clean interface - Simple, focused experience

Shipper's Challenges

• New platform - Limited track record
• Smaller user base - Less battle-tested
• Hidden code - No code access or export
• Lock-in risk - Can't take your project elsewhere

What is PlayCode?

PlayCode has been refining its AI website building platform for years, now serving 1.1M+ users. The approach combines guided AI building with code transparency.

1. Describe what you want to build
2. AI asks questions to understand your needs
3. Get a working website with code you can see
4. Refine through conversation
5. Export code or publish with included hosting

PlayCode's Strengths

• 1.1M+ users - Scale proves reliability
• Code transparency - See, edit, and export your code
• Multiple AI models - Claude, GPT-4, Gemini
• Complete platform - Hosting, domain, SSL included
• No lock-in - Export and leave anytime
• Mobile editing - Full editor on phone

PlayCode's Limitations

• Code visible - Some prefer not seeing it
• Website-focused - Not for complex backend apps

Key Differences

Scale and Trust

PlayCode: 1.1M+ users have tested this platform. That's millions of websites built, bugs found and fixed, edge cases handled. The AI has learned from massive real-world usage.

Shipper: Newer platform still building its user base and proving reliability. Marketing is good, but fewer users means less proven at scale.

Code Ownership

PlayCode: Full code access. See what's being built, edit if you want, export and host elsewhere. You own your code, no lock-in.

Shipper: Hides code by design. Can't see it, can't export it. If you leave Shipper, you start over.

Platform Completeness

PlayCode: CDN hosting, custom domains, SSL certificates, mobile editing. Everything in one platform.

Shipper: Basic hosting included, but less comprehensive feature set overall.

Side-by-Side Comparison

When Shipper Might Work

You Want to Hide All Technical Details

If seeing code stresses you out and you never want to deal with it, Shipper's "hide everything" approach might appeal. Just know you're trading code access for simplicity.

You're Okay with Lock-in

If you're confident you'll never want to leave or take your code elsewhere, the lock-in doesn't matter. Just understand the trade-off.

When PlayCode Works Better

You Value Proven Reliability

1.1M+ users means the platform works. Millions of websites built successfully. New platforms haven't earned this trust yet.

You Want Code Ownership

See your code, export it, host it elsewhere. No lock-in. If PlayCode disappeared tomorrow, you'd still have your website.

You Want a Complete Platform

CDN hosting, custom domains, SSL, mobile editing, multiple AI models. One platform handles everything.

You Might Want to Customize Later

Even if you don't want to code now, having access means you (or a developer) can customize later. With Shipper, that option doesn't exist.

Pricing

Same price, very different value:

For the same price, PlayCode gives you more features and no lock-in. The choice seems clear.

My Verdict

Shipper has good marketing and a clear pitch. But when you look past the marketing:

• PlayCode has 1.1M+ users. Shipper is new.
• PlayCode gives you code access. Shipper hides and locks it.
• PlayCode lets you leave. Shipper is lock-in by design.
• Same price. PlayCode gives more.

New doesn't mean better. In AI builders, proven at scale matters. Choose the platform 1.1M+ people already trust.