Inertia.js and a Vue SPA with a Laravel API handle rendering differently:

Inertia.js (Server-Assisted SPA)

The first request is server-rendered by Laravel, meaning the content is immediately visible. Subsequent navigation behaves like a Single Page Application (SPA), where only the component changes, without full page reloads. Laravel still controls routing, and no API is needed. ✅ Pros: Faster initial load, easier data sharing (Inertia::share()), and built-in SEO. ❌ Cons: Backend and frontend are tightly coupled, not ideal for mobile apps.

Vue SPA with Laravel API

Laravel only serves JSON responses, and Vue fetches data asynchronously. The first page load is slower since Vue has to fetch data before rendering content. Requires API authentication (Sanctum/JWT). ✅ Pros: More flexibility (works with mobile apps, React, or other frontends). ❌ Cons: More complex setup (CORS, API authentication, state management).

📌 If you need a Laravel starter kit that supports both Inertia.js and API-driven development, options like Breeze, Jetstream, or others (e.g., Lara4 https://github.com/abdessamadbettal/Lara4) provide a good starting point.