Cheap Node.js Boilerplates
Browse our selection of affordable Node.js boilerplates under $50. All listings below are budget-friendly starter kits that offer excellent value. These affordable options provide essential features without the premium price tag, making them perfect for bootstrapped projects and developers on a budget.
Cascade
Cascade is a free, open-source SaaS starter kit based on the T3 stack (with Next.js + Prisma + PostgreSQL + TypeScript) that aims to give you a “ready-to-code business logic” foundation rather than a full-blown UI framework. Its core philosophy is minimal bloat. Once you clone the repo, provide environment variables and database config, you can have a working backend (auth, DB, basic flows) running locally in minutes. Cascade supports essential SaaS‑app plumbing such as authentication (via Auth.js / NextAuth + Prisma), database setup (PostgreSQL + Prisma), payments & billing (through Lemon Squeezy integration), background jobs (with Trigger.dev), error tracking (via Sentry), analytics (via self‑hostable or free‑plan friendly services like PostHog / Plausible), plus optional “business‑adjacent” pieces: a markdown-based blog via Contentlayer, email flows, server‑side rendering, and basic CI/CD / deployment setups.
by Dima Ivashchuk
Enterprise SaaS Starter Kit
BoxyHQ SaaS Starter Kit is an open‑source boilerplate built with Next.js intended to give developers a ready‑to‑use foundation for building enterprise‑style SaaS applications. The kit uses a modern, commonly used stack: Next.js + React + Prisma (for database ORM) + PostgreSQL (for persistent storage) + Tailwind CSS (for styling) + TypeScript (for type safety and maintainability).
by Deepak Prabhakara
Nextacular
Nextacular is a free, open‑source SaaS boilerplate built on Next.js (with React), using Prisma for database/ORM and styled with Tailwind CSS. It comes pre‑wired with core SaaS features: user authentication (magic‑link, OAuth/social logins via NextAuth.js), database integration (Prisma + a relational DB, e.g. PostgreSQL), multi‑tenant and workspace/team support, billing and subscription management via Stripe, customizable landing page and frontend scaffold, basic SEO setup, and email/communication support (for transactional emails, etc.). It also offers deployment‑friendly setup (with a one‑click deploy option for Vercel) and a modular, modern stack which can save significant time compared to building all infrastructure yourself. Nextacular is a good fit when you want to build a SaaS product that expects multiple organizations/teams, subscription billing, user authentication, and you prefer a clean, battle‑tested tech stack (Next.js + Prisma + Tailwind + Stripe). It’s especially attractive if you want to go from idea to a working prototype or MVP quickly without wiring all backend and billing/payment logic manually.
by Arjay Osma
SaaS Starter Kit
SaaS Starter Kit is a boilerplate/template for building full‑featured SaaS or web apps using Next.js + React + Tailwind CSS + modern tools/stack conventions. The template includes a complete backend + frontend foundation: user authentication (email, social OAuth, magic‑link), subscription payments and billing flows via Stripe or LemonSqueezy, subscription management (update/cancel/subscription portal), and multi‑tenancy support (organizations, team invites, roles & permissions) for apps that require team or org‑based access control. On the frontend side you get a pre‑made UI built with Tailwind + shadcn/ui, mobile/tablet responsiveness, dark‑mode support, and a set of ready‑to‑use pages: landing, pricing, blog, dashboard, admin panel plus built‑in support for email workflows (via Resend + react‑email), blog/content management, and basic marketing/ public‑facing site templates. The codebase is designed to be production‑ready: after setting environment variables you can deploy right away (optimized for deployment on services like Vercel). The project claims clean, modular architecture and full access to code so you own your code and can adapt it as needed. Because the kit is relatively feature‑rich (auth, payments, roles/permissions, multi‑tenant/org support, blog/marketing pages, email workflows, UI scaffolding, etc.), it may feel heavier than minimal templates, which for simple apps, prototypes or highly customized projects might introduce overhead.
by Mo Iqbal
Supanuxt
This SAAS boilerplate is designed to streamline development using modern technologies like Nuxt3, Supabase, and Prisma. It emphasizes separation of concerns and avoiding vendor lock-in, opting for Prisma over Supabase API for database management, and TRPC over REST for efficient client-server communication. The template integrates Stripe for payment processing and supports OAuth via Supabase for authentication. Tailored for flexibility, it uses the Composition API across components and stores, ensuring a consistent approach. Deployment is simplified through Netlify, with detailed guidance on environment setup. This boilerplate serves as a robust starting point for building scalable SAAS applications.
by Michael Dausmann
What Node.js Boilerplate is Best?
Determining which cheap Node.js boilerplate is best for your project is not a question with a one-size-fits-all answer. The "best" boilerplate depends on your specific needs, budget, technical requirements, and project goals. What works perfectly for one developer or startup might not be the ideal choice for another.
Different cheap Node.js boilerplates excel in different areas. Some prioritize comprehensive features and extensive functionality, while others focus on simplicity and ease of use. Some offer better documentation and support, while others provide more flexibility for customization. The best choice depends on factors like your development experience, timeline, budget, and specific feature requirements.
To help you make an informed decision, we've prepared a comprehensive comparison table below that highlights the key features of each affordable Node.js boilerplate. This comparison allows you to quickly see which boilerplates include the features most important to your project, making it easier to identify the best option for your specific needs.
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Authentication | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stripe | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Admin Panel | — | — | — | — | — |
| User Dashboard | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Subscriptions | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blog | — | — | — | — | — |
| SEO | — | — | ✓ | — | — |
| Documentation | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Support | ✓ | — | — | ✓ | — |
| Tailwind CSS | — | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| API | — | — | — | — | — |
| CMS | — | — | — | — | ✓ |
| Actions | Visit Website | Visit Website | Visit Website | Visit Website | Visit Website |
Use this comparison table to identify which cheap Node.js boilerplate includes the features most important to your project. Click on any boilerplate name above to view detailed information and make your final decision.
Why Use Cheap Node.js Boilerplates?
Cheap Node.js boilerplates under $50 offer a powerful starting point for building scalable SaaS backends and APIs without breaking the bank. These affordable starter kits provide essential server-side functionality including RESTful APIs, database connections, authentication middleware, and more. Perfect for developers who need a solid backend foundation but have a limited budget.
If you're looking for all Node.js boilerplates, including free and premium options, check out our complete Node.js boilerplates directory.
What to Look For in Cheap Node.js Boilerplates
When choosing a cheap Node.js boilerplate, look for projects built with Express.js or Fastify, database integration, authentication (JWT, Passport.js), API documentation, error handling, and testing setup. The best cheap Node.js boilerplates include TypeScript support, environment configuration, and deployment guides. Check for active maintenance and security best practices.
For a comprehensive comparison of all affordable boilerplates across different frameworks, visit our cheap boilerplates directory.
Getting Started with Cheap Node.js Boilerplates
To start with a cheap Node.js boilerplate, purchase and download the template, install dependencies, set up your database, configure environment variables, and run the server. You'll need to configure your database connection, API keys, and authentication settings. Once configured, you can start building your API endpoints and integrate with your frontend application.
Benefits of Cheap Node.js Boilerplates
- ✓Budget-friendly - Build powerful backends for under $50
- ✓JavaScript everywhere - Use the same language for frontend and backend
- ✓High performance - Non-blocking I/O for excellent scalability
- ✓Rich ecosystem - Access to npm's vast package library
- ✓Real-time capabilities - Built-in support for WebSockets
- ✓Cross-platform - Run on Windows, macOS, and Linux
- ✓Production-ready - Enterprise-grade architecture
- ✓Active community - Support through forums and documentation
Common Features in Cheap Node.js Boilerplates
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheap Node.js Boilerplates
Are cheap Node.js boilerplates worth it?
Yes, cheap Node.js boilerplates under $50 can be excellent value. Many affordable boilerplates offer core features like authentication, payment processing, and admin panels at a fraction of premium prices. While they may lack some advanced features or premium support, they're perfect for bootstrapped startups and developers on a budget who want more than free options but can't afford premium solutions.
What's the difference between cheap and premium Node.js boilerplates?
Cheap Node.js boilerplates (under $50) typically offer core features and basic support, while premium boilerplates ($100+) usually include advanced features, comprehensive documentation, video tutorials, priority support, and regular updates. Cheap options are great for developers who need a solid foundation but don't require premium hand-holding or advanced integrations.
Can I use cheap Node.js boilerplates for commercial projects?
Yes, most cheap Node.js boilerplates allow commercial use. However, always check the license terms before purchasing. Most affordable boilerplates use standard licenses that permit commercial projects, but some may have restrictions or require attribution. Review the license details on the product page.
Do cheap Node.js boilerplates include all essential features?
Most cheap Node.js boilerplates include core features like authentication, basic payment processing, admin panels, and database setup. However, they may lack some advanced features found in premium versions, such as multi-tenancy, advanced analytics, or premium integrations. Review the feature list to ensure it meets your needs.