Boilerplate Comparisons
Compare SaaS Boilerplates
Choose any two boilerplates to see a detailed side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, pros & cons to find the perfect fit for your project.
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Popular Comparisons
How to Choose the Right SaaS Boilerplate
When comparing SaaS boilerplates like ShipFast, Supastarter, or MakerKit, focus on these key differences that actually impact your development speed and product quality.
What to Compare
| Feature | Why It Matters | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Authentication | Most SaaS apps need email/password, Google OAuth, and magic links. Some add GitHub, Twitter, or SSO. | Check if it includes your preferred providers. Supabase Auth vs NextAuth vs Clerk makes a big difference. |
| Payments | Stripe is standard, but Paddle (no sales tax hassle) and Lemon Squeezy (merchant of record) are popular. | Verify it has subscription management, webhooks, and customer portal. One-time payments vs subscriptions. |
| Database & ORM | PostgreSQL with Prisma/Drizzle is common. Supabase gives you auth + database + storage in one. | Check if migrations are set up, if there's a schema for users/subscriptions, and if it's type-safe. |
| Transactional emails (welcome, password reset, receipts) are essential. Marketing emails are a bonus. | Resend, SendGrid, or Mailgun integration. Check if templates are included and React Email support. | |
| Admin Dashboard | You need to manage users, view subscriptions, and handle support. Not all boilerplates include this. | Look for user management, analytics, and ability to impersonate users for debugging. |
| UI Components | Shadcn/ui, DaisyUI, or custom components. This affects how fast you can build your unique features. | Check the component library, if it's customizable, and if landing page templates are included. |
Which SaaS Boilerplate Should You Choose?
Choosing between popular SaaS boilerplates like ShipFast vs Supastarter, MakerKit vs Nextless.js, or Volca vs SaaSBold can be overwhelming. Each boilerplate offers different features, pricing, and tech stacks that impact your development speed and final product quality.
The best SaaS boilerplate for you depends on your specific needs. Are you looking for the fastest way to launch a SaaS? Need Next.js 14 with Supabase? Want Stripe and Paddle payment integration out of the box? Or searching for the cheapest SaaS starter kit that still includes essential features?
Common questions developers ask: "What's the difference between ShipFast and Supastarter?","Which boilerplate has the best documentation?", "Is a $299 boilerplate worth it vs a $149 one?", and "Which SaaS template includes an admin dashboard?" Use our comparison tool above to get instant answers to these questions by selecting any two boilerplates.
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Why Use a SaaS Boilerplate?
Building authentication, payments, and email from scratch takes 2-6 months. A good boilerplate has this done in hours. ShipFast users report launching MVPs in 1-2 weeks instead of months.
Hiring a developer at $50/hour for 200 hours = $10,000. A $199 boilerplate gives you the same foundation. You pay once, use forever, and focus your budget on unique features that differentiate your SaaS.
Boilerplates are battle-tested by hundreds of developers. They include security best practices, proper error handling, and optimized database schemas. No rookie mistakes that cost you later.
See how experienced developers structure Next.js apps, handle TypeScript types, organize components, and implement features. It's like having a senior developer's codebase as your starting point.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a SaaS boilerplate?
A SaaS boilerplate is a pre-built starter kit that includes common features needed for SaaS applications like authentication, payments, user dashboards, and more. It helps you launch your SaaS product faster by providing production-ready code.
How do I compare boilerplates?
Use the selectors above to choose any two boilerplates and see a detailed side-by-side comparison. Consider factors like pricing, tech stack, included features, documentation quality, and community support.
Are boilerplates worth the investment?
Yes, for most developers. A good boilerplate can save you weeks or months of development time. Instead of building authentication, payments, and other features from scratch, you can focus on your unique product features. The time saved often justifies the cost.
Which boilerplate is best for beginners?
For beginners, look for boilerplates with excellent documentation, active community support, and simpler tech stacks. Many boilerplates offer video tutorials and Discord communities. Use our comparison tool to find one that matches your skill level and learning goals.
What's the difference between expensive and cheap boilerplates?
Price differences usually reflect the number of features, quality of code, documentation depth, and ongoing support. More expensive boilerplates ($250+) often include advanced features like multi-tenancy, team management, and premium integrations. However, cheaper options ($150-200) can be perfect for simpler projects or solo developers.
Can I use multiple boilerplates for one project?
While technically possible, it's not recommended. Each boilerplate has its own architecture, dependencies, and patterns. Mixing them can create conflicts and maintenance headaches. Instead, choose one boilerplate that best fits your needs and customize it as needed.
Do boilerplates include lifetime updates?
This varies by boilerplate. Some offer lifetime updates with your purchase, while others may charge for major version upgrades. Check the specific boilerplate's license and update policy before purchasing. Our comparison pages show this information when available.
How long does it take to launch with a boilerplate?
With a good boilerplate, you can launch a basic SaaS product in 1-4 weeks instead of 2-6 months from scratch. The exact timeline depends on your customization needs, team size, and experience. Boilerplates handle 60-80% of common features, letting you focus on your unique value proposition.
What if I choose the wrong boilerplate?
While switching boilerplates mid-project is challenging, it's not impossible. However, it's time-consuming and can set you back weeks. That's why using our comparison tool is crucial - take time to evaluate features, read reviews, and even try demos before committing. Most boilerplates offer refunds within 7-14 days if you're not satisfied.
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