Detailed Comparison 2025
Indie Starter vs Rockstack
Compare Indie Starter and Rockstack side-by-side. We've analyzed features, pricing, and capabilities to help you choose the best boilerplate for your SaaS project.
Quick Overview
Indie Starter
Indie Starter is a boilerplate / starter‑kit built on a modern web stack (Next.js + React + TypeScript + Tailwind CSS + shadcn/ui) that aims to offer a clean, minimal yet ready‑for‑production foundation for SaaS or web applications. The boilerplate integrates backend/infrastructure services via Supabase (for database & auth) plus support for payments via Stripe for subscription or monetization flows. Indie Starter is structured to provide essential building blocks: authentication (including social logins, magic links, email/password), responsive UI components & layouts, a clean project architecture, type-safe configuration (via TypeScript + validation via Zod), and built-in SEO & content‑management setup (blog/landing page templates, metadata, etc.). Indie Starter makes sense for developers, indie makers, small teams or early‑stage founders who want to get a web app or SaaS up quickly without rewriting common infrastructure: auth, UI, payments, content, etc. It’s also suitable when you want type safety, modern stack, and clean architecture giving you a professional and maintainable starting point.
Key Features
Rockstack
This boilerplate is a comprehensive solution for building SaaS applications, featuring three main sections essential for any app: Public Pages (like Landing, Login, Contact), Admin (/admin for Dashboard, Users, Settings), and App (/app/:tenant for tenant-specific dashboards). It leverages a next-generation Node.js and TypeScript ORM with a Repository Pattern for efficient data management. The platform supports flexible payment models through Stripe, including flat-rate, user-based, and one-time fees. Enhance performance with data caching, and customize your app's appearance using Tailwind CSS. Additionally, it offers multilingual support, built-in user management, and a reliable email service for traRockStack is a full‑stack SaaS boilerplate / kit designed to work with several modern JavaScript frameworks. Including Next.js, Remix, or SvelteKit and intended to give you a ready-to-go foundation for building subscription‑based, multi‑tenant web applications. With RockStack you get a basic SaaS “shell” that includes core needed parts: built‑in email/password authentication and user management (without requiring external auth libraries), tenant/organization support so different customers/users can live under separate “workspaces,” subscription and payment flows (flat‑rate, one‑time, per‑seat or usage-based) via Stripe, and support for roles & permissions to help manage access control. RockStack is a full‑stack SaaS boilerplate / kit designed to work with several modern JavaScript frameworks. Including Next.js, Remix, or SvelteKit and intended to give you a ready-to-go foundation for building subscription‑based, multi‑tenant web applications. With RockStack you get a basic SaaS “shell” that includes core needed parts: built‑in email/password authentication and user management (without requiring external auth libraries), tenant/organization support so different customers/users can live under separate “workspaces,” subscription and payment flows (flat‑rate, one‑time, per‑seat or usage-based) via Stripe, and support for roles & permissions to help manage access control. The kit provides a UI + layout foundation: a public “marketing / landing” section (for pages like landing page, pricing, contact, login), an admin dashboard area (for app owners), and the application dashboard area (for tenants/users) so both the public‑facing site and internal user/admin interfaces are ready.
Key Features
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | Indie Starter$69 | Rockstack$99 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $69 | $99 |
| Developer | Ali Hussein | Alexandro Martínez |
| Authentication | ||
| Stripe Integration | ||
| Paddle Integration | ||
| Lemon Squeezy | ||
| Dodo Payments | ||
| Polar | ||
| Creem | ||
| Admin Panel | ||
| User Dashboard | ||
| Subscriptions | ||
| Blog | ||
| SEO Optimized | ||
| Documentation | ||
| Support | ||
| Tailwind CSS | ||
| API | ||
| Two-Factor Auth | ||
| Multi-Tenancy | ||
| Teams | ||
| Shadcn UI | ||
| View Details | View Page | View Page |
Indie Starter vs Rockstack: Detailed Analysis
When choosing between Indie Starter and Rockstack, it's essential to understand the key differences that make each boilerplate unique. Both are excellent choices for building SaaS applications, but they cater to different needs and development approaches.
What is Indie Starter?
Indie Starter is a boilerplate / starter‑kit built on a modern web stack (Next.js + React + TypeScript + Tailwind CSS + shadcn/ui) that aims to offer a clean, minimal yet ready‑for‑production foundation for SaaS or web applications. The boilerplate integrates backend/infrastructure services via Supabase (for database & auth) plus support for payments via Stripe for subscription or monetization flows. Indie Starter is structured to provide essential building blocks: authentication (including social logins, magic links, email/password), responsive UI components & layouts, a clean project architecture, type-safe configuration (via TypeScript + validation via Zod), and built-in SEO & content‑management setup (blog/landing page templates, metadata, etc.). Indie Starter makes sense for developers, indie makers, small teams or early‑stage founders who want to get a web app or SaaS up quickly without rewriting common infrastructure: auth, UI, payments, content, etc. It’s also suitable when you want type safety, modern stack, and clean architecture giving you a professional and maintainable starting point.
Developed by Ali Hussein, Indie Starter has become a popular choice among developers looking for a reliable starting point for their SaaS projects.
What is Rockstack?
This boilerplate is a comprehensive solution for building SaaS applications, featuring three main sections essential for any app: Public Pages (like Landing, Login, Contact), Admin (/admin for Dashboard, Users, Settings), and App (/app/:tenant for tenant-specific dashboards). It leverages a next-generation Node.js and TypeScript ORM with a Repository Pattern for efficient data management. The platform supports flexible payment models through Stripe, including flat-rate, user-based, and one-time fees. Enhance performance with data caching, and customize your app's appearance using Tailwind CSS. Additionally, it offers multilingual support, built-in user management, and a reliable email service for traRockStack is a full‑stack SaaS boilerplate / kit designed to work with several modern JavaScript frameworks. Including Next.js, Remix, or SvelteKit and intended to give you a ready-to-go foundation for building subscription‑based, multi‑tenant web applications. With RockStack you get a basic SaaS “shell” that includes core needed parts: built‑in email/password authentication and user management (without requiring external auth libraries), tenant/organization support so different customers/users can live under separate “workspaces,” subscription and payment flows (flat‑rate, one‑time, per‑seat or usage-based) via Stripe, and support for roles & permissions to help manage access control. RockStack is a full‑stack SaaS boilerplate / kit designed to work with several modern JavaScript frameworks. Including Next.js, Remix, or SvelteKit and intended to give you a ready-to-go foundation for building subscription‑based, multi‑tenant web applications. With RockStack you get a basic SaaS “shell” that includes core needed parts: built‑in email/password authentication and user management (without requiring external auth libraries), tenant/organization support so different customers/users can live under separate “workspaces,” subscription and payment flows (flat‑rate, one‑time, per‑seat or usage-based) via Stripe, and support for roles & permissions to help manage access control. The kit provides a UI + layout foundation: a public “marketing / landing” section (for pages like landing page, pricing, contact, login), an admin dashboard area (for app owners), and the application dashboard area (for tenants/users) so both the public‑facing site and internal user/admin interfaces are ready.
Created by Alexandro Martínez, Rockstack offers a robust foundation for building scalable SaaS applications.
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Payment Integration: Indie Starter vs Rockstack
When building a SaaS application, choosing the right payment integration is crucial for monetization success. Let's compare the payment options available in Indie Starter and Rockstack.
Indie Starter Payment Options
Indie Starter supports Stripe.
Key Differences Between Indie Starter and Rockstack
💰 Pricing
Indie Starter is priced at $69, while Rockstack costs $99. This makes Indie Starter the more budget-friendly option, potentially saving you 30 dollars.
⚡ Features & Capabilities
Both boilerplates include authentication systems, making it easy to implement user login and registration.
Rockstack includes an admin panel for easier application management.
🎯 Best Use Cases
Indie Starter
- • SaaS startups looking for quick deployment
- • Projects requiring authentication
- • Teams with limited budgets
Rockstack
- • SaaS applications needing rapid development
- • Projects requiring authentication
- • Teams with limited budgets
- • Multi-tenant applications
When to Choose Indie Starter vs Rockstack
Choose Indie Starter if:
- You're looking for the most cost-effective solution
- You want to start with Indie Starter's specific tech stack and approach
- Your project aligns with Indie Starter's feature set
Choose Rockstack if:
- You require an admin panel for managing your application
- You're building a multi-tenant SaaS application
- You prefer Rockstack's specific approach and features
- Your requirements match Rockstack's capabilities
Final Verdict: Indie Starter vs Rockstack
Both Indie Starter and Rockstack are excellent choices for building SaaS applications. Your decision should be based on your specific requirements, budget, and technical preferences.
Indie Starter is ideal if you're looking for a more affordable option with built-in authentication.
Rockstack stands out for its comprehensive feature set and is perfect for developers who need authentication.
Ultimately, both boilerplates will help you launch your SaaS product faster and more efficiently. Review the detailed comparison above, consider your project requirements, and choose the one that aligns best with your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions: Indie Starter vs Rockstack
Which is better: Indie Starter or Rockstack?
The "better" choice depends on your specific needs. Indie Starter excels in affordability, while Rockstackstands out for its feature set. Consider your budget, required features, and development timeline when making your decision.
What's the price difference between Indie Starter and Rockstack?
Indie Starter costs $69 while Rockstack is priced at $99. That's a difference of $30. Both are one-time payments with no recurring fees, making them cost-effective long-term investments for your SaaS project.
Can I switch from Indie Starter to Rockstack later?
While technically possible, switching boilerplates mid-project is challenging and time-consuming. Each boilerplate has its own architecture, dependencies, and patterns. It's best to carefully evaluate both options now and choose the one that best fits your long-term needs to avoid costly migrations later.
Do Indie Starter and Rockstack offer similar features?
Both boilerplates offer core SaaS features, but with different implementations and additional capabilities. Check the detailed feature comparison table above to see exactly which features each boilerplate includes. Key differences include payment integrations, authentication systems, and admin panel availability.
Which boilerplate is better for beginners?
For beginners, consider factors like documentation quality, community support, and code complexity. Both Indie Starter and Rockstack are designed to be developer-friendly, but your choice should depend on your familiarity with their respective tech stacks and the learning resources available.
Are there any hidden costs with Indie Starter or Rockstack?
Both boilerplates are one-time purchases with no recurring licensing fees. However, you may incur costs for third-party services they integrate with (like payment processors, email services, or hosting platforms). These operational costs are separate from the boilerplate purchase and apply to any SaaS application.
How long does it take to launch with Indie Starter vs Rockstack?
Both boilerplates significantly reduce development time compared to building from scratch. Depending on your customization needs, you could launch a basic SaaS product in days or weeks rather than months. The exact timeline depends on your specific requirements, team size, and development experience.
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