Detailed Comparison 2025
Indie Starter vs Zexa Next
Compare Indie Starter and Zexa Next 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
Zexa Next
ZexaNext is a full‑featured Next.js boilerplate built for SaaS developers and startups who want to launch modern web apps quickly and reliably. It combines robust authentication (email/password, social login, password recovery), PostgreSQL database with Prisma ORM, payment and subscription handling via Stripe, email integration via Resend, and support for responsive landing pages styled with Tailwind CSS. ZexaNext also delivers built‑in features such as dark mode, a markdown‑based blog and documentation system, SEO‑optimized pages, and animated UI components using shadcn/ui and Framer Motion. Its default configuration is optimized for performance and SEO thanks to Next.js server‑side rendering and integrated analytics support. With ZexaNext you skip repetitive boilerplate code and get a scalable, production‑ready foundation from day one — allowing you to focus on building unique product logic and bringing your SaaS idea to market fast.
Key Features
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | Indie Starter$69 | Zexa Next$49 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $69 | $49 |
| Developer | Ali Hussein | ZexaNext |
| 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 Zexa Next: Detailed Analysis
When choosing between Indie Starter and Zexa Next, 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 Zexa Next?
ZexaNext is a full‑featured Next.js boilerplate built for SaaS developers and startups who want to launch modern web apps quickly and reliably. It combines robust authentication (email/password, social login, password recovery), PostgreSQL database with Prisma ORM, payment and subscription handling via Stripe, email integration via Resend, and support for responsive landing pages styled with Tailwind CSS. ZexaNext also delivers built‑in features such as dark mode, a markdown‑based blog and documentation system, SEO‑optimized pages, and animated UI components using shadcn/ui and Framer Motion. Its default configuration is optimized for performance and SEO thanks to Next.js server‑side rendering and integrated analytics support. With ZexaNext you skip repetitive boilerplate code and get a scalable, production‑ready foundation from day one — allowing you to focus on building unique product logic and bringing your SaaS idea to market fast.
Created by ZexaNext, Zexa Next offers a robust foundation for building scalable SaaS applications.
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Payment Integration: Indie Starter vs Zexa Next
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 Zexa Next.
Indie Starter Payment Options
Indie Starter supports Stripe.
Zexa Next Payment Options
Zexa Next integrates with Stripe.
Key Differences Between Indie Starter and Zexa Next
💰 Pricing
Indie Starter is priced at $69, while Zexa Next costs $49. Zexa Next offers better value at a lower price point, saving you 20 dollars.
⚡ Features & Capabilities
Both boilerplates include authentication systems, making it easy to implement user login and registration.
Payment processing is available in both options. Indie Starter supports Stripe, while Zexa Next integrates with Stripe.
Zexa Next 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
Zexa Next
- • SaaS applications needing rapid development
- • Projects requiring authentication
- • Teams with limited budgets
When to Choose Indie Starter vs Zexa Next
Choose Indie Starter if:
- You want to start with Indie Starter's specific tech stack and approach
- Your project aligns with Indie Starter's feature set
Choose Zexa Next if:
- You're looking for the most cost-effective solution
- You require an admin panel for managing your application
- You prefer Zexa Next's specific approach and features
- Your requirements match Zexa Next's capabilities
Final Verdict: Indie Starter vs Zexa Next
Both Indie Starter and Zexa Next 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 feature-rich solution with built-in authentication.
Zexa Next stands out for its competitive pricing 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 Zexa Next
Which is better: Indie Starter or Zexa Next?
The "better" choice depends on your specific needs. Indie Starter excels in comprehensive features, while Zexa Nextstands out for value pricing. Consider your budget, required features, and development timeline when making your decision.
What's the price difference between Indie Starter and Zexa Next?
Indie Starter costs $69 while Zexa Next is priced at $49. That's a difference of $20. 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 Zexa Next 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 Zexa Next 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 Zexa Next 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 Zexa Next?
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 Zexa Next?
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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