Detailed Comparison 2025
Makerkit vs Next.js Subscription Payments Starter
Compare Makerkit and Next.js Subscription Payments Starter side-by-side. We've analyzed features, pricing, and capabilities to help you choose the best boilerplate for your SaaS project.
Quick Overview
Makerkit
MakerKit is a SaaS‑starter boilerplate built for modern React/Next.js (also supporting Remix/Supabase or Firebase variants) that tries to give you a production‑ready foundation, rather than a barebones template. At its core MakerKit bundles authentication (email, social login, magic‑link, optional MFA), user and team/organization management (multi‑tenancy, roles, invitations), and subscription/billing support via payment providers (Stripe or Lemon Squeezy). The boilerplate comes styled by default using a modern UI stack with Tailwind CSS (and Shadcn/Radix‑based UI components), with light/dark mode and includes UI scaffolding for dashboards, admin panels, marketing pages, blog/documentation pages, and a customizable layout structure. MakerKit aims to reduce the time and effort needed to ship a SaaS: instead of wiring up auth, payments, data layer, UI and common SaaS flows from scratch, you get a working skeleton that you can extend, customize, and build on. This includes also support for serverless or traditional hosting setups, built‑in support for sending stylized transactional emails, and optional plugins/features (like documentation/blog generation, admin dashboards, analytics hooks, and more) to help bootstrap both the product and its public-facing/marketing side.
Key Features
Next.js Subscription Payments Starter
nextjs‑subscription‑payments is a starter template built on Next.js, integrating backend and billing essentials: user auth, database, and subscription payments designed to help you quickly spin up a SaaS or membership‑based web application. It relies on Supabase for authentication and database management (PostgreSQL under the hood), and on Stripe for payment/subscription processing. The integration includes Stripe Checkout for payments, the Stripe Customer Portal for managing subscriptions, and automatic synchronization of pricing plans and subscription statuses via Stripe webhooks, meaning subscription state (active, cancelled, etc.) and billing plans stay in sync between Stripe and your app database.
Key Features
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | Makerkit$349 | Next.js Subscription Payments StarterFree |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $349 | Free |
| Developer | Giancarlo Buomprisco | Vercel |
| 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 |
Makerkit vs Next.js Subscription Payments Starter: Detailed Analysis
When choosing between Makerkit and Next.js Subscription Payments Starter, 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 Makerkit?
MakerKit is a SaaS‑starter boilerplate built for modern React/Next.js (also supporting Remix/Supabase or Firebase variants) that tries to give you a production‑ready foundation, rather than a barebones template. At its core MakerKit bundles authentication (email, social login, magic‑link, optional MFA), user and team/organization management (multi‑tenancy, roles, invitations), and subscription/billing support via payment providers (Stripe or Lemon Squeezy). The boilerplate comes styled by default using a modern UI stack with Tailwind CSS (and Shadcn/Radix‑based UI components), with light/dark mode and includes UI scaffolding for dashboards, admin panels, marketing pages, blog/documentation pages, and a customizable layout structure. MakerKit aims to reduce the time and effort needed to ship a SaaS: instead of wiring up auth, payments, data layer, UI and common SaaS flows from scratch, you get a working skeleton that you can extend, customize, and build on. This includes also support for serverless or traditional hosting setups, built‑in support for sending stylized transactional emails, and optional plugins/features (like documentation/blog generation, admin dashboards, analytics hooks, and more) to help bootstrap both the product and its public-facing/marketing side.
Developed by Giancarlo Buomprisco, Makerkit has become a popular choice among developers looking for a reliable starting point for their SaaS projects.
What is Next.js Subscription Payments Starter?
nextjs‑subscription‑payments is a starter template built on Next.js, integrating backend and billing essentials: user auth, database, and subscription payments designed to help you quickly spin up a SaaS or membership‑based web application. It relies on Supabase for authentication and database management (PostgreSQL under the hood), and on Stripe for payment/subscription processing. The integration includes Stripe Checkout for payments, the Stripe Customer Portal for managing subscriptions, and automatic synchronization of pricing plans and subscription statuses via Stripe webhooks, meaning subscription state (active, cancelled, etc.) and billing plans stay in sync between Stripe and your app database.
Created by Vercel, Next.js Subscription Payments Starter offers a robust foundation for building scalable SaaS applications.
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Payment Integration: Makerkit vs Next.js Subscription Payments Starter
When building a SaaS application, choosing the right payment integration is crucial for monetization success. Let's compare the payment options available in Makerkit and Next.js Subscription Payments Starter.
Makerkit Payment Options
Makerkit supports Stripe.
Next.js Subscription Payments Starter Payment Options
Next.js Subscription Payments Starter integrates with Stripe.
Key Differences Between Makerkit and Next.js Subscription Payments Starter
💰 Pricing
Makerkit is priced at $349, while Next.js Subscription Payments Starter costs Free. This makes Makerkit the more budget-friendly option, potentially saving you 999650 dollars.
⚡ Features & Capabilities
Both boilerplates include authentication systems, making it easy to implement user login and registration.
Payment processing is available in both options. Makerkit supports Stripe, while Next.js Subscription Payments Starter integrates with Stripe.
Makerkit includes an admin panel, giving you more control out of the box.
🎯 Best Use Cases
Makerkit
- • SaaS startups looking for quick deployment
- • Projects requiring authentication
- • Teams with flexible budgets
- • Multi-tenant applications
Next.js Subscription Payments Starter
- • SaaS applications needing rapid development
- • Projects requiring authentication
- • Teams with flexible budgets
When to Choose Makerkit vs Next.js Subscription Payments Starter
Choose Makerkit if:
- You're looking for the most cost-effective solution
- You require an admin panel for managing your application
- You're building a multi-tenant SaaS application
- You want to start with Makerkit's specific tech stack and approach
- Your project aligns with Makerkit's feature set
Choose Next.js Subscription Payments Starter if:
- You prefer Next.js Subscription Payments Starter's specific approach and features
- Your requirements match Next.js Subscription Payments Starter's capabilities
Final Verdict: Makerkit vs Next.js Subscription Payments Starter
Both Makerkit and Next.js Subscription Payments Starter are excellent choices for building SaaS applications. Your decision should be based on your specific requirements, budget, and technical preferences.
Makerkit is ideal if you're looking for a more affordable option with built-in authentication.
Next.js Subscription Payments Starter 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: Makerkit vs Next.js Subscription Payments Starter
Which is better: Makerkit or Next.js Subscription Payments Starter?
The "better" choice depends on your specific needs. Makerkit excels in affordability, while Next.js Subscription Payments Starterstands out for its feature set. Consider your budget, required features, and development timeline when making your decision.
What's the price difference between Makerkit and Next.js Subscription Payments Starter?
Makerkit costs $349 while Next.js Subscription Payments Starter is priced at Free. That's a difference of $999650. Both are one-time payments with no recurring fees, making them cost-effective long-term investments for your SaaS project.
Can I switch from Makerkit to Next.js Subscription Payments Starter 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 Makerkit and Next.js Subscription Payments Starter 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 Makerkit and Next.js Subscription Payments Starter 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 Makerkit or Next.js Subscription Payments Starter?
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 Makerkit vs Next.js Subscription Payments Starter?
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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