Detailed Comparison 2025

Modern Mern vs Next Starter AI

Compare Modern Mern and Next Starter AI side-by-side. We've analyzed features, pricing, and capabilities to help you choose the best boilerplate for your SaaS project.

Quick Overview

Modern Mern screenshot

Modern Mern

Modern MERN is a full‑stack boilerplate for building SaaS‑style web applications, combining a JavaScript/TypeScript‑based backend with a modern React frontend. Under the hood it uses a MERN‑derived stack (MongoDB, Express/Node.js, React), augmented with modern tooling like Next.js, TypeScript, Tailwind CSS, and Prisma plus optional serverless deployment on AWS.

$699
by Remi Wg
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Key Features

AuthenticationStripeAdmin PanelDashboardSubscriptions
Best Value
Next Starter AI screenshot

Next Starter AI

Next Starter AI is a full‑stack boilerplate built with Next.js + TypeScript + modern frontend tools, designed to help developers launch SaaS apps, AI‑powered web tools or web applications quickly. It bundles ready‑made integrations for common SaaS and web‑app infrastructure: authentication and user management, payment processing (via Stripe or LemonSqueezy), database setup, AI‑tool integration, email delivery, SEO / metadata configuration, landing pages, blog / content pages, and front‑end UI components giving you a nearly‑complete foundation so you don’t have to wire everything manually. Next Starter AI offers a codebase where payment flows, authentication, database/config setup, UI scaffolding, and essential web‑app plumbing are already implemented. That means you can skip repetitive setup work (user sign‑in/up, billing integration, email and content setup, landing page, blog, etc.) and focus directly on building your product’s features. It also includes templates and components for UI (landing pages, dashboards or web‑app views) and wiring for SEO, analytics/marketing integrations, email/mailing functionality, and options for AI‑tool integration if your app needs it.

$169
by NextStarter
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Key Features

AuthenticationStripeAdmin PanelDashboardBlog

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

Feature
Modern Mern$699
Next Starter AI$169
Price$699$169
DeveloperRemi WgNextStarter
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 DetailsView PageView Page

Modern Mern vs Next Starter AI: Detailed Analysis

When choosing between Modern Mern and Next Starter AI, 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 Modern Mern?

Modern MERN is a full‑stack boilerplate for building SaaS‑style web applications, combining a JavaScript/TypeScript‑based backend with a modern React frontend. Under the hood it uses a MERN‑derived stack (MongoDB, Express/Node.js, React), augmented with modern tooling like Next.js, TypeScript, Tailwind CSS, and Prisma plus optional serverless deployment on AWS.

Developed by Remi Wg, Modern Mern has become a popular choice among developers looking for a reliable starting point for their SaaS projects.

What is Next Starter AI?

Next Starter AI is a full‑stack boilerplate built with Next.js + TypeScript + modern frontend tools, designed to help developers launch SaaS apps, AI‑powered web tools or web applications quickly. It bundles ready‑made integrations for common SaaS and web‑app infrastructure: authentication and user management, payment processing (via Stripe or LemonSqueezy), database setup, AI‑tool integration, email delivery, SEO / metadata configuration, landing pages, blog / content pages, and front‑end UI components giving you a nearly‑complete foundation so you don’t have to wire everything manually. Next Starter AI offers a codebase where payment flows, authentication, database/config setup, UI scaffolding, and essential web‑app plumbing are already implemented. That means you can skip repetitive setup work (user sign‑in/up, billing integration, email and content setup, landing page, blog, etc.) and focus directly on building your product’s features. It also includes templates and components for UI (landing pages, dashboards or web‑app views) and wiring for SEO, analytics/marketing integrations, email/mailing functionality, and options for AI‑tool integration if your app needs it.

Created by NextStarter, Next Starter AI offers a robust foundation for building scalable SaaS applications.

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Payment Integration: Modern Mern vs Next Starter AI

When building a SaaS application, choosing the right payment integration is crucial for monetization success. Let's compare the payment options available in Modern Mern and Next Starter AI.

Modern Mern Payment Options

Modern Mern supports Stripe.

Next Starter AI Payment Options

Next Starter AI integrates with Stripe and Lemon Squeezy. With Merchant of Record support, you can focus on building your product while the payment provider handles tax compliance, invoicing, and regulatory requirements across different countries.

Key Differences Between Modern Mern and Next Starter AI

💰 Pricing

Modern Mern is priced at $699, while Next Starter AI costs $169. Next Starter AI offers better value at a lower price point, saving you 530 dollars.

⚡ Features & Capabilities

Both boilerplates include authentication systems, making it easy to implement user login and registration.

Payment processing is available in both options. Modern Mern supports Stripe, while Next Starter AI integrates with Stripe, Lemon Squeezy.

Both include admin panels for managing your application.

🎯 Best Use Cases

Modern Mern

  • • SaaS startups looking for quick deployment
  • • Projects requiring authentication
  • • Teams with flexible budgets
  • • Multi-tenant applications

Next Starter AI

  • • SaaS applications needing rapid development
  • • Projects requiring authentication
  • • Teams with limited budgets

When to Choose Modern Mern vs Next Starter AI

Choose Modern Mern if:

  • You're building a multi-tenant SaaS application
  • You want to start with Modern Mern's specific tech stack and approach
  • Your project aligns with Modern Mern's feature set

Choose Next Starter AI if:

  • You're looking for the most cost-effective solution
  • You prefer Next Starter AI's specific approach and features
  • Your requirements match Next Starter AI's capabilities

Final Verdict: Modern Mern vs Next Starter AI

Both Modern Mern and Next Starter AI are excellent choices for building SaaS applications. Your decision should be based on your specific requirements, budget, and technical preferences.

Modern Mern is ideal if you're looking for a feature-rich solution with built-in authentication.

Next Starter AI 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: Modern Mern vs Next Starter AI

Which is better: Modern Mern or Next Starter AI?

The "better" choice depends on your specific needs. Modern Mern excels in comprehensive features, while Next Starter AIstands out for value pricing. Consider your budget, required features, and development timeline when making your decision.

What's the price difference between Modern Mern and Next Starter AI?

Modern Mern costs $699 while Next Starter AI is priced at $169. That's a difference of $530. Both are one-time payments with no recurring fees, making them cost-effective long-term investments for your SaaS project.

Can I switch from Modern Mern to Next Starter AI 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 Modern Mern and Next Starter AI 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 Modern Mern and Next Starter AI 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 Modern Mern or Next Starter AI?

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 Modern Mern vs Next Starter AI?

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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