Detailed Comparison 2025
Next Starter AI vs ProtonStack
Compare Next Starter AI and ProtonStack side-by-side. We've analyzed features, pricing, and capabilities to help you choose the best boilerplate for your SaaS project.
Quick Overview
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.
Key Features
ProtonStack
ProtonStack is a full‑stack boilerplate built with Next.js + React + TypeScript + Tailwind CSS, designed to give developers a ready‑made foundation for SaaS and web applications. Out of the box, ProtonStack includes a production‑ready authentication and user‑management system via Clerk.dev, database integration through Prisma (with support for various databases, including Postgres, MySQL, or scalable services like PlanetScale or Supabase), subscription and payment workflows via Stripe, multitenancy (organizations/teams support), plus a UI kit built with component libraries like Shadcn UI / Radix UI. ProtonStack also provides strong developer tooling: linting/formatting (ESLint, Prettier), commit‑hooks (with Husky), schema validation (via Zod), unit and end‑to‑end testing setup (with Jest, React Testing Library, and Cypress), plus built-in support for a blog or documentation using MDX useful for marketing or public‑facing content.
Key Features
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | Next Starter AI$169 | ProtonStack$99 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $169 | $99 |
| Developer | NextStarter | Ozan Yildirim |
| 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 |
Next Starter AI vs ProtonStack: Detailed Analysis
When choosing between Next Starter AI and ProtonStack, 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 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.
Developed by NextStarter, Next Starter AI has become a popular choice among developers looking for a reliable starting point for their SaaS projects.
What is ProtonStack?
ProtonStack is a full‑stack boilerplate built with Next.js + React + TypeScript + Tailwind CSS, designed to give developers a ready‑made foundation for SaaS and web applications. Out of the box, ProtonStack includes a production‑ready authentication and user‑management system via Clerk.dev, database integration through Prisma (with support for various databases, including Postgres, MySQL, or scalable services like PlanetScale or Supabase), subscription and payment workflows via Stripe, multitenancy (organizations/teams support), plus a UI kit built with component libraries like Shadcn UI / Radix UI. ProtonStack also provides strong developer tooling: linting/formatting (ESLint, Prettier), commit‑hooks (with Husky), schema validation (via Zod), unit and end‑to‑end testing setup (with Jest, React Testing Library, and Cypress), plus built-in support for a blog or documentation using MDX useful for marketing or public‑facing content.
Created by Ozan Yildirim, ProtonStack offers a robust foundation for building scalable SaaS applications.
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Payment Integration: Next Starter AI vs ProtonStack
When building a SaaS application, choosing the right payment integration is crucial for monetization success. Let's compare the payment options available in Next Starter AI and ProtonStack.
Next Starter AI Payment Options
Next Starter AI supports Stripe and Lemon Squeezy. This includes Merchant of Record (MoR) options that handle global tax compliance automatically, making it easier to sell internationally without worrying about VAT, GST, or sales tax regulations.
ProtonStack Payment Options
ProtonStack integrates with Stripe.
Key Differences Between Next Starter AI and ProtonStack
💰 Pricing
Next Starter AI is priced at $169, while ProtonStack costs $99. ProtonStack offers better value at a lower price point, saving you 70 dollars.
⚡ Features & Capabilities
Both boilerplates include authentication systems, making it easy to implement user login and registration.
Payment processing is available in both options. Next Starter AI supports Stripe, Lemon Squeezy, while ProtonStack integrates with Stripe.
Both include admin panels for managing your application.
🎯 Best Use Cases
Next Starter AI
- • SaaS startups looking for quick deployment
- • Projects requiring authentication
- • Teams with limited budgets
ProtonStack
- • SaaS applications needing rapid development
- • Projects requiring authentication
- • Teams with limited budgets
- • Multi-tenant applications
When to Choose Next Starter AI vs ProtonStack
Choose Next Starter AI if:
- You want to start with Next Starter AI's specific tech stack and approach
- Your project aligns with Next Starter AI's feature set
Choose ProtonStack if:
- You're looking for the most cost-effective solution
- You're building a multi-tenant SaaS application
- You prefer ProtonStack's specific approach and features
- Your requirements match ProtonStack's capabilities
Final Verdict: Next Starter AI vs ProtonStack
Both Next Starter AI and ProtonStack are excellent choices for building SaaS applications. Your decision should be based on your specific requirements, budget, and technical preferences.
Next Starter AI is ideal if you're looking for a feature-rich solution with built-in authentication.
ProtonStack 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: Next Starter AI vs ProtonStack
Which is better: Next Starter AI or ProtonStack?
The "better" choice depends on your specific needs. Next Starter AI excels in comprehensive features, while ProtonStackstands out for value pricing. Consider your budget, required features, and development timeline when making your decision.
What's the price difference between Next Starter AI and ProtonStack?
Next Starter AI costs $169 while ProtonStack is priced at $99. That's a difference of $70. Both are one-time payments with no recurring fees, making them cost-effective long-term investments for your SaaS project.
Can I switch from Next Starter AI to ProtonStack 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 Next Starter AI and ProtonStack 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 Next Starter AI and ProtonStack 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 Next Starter AI or ProtonStack?
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 Next Starter AI vs ProtonStack?
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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