Best Open Source SaaS: Free Starters and boilerplates for React & Next.js
Free SaaS boilerplates are an excellent way to get started with your SaaS project. They provide a stable foundation to build on, saving you time and effort by enabling deployment and hosting on cloud infrastructure. Although premium SaaS Starter Kits are available and there are several compelling reasons why premium kits might be the better choice for your project, they can be rather expensive for a lone developer or founder; however, there are high-quality free and open-source alternatives that can be just as effective. In this article, I’m going to share with you the top free open-source SaaS boilerplates for React and Next.js in 2024. Let's dive in!
1. Base Jump
Add auth, teams and billing to your Supabase app in 31 seconds
Base Jump offers a comprehensive solution for Saas authentication, team accounts, and billing with a Supabase backend. It manages the user authentication process, including database integration, support for multiple teams and workspaces, and billing and subscription payments. It is built with Next.js, TypeScript and Tailwind CSS. Base Jump is a great choice for developers looking to add these features to their Supabase app quickly and easily.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lightweight | Only Stripe billing |
| Powered by Supabase | Lacks detailed documentation |
| Extensible roles & permissions | Lacks Unit and integration tests |
2. Open Saas
The free SaaS template with superpowers
Open Saas gives the middle finger to paid Saas boilerplates by offering a feature-rich open-source alternative. Built by the Wasp Team with Next.js, TypeScript, Tailwind CSS, and Prisma. Using web components defined with React, NodeJS, and Prisma, it supercharges the development experience by enabling the fastest way to develop full-stack apps. All features can be controlled by a single config file allowing easy customization.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comprehensive Documentation | Dependent on Wasp team |
| Strong, Active community | Possible Bloat |
| Prebuild AI integration | Lacks Unit and integration testing |
3. SaaS Starter Kit
Build a Nextjs SAAS app at lightning speed
Saas Starter Kit is complete with both free and paid options, offering a wide range of features. It emphasizes the importance of user authentication in SaaS applications, providing pre-built functionality for managing user authentication flow, roles, permissions, and subscription plans. The free version includes the entire codebase with features like authentication, basic user management, and payment processing. The paid version includes additional features like roles and permissions, Multi-Tenancy, Dedicated Discord Support, Premium Marketing Pages and Resend Email integration. It is built with Next.js, TypeScript, Tailwind CSS, and Prisma.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stripe & Lemon Squeezy Support | Lacks full features |
| Beautiful Ui | Requires a lot of customization |
| Rich and detailed Docs | Lacks Unit and integration testing |
4. Next SaaS Stripe Starter
Kick off with a bang with SaaS Starter
Next SaaS Stripe Starter offers a beautiful, minimal layout with just enough to get you started. This boilerplate accelerates the development of full-stack React + NodeJS + Prisma apps, making it accessible to everyone. If you are looking for a bloat-free option that allows for easy customization, then this starter kit may be what you are looking for. It is built with Next.js 14, Prisma, Neon, Auth.js v5, Resend, React Email, Shadcn/ui, Stripe.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Resend Support | Lacks Documentation |
| Beautiful Ui | Requires a lot of customization |
| Clean & Minimal | Not a feature rich as alternatives |
Conclusion
These free open-source SaaS starters for React and Next.js provide a solid foundation for your SaaS project, whether you're aiming to develop an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) or validating a more extensive idea. Whether you’re looking for a feature-rich solution or a minimalistic approach, there’s a boilerplate that suits your needs. SaaS companies rely on these tools to streamline development and focus on delivering value to their customers. By leveraging these high-quality templates, you can kickstart your SaaS project and focus on building the core features that set your product apart. Give them a try and see which one works best for you!
FAQ
What are SaaS boilerplates?
SaaS boilerplates are pre-built templates that provide a foundational structure for SaaS (Software as a Service) applications. They typically include essential features like authentication, billing, and user management, allowing developers to save time and focus on building unique features.
Why should I use a free SaaS boilerplate?
Free SaaS boilerplates offer a cost-effective way to start your SaaS project without the expense of premium templates. They provide a stable foundation, help you save time, and allow you to leverage open-source communities for support and improvements.
Are free SaaS boilerplates as effective as premium ones?
Yes, high-quality free and open-source SaaS boilerplates can be just as effective as premium ones. They often come with robust features, strong community support, and regular updates, making them a viable option for many developers and startups.
How do I choose the right SaaS boilerplate for my project?
Consider your project’s specific needs, such as required features, level of customization, and preferred technologies. Evaluate the pros and cons of each boilerplate and choose one that aligns with your goals and resources.
Can I customize these boilerplates?
Yes, all the boilerplates mentioned are designed to be customizable. You can modify the code to add or remove features, change the design, and tailor the application to your specific requirements.
What is an open-source SaaS boilerplate and what are its benefits?
An open-source SaaS boilerplate is a comprehensive, free SaaS template or starter kit that includes features such as REST-API service, web application, sign-up/login management, SaaS CRUD operations, AI examples, and an analytics dashboard. Leveraging specific frameworks and technologies, it helps reduce development time and provides end-to-end type safety. The benefits include a robust feature set, strong community support, and the ability to customize and extend the boilerplate to fit specific project needs.
