10 Essential SaaS Boilerplates for Rapid Development

SaaS boilerplates that streamline development with pre-built frameworks + key features for speedy application deployment.

AI Astro Authentication Django JavaScript Laravel LemonSqueezy Next.js Payments Python React Ruby on Rails SaaS Boilerplates Stripe SvelteKit

28 December 2024

Building a SaaS product can be time-consuming. But SaaS boilerplates simplify the process by offering pre-built frameworks with features like authentication, subscription management, and payment integrations. These tools save you weeks of development time and provide a scalable foundation for your application.

Here’s a quick overview of 10 SaaS boilerplates to consider:

SaaS Pegasus: Django-based with multi-tenant support and Stripe integration.
Bullet Train: Ruby on Rails with robust security and team collaboration features.
ShipFast: Next.js boilerplate with MongoDB, Stripe, and Tailwind CSS.
LaunchFast: Multi-framework support (Next.js, Astro, SvelteKit) with built-in analytics.
BuilderKit: AI-focused, serverless Next.js framework with role-based access.
Async Labs: Open-source React/Node.js solution with WebSocket support.
Apptension: React/Django toolkit with AWS auto-scaling.
Larafast: Laravel-based, optimized for PHP applications with multi-tenant architecture.
Shipixen: Next.js 14 boilerplate with TypeScript and MDX support.
Gravity: Node.js, React boilerplate with multi-dimensional authentication.

Quick Comparison Table

Boilerplate	Tech Stack	Database	Authentication	Payment Integration	Multi-Tenant Support
SaaS Pegasus	Django, React	PostgreSQL	OAuth, built-in	Stripe	Yes
Bullet Train	Ruby on Rails	PostgreSQL	Devise, OAuth	Stripe	Yes
ShipFast	Next.js, React	MongoDB	NextAuth.js	Stripe, LemonSqueezy	Yes
LaunchFast	Multi-framework	PostgreSQL	Auth.js	Stripe, LemonSqueezy	Yes
BuilderKit	React, Node.js	PostgreSQL	Supabase GAuth	Stripe, LemonSqueezy	Yes
Async Labs	React, Express	MongoDB	Custom JWT	Stripe	Yes
Apptension	React, Django	PostgreSQL	Auth0	Stripe	Yes
Larafast	Laravel	SQLite	Laravel Auth	Stripe, LemonSqueezy, Paddle	Yes
Shipixen	Next.js 14, React	-	-	-	-
Gravity	Node.js, React	Flexible	Multi-dimensional	Stripe	Yes

Choose the boilerplate that aligns with your tech stack, project needs, and budget. Whether you’re a startup or building an enterprise-grade SaaS, these options provide a strong starting point to accelerate development.

Build a SaaS App with Django, Stripe, and PostgreSQL

How to Choose the Right SaaS Boilerplate

Picking the right SaaS boilerplate can save time, cut costs, and ensure your project can scale effectively. Here are the key factors to consider when making your choice:

Tech Stack Alignment
Select a boilerplate that matches your team’s preferred framework. This makes it easier to adopt, shortens onboarding time, and helps avoid unnecessary errors during development.

Scalability Features
Look for options that support multi-tenant infrastructure, like SaaS Pegasus and Larafast, which can handle growing user demand effortlessly.

Feature category	Key components to look for
Core infrastructure	Database integration, API architecture, caching
Security features	Authentication, authorisation, data encryption
Business tools	Payment processing, subscription management, analytics
Development support	High-quality documentation, maintainable code, testing tools

Community and Support
Choose a boilerplate with active community backing and thorough documentation. For instance, Shipixen has received strong reviews on Product Hunt and offer responsive support channels.

Cost Considerations
Take both upfront and long-term costs into account. LaunchFast includes built-in payment gateways, which can lower initial integration expenses.

Feature Set
Ensure the boilerplate includes the features you need for your specific project. BuilderKit offers AI integrations that simplify development for AI-focused SaaS tools.

Customisation Options
Opt for a boilerplate that allows flexibility. ShipFast supports both JavaScript and TypeScript, giving you options without sacrificing structure.

1. SaaS Pegasus

SaaS Pegasus is a Django-based boilerplate designed to speed up SaaS development. It offers pre-built tools and a flexible codebase, cutting down on repetitive tasks so teams can focus on building their product.

Core Features and Architecture
SaaS Pegasus creates starter codebases tailored to your project’s needs. Its single-database, multi-tenant setup ensures strong data isolation with a well-structured database design and automated tenant management. Key features include user management, team collaboration tools, and subscription billing.

Technology Stack and Capabilities
Built on Django’s robust framework, SaaS Pegasus also supports modern front-end development. Here’s a quick look at its main features:

Feature Category	Implementation Details
Authentication	User management, team systems
Frontend Options	React, HTMX, various CSS frameworks
Database Architecture	Single database with tenant isolation
Real-time Features	Websocket support, group chat demo
API Integration	Built-in REST APIs, async support

Developer Experience
SaaS Pegasus prioritises practical tools and features, such as:

Stripe integration for handling payments
Demo apps showcasing ChatGPT and DALL-E 2 integration
Group chat functionality
Regular updates to enhance security and performance

SaaS Pegasus users have built successful products like Cleon1, CraftMyPDF, Dopplio, PhotoRoom, Typefully, and Zyrae.

Thanks to its Python base and multi-tenant capabilities, SaaS Pegasus is a great choice for teams using Django to create scalable SaaS platforms. Up next, we’ll dive into Bullet Train, a Rails-based alternative.

2. Bullet Train

Bullet Train, built on Ruby on Rails, is a SaaS boilerplate designed to simplify development while retaining key functionality. It shows how a well-constructed boilerplate can save time by addressing common development hurdles right out of the box.

Core Architecture and Features
Bullet Train’s Rails foundation offers a dependable starting point for complex SaaS applications. It includes a range of built-in features with a strong focus on security and scalability:

Feature Category	Capabilities
Authentication	User management and team-based access control
Security	Tools for GDPR compliance and secure authentication
Integration	Ready-to-use connectors for popular services
Architecture	Multi-tenant support and automatic scaling
Developer Tools	Comprehensive documentation and active community support

Development and Customisation
Bullet Train boosts efficiency by offering:

Customisable core features to fit specific project needs
Extensive documentation and a supportive developer community
Pre-integrated security tools that cut down on development time

Cost and Community
Bullet Train operates on an open source model, making it a cost-effective option for startups. Its active community and public GitHub repository encourage collaboration and keep the platform aligned with current development trends.

For Rails teams, Bullet Train is a solid choice for building scalable SaaS platforms, particularly those with strict security and compliance requirements. Its developer-friendly tools and extensive feature set allow teams to launch projects quickly without sacrificing quality.

Next, we’ll take a look at ShipFast, a NextJS-based boilerplate built for speed and scalability.

3. ShipFast

ShipFast, developed by Marc Louivon, Product Hunt’s Maker of the Year 2023, is a modern SaaS boilerplate built with Next.js. Trusted by over 6000 developers, it’s designed to help launch SaaS products efficiently. It supports both JavaScript and TypeScript and works with /app and /pages routers, giving developers flexibility in how they build.

Built for startups working under tight deadlines, ShipFast offers a scalable structure to handle growing user bases. Here’s a look at its core tech stack:

Feature Category	Included Components
Authentication	NextAuth, Google OAuth, Magic Links
Payment	Stripe / LemonSqueezy with webhook support
Data Management	MongoDB or Supabase
Communication	Mailgun transactional email templates
Frontend	Tailwind CSS & Daisy UI components

ShipFast cuts down over 15 hours of setup time by pre-configuring crucial features like authentication, payments, email templates, and SEO. Its straightforward design and clear documentation make it approachable for developers at any experience level. Plus, regular updates ensure it stays current with modern tools and standards.

ShipFast users have built successful products like Capgo, AI Directories, The 100k Database, WrapFast, and DataFast.

Pricing and Support

~~$299~~ $199 for ShipFast Starter - includes all core features and integrations.
~~$349~~ $249 for ShipFast All-in - adds Discord support, leaderboard, discounts, and lifetime updates.
~~$648~~ $299 for ShipFast All-in + CodeFast - learn to code in weeks.

For developers looking for a powerful toolset without a steep learning curve, ShipFast is a smart choice. Up next is LaunchFast, a boilerplate designed for multi-framework compatibility.

4. LaunchFast

LaunchFast makes a name for itself in the SaaS boilerplate space by supporting multiple frameworks, including Astro, Next.js, and SvelteKit. This gives teams the freedom to choose their preferred technology while ensuring consistent functionality.

It comes packed with tools essential for building modern SaaS applications:

Core Features	Integration Options
User Authentication	Multiple auth providers
Payment Processing	Stripe, LemonSqueezy
Analytics Dashboard	Built-in metrics tracking
File Storage	Firebase, Supabase support
Email Services	Transactional templates
Social Media Integration	Automated posting/scheduling

With pre-configured features, LaunchFast helps teams save valuable setup time. Pricing starts at $99 for framework-specific packages, which include priority support and detailed documentation. An active developer community and positive user reviews also make it easier to get help when needed.

Key highlights include:

Easy integration with popular authentication providers
Built-in tools for tracking metrics
Ready-to-use email templates
Multiple payment gateway options

The boilerplate uses a serverless architecture powered by Firebase and Supabase, offering reliable performance as your application grows. This architecture simplifies deployment and maintenance while handling increased user demands.

For teams looking for a framework-specific boilerplate with strong pre-built tools, LaunchFast is worth considering. Up next, we’ll dive into BuilderKit, which emphasises AI-driven SaaS development.

5. BuilderKit

BuilderKit is a SaaS boilerplate built on Next.js, designed to help developers create scalable applications efficiently. Its modular structure simplifies integrating AI-powered tools, making it a great choice for startups incorporating artificial intelligence into their platforms.

Here’s a quick look at what BuilderKit offers:

Feature Category	Included Components
Authentication	Multi-provider support, Role-based access
Infrastructure & Scalability	Serverless setup, Multi-tenant support, Load balancing
Development Tools	TypeScript compatibility, Tutorials, API references
Security	Data encryption, API protection, User permission management

The boilerplate comes with an active developer community, providing forums and frequent updates to keep teams aligned with current best practices. Its architecture is built to handle increasing user demands and larger data loads, making it a solid option for startups planning for growth.

Security is a key focus, with features like encrypted data storage, API safeguards, and role-based access controls to meet industry standards. Regular updates ensure access to the newest features and security fixes.

BuilderKit is also cost-effective, helping teams save time and bring products to market faster. It supports integration with various third-party services and APIs, allowing developers to tailor it to their needs without compromising the underlying structure.

With its flexible design and strong feature set, BuilderKit is an excellent choice for teams aiming to build scalable and adaptable SaaS products. Up next, we’ll dive into Async Labs, a full-stack solution for SaaS development.

6. Async Labs

Async Labs is an open-source SaaS boilerplate that uses React, Material UI, Next.js, and MongoDB. It offers a full-stack TypeScript setup and integrates WebSockets for real-time updates, making it a solid choice for building interactive and scalable applications. With pre-configured features and TypeScript throughout, it speeds up development while keeping customisation options open.

Here’s a quick look at its key technical components:

Component Type	Technologies
Frontend	React, Material-UI, Next.js, MobX
Backend	Express, Node.js, Mongoose
Database	MongoDB
Real-time Features	WebSockets
Development	TypeScript (full-stack)

Async Labs stands out as a cost-effective option for teams working on a budget. Its TypeScript-first approach ensures strong type safety and maintainable code, which is especially appealing for developers focused on long-term reliability. Additionally, its active open-source community provides regular updates, though support is largely community-driven rather than through dedicated customer service.

This boilerplate comes with core SaaS features, helping teams focus on building their product’s unique aspects. However, some customisation may be required to tailor it to specific project needs. The emphasis on TypeScript across both frontend and backend makes it particularly useful for teams that value consistent and maintainable codebases.

Next, we’ll take a closer look at Apptension’s SaaS Boilerplate, another open-source option designed for performance and adaptability.

7. SaaS Boilerplate by Apptension

Apptension’s SaaS Boilerplate is a free, open-source toolkit designed for building SaaS platforms quickly and efficiently. Built on React, Django, and AWS, it provides developers with a solid starting point to create scalable and customisable applications.

Here’s a breakdown of its key components:

Component	Technologies/Features
Frontend	React, GraphQL, Apollo Client, Tailwind CSS
Backend	Python, Django, Django REST Framework, PostgreSQL
Infrastructure	AWS CDK, Auto-scaling capabilities
Core Features	User authentication, Subscription management, Payment processing, CMS integration

What makes it stand out? Its AWS-based infrastructure supports auto-scaling and continuous deployment, making it an excellent choice for SaaS platforms that need room to grow. Companies like blkbx and Captn.ai have reported faster development cycles, reducing months of work to just weeks.

Key Features

Focus on Security: Includes two-factor authentication and advanced user management tools.
Streamlined Development: Offers end-to-end testing during deployment for smoother workflows.
Flexible Design: Can be tailored to suit various industries and boasts a quick setup time - just three days.
Modern Architecture: Supports multitenancy and integrates with OpenAI for advanced functionality.

The boilerplate also comes with detailed documentation and active community support, making it easier for development teams to maintain code quality while scaling their projects. Its open-source nature ensures continuous updates and improvements based on user feedback and changes in the tech landscape.

If you’re looking for another multi-framework solution, Larafast could be worth considering next.

8. Larafast

For teams using Laravel, Larafast offers a PHP-focused solution packed with features designed for building scalable SaaS platforms. Its main focus is speeding up development while ensuring high levels of security and scalability.

Component	Features
Authentication	Multi-tenant user management, 2FA, role-based access
Payment Integration	Subscription management, usage-based billing
Development Tools	Built-in testing suite, API documentation
Infrastructure	Scalable architecture, caching system

One of Larafast’s strengths is its focus on security, making it a solid choice for applications handling sensitive user information.

Laravel developers will appreciate the platform’s detailed documentation and the support of an active community. Tutorials, guides, and forums make it easy to find solutions to common challenges.

Technical Highlights

Framework Compatibility and API Integration
Larafast is built on the latest Laravel version, offering RESTful APIs and support for versioning to ensure smooth integrations.
Database Architecture
It features an optimised multi-tenant database design, ideal for PHP-based applications.

Larafast combines ready-to-use features with flexibility for customisation. Its modular architecture allows developers to scale applications horizontally and introduce new features without risking the stability of the core system.

Next, we’ll take a look at Shipixen, which brings a different perspective to SaaS development with its specialised features.

9. Shipixen

Shipixen comes in the form of a desktop app. It focuses exclusively on building Next.js 14 static websites, setting it apart from multi-framework tools like LaunchFast or AI-driven options like BuilderKit. It simplifies the development process with a powerful set of features and a modern tech stack.

Component	Features
Core Technology	Next.js 14, React, Tailwind CSS
Development Tools	React Server Components, MDX support
Deployment	Vercel, Netlify, and custom hosting options
Customisation	Advanced theming and branding capabilities

This boilerplate provides a solid foundation with TypeScript integration and modern practices like React Server Components and MDX support. Its architecture is built to fully utilise Next.js 14, ensuring high performance and scalability for SaaS applications.

Key Technical Highlights

Shipixen stands out for its well-rounded development toolkit. It includes pre-configured SEO settings, built-in MDX support powered by Contentlayer, and seamless TypeScript integration. These features help developers save significant time during the initial setup of new SaaS projects.

Deployment and Hosting Options

Shipixen makes deployment simple with one-click Vercel / Netlify integration while also supporting custom hosting. This flexibility is ideal for teams with unique hosting needs or strict compliance requirements.

Pricing Details

Shipixen offers two licensing options:

$249 for 1-year Licence
~~$500~~ $379 for Lifetime Licence

Both plans include unlimited boilerplate generation and full code ownership.

Support and Community

Developers using Shipixen benefit from detailed documentation, an active Discord community, and direct email support. The codebase is well-organised, making it easy to customise and extend functionality without disrupting the core system.

With its modern design and developer-first approach, Shipixen is an excellent choice for teams looking for flexibility and scalability in SaaS development. Up next, we’ll dive into Nzoni, which offers a different perspective on rapid SaaS creation.

10. Gravity

Gravity is a comprehensive Node.js and React SaaS boilerplate backed by 20 years of commercial JavaScript development experience. It stands out for its multi-dimensional authentication system and flexibility in database choice, supporting MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, and more.

Component	Features
Core Stack	Node.js, React, Next.js
Database Options	MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, MariaDB
Authentication	Multi-dimensional auth, social sign-ons
Payment Processing	Stripe integration with subscription management
Mobile Support	React Native for iOS and Android
Enterprise Features	Admin dashboard, REST API, 40+ integration tests

Technical Architecture

Gravity provides a battle-tested foundation with over 50 UI components and 25+ views built with shadcn/ui. Its architecture includes a Next.js landing page and comprehensive testing suite, making it suitable for enterprise-grade applications.

Key Features

The boilerplate comes packed with essential tools for modern SaaS development:

Complete Admin Suite: Ready-to-use dashboard with user management
AI Integration: Built-in support for ChatGPT and DALL-E
Mobile Development: React Native apps for iOS and Android
Localisation: Built-in support for multiple languages
Comprehensive Testing: 40+ integration tests included

Development Support

Gravity offers lifetime support through email and Discord, along with one year of updates. The platform is maintained by a team that has generated $5,000,000+ in revenue from SaaS startups, ensuring reliable, production-ready code.

Pricing Options

Gravity offers several licensing tiers:

~~$695~~ $556 for Starter
~~$895~~ $716 for Pro
~~$1595~~ $1276 for Elite
Custom development from $6995

With its focus on providing a complete SaaS foundation and saving 400+ hours of development time, Gravity offers a robust solution for teams looking to launch their SaaS products quickly without compromising on quality or scalability.

Feature Comparison Table

The table below outlines 10 SaaS boilerplates based on their core features, pricing models, and scalability. Use this as a quick reference to find the best option for your project.

Feature Category	SaaS Pegasus	Bullet Train	ShipFast	LaunchFast	BuilderKit	Async Labs	Apptension	Larafast	Shipixen	Gravity
Core Stack	Django, React	Ruby on Rails	Next.js	Multi-framework	Next.js	React, Express	React, Django	Laravel	Next.js	React, Node.js
Database	PostgreSQL	PostgreSQL	MongoDB/Supabase	Multiple	Supabase	MongoDB	PostgreSQL	Multiple	-	Multiple
Authentication	Built-in + OAuth	Multi-dim	NextAuth.js	Multiple	Supabase	Google OAuth	Built-in	Multiple	-	Multiple
Payment Integration	Stripe	Stripe	Stripe / LemonSqueezy	Stripe / LemonSqueezy	Stripe / LemonSqueezy	Stripe	Stripe	Multiple	-	Stripe
Email Service	SendGrid	Built-in	Mailgun	Multiple	Resend / Loops	AWS SES	Built-in	Built-in	-	Built-in
Multi-tenant Support	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	-	✓
Admin Dashboard	Basic	Advanced	Advanced	Basic	Advanced	Basic	Advanced	Advanced	-	Advanced
API Documentation	Swagger	JSON:API	OpenAPI	OpenAPI	REST API	REST API	REST API	REST API	-	REST API
Pricing	from $249	$0	from $199	from $99	from $99	$0	$0	from $149	from $249	from $556

Additional Considerations

Here are some key points to help you better understand how these boilerplates perform in real-world scenarios:

Scalability: All options support multi-tenant systems, scalable database setups, and cloud-native deployments.
Documentation: ShipFast stands out with excellent setup guides, LaunchFast provides tiered support options, and Async Labs offers detailed resources for React and MongoDB integrations.
Enterprise Readiness: Gravity and BuilderKit are strong contenders for enterprise-grade features, while SaaS Pegasus is ideal for managing teams and subscriptions.

Choose the boilerplate that matches your technical skills, project requirements, and long-term growth plans. In the next section, we’ll wrap up with key insights to help finalise your decision.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing the right SaaS boilerplate, the feature comparison table provides a clear starting point. The right choice can make all the difference in a fast-paced development environment where speed and efficiency are key.

”In the competitive landscape of SaaS development, the ability to quickly prototype and iterate on ideas can be the difference between success and failure” – Said Hasyim

Tools like ShipFast and LaunchFast stand out by streamlining development with well-rounded features. These boilerplates help teams save time, concentrate on innovation, and bring their products to market more quickly.

To pick the best boilerplate, focus on compatibility with your tech stack, scalability, and must-have features such as payment integration and authentication. Look for solutions with active support, regular updates, and dependable maintainers. Larafast and Gravity are strong contenders here, offering detailed guides and tiered support.

Current trends in the SaaS space underscore the importance of rapid deployment and growth. As you plan for the future, prioritise SaaS boilerplates with solid documentation, frequent updates, and the flexibility to evolve with your product.

While boilerplates are great for cutting development time and laying the groundwork, they should act as a stepping stone, not a constraint. The ideal choice will give you a strong foundation while leaving room for customization and growth as your SaaS product develops.

FAQs

What is a SaaS boilerplate?

A SaaS boilerplate is a ready-made codebase designed to speed up development by including essential features and infrastructure. This allows teams to focus on building the unique aspects of their product rather than spending time on repetitive tasks.

”A good boilerplate not only saves time but also ensures that best practices are followed from the get-go.” – Said Hasyim, 31saas.com

Here are a few key factors to keep in mind when evaluating SaaS boilerplates:

Factor	Why It Matters
Tech Stack Compatibility	Ensures smooth integration with your existing tools
Feature Set	Aligns with your product’s needs and future growth
Community Support	Offers maintenance and helpful resources

A thoughtfully designed boilerplate not only speeds up the process but also helps maintain clean, consistent code and solid documentation. This makes collaboration within development teams much easier. The right choice can make a big difference in how quickly you can deliver a high-quality, scalable product.

For instance, popular boilerplates like Larafast come with pre-built components for key functionalities such as: