8 Must-Have Features in Modern SaaS Boilerplates

Building a SaaS app? Start with a boilerplate to save time and effort. Modern SaaS boilerplates come pre-packed with essential features that speed up development, ensure security, and handle common tasks like payments and user management. Here are the 8 must-have features every SaaS boilerplate should include:

1. User Login and Access Control: Secure authentication with MFA, RBAC, and SSO integration.
2. Payment Systems and Billing: Automated billing, tax handling, and subscription management.
3. API Tools and Documentation: Clear API docs, versioning, and testing support.
4. Multi-Customer Data Management: Scalable database models and tenant isolation.
5. Security Standards: Data encryption, compliance features, and vulnerability prevention.
6. Data Tracking and Reports: Real-time analytics, dashboards, and behavioural insights.
7. Growth and Speed Features: Caching, load balancing, and auto-scaling for performance.
8. Best SaaS Boilerplates Directory: Platforms like saasboilerplates.dev offer curated templates for quick starts.

Why It Matters

These features reduce development time by up to 40%, improve security, and ensure scalability. Whether you’re a startup or scaling enterprise, a solid boilerplate can cut weeks off your project timeline.

Quick Comparison of Key Features

Feature	Key Components	Why It’s Important
User Login & Access Control	MFA, RBAC, SSO	Prevents unauthorised access
Payment Systems	Tax handling, subscription management	Simplifies billing and compliance
API Tools	Docs, versioning, testing	Improves developer productivity
Data Management	Multi-tenant models, isolation strategies	Ensures scalability and security
Security Standards	Encryption, compliance features	Protects sensitive data
Data Tracking	Dashboards, analytics	Drives insights and improvements
Growth Features	Caching, load balancing, auto-scaling	Handles traffic spikes efficiently
Boilerplate Directory	Pre-built templates	Saves time and effort

Want to dive deeper? Keep reading to explore each feature in detail and learn how they can transform your SaaS development process.

Next.js + React SaaS Boilerplate Walkthrough

1. User Login and Access Control

A strong authentication system is essential for any modern SaaS application. Identity-related threats have surged by 144%, making up 64% of all investigated security incidents. This highlights the importance of proper access control.

An effective authentication system goes beyond basic credentials. Here’s what it should include:

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

MFA combines multiple verification methods:

• Knowledge factors (e.g. passwords)
• Possession factors (e.g. security keys)
• Inherence factors (e.g. biometrics)

Using Time-based One-Time Passcodes (TOTP) is recommended over SMS-based codes for better security. However, authentication isn’t just about MFA - managing user permissions is equally critical.

Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)

Margaret Rouse from TechTarget explains the importance of RBAC:

“[It] lets employees have access rights only to the information they need to do their jobs and prevents them from accessing information that doesn’t pertain to them.” – BetterCloud

This is particularly relevant since insider threats account for 26% of reported SaaS security incidents.

Key Authentication Features

Component	Function	Security Benefit
Email Verification	Confirms user identity	Blocks unauthorised access
Password Reset	Enables account recovery	Reduces support workload
Profile Management	Allows user data control	Promotes self-service security
SSO Integration	Simplifies access	Enhances authentication process

Advanced Security Features

To keep user accounts secure, consider implementing these measures:

• Account lockout mechanisms to block brute force attacks
• Proper encryption for secure token storage
• Ongoing session monitoring
• Automated user provisioning and deprovisioning

For enterprise applications, integrating protocols like OIDC and SAML ensures compatibility with existing systems while maintaining high security standards.

The Apptension team highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach:

“SaaS Boilerplate provides a robust authentication and authorization system out of the box, allowing you to secure your SaaS application quickly. With login, signup, and password forgot screens, email verification, social authentication and 2FA, your users’ accounts are well protected.” – Apptension

2. Payment Systems and Billing

A reliable payment and billing system is a must-have for SaaS applications to ensure smooth operations and customer satisfaction.

Payment Gateway Integration

Different payment gateways come with varying fees, coverage, and features:

Gateway	Transaction Fee	Global Reach	Key Advantage
Stripe	2.9% + $0.30	135 currencies	Developer-friendly APIs
Braintree	2.59% + $0.49	130 currencies	Flexible subscription models
Paddle	5% + $0.50	25 currencies	Fraud detection, developer-friendly APIs
Lemon Squeezy	5% + $0.50	110 currencies	AI fraud detection

Rates shown are for the USA. It may vary for other countries.

Managing various subscription plans is just as crucial as choosing the right gateway.

Subscription Management Features

Here’s an example of tiered pricing for SaaS plans:

Just kidding 😬 Here’s a real example:

• Business Basic: $6/user/month
• Business Standard: $12.50/user/month
• Business Premium: $22/user/month

Automated Billing Components

Automated billing simplifies subscription management and ensures accuracy. Key features include:

• Recurring Payment Handling: Automates subscription renewals and payment processing.
• Usage-Based Billing: Supports pricing models based on customer consumption.
• Proration Calculations: Automatically adjusts charges for plan upgrades or downgrades.
• Failed Payment Recovery: Includes dunning management and retry logic to recover failed transactions.

Accurate invoicing and tax handling are essential parts of billing automation.

Tax Compliance and Invoicing

A strong billing system should handle:

• Automatic tax calculation based on customer location.
• Multi-currency support for international transactions.
• Tax-compliant receipt generation.
• Digital invoice automation for efficiency.
• VAT/GST management for global sales.

”A payment gateway collects customer card information and encrypts it for later processing. A payment processor uses that information to charge the customers’ bank or credit card provider.” – Swipesum

Security Standards

To protect transactions, these security measures are crucial:

• PCI DSS compliance.
• Data encryption during transactions.
• Fraud detection tools.
• Secure token storage for sensitive information.
• Real-time transaction monitoring.

For instance, Lemon Squeezy and Cacheflow use AI-driven fraud detection systems that analyse transactions instantly, cutting down on fraudulent activities significantly.

Integration Capabilities

To streamline operations, payment systems should integrate with:

• Multiple payment providers.
• Accounting software for financial tracking.
• CRM systems to manage customer relationships.
• Analytics platforms for performance insights.
• Tax automation tools for compliance.

3. API Tools and Documentation

Modern SaaS boilerplates rely on strong API tools and clear documentation to simplify development, maintain quality, and improve teamwork.

API Documentation Frameworks

Choosing the right documentation framework can make a big difference in how efficiently developers work. Here’s a comparison of some popular tools:

Feature	Postman	Swagger	Apidog
Interactive Testing	Yes	Yes	Yes
Documentation Generation	Basic	Advanced	Advanced
REST API Support	Yes	Yes	Yes
SOAP API Support	Yes	No	No
Team Collaboration	Limited	Limited	Advanced
Ease of Use	High	Moderate	High

Documentation Best Practices

API documentation should align with OpenAPI standards and incorporate tools like Swagger UI. These tools make it easier for developers to understand and use the APIs.

API Versioning Strategy

Using a clear API versioning approach is critical to maintaining compatibility as your APIs evolve. Here are some common strategies:

• URI Path Versioning: Example: /api/v1/users
• Query Parameter Versioning: Example: /api?version=1
• Header-Based Versioning: Example: Accept: application/vnd.api+version1
• Content Negotiation: Example: Accept: application/vnd.api+json;version=1

AI Integration Tools

Consider integrating AI-powered tools like OpenAI features, as seen in platforms like Marblism and SaaS Pegasus.

Testing and Monitoring

Automated testing, performance monitoring, version tracking, and security checks are important for keeping APIs reliable and secure.

Development Workflow Integration

Integrate API tools with version control systems, CI/CD pipelines, and collaboration platforms. This ensures automated updates for documentation and testing, keeping all components in sync with the latest versions.

4. Multi-Customer Data Management

Managing multiple customer environments is a key part of modern SaaS applications. Once strong user authentication and billing systems are in place, handling multi-tenant data effectively can boost scalability, security, and efficiency.

Database Architecture Models

Picking the right database architecture is essential for balancing performance and data isolation. Here’s a breakdown of common models:

Model	Scalability	Isolation Level	Best For
Database per Tenant	High (e.g. Azure SQL Database supports over 100,000 databases)	High	Enterprise-level SaaS with custom needs
Schema per Tenant	Moderate	Medium	Apps needing shared analytics
Shared Tables	Very High	Basic	Cost-sensitive or small-scale deployments

Your choice of architecture should align with your scalability and isolation goals. Pair this with tenant isolation strategies for improved control.

Tenant Isolation Strategies

Tenant isolation is a mix of technical safeguards and smart architecture choices. The strategy you choose should meet your business needs and compliance requirements.

Data Access Control

Use tools like token-based authentication (e.g. JWT), granular IAM policies, and row-level security to enforce strict tenant isolation.

Resource Sharing Models

• Silo Model: Offers dedicated infrastructure for tenants, ensuring maximum isolation. While this is great for compliance-heavy industries, it comes with higher costs.
• Pool Model: Shares infrastructure across tenants, maintaining logical separation via policies. For example, AWS Security Token Service can issue temporary credentials that limit DynamoDB access to tenant-specific data.
• Bridge Model: Blends silo and pool approaches, providing flexibility in resource allocation while maintaining strong security boundaries.

Customization Management

Enable tenant-specific configurations by incorporating application-level encryption, attribute-based access control (ABAC), and identity providers like Amazon Cognito or Auth0.

Performance Optimization

Boost performance through techniques like database sharding, elastic pool usage, and monitoring tenant-specific usage patterns.

Security Considerations

Secure multi-tenant systems with measures such as data-in-use encryption, decentralized authorization mechanisms, and regular security audits.

Once multi-customer data management is streamlined, the next step is to focus on implementing rigorous security standards.

5. Security Standards and Rules

Modern SaaS boilerplates need strong security measures to protect sensitive data and meet compliance requirements. Below are key components every boilerplate should include:

Encryption Implementation

Encryption is crucial for securing data both at rest and in transit:

Security Layer	Implementation	Purpose
Data at Rest	AES-256 encryption	Safeguards stored user and application data
Data in Transit	HTTPS (SSL/TLS)	Secures communications between client and server
Key Management	Regular rotation and secure storage	Ensures encryption remains effective

These encryption practices are the backbone of security and compliance measures.

Regulatory Compliance Features

With GDPR fines reaching up to 4% of global turnover or €20 million, boilerplates must include tools to help meet these standards.

Key features include:

• Data Privacy Controls: Tools for managing user consent, handling data access requests, and enforcing retention policies in line with data minimisation principles.
• Breach Detection and Reporting: Automated systems to identify and report security incidents within the 72-hour notification window required by GDPR.

Authentication and Access Security

The 2022 Shields Health Care Group breach exposed 2 million patient records due to compromised credentials. To prevent such incidents, implement strong authentication protocols, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) and role-based access control (RBAC).

Vulnerability Prevention

Protect your system from common threats with these measures:

• Input Validation: Prevent SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks through robust sanitisation.
• Web Application Firewalls: Use real-time systems to detect and block threats.
• Content Security Policies: Enforce strict rules on script execution.
• Regular Security Audits: Conduct routine vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to find and fix risks.

Key Management System

Effective encryption relies on secure key management. As TheDevStarter explains:

“We use industry-standard encryption methods to protect all user data stored in the cloud. With end-to-end encryption, the data becomes useless to anyone who cannot decrypt it, making it less attractive to threat actors.” – Anubhav Gupta

Protect data by regularly rotating keys and storing them securely.

Compliance Monitoring Tools

Peter Wood, CTO at Spectrum Search, highlights the importance of understanding data flows:

“It’s vital to have a clear understanding of what data is being stored and processed on these platforms… Companies must map out data flows to identify where personal data resides and how it’s being used. This process is crucial for maintaining transparency and control over data.” – Metomic

Incorporate data mapping and monitoring tools to keep track of data flows and maintain compliance.

6. Data Tracking and Reports

Modern SaaS boilerplates need to include analytics tools that monitor user behavior, track important metrics, and provide insights through customised dashboards. While strong security ensures safe operations, integrated analytics drive ongoing improvements.

Key Metrics to Track

A good tracking system should focus on four main metric categories:

Metric Type	Key Indicators	Purpose
User Engagement	Session duration, click-through rates	Understand how users interact with your product
Customer Satisfaction	NPS score, feedback responses	Gauge user happiness and loyalty
Feature Adoption	Time to first value, activation rate	Measure onboarding success and feature usage
Business Performance	Conversion rates, churn metrics	Assess revenue growth and retention

Real-Time Analytics in Action

Analytics should cover both client and server-side data. For example, in March 2023, Mailchimp’s client Spotify reduced its email bounce rate from 12.3% to 2.1% using a new Email Verification API. This change improved deliverability by 34% and added $2.3M in revenue.

Must-Have Dashboard Features

SaaS boilerplates should include dashboards with the following features:

• Self-serve Options: Let users customise their metrics and KPIs.
• Data Visualization Tools: Provide charts, graphs, and interactive elements.
• Mobile Optimization: Ensure dashboards work seamlessly across devices.
• Drill-down Capabilities: Allow users to dive into detailed data segments.

Behavioral Analytics in Practice

Behavioural analytics can be transformative. For instance, Under Armour revamped its race training plans using behavioural data, tripling usage among paid users and boosting conversions.

Tools for Performance Monitoring

Maxio’s DSO dashboard is a great example of how finance teams can track key metrics and make informed decisions.

Beyond monitoring, detailed data analysis turns raw numbers into actionable strategies.

Features for Data Analysis

Analyzing user behavior can yield impressive results. Super.com increased retention by 90%, while TicketSwap boosted revenue by 10% by addressing unsold inventory issues.

Security and Compliance in Analytics

To keep data reliable and compliant, analytics tools should include:

• Data anonymization options
• Consent management systems
• Adherence to privacy regulations
• Secure methods for data storage and transmission

Embedding analytics within a secure framework ensures that performance data remains trustworthy and protected.

7. Growth and Speed Features

Modern SaaS boilerplates need to support increased usage while ensuring a smooth user experience. Here’s how they achieve this:

Caching Mechanisms

Caching plays a key role in speeding up applications. ASP.NET Boilerplate, for instance, uses an abstraction layer through its ICacheManager interface, making it easy to switch between caching solutions.

Caching Type	Primary Use Case	Key Benefits
In-Memory	Single-server deployments	Fastest response times
Distributed (Redis)	Multi-server environments	Consistent data across servers
Entity Caching	Frequent database queries	Reduced database load

In addition to caching, handling traffic efficiently is vital.

Load Balancing Architecture

With SaaS workloads expected to make up 75% of enterprise traffic by 2025, load balancing is essential. Cloud-based load balancers distribute traffic across servers, offering scalable solutions that handle sudden spikes in demand.

Next, let’s talk about database performance.

Database Optimization Tools

Scalable applications rely on efficient databases. Modern boilerplates should include tools for monitoring query performance, managing indexes, and allocating resources based on usage patterns.

”With automated database optimisation, you can monitor performance issues, get alerts based on automated wait time analysis, and use machine learning to help automate troubleshooting. Automating your database optimisation techniques ultimately allows you to proactively tune inefficient queries and identify trends that will let your database run smoothly.” – SolarWinds

Performance Monitoring Integration

Boilerplates should also include performance monitoring tools that impose minimal server load (less than 1%). These tools should cover:

• Real-time metric tracking
• Automated anomaly detection
• Resource usage analysis
• Predictive scaling alerts

Auto-Scaling Configuration

With half of enterprises spending over $1.2 million annually on cloud services, auto-scaling is a must. Boilerplates should come with pre-set auto-scaling rules to:

• Adjust resources as demand changes
• Optimize costs
• Maintain performance during traffic surges
• Avoid over-provisioning resources

These features ensure SaaS applications can grow efficiently while keeping costs under control. Together with earlier security and scalability measures, they provide a solid framework for modern SaaS development.

8. Best SaaS Boilerplates (saasboilerplates.dev)

Choosing the right boilerplate can make or break your SaaS development process. That’s where saasboilerplates.dev comes in. This directory features over 119 curated starters and templates, helping developers pick the best option for their needs by organizing them based on technology stack, features, and pricing.

Framework Support

The directory caters to a wide range of frameworks, offering flexibility for various development needs:

Framework Category	Popular Options	Key Features
JavaScript-based	Next.js, React, Nuxt	Server-side rendering, scalability
Python-based	Django, Flask	Robust ORM, admin interfaces
PHP-based	Laravel, Symfony	MVC architecture, strong security
Other Languages	Go, Rust, Swift	High-performance implementations

Notable Boilerplate Examples

Here are a few standout boilerplates that have earned attention for their strengths:

• NextJet: Known for its focus on scalability, clean code, and excellent developer experience.
• ShipFast: A beginner-friendly Next.js boilerplate designed for quick SaaS application development.
• Supastarter: A production-ready SaaS starter kit built with Nuxt 3.

”When it came time to start building my new SaaS, a friend pointed me to Best SaaS Boilerplates. It had absolutely everything I needed and saved me hours hunting down boilerplates on Twitter, HackerNews, and ProductHunt.”

• Lesley Sim, Founder, Newsletter Glue

Search and Selection Features

The directory’s advanced search tools make it easy to find the perfect boilerplate. You can filter by technical specs, compare features, evaluate pricing, and even check out creator credentials. These tools simplify the process of matching a boilerplate to your project’s goals.

”One feature that particularly impressed me was the search functionality. It’s lightning-fast and incredibly comprehensive, searching through all aspects of each boilerplate including descriptions, features, and creator information. The kind of search that actually helps you find what you’re looking for!”

• Thomas Sanlis, Founder, Uneed

Implementation Considerations

When selecting a boilerplate, focus on those that align with your team’s expertise and include essential features like authentication and billing. Easy customization is another key factor.

The directory is frequently updated with new options and provides detailed documentation for each boilerplate, giving you all the information needed to make the right choice for your SaaS project.

Conclusion

SaaS development is changing fast, with global SaaS spending expected to hit $300 billion by 2025. Modern boilerplates play a big role in this shift, offering features like strong authentication, efficient billing systems, and versatile API tools. These tools not only simplify development but also give businesses a competitive edge.

How Boilerplates Improve Efficiency

Modern SaaS boilerplates bring measurable improvements to development:

Metric	Improvement	Source
Time-to-Market	35% faster launch	GeniePy
Critical Bug Reduction	40% fewer in the first year	GeniePy
Setup Time Saved	2–6 weeks on average	GeniePy
Project Completion	3–4 weeks quicker	UseSaaSKit

Trends Shaping Boilerplate Development

SaaS development is being reshaped by trends like AI integration and low-code platforms. In fact, over 70% of new apps are expected to use low-code or no-code solutions by 2025. These trends are redefining how boilerplates handle data and user interactions.

Security is also a top priority. With the average cost of a data breach in the U.S. reaching $9.36 million, modern boilerplates must address these risks with advanced security features.

Practical Strategies for Implementation

To take full advantage of these tools and trends, developers must focus on three key strategies:

1. Strategic Planning
   SaaS implementation often faces resistance from teams. As Fawaz Naser, CEO of Softlist.io, points out:

   “The path to successful SaaS implementation isn’t all smooth. The resistance to change among team members poses a significant challenge. The best way to overcome this is to implement comprehensive training programmes and conduct regular sessions to educate the team on the benefits of the new system.” – Storylane

2. Flexible Feature Integration
   With 60% of SaaS companies now adopting usage-based pricing models, it’s paramount to include adaptable billing systems and customisable user management options in your boilerplate.

3. Scalability for Growth
   The rise of micro SaaS and remote work - 27% of employees now work remotely - makes scalability essential. Boilerplates should be designed to handle both current needs and future growth opportunities.

Modern SaaS boilerplates are evolving quickly, incorporating AI and prioritizing security. By using these eight key features, developers can cut development time while meeting today’s market needs and preparing for tomorrow’s challenges.

Recommended SaaS Boilerplates

On top of the ones mentioned above, here are some other SaaS boilerplates with a solid track record that include all the must-have features we’ve discussed: