I have built multiple directories in 2025, one of which is Cold Email Kit, a database of all the cold email tools available on the internet today.
In this list, I'm sharing two of the best directory boilerplates I would've used if I knew about them earlier.
Directory websites have become a massive trend among indie makers and developers over the last few years. From AI tool directories to job boards, startup lists, and SaaS marketplaces, developers are turning to pre-built frameworks known as directory boilerplates to speed up launches.
Instead of coding everything from scratch, boilerplates provide:
- A ready-made Next.js architecture
- Built-in authentication and admin panels
- Payment integrations (Stripe, sponsorships, submissions)
- SEO-friendly layouts
- AI-assisted content generation
- Analytics and integrations
The two most popular directory boilerplates in 2025 are Dirstarter and MkDirs. Both are built on Next.js, but they take very different approaches. This guide breaks down how each works, their tech stacks, their strengths, and which type of developer will benefit most.
1/ Dirstarter: A Flexible Next.js Boilerplate
Dirstarter is a Next.js v15 boilerplate aimed at developers who want customizability and scalability. Unlike “plug-and-play” solutions, it gives you a strong architecture while leaving room for custom workflows.
Tech Stack
- Next.js v15 (App Router, modern React patterns)
- TypeScript (type safety, cleaner code)
- TailwindCSS + Shadcn UI (modern styling and components)
- Stripe Integration (global payments)
- Resend (email handling)
- Amazon S3 (file storage)
Core Features
- Full authentication system with roles and admin panel
- SEO-ready blog and content pages
- AI-powered content generation and category suggestions
- Analytics dashboard for user behavior
- Caching and performance optimizations
- Integrations for storage, email, and 3rd party tools
- Lifetime updates with a one-time payment
Developer Advantages
- Clean architecture praised by the dev community
- Battle-tested stack (easy to extend for SaaS or marketplaces)
- Monetization-ready with featured listings, ads, and affiliate links
- No recurring subscription — one-time purchase for lifetime use
Limitations
- White-labeling requires removing “Built with Dirstarter” manually
- Tiered support (Discord and advanced setup only for Pro/Custom)
- More suitable if you’re comfortable editing code
Pricing
- Basic: \$149 one-time (lifetime license + updates)
- Pro: \$199 one-time (adds support + Discord access)
- Custom: From \$999 (custom domain + advanced setup)
Best For: Developers who want control, scalability, and customization. Ideal for indie hackers who are fine with tweaking code.
2/ MkDirs: An All-in-One Boilerplate
If Dirstarter is about flexibility, MkDirs is about speed. It’s often described as “the boilerplate that feels like cheating” because you can go from zero to a monetized directory in a weekend.
Tech Stack
- Next.js (latest stable build)
- Sanity CMS (content management made easy)
- Vercel AI SDK (AI content generation + OG images)
- Auth.js (secure authentication, email verification, password reset)
- TailwindCSS + Shadcn UI (UI components and modern theming)
- Stripe Integration (for submissions, sponsorships, and ads)
Core Features
- AI-assisted content generation for listings
- Sanity CMS for flexible content management
- Newsletter + blog system for community building
- Responsive, modern themes with dark mode included
- Lifetime updates + support via Discord and email
- Unlimited commercial projects with one license
Developer Advantages
- Dead-simple setup — launch in hours, not days
- Comes with 3 codebases (bonus)
- Lifetime updates with no recurring cost
- Handles submissions, affiliates, and sponsored ads out of the box
- Beginner-friendly while still dev-grade
Limitations
- Requires setting up your own Sanity + Stripe accounts
- Branding edits needed if you want 100% white-label
- Limited to the React/Next.js ecosystem
Pricing
- Lifetime license: \$99 (unlimited projects, lifetime updates)
Best For: Developers who want to ship fast. Perfect for side projects, weekend hacks, and devs who value simplicity over deep customization.
Dirstarter vs. MkDirs: How to Decide
When comparing these directory boilerplates, here’s what matters most:
-
Customization vs. Speed
- Dirstarter gives more control if you plan to scale into a complex SaaS.
- MkDirs is faster for launching a polished MVP quickly.
-
Tech Flexibility
- Dirstarter is structured for devs who want to extend functionality.
- MkDirs is tied to Sanity CMS and works best as a near turn-key solution.
-
AI Features
- Both use AI, but MkDirs also generates OG images, not just content.
-
Monetization
- Both support Stripe, ads, and affiliates.
- Dirstarter leans toward advanced monetization flows, MkDirs toward simplicity.
-
Pricing
- Dirstarter: Starts at \$149.
- MkDirs: \$99 flat, lifetime updates.
SEO Advantages of Directory Boilerplates
For developers building directories, SEO is critical. Both Dirstarter and MkDirs come with built-in SEO support, including:
- Structured metadata for listings
- Optimized page speed with caching
- Indexable clean URLs
- Mobile-first layouts
- Integrated blog systems for content marketing
This means you’re not just getting a directory that looks good — you’re getting a platform that can actually rank on Google.
Use Cases: Where Developers Are Winning with Boilerplates
- AI Tool Directories → showcase LLM-based apps and plugins
- Job Boards → niche career sites monetized with submissions
- SaaS Marketplaces → list and review software products
- Local Listings → city guides, food directories, coworking spaces
- Indie Showcases → collections of projects from makers
Developers are using these boilerplates to generate passive income, test startup ideas, and build long-term platforms.
Final Thoughts
The rise of directory boilerplates shows how far the dev ecosystem has come in 2025. Instead of spending months building login systems, payments, and SEO structures, developers can now launch in days.
- Choose Dirstarter if you want flexibility and scalability with a robust architecture.
- Choose MkDirs if you value simplicity, speed, and an all-in-one setup.
Either way, you’ll be working with a solid Next.js foundation, battle-tested features, and monetization opportunities baked in.
For developers, these boilerplates are not just time-savers — they’re a fast track to turning side projects into profitable platforms.
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