Picking a tech stack for your SaaS can feel like walking into a buffet with 100 dishes — everything looks good, but choosing feels impossible.
Should you go Next.js or React?
MongoDB or PostgreSQL?
Supabase or Firebase?
And what if you pick wrong?
Relax — this isn’t marriage. It’s more like dating your tools. You can switch later, but the goal is to start with a stack that helps you move fast now.
Let’s break it down the simple way.
1. Start With What You Know
If your current skills were a toolbox, what’s already inside?
If you’re comfortable with JavaScript, stick with a JavaScript-based stack — like Next.js + Node + MongoDB.
Learning a new language while building a startup is like learning to swim during a storm — possible, but unnecessarily hard.
Focus on getting your idea live first. You can always optimize later.
2. Pick Tools That Play Well Together
Some tools are like bandmates who naturally harmonize; others are solo artists who refuse to collaborate.
For example:
- Next.js + MongoDB + Stripe work seamlessly for most SaaS setups.
- Supabase pairs beautifully with Next.js for simpler apps with built-in auth and database.
If the documentation feels clear and the setup feels smooth, that’s usually a good sign you’re making the right choice.
3. Use a Starter Kit (Skip Setup Hell)
You don’t need to build everything from scratch.
Starter kits like SassyPack already handle authentication, payments, and routing — so you can start building your product, not your plumbing.
Think of it like buying furniture that’s already assembled instead of spending hours with a screwdriver and YouTube tutorials.
4. Think About Scaling — But Not Too Much
Early on, worrying about “what if we hit 10,000 users?” is like buying a truck before you even have a driver’s license.
Focus on reaching 10 users first.
Once your product works and people love it, then you can upgrade your stack.
5. Follow the Golden Rule: Simplicity Wins
If it takes three blog posts to explain your setup, it’s too complicated.
Simple stacks are easier to debug, deploy, and hand off to others.
A clean, boring stack that ships is always better than a fancy stack that never launches.
Quick Starter Stack Examples
Here are a few solid combos depending on your background:
| Experience | Recommended Stack | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner | Next.js + MongoDB + Stripe | Simple, fast, great docs |
| Intermediate | Next.js + Prisma + PostgreSQL | Type-safe, scalable |
| Advanced | Next.js + Supabase | Full-stack power with less setup |
Final Thoughts
Choosing your stack isn’t about perfection — it’s about progress.
It’s better to build something small and working than plan something big and unfinished.
Pick the tools that let you move fast, learn, and iterate.
Because the truth is, your tech stack doesn’t make your SaaS successful — your persistence does.
Your turn:
What stack are you using for your SaaS? Or what’s one tool you wish you discovered earlier? Share it below — someone’s about to learn from your experience.
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