Choosing the Right Technology for Your Micro SaaS
1. Next.js
Advantages:
• SEO optimization
• Server-side rendering
• Fast development
• Great documentation
• Large ecosystem
Best for:
• Marketing-heavy apps
• Content-rich platforms
• SEO requirements
• Fast MVP launch
Cost structure:
• Hosting: $0-100/mo (Vercel)
• Development: Fast
• Maintenance: Low
2. React (CRA)
Advantages:
• Simplest setup
• Client-side focused
• Flexible hosting
• Pure SPA
Best for:
• Admin dashboards
• Simple tools
• Internal apps
• Quick prototypes
Cost structure:
• Hosting: $0-50/mo
• Development: Medium
• Maintenance: Medium
3. Vue.js
Advantages:
• Gentle learning curve
• Great documentation
• Progressive framework
• Clean syntax
Best for:
• Small-medium apps
• Quick prototypes
• Simple features
• Solo developers
Cost structure:
• Hosting: $0-50/mo
• Development: Fast
• Maintenance: Low
1. Node.js/Express
Advantages:
• JavaScript everywhere
• Huge ecosystem
• Easy hiring
• Fast development
Best for:
• Real-time features
• API services
• Quick scaling
• JSON heavy apps
Performance:
• Request/s: 10K+
• Latency: Low
• Memory: Medium
• CPU: Medium
2. Python/FastAPI
Advantages:
• Fast development
• Great for AI/ML
• Clean syntax
• Strong typing
Best for:
• Data processing
• AI integration
• Analytics
• Complex logic
Performance:
• Request/s: 8K+
• Latency: Very low
• Memory: Low
• CPU: Low
3. Go
Advantages:
• High performance
• Low resource usage
• Built-in concurrency
• Simple deployment
Best for:
• High-load systems
• Performance critical
• System tools
• Network services
Performance:
• Request/s: 30K+
• Latency: Minimal
• Memory: Low
• CPU: Low
1. PostgreSQL
Advantages:
• Reliable
• Feature-rich
• JSONB support
• Strong ecosystem
Best for:
• Complex queries
• Relational data
• ACID compliance
• Future scaling
Limitations:
• Setup complexity
• Resource usage
• Learning curve
• Hosting cost
2. MongoDB
Advantages:
• Flexible schema
• Easy scaling
• JSON native
• Quick setup
Best for:
• Rapid prototyping
• Document storage
• Flexible data
• High write loads
Limitations:
• Complex queries
• Transaction support
• Data consistency
• Storage size
3. MySQL
Advantages:
• Well-known
• Stable
• Wide support
• Easy to use
Best for:
• Simple apps
• CRUD operations
• Clear schema
• Budget hosting
Limitations:
• Feature set
• JSON handling
• Scaling complexity
• Modern features
1. Clerk
Advantages:
• Modern UI
• Easy setup
• Multi-tenant
• Good free tier
Pricing:
• Free: 5K MAU
• Growth: $25/1K MAU
• Business: Custom
Features:
• Social auth
• MFA
• User management
• Organizations
2. Auth0
Advantages:
• Enterprise ready
• Customizable
• Comprehensive
• Well documented
Pricing:
• Free: 7K users
• Growth: $23/1K MAU
• Enterprise: Custom
Features:
• SSO
• Custom flows
• Security rules
• Enterprise features
3. Supabase Auth
Advantages:
• Open source
• Database integrated
• Self-hostable
• Simple API
Pricing:
• Free: Generous
• Pro: $25/project
• Enterprise: Custom
Features:
• Social auth
• Row level security
• JWT tokens
• Basic flows
1. Stripe
Advantages:
• Market standard
• Comprehensive
• Great docs
• Strong support
Pricing:
• 2.9% + $0.30
• Custom volume rates
• No monthly fees
Features:
• Subscriptions
• Multiple currencies
• Invoicing
• Tax handling
2. Paddle
Advantages:
• Merchant of record
• Tax handling
• Global payments
• All-in-one
Pricing:
• 5-5.5% + $0.50
• Includes tax handling
• No monthly fees
Features:
• Subscriptions
• Global commerce
• Tax compliance
• Invoicing
3. Lemon Squeezy
Advantages:
• Simple setup
• Modern interface
• Quick start
• Good support
Pricing:
• 5% + $0.50
• No monthly fees
• Inclusive features
Features:
• Basic subscriptions
• Simple checkout
• Basic reporting
• Email receipts
1. Resend
Advantages:
• Modern API
• High deliverability
• Simple pricing
• React email
Pricing:
• Free: 3K/month
• Growth: $20/10K
• Pro: Custom
Features:
• Analytics
• Webhooks
• Templates
• API access
2. SendGrid
Advantages:
• Established
• Reliable
• Feature-rich
• Good support
Pricing:
• Free: 100/day
• Pro: $15/10K
• Premier: Custom
Features:
• Marketing emails
• Advanced analytics
• API access
• Template builder
3. Postmark
Advantages:
• High deliverability
• Transactional focus
• Simple API
• Good support
Pricing:
• $15/10K emails
• Volume discounts
• No free tier
Features:
• Templates
• Webhooks
• Analytics
• API access