Building an MVP? You're probably overwhelmed by choices.
Next.js? Remix? Vue? Svelte? Supabase? Firebase? Node? Python?
The wrong choice can cost you months. The right choice lets you ship in weeks.
After helping 100+ startups build MVPs, I've compiled the definitive comparison of tech stacks for 2025.
The MVP Philosophy
Before we dive into tools, remember the MVP principles:
- Speed over perfection: Ship fast, iterate based on feedback
- Simplicity over scale: You can always refactor later
- Managed over self-hosted: Let someone else handle infrastructure
- Familiar over cutting-edge: Use what your team knows
With that in mind, here are the best options.
Frontend Frameworks
1. Next.js 14/15 (Recommended)
What it is: React framework with server components, file-based routing, and built-in optimization.
Why it's great for MVPs:
- Full-stack: Frontend + API in one framework
- Vercel deployment: One-click production
- Large ecosystem: Every question already answered
- Server components: Better performance by default
- App Router: Modern React patterns
Best for: Most startups, especially those building SaaS
2. Remix
What it is: React framework focused on web standards and progressive enhancement.
Why it's great:
- Excellent data loading patterns
- Built on web standards
- Great developer experience
- Strong form handling
Best for: Teams who want more control over data loading
3. Astro
What it is: Framework optimized for content-heavy sites with "island architecture."
Why it's great:
- Ships less JavaScript
- Perfect for content sites
- Component-agnostic (works with React, Vue, Svelte)
- Excellent performance
Best for: Content-heavy MVPs, blogs, marketing sites
4. Vue/Nuxt
What it is: Vue.js with the Nuxt meta-framework.
Why it's great:
- Gentle learning curve
- Great documentation
- Single-file components
- Growing ecosystem
Best for: Teams with Vue experience, simpler applications
Frontend Comparison
Framework | Best For | Learning Curve | Ecosystem | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Next.js | SaaS, web apps | Medium | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Remix | Data-heavy apps | Medium | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Astro | Content sites | Easy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Vue/Nuxt | Simpler apps | Easy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Complete Stack Recommendations
Stack 1: Next.js + Supabase (Most Popular)
| Layer | Tool |
|---|---|
| Frontend | Next.js 14/15 |
| Backend | Next.js API Routes + Supabase |
| Database | PostgreSQL (Supabase) |
| Auth | Supabase Auth |
| Hosting | Vercel |
| Payments | Stripe |
| Analytics | PostHog |
| Resend |
Why this stack:
- Everything managed
- Generous free tiers
- Excellent developer experience
- Scales well
Cost: $0-200/month until significant revenue
Best for: Most SaaS MVPs
Stack 2: Next.js + Clerk + Custom Backend
| Layer | Tool |
|---|---|
| Frontend | Next.js 14/15 |
| Backend | Node.js + Express or tRPC |
| Database | PostgreSQL (Neon or Railway) |
| Auth | Clerk |
| Hosting | Vercel + Railway |
| Payments | Stripe |
Why this stack:
- Maximum flexibility
- Best developer experience
- Strong typing with tRPC
Cost: $50-300/month
Best for: Complex backend requirements
Stack 3: Remix + Supabase
| Layer | Tool |
|---|---|
| Frontend | Remix |
| Backend | Remix (server-side) |
| Database | PostgreSQL (Supabase) |
| Auth | Supabase Auth |
| Hosting | Vercel, Fly.io, or Railway |
| Payments | Stripe |
Why this stack:
- Excellent data loading
- Web standards approach
- Great developer experience
Cost: $0-200/month
Best for: Data-heavy applications
Stack 4: Astro + Headless CMS
| Layer | Tool |
|---|---|
| Frontend | Astro |
| CMS | Sanity, Contentful, or Strapi |
| Auth | Clerk or Supabase Auth |
| Hosting | Vercel or Netlify |
Why this stack:
- Maximum performance
- Content-focused
- Flexible content management
Cost: $0-100/month
Best for: Content-heavy MVPs
Stack 5: No-Code / Low-Code
| Layer | Tool |
|---|---|
| Frontend | Bubble, Flutterflow, or Softr |
| Backend | (built-in) |
| Auth | (built-in) |
| Hosting | (built-in) |
| Payments | Stripe integration |
Why this stack:
- Fastest to launch
- No coding required
- Good for validation
Cost: $50-300/month
Best for: Non-technical founders, quick validation
Stack Comparison Table
| Stack | Speed to Build | Flexibility | Scalability | Learning Curve | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Next.js + Supabase | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Medium | $0-200 |
| Next.js + Custom | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Medium-Hard | $50-300 |
| Remix + Supabase | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Medium | $0-200 |
| Astro + CMS | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | Easy | $0-100 |
| No-Code | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | Easy | $50-300 |
How to Choose
Choose Next.js + Supabase if:
- Building a SaaS application
- Want best balance of speed and flexibility
- OK with managed services
- Want to eventually hire developers
Choose Remix + Supabase if:
- Data-heavy application
- Want excellent developer experience
- Prefer web standards
- Need complex data relationships
Choose Astro + CMS if:
- Content-heavy application
- Maximum performance needed
- Less complex backend needs
- Marketing site + blog focus
Choose No-Code if:
- Non-technical founder
- Need fastest possible launch
- Simple requirements
- Budget for subscription costs
The Bottom Line
For most startups: Next.js + Supabase + Clerk + Vercel
For content sites: Astro + CMS
For non-technical founders: No-code (Bubble, Flutterflow)
The best stack is the one that lets you ship. Don't overthink it. Pick one and start building.
At Startupbricks, we've helped 100+ startups choose and implement their tech stacks. We know what works, what doesn't, and how to avoid costly mistakes.