Which Technology Stack is the Best Choice for Your SaaS App
It is estimated that by 2026, 99% of all enterprise IT apps will be following a SaaS business model. Companies desiring to break into this market have to choose the best tech stack for their SaaS projects wisely, since such a decision can impact everything, from development times to user experience and maintenance over time.
We know very well that picking the proper SaaS technology stack might be overwhelming, especially in a case you’re not familiar with the specifics of various technologies. That is where we would step in. Being a SaaS development agency, Brights has experience working with diverse SaaS platforms, custom booking apps to specialized financial tools. Thanks to these projects, we know firsthand what works and what does not in selecting the right tech tools.
In this article, we’ll explain the steps to choosing the best SaaS tech stack for a project. So, without further ado, let’s get started.
Key takeaways
The choice of a technology stack impacts how well your application will meet business goals, how fast it will go to market, and how easy it will be to maintain and scale in the future.
Our experts at Brights believe decisions on the technology stack should be made towards the end of the discovery and business analysis stages. By that time, you will have a clear vision of the product requirements, including a set of features to be added.
Among the common technologies on the front-end side of SaaS products are React, Angular, Vue.js, JavaScript, and TypeScript, while for the back-end, you can explore Node.js, Nest.js, ASP.NET Core, PHP, Laravel, and C#.
The most common solutions for database management include PostgreSQL, Microsoft SQL Server (MSSQL), MongoDB, Snowflake, MySQL, Redis, and Elasticsearch.
As for the infrastructure tech stack, the most popular technologies used by SaaS businesses are AWS, GCP, Microsoft Azure, and Heroku.
What is tech stack, and why is it important
To develop a SaaS product, you need to create a strategy, a huge part of which is the SaaS tech stack. Basically, it is the combination of programming languages and frameworks, as well as libraries and tools used to build and maintain software.
Source: Precedence Research
The projected size of the SaaS market by 2034 is around $1,251.35 billion. In such a fiercely competitive market, only a highly performing SaaS application will help you sail through, and picking the right tools is an essential step in achieving that. Among the major strategic decisions that you make at the very outset of the development journey is choosing a technology stack. It impacts how well the application will serve business goals, how fast it will go to market, and finally, how easy it will be to maintain. The ideal tech stack in SaaS development should be tailored to specific project needs, be it the optimization of UI, managing complex data processes, or scaling smoothly when the customer base expands.
Each element of the technology stack for SaaS contributes to how an application will do its job and ensures its long-term success. An example could be programming languages and frameworks, which affect the speed and responsiveness of development. Database management systems influence how effectively an application can store and retrieve data. Not considering these factors could lead to inefficient workflows, increased development costs, or inability to scale properly.
Ultimately, choosing the right tech stack will ensure that your SaaS app is not only functional but also future-proof, capable of meeting evolving demands without unnecessary friction or costly overhauls.
How tech stack affects SaaS development cost
“The thing with picking the tech stack for SaaS is that you have to be sure how well it will serve you in the future. A well-matched stack can speed up the development process, reduce maintenance overhead, and prepare your product for scaling, saving you significant costs in the long run. And vice versa, the wrong choice of tech stack can lead to unexpected roadblocks, costly rewrites, or compatibility issues, which can potentially drain both your budget and timeline. I suggest thinking of it as an investment in your product’s foundation. Trust me, it will pay off by keeping future expenses predictable and manageable.”
— Bohdan K., business analyst at Brights
An app's performance and technical characteristics aren't always the main factors influencing SaaS development choices. Business owners can focus more on optimizing finances and therefore opt for solutions that can help them save more funds. So, let's discuss how tech stack can potentially affect the cost of software development.
The best technology stack for SaaS should align with the specific goals and requirements of your project. In this case, popular solutions are often a good choice, even if they seem to be more pricey. When you opt for widely adopted and tested programming languages, this can lead to quicker development, fewer bugs, and quite an extensive amount of knowledgeable developers to help you. Basically, paying more for trusted solutions can help you minimize unexpected issues and, therefore, save costs that could be spent on fixing them.
Here's what else can affect the cost depending on the technology stack for SaaS development:
Technology licensing fees: Some programming languages, frameworks, and tools require subscriptions or licenses for using them. For example, .NET-based solutions may incur licensing fees, while open-source technologies like Node.js typically do not.
Development time: Technologies that have rich libraries, pre-built components, or intuitive syntax can cut down development time greatly. Using a framework such as Laravel for back-end development or React for front-end development will speed up SaaS development compared to building everything from scratch, thus directly impacting hourly development costs.
Ease of integration: Software development technologies that are inherently compatible with existing systems or tools minimize the effort required for integration. For example, using AWS services alongside Node.js can reduce configuration complexities, while opting for more niche technologies may require custom integration efforts.
Infrastructure and hosting costs: Most of the time, infrastructure needs are dictated by the tech stack, and these can greatly differ in price. For example, hosting on AWS with its auto-scaling features might suit growing SaaS apps but comes at a higher cost compared to simpler hosting solutions. Meanwhile, choosing lightweight frameworks could reduce server demands and save costs.
Being aware of these considerations will help you make financially sound decisions and avoid unexpected expenses in your SaaS development process.
SaaS tech stack components
Before we get down to the actual components of the SaaS stacks of technology, here is what one of Brights’ experts says about addressing the concerns related to choosing the right tech tools:
“Whenever our clients voice concerns regarding the tech stack, we recommend doing three things.
Firstly, choose the tech stack only after the discovery phase or product business analysis, when all the requirements are clearly defined. Why? Well, for instance, during this process, you might determine the need for new, unexpected features, which will influence the tech stack demands.
Secondly, always go for a scalable tech stack. Don’t go for WordPress just because it’s simpler or cheaper. Once you need to scale or make significant updates, you will have to migrate. It’s better to prepare for the future now and pick a reliable solution that will serve you for years to come.
Last but not least, consider your scalability plans from the start. Even if we’re starting with a simple landing page, we need to keep in mind that the product has ambitions to grow into a full-scale website with an admin panel, access permissions, and other complex functionality.”
— Irene Trotska, Head of Sales at Brights
The SaaS tech stack has two main components — front-end and back-end. However, there's more than just that. To ensure the success of your SaaS development, you need to pay attention to other essential components of the stack — tools and technologies used for database management and infrastructure.
Now, let's further explore these components of the SaaS technology stack.
Front-end technologies
The front-end is basically what users see when they interact with your app. Choosing the optimal SaaS tech stack for the front-end ensures that your target audience gets a great first impression. The interface has to work well, be pleasant to the eye, and efficiently convey the key benefits and values of your product or service.
Key components of the front-end SaaS technology stack are:
React: It's basically a UI library created and supported by developers from many various industries and companies, Meta included. React is a great option for software development that requires utilizing complex front-end logics — for instance, a rich app interface and lots of reusable components.
Angular: Unlike React, Angular is a framework backed by Google and is another popular front-end option for building a Software as a Service app. It requires longer development but is an amazing option for applications that are either large and complex or require significant scalability.
Vue.js: This is also a UI library, but the one that's a bit easier to maintain than React and simpler to grasp than both React and Angular. It is known for its performance and efficiency, especially in terms of size and speed. Due to its benefits, such as fast rendering and low latency that directly impact the user experience, Vue.js is one of the most popular choices for SaaS applications.
JavaScript: Many SaaS platforms are built as Single Page Applications (SPAs). As a programming language, JavaScript, on the other hand, dynamically updates the current page instead of uploading a new one from the server. That’s why it is a great solution for apps that feature animation, multimedia, or other types of dynamic content.
TypeScript: This is a more advanced version of JavaScript that helps catch errors in your code before you even run it. Due to this, TypeScript is a suitable solution for complex apps and projects that involve lots of code.
Back-end technologies
The back-end is not visible to users' eyes, but it is responsible for all the important work behind the scenes. It ensures that your app is functional and performs well.
Talking about the back-end SaaS tech stack, the key technologies are:
Node.js is a great choice for SaaS apps that require real-time interactions — for instance, messaging apps, collaboration tools, or streaming platforms. Due to its event-driven architecture and non-blocking I/O, it can handle multiple simultaneous connections efficiently.
Nest.js is built on top of Node.js and allows you to build complex and scalable SaaS applications, especially those with large codebases. If your project prioritizes modularity, maintainability, and code organization, Nest.js can be a technology of choice for your needs.
ASP.NET Core helps build SaaS solutions that are quite demanding in terms of performance, security, and interoperability with Microsoft technologies. It is a popular choice for CRM systems or business intelligence tools.
PHP can be used to create a wide range of SaaS apps, especially those that target small and medium-sized businesses or SaaS startups. This technology is often used to create CMS, e-commerce platforms, or customer support portals.
Laravel is a technology that fits diverse SaaS solutions, from simple web apps to more complex business tools. It is suitable for quick and productive development.
C# can be your language of choice if you want to create scalable Software as a Service solutions, especially those targeting large enterprises or industries with strict regulatory requirements.
If security is one of the top concerns for your SaaS project, be sure to check out our article on essential SaaS security best practices.
Database management
The database is like the quiet hero that does a lot of work behind the curtain. Managing a database requires storing, getting, keeping safe, and organizing data in a SaaS app. This helps ensure that an app performs, scales well, and is reliable overall.
There is no best database management tech stack for SaaS that would fit all companies equally. The final choice often depends on many factors, such as scalability and performance requirements, data complexity, and other specific needs of a certain app. However, the most common options are PostgreSQL, Microsoft SQL Server (MSSQL), MongoDB, Snowflake, MySQL, Redis, and Elasticsearch.
Infrastructure
The infrastructure of your app is its foundation, which defines how the other aspects will work. It is especially important when you're building an application with multi-tenant architecture (though it’s also useful in any other case). That's why there is no complete SaaS tech stack without infrastructure solutions.
These are the key infrastructure solutions for the tech stack for SaaS:
AWS: This infrastructure can offer a variety of services, from storage to advanced analytical tools. Besides that, AWS is known for its robust security and scalability, as well as auto-scaling capabilities. That’s why it’s one of the best options for SaaS businesses with extensive scalability and security requirements.
GCP: It offers all that AWS can provide, but also has the benefit of seamless integration with Google Suite. Due to that, GCP is a great choice for SaaS businesses that extensively rely on Google services or need advanced analytics, data processing, and AI-driven features.
Microsoft Azure: This infrastructure is preferred by those who often use Microsoft's software. Microsoft Azure can offer an extensive list of cloud services with a strong focus on enterprises. Because of that, it fits SaaS apps targeting corporate clients or industries that mostly rely on Microsoft technologies, such as finance, healthcare, or manufacturing businesses.
Heroku: This smart cloud platform can help companies quickly modernize their existing apps and build efficient new ones that immediately start generating value. That’s why it’s a great option for startups and small to medium-sized SaaS businesses that want to save costs and create solutions that are simple to develop and manage.
For your convenience, we’ve summed up all the key considerations in the table below:
| Category | Technologies | Pros and cons | Development challenges | Core considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Front-end | React | Pros: Reusable components, complex UI logic, strong community support Cons: Steeper learning curve for beginners | Requires managing state effectively, especially in complex applications | Best for complex, dynamic interfaces needing reusable components |
| Angular | Pros: Robust framework, ideal for large-scale and scalable apps Cons: Longer development time, less flexible | High initial setup complexity, can be overkill for simpler applications | Great for enterprise-grade apps requiring scalability | |
| Vue.js | Pros: Lightweight, fast rendering, beginner-friendly Cons: Smaller community compared to React and Angular | Limited resources for larger-scale apps | Best for apps requiring performance and quick development | |
| JavaScript | Pros: Dynamic content updates, essential for SPAs Cons: Potential runtime errors | Requires careful debugging for dynamic and interactive elements | Ideal for apps with rich animations or dynamic content | |
| TypeScript | Pros: Strong type-checking, reduces runtime errors Cons: Higher learning curve compared to JavaScript | Adds complexity to simpler projects | Suitable for large projects with complex requirements | |
| Back-end | Node.js | Pros: Real-time interactions, event-driven architecture Cons: Single-threaded, potential for callback hell | Requires careful design for managing multiple concurrent connections | Best for real-time apps like messaging or collaboration tools |
| Nest.js | Pros: Modular and maintainable structure, built on Node.js Cons: Requires familiarity with TypeScript | Demands rigorous adherence to modular design | Best for large-scale, well-organized SaaS apps | |
| ASP.NET Core | Pros: High performance, excellent security, integrates well with Microsoft tools Cons: Windows-centric, higher development costs | Complex to implement in cross-platform scenarios | Best for SaaS targeting corporate clients needing security and performance | |
| PHP | Pros: Versatile, cost-effective, great for small to medium-sized apps Cons: Lacks modern features of newer languages | Can result in less maintainable code if not structured well | Best for startups or simpler SaaS solutions like CMS or customer portals | |
| Laravel | Pros: Quick development, rich ecosystem for diverse solutions Cons: Performance may lag for large-scale applications | Requires skilled developers to leverage its full potential | Ideal for apps needing fast development cycles | |
| C# | Pros: Great scalability, strong enterprise support Cons: Windows-centric, requires skilled developers | Higher barrier to entry for cross-platform use | Best for SaaS targeting large enterprises or regulated industries | |
| Database management | PostgreSQL | Pros: High performance, supports complex queries Cons: Complex configuration and management | Steeper learning curve for advanced use cases | Best for apps needing complex relational database capabilities |
| MongoDB | Pros: Flexible schema, great for handling unstructured data Cons: Limited for complex relational operations | Requires thoughtful data modeling for large-scale operations | Best for apps handling large volumes of unstructured or semi-structured data | |
| MySQL | Pros: Reliable, widely used, strong community support Cons: Limited scalability for high-demand apps | Can become a bottleneck for large-scale SaaS | Best for simple relational databases | |
| Redis | Pros: In-memory data store, extremely fast Cons: Limited for complex queries | Requires a hybrid approach for persistence and analytics | Best for caching and real-time apps requiring speed | |
| Snowflake | Pros: Optimized for cloud data warehousing Cons: Expensive compared to traditional databases | Steep learning curve for some developers | Best for SaaS apps with heavy data processing and analytics requirements | |
| Infrastructure | AWS | Pros: Highly scalable, secure, wide range of services Cons: Can be cost-prohibitive without careful management | Complex pricing structure | Best for SaaS with high scalability and security demands |
| GCP | Pros: Seamless integration with Google services, advanced analytics tools Cons: Limited geographic data centers compared to AWS | Requires expertise for optimal use of AI/ML capabilities | Best for SaaS leveraging Google services or advanced analytics | |
| Microsoft Azure | Pros: Excellent for Microsoft-centric enterprises Cons: Less user-friendly for non-Microsoft ecosystems | Complex configuration for non-Microsoft integrations | Best for SaaS targeting enterprise clients reliant on Microsoft technologies | |
| Heroku | Pros: Developer-friendly, quick deployment, cost-effective for smaller apps Cons: Limited scalability for enterprise-scale projects | Restrictive pricing as apps grow | Best for startups or small businesses focusing on quick and simple app development |
Real-life examples: Tech stacks of successful SaaS products
Learning from the experience of other companies can help you make better, more informed choices. So, let’s explore the tech stack of some successful SaaS products.
Signal Intent's tech stack
Developed by Brights, Signal Intent platform allows users to create online calculators that are easy to customize and configure. Users can change their interface and constants for calculation formulas, create widgets, monitor views and clicks, and more.
Signal Intent, a SaaS platform developed by Brights
The tech stack for Signal Intent was chosen to make the platform fast, flexible, and user-friendly. Vue.js and ES6 power the front end, enabling a dynamic and responsive interface where users can preview and customize their calculators in real time. For the back end, Node.js was selected to handle the logic and ensure seamless integration.
Data management relies on PostgreSQL, which manages the underlying complexity of user data and calculator configurations, all while scaling with growth. Hosting on AWS ensures reliability, supports features like real-time analytics, and fast integration.
Front-end: Vue.js, ES6
Back-end: Node.js
Database: PostgreSQL
Infrastructure: AWS
Together, these technologies ensure Signal Intent’s calculators are fast, customizable, and accessible to businesses of all sizes without requiring developer support.
Spotify’s tech stack
Spotify’s tech stack combines powerful back-end and efficient front-end technologies to deliver a seamless music streaming experience. The back end focuses on handling real-time data, scalability, and fault tolerance using tools like Java, Scala, Apache Kafka, and Cassandra. These technologies ensure the platform can manage high traffic and provide reliable service.
On the front-end, Spotify uses React and Redux to provide a responsive and consistent user interface. It uses Sass and Webpack for efficient styling and asset management. This combination of technologies lets Spotify handle demands with efficiency for its huge user base across the globe.
Back-end: Java and Scala, Node.js, Apache Cassandra, Redis
Front-end: React, Redux, Sass, Webpack
Infrastructure and deployment: Docker, Apache Kafka
Spotify's reliance on HTTP-based streaming protocols such as HLS and DASH underlines its commitment to reliability and accessibility, ensuring smooth playback across a wide array of devices and network conditions.
Notion’s tech stack
Notion app that helps you stay organized and work with others efficiently. It's flexible, easy to use, and suitable for a variety of things, such as making to-do lists, taking notes, and working on projects together. It has different tools like calendars, lists, and notes, all in one place. It also supports integration with services like Google Drive, GitHub, and Slack.
This was achieved with the help of the following tech stack.
Front-end: React, Redux, TypeScript, and Webpack
Back-end: Node.js, Express.js, PostgreSQL, Redis, and WebRTC
Infrastructure and deployment: AWS, Docker, and Kubernetes
Version control and collaboration: Git and GitLab
Bottom line
Choosing the right tech stack for SaaS is a decision that may shape its future, not just in terms of performance and scalability but also in how efficiently you can bring your vision to life. It's not always straightforward, especially if you're new to software development. The options can feel overwhelming, with every choice seeming to carry the weight of potential long-term consequences.
But here's the good news: you don't have to do it alone. At Brights, we've walked this path with countless clients with both vertical and horizontal SaaS products. Our role here isn't just to pick the best SaaS stack of technologies — it's to understand your needs, guide you through the options, and help you make confident, informed decisions.
FAQ.
Development time varies based on the complexity and familiarity of the tech stack. Frameworks like Laravel or Node.js with pre-built tools can speed up back-end development, while front-end libraries like React or Vue.js simplify UI creation. Choosing technologies suited to your team’s expertise can also reduce time significantly.
