Gravity vs Bedrock: Two $299 Next.js Boilerplates Compared
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Gravity vs Bedrock: Two $299 Next.js Boilerplates Compared

Comparing Gravity and Bedrock - both $299 Next.js boilerplates with different architectural approaches. We examine Node.js backend vs GraphQL and help you decide.

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Gravity vs Bedrock: Two $299 Next.js Boilerplates Compared

At the same $299 price point, Gravity and Bedrock offer premium Next.js foundations with notably different architectures. Gravity uses a traditional Node.js backend; Bedrock bets on GraphQL.

Let's see which approach fits your project.


Quick Comparison#

AspectGravityBedrock
Price$299$299
CreatorUsaGravity teamMax Stoiber (styled-components)
BackendNode.js REST APIGraphQL API
DatabaseMySQL, Postgres, MongoDB, MariaDBPrisma (PostgreSQL)
AuthMulti-providerMagic links
MobileReact Native apps includedWeb only
UI Components50+ componentsCurated components
Multi-tenancyFull organization supportTeam management

Architectural Philosophy#

Pros

Gravity — Traditional full-stack architecture with Node.js backend, REST API, and flexibility in database choice. Includes React Native for mobile apps.

Cons

Bedrock — Modern GraphQL-first architecture created by Max Stoiber. Opinionated setup with Prisma and a focus on developer experience and best practices.


Key Differences#

API Architecture#

Gravity (REST)

Gravity REST API
Traditional REST endpoints
Familiar patterns for most developers
Simple to extend and modify
Wide tooling compatibility

Bedrock (GraphQL)

Bedrock GraphQL
Single endpoint, flexible queries
Type-safe API layer
Client-specified data fetching
Introspection and tooling
Info

If you've never used GraphQL, there's a learning curve. But once you're comfortable, it offers powerful flexibility for complex data requirements. REST is simpler to start with and more universally understood.

Database Flexibility#

DatabaseGravityBedrock
PostgreSQL✓ (via Prisma)
MySQL
MongoDB
MariaDB
Database Lock-in

Bedrock uses Prisma with PostgreSQL. Gravity offers much more database flexibility if you have existing infrastructure or specific requirements.

Mobile Support#

Gravity includes React Native boilerplate for iOS and Android apps—a significant bonus if you're planning a mobile companion to your web SaaS.

Bedrock is web-only.

Tip

If mobile apps are in your roadmap, Gravity's React Native inclusion could save significant development time and justify the price on its own.

Creator Credibility#

Bedrock is created by Max Stoiber, known for:

  • Creating styled-components
  • Co-creating react-boilerplate
  • Significant open-source contributions

This pedigree means Bedrock embodies current best practices and well-thought-out architecture.

Gravity comes from a team focused on SaaS boilerplates, with experience across the Node.js ecosystem.


Feature Comparison#

Gravity Features#

Gravity Includes
15,000+ lines of production code
50+ UI components
Multi-tenant organization support
Admin dashboard
Transactional email templates
React Native mobile apps
Multiple database support

Bedrock Features#

Bedrock Includes
GraphQL API with Prisma
Magic link authentication
Team management
Stripe subscription billing
Best practices baked in
TypeScript throughout

Who Should Choose What#

Choose Gravity If:#

Gravity is ideal when...
You prefer traditional REST APIs
Mobile apps are in your roadmap
You need database flexibility (MySQL, MongoDB, etc.)
You want more UI components out of the box
Your team is more comfortable with REST patterns
Multi-tenant organizations are core to your product

Choose Bedrock If:#

Bedrock is ideal when...
You want or prefer GraphQL
You trust Max Stoiber's architectural decisions
You're building a web-only product
PostgreSQL is your database choice
You value opinionated best practices
Type safety throughout the stack matters

The Verdict#

Our Recommendation

Choose Gravity if you want maximum flexibility (databases, mobile apps) and prefer familiar REST patterns. It's the more versatile option.

Choose Bedrock if you're committed to GraphQL and want architecture designed by one of the React community's most respected developers. It's the more opinionated but potentially more elegant option.

Both are excellent at the $299 price point. The choice is primarily architectural: REST vs GraphQL, flexibility vs opinionation.


Still Deciding?#

See how these compare to other premium options in our Best Next.js SaaS Boilerplates guide, or take our quiz for a personalized recommendation.

#nextjs#gravity#bedrock#comparison#graphql#saas-boilerplate

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Gravity vs Bedrock: Two $299 Next.js Boilerplates Compared | MyStarterStack