I want to explore web and mobile apps for fun, not to build a résumé. I've used Vue, Laravel, Spring, React and Node before, but haven't kept up lately. What's worth trying now, and is React plus Node still a sensible choice?
What fullstack setup would you pick for a hobby project in 2026?
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572cogs_in_a_crate
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Give SvelteKit a look. It covers the frontend and server side in one framework, and the syntax is pretty approachable. It feels like a nice way to try something different without assembling a huge stack first.
If the app needs live updates, Convex is one option to explore alongside it. Tailwind and DaisyUI can handle styling, though plain CSS is fine too.
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React and TypeScript are still a reasonable choice. For a straightforward client-side app, I'd start with React and Vite, then add a router or a data-fetching library when the app actually needs one.
TanStack Start is worth a look if you want to try a newer fullstack React framework. Next.js is another option if you need server rendering. There's no need to install a router, query library and state manager on day one just because they're popular.
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If you want a more complete app setup, try Next.js, TypeScript, PostgreSQL and an ORM such as Prisma or Drizzle. Better Auth or Clerk are options for authentication, and Vercel is one possible deployment target.
That's a decent starting point for a SaaS-style web app, but pick the database and auth pieces based on what you're building rather than treating the whole combination as mandatory.
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Since you already know Laravel, AdonisJS could be a fun detour. It brings a Laravel-like approach to the TypeScript and Node world, so you get something familiar while learning a different ecosystem.
Vornibble:
Nuxt with Vue and Nuxt UI is another familiar route if you'd rather build on your Vue background.
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For something less conventional, there's a Rust-heavy route: Rust on the server and a WebAssembly frontend using Bevy. That might be especially interesting coming from game development, though it's a very different choice from a conventional web stack.
For a mostly static site rather than an interactive app, Astro with TypeScript is another option. Neither of those choices answers the mobile part by itself, so decide whether mobile means a responsive website or a separate app before committing.
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subtitles_for_squirrels:
Tailwind is still around too, if you liked that way of styling. It's optional, not a requirement for any of these setups.