Top 35 MERN Stack Project Ideas of 2025 [With Source Code]

According to the latest industry updates from Statista, the global software market is projected to reach US$902.74 billion by 2030, growing at a steady annual rate of 3.98% between 2025 and 2030. 

MERN stack development has become a go-to choice for aspiring developers, offering a unified tech stack—MongoDB, Express.js, React, and Node.js—that supports both front-end and back-end development. By building MERN stack projects, developers gain experience in designing, developing, and deploying full-fledged applications.

In this article, we’ll explore a curated list of the best MERN stack project ideas for beginners and intermediate learners. From simple web apps to more advanced full-stack solutions, these project ideas will help you apply your skills, strengthen your portfolio, and showcase your full-stack capabilities to potential employers or clients.

What is MERN Stack? 

With the MERN Stack, a JavaScript Stack, full-stack online applications can be deployed rapidly and easily. MongoDB, Express, React, and Node.js are all part of the MERN Stack. It was created to speed up and improve the development process. 

All these four powerful techniques provide an end-to-end architecture for creating MERN stack open-source projects such as online apps. 

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The MERN Stack is a popular JavaScript-based full-stack development framework that includes MongoDB, Express.js, React, and Node.js. It enables developers to build and deploy dynamic, end-to-end web applications quickly and efficiently using a single language across the stack.

As MERN stack development continues to grow in demand, many developers are choosing to become full-stack professionals. This gives them the ability to design complete applications independently, enhancing their skill set and career opportunities in a competitive tech landscape.

To effectively learn MERN stack development and prove your expertise, building real-world full-stack projects is essential. These projects not only reinforce your knowledge but also showcase your ability to solve real-life problems with modern web technologies.

Below is a comprehensive list of top MERN stack project ideas suitable for beginners and advanced developers alike:

• Travel Log App
• TO-DO List
• Media Player App
• Chat Messaging Application
• Fitness Tracker
• E-Commerce Platform
• Application for Food Delivery
• News Application
• Weather App
• Storytelling via Data Visualization
• Crowdfunding Application
• Gaming Platform
• Movie Recommendation System
• Event Management System
• Expense Tracker App
• Video Streaming App
• Blogging Platform
• Job Board Application
• Messaging App
• API-based Application
• Web-based Blog CMS
• Grocery Delivery App
• Food Delivery Service
• Logo Creation Platform
• Online Therapy & Guidance Platform
• Real-Time Reporting Tool
• Workout Planner
• Text Translation Tool
• Community Marketplace App
• All-in-One Travel Assistant
• Stock Market Portfolio App
• Real Estate Management Platform
• Habit Tracker
• Music Player with Playlist Builder
• Disaster Management System

MERN Stack Projects Ideas for Beginners  

Full-stack developers come from a variety of backgrounds and levels of expertise. You may have an extensive understanding of front-end design but are still learning about back-end development. Many platforms offer you a chance to showcase your MERN stack development skills. 

Complete and advanced MERN stack project proposals will explain the main project criteria, but it will be your responsibility to determine how to achieve them. 

You can use these MERN stack ideas to enhance your portfolio. These are the best MERN stack projects for resumes are ideal for beginner web developers who wish to establish a solid framework. Anybody with basic knowledge of the front-end and back-end should be capable of executing these tasks, but doing so effectively requires skills and expertise. Here are some ideas for beginner MERN projects.

Also Read: Top 35 Computer Science Project Ideas in 2025 With Source Code | Software Engineering Projects

1. Travel Log App 

This full-stack web service will enable users to communicate their trip experiences with a community of fellow travelers. It is a good project for beginners to understand the various functionalities of MERN. The various technical requirements for the project include MongoDB (database), Express.js, React.js, and more. 

This application will enable users to: 

• Explore the travel experiences of others 
• Contribute their expertise 
• Travelers can include several details regarding an encounter.

Related Article: Java Projects With Source Code | Mini Project Ideas for Computer Science Students

2. TO-DO List 

Creating a To-Do List is a typical MERN-stack endeavor. Set up a website where logged-in customers can add and delete tasks from a database. This project will address authentication, CRUD, databases, and more topics. The technical requirement for this project include: 

• Front-end (React.js)
• Backend (Node.js & Express.js)
• Database (MongoDB)

Read More: Top 28 React Projects for Beginners | Top 45+ Node.js Project Ideas 

3. Media Player-App  

This is one of the simplest MERN stack projects that you can do. Develop a media player application to study song shuffle, playlist functionality, media player API authentication, toolbar statistics, header, music search, footer style, etc. The technical requirement for the media player app are: 

• Frontend (React.js)
• Backend (Node.js & Express.js)
• Database (MongoDB)
• Media Player API

Check This Out: Best Web Development Project Ideas | Best JavaScript Project Ideas & Topics

4. Chat Messaging Application 

With the emergence of social networking sites that offer built-in messaging features, independent messaging apps have grown less prominent. Although not highly related to modern industry requirements, it is nevertheless a wonderful learning MERN stack application example, as it does not contain any considerable complexity.

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5. Fitness Tracker 

This is another example of a simple MERN stack project. There is little doubt that the majority of New Year’s intentions have something to do with improving one's health.  Furthermore, the COVID cycles of the last three years have resulted in individuals' famous slogan - survival of the fittest – being believed. So it’s in demand, and in terms of learning, this project will give exposure of creating something which has higher user interaction capability and thus exposure of developing a fine UI/UX. 

6. Job Board Application 

Create a job board application that allows users to search for jobs, post job listings, and apply for positions. This project involves building a user-friendly interface, managing job listings, and implementing user authentication. 

Technical Requirements: 

• Frontend: React.js for dynamic and responsive user interface. 
• Backend: Node.js and Express.js for server-side logic and API integration. 
• Database: MongoDB for storing job listings, user profiles, and applications. 

7. Blogging Platform 

Develop a blogging platform where users can create, edit, and publish blog posts. The platform should support user authentication, rich text editing, and comment sections. 

Technical Requirements: 

• Frontend: React.js for creating an intuitive and dynamic user interface. 
• Backend: Node.js and Express.js for handling server-side operations. 
• Database: MongoDB for storing blog posts, user profiles, and comments. 

Also Read : How to Create a Personal Blog? [Step by Step Guide with Examples]

8. Video Streaming App 

Create a video streaming app allowing users to upload, stream, and comment on videos. Implement features like video categorization, search functionality, and user authentication. 

Technical Requirements: 

• Frontend: React.js for a responsive and interactive video player interface. 
• Backend: Node.js and Express.js for video streaming and API services. 
• Database: MongoDB for storing video metadata and user information.

Check Out upGrad’s Software Development Courses to upskill yourself.

9. Expense Tracker App 

Build an expense tracker app to help users manage and categorize their expenses. Include features like expense logging, budget setting, and visual expense reports. 

Technical Requirements: 

• Frontend: React.js for a user-friendly and visually appealing interface. 
• Backend: Node.js and Express.js for handling data transactions and user authentication. 
• Database: MongoDB for storing expense records and user data. 

10. Movie Recommendation System 

Create a movie recommendation system that suggests movies based on user preferences and viewing history. Implement features like movie ratings, reviews, and recommendation algorithms. 

Technical Requirements: 

• Frontend: React.js for a personalized and dynamic user interface. 
• Backend: Node.js and Express.js for recommendation logic and data handling. 
• Database: MongoDB for storing movie data, user profiles, and ratings. 

Note: All GitHub source code for the projects mentioned in this tutorial is provided in the References section below. 

Advanced MERN Stack Projects Ideas 

Make sure not to reuse the same language, database or framework over and over again on all projects. We hope you will have an excellent learning opportunity in executing these projects. If you are interested to learn more and need mentorship from industry experts, check out upGrad & IIIT Banglore’s PG Diploma in Full-Stack Software Development.

It assists developers in learning something new constantly and determining how to implement it. Personal projects are not only for amusement and learning new skills; they may also be used to escape 9-to-5 work.

Furthermore, if you produce something useful with high growth potential, it could be an excellent startup concept! Therefore, it is essential to have advanced MERN stack project ideas in order to advance your professional graph. '

1. E-Commerce Platform 

An e-commerce site is one of the most prominent MERN stack project proposals for both newbie and experienced developers. This project may be for a new or existing business. 

This e-commerce system can serve multiple functions: it can purchase outdated things from people at a discount, restore them, resale them for a profit, or sell clients brand-new products. 

Furthermore, the website must display either used or new products currently available for purchase. Additionally, the e-commerce gateway should allow users to register and build profiles. This project can be presented as a perfect MERN stack website example.

Note: All GitHub source code for the projects mentioned in this tutorial is provided in the References section below. 

2. Application for Food Delivery 

This application should facilitate communication between restaurants and clients. Owners of restaurants must be capable of registering and showing their food choices and rates. Customers should be capable of registering, perusing local eateries, and booking orders from them.

Restaurants should confirm the takeaway order and assign it to a delivery rider. The customer who ordered food should be able to watch the location of the delivery rider. The software's shopping cart and transaction pages must be unique. 

3. News Application 

While users’ desire for access to the most recent news is increasing with the growth of digitalization, this application will be useful. The software will make it easy for users to publish their news or articles within the app itself. Additionally, users can add images to their articles to make them more visually appealing.

4. Weather App 

With only a few hours of coding required, a weather application can be a great ReactJS project. For this application, we can use fake, difficult data until all functionalities are correct. We will gain knowledge of connecting to external APIs and displaying the relevant results as we create this weather app. 

This functional skill will be extremely useful when developing other types of single-page apps available to retrieve data from outward references and show the results. 

5. Storytelling via Data Visualization 

This will likely be a more enjoyable topic to work on if you appreciate stories. Data visualization technologies like Tableau, FusionCharts, and Sisense can be used for these types of projects. You'll be able to orally and graphically convey your results, giving stakeholders the information they need to act on your findings. 

6. Event Management System 

Develop an event management system that allows users to create, manage, and register for events. Include features like event calendars, notifications, and attendee management. 

Technical Requirements: 

• Frontend: React.js for an interactive and easy-to-navigate user interface. 
• Backend: Node.js and Express.js for event handling and API integration. 
• Database: MongoDB for storing event details, user registrations, and notifications. 

7. Gaming Platform 

Build a gaming platform where users can play, rate, and review games. Include features like leaderboards, multiplayer support, and game recommendations. This can be one of the most fun MERN Stack projects to work on. 

Technical Requirements: 

• Frontend: React.js for an engaging and responsive gaming interface. 
• Backend: Node.js and Express.js for game management and server-side operations. 
• Database: MongoDB for storing game data, user profiles, and scores. 

8. Crowdfunding Application 

Develop a crowdfunding application where users can create and support funding campaigns. Implement features like campaign creation, payment processing, and progress tracking. 

Technical Requirements: 

• Frontend: React.js for a visually appealing and intuitive interface. 
• Backend: Node.js and Express.js for campaign management and payment integration. 
• Database: MongoDB for storing campaign data, user profiles, and transaction records. 

Note: All GitHub source code for the projects mentioned in this tutorial is provided in the References section below. 

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List of Top MERN Stack Projects Topics

If you want to become a MERN stack developer, you should brush up on your knowledge of all the relevant technologies. You may learn a lot about a subject by doing hands-on projects. This also contains MERN stack projects on GitHub. 

For each project, you should use a distinct set of languages, databases, and frameworks. The following is the list of more MERN Stack projects with source code available on GitHub. 

1. Messaging Application

Develop a secure, real-time messaging platform where users can send text messages, images, and videos, create group chats, and view chat history. The app should support typing indicators, message receipts, and media sharing. Integrating Socket.io ensures seamless two-way communication with fast message delivery and live updates across devices.

Technical Requirements:
 Frontend: React.js with Context API or Redux for state handling.
 Backend: Node.js and Express.js with Socket.io for real-time updates.
 Database: MongoDB with Mongoose for storing chat logs and user data.
 Additional Features: JWT authentication, push notifications, Cloudinary for file uploads.

2. API-Driven Application

Build a lightweight application that fetches dynamic data—like weather updates, news headlines, or cryptocurrency prices—from external APIs. This project improves your knowledge of handling asynchronous API calls, caching, and managing loading states while emphasizing error handling and component-level updates in real-time based on API responses.

Technical Requirements:
 Frontend: React.js for UI rendering and Axios/Fetch for API calls.
 Backend: Node.js and Express.js for handling backend logic or proxying API requests.
 Database: MongoDB (optional, if user preferences or caching is required).
 Additional Features: API key management, error handling, and data caching.

Also Read: MERN Stack vs MEAN Stack: Which Tech Stack to Choose?

3. Blog Management System

Design a fully functional blogging platform where users can register, create, edit, and delete blog posts. Admins can moderate content while readers can engage through comments and likes. The system also supports tagging, rich text formatting, and featured images for better content categorization and user interaction.

Technical Requirements:
 Frontend: React.js with a markdown editor for post creation.
 Backend: Node.js and Express.js for user authentication, content APIs, and moderation.
 Database: MongoDB for storing posts, user profiles, and comments.
 Additional Features: Role-based access, WYSIWYG editor, comment threading.

4. Grocery Delivery App

Develop a comprehensive grocery delivery platform that lets users browse items, add them to a cart, place orders, and track their delivery in real-time. The app should support product categories, discount options, and a payment gateway to provide an end-to-end ecommerce experience for daily essentials.

Technical Requirements:
 Frontend: React.js with React Router and Redux for navigation and state.
 Backend: Node.js and Express.js to handle product listing, cart, and orders.
 Database: MongoDB for product inventory, user orders, and delivery status.
 Additional Features: Stripe/PayPal integration, search filters, OTP verification.

For a more detailed explanation and breakdown, read MongoDB Architecture: Structure, Terminologies, Requirement & Benefits!

5. Food Delivery Service

Create an online food delivery app similar to Zomato or Uber Eats. Users can explore menus, place real-time orders, and track delivery status. Restaurants manage their listings, update availability, and receive order notifications, while admins monitor performance and resolve customer issues from a central dashboard.

Technical Requirements:
 Frontend: React.js with Material UI for responsive design.
 Backend: Node.js and Express.js with RESTful APIs.
 Database: MongoDB for restaurant data, menus, and orders.
 Additional Features: Geo-location integration, order tracking, role-based dashboards.

6. Custom Logo Maker Platform

Build a web-based logo creation tool where users can design logos by combining icons, fonts, shapes, and colors. Users can drag-and-drop elements, preview designs, and export in SVG or PNG formats. The app should offer reusable templates for startups, freelancers, and branding agencies.

 Technical Requirements:
 Frontend: React.js with a canvas library (e.g., Fabric.js).
 Backend: Node.js and Express.js to handle design saving, rendering, and downloading.
 Database: MongoDB to store user projects and asset metadata.
 Additional Features: SVG export, drag-and-drop UI, real-time preview.

7. Online Therapy & Counseling Platform

Develop a secure teletherapy platform that connects licensed therapists with clients through video calls, chat sessions, and resource libraries. Users can book appointments, complete pre-session assessments, and access mental health tips. The platform should ensure HIPAA-compliant data handling and encrypted communication channels.

 Technical Requirements:
 Frontend: React.js for session booking and user dashboards.
 Backend: Node.js and Express.js for appointment management and user interactions.
 Database: MongoDB for storing session logs, user data, and documents.
 Additional Features: Video API (e.g., Twilio), calendar sync, private chat.

Also Read: Top 10 Data Modeling Tools You Must Know

8. Real-Time Crime Reporting System

Create a civic engagement platform where users can report crimes anonymously with geolocation tagging, photos, and videos. Authorities can view incidents on a real-time map and respond accordingly. The system enhances local safety awareness and community-based reporting through instant updates and incident tracking.

 Technical Requirements:
 Frontend: React.js with maps integration (e.g., Google Maps API).
 Backend: Node.js and Express.js to process and route reports.
 Database: MongoDB for incident storage, user roles, and location data.
 Additional Features: Real-time alerts, anonymous mode, admin review panel.

9. Workout Planner App

Develop a personal fitness planner that helps users set weekly workout goals, log their sessions, and monitor physical progress. Users can choose from different training types, receive motivational notifications, and visualize performance over time with charts and milestone badges.

 Technical Requirements:
 Frontend: React.js with chart libraries (e.g., Recharts).
 Backend: Node.js and Express.js for plan logic and authentication.
 Database: MongoDB for workout logs, goals, and activity history.
 Additional Features: Calendar integration, notifications, BMI calculator.

10. Text Translation Tool

Create a translation tool that allows users to input text, choose a target language, and receive translated output instantly. Support for voice input/output and language detection can improve accessibility. The app should maintain a history of translations and let users export text for future use.

 Technical Requirements:
 Frontend: React.js with speech recognition for voice input.
 Backend: Node.js and Express.js to handle API requests securely.
 Database: MongoDB for saving translation history and user preferences.
 Additional Features: Language auto-detect, clipboard copy, theme toggle.

Also Read: What is the Full Stack Developer's Future Scope and Demand?

11. Community Marketplace App

Develop a hyperlocal marketplace app where users can buy, sell, or trade items within their community. The app should allow item listings with photos, chat between buyers and sellers, and a rating system. Admins can review and approve listings to ensure quality.

 Technical Requirements:
 Frontend: React.js with infinite scroll and filtering.
 Backend: Node.js and Express.js for listing, messaging, and reviews.
 Database: MongoDB for storing product listings, transactions, and chats.
 Additional Features: Image uploads, bidding system, buyer-seller chat.

12. Travel Planning App

Create an all-in-one travel app that allows users to plan trips, book accommodations, and build itineraries. Users can explore destinations, add activities day-by-day, and collaborate with travel companions. The system should include a visual itinerary builder and real-time weather updates.

 Technical Requirements:
 Frontend: React.js with tabbed navigation and calendar UI.
 Backend: Node.js and Express.js for search, itinerary, and user profiles.
 Database: MongoDB for storing plans, locations, and bookings.
 Additional Features: Google Maps API, travel API integration, trip sharing.

13. Stock Portfolio Manager

Design a portfolio management tool that helps users track real-time stock prices, monitor their investments, and generate performance insights. The app should allow users to simulate trades, set alerts, and view analytics like daily gain/loss, ROI, and portfolio diversification.

 Technical Requirements:
 Frontend: React.js with charting libraries like Chart.js or D3.js.
 Backend: Node.js and Express.js to pull real-time stock data from APIs.
 Database: MongoDB for storing portfolio data and transactions.
 Additional Features: Alerts, watchlists, CSV import/export.

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14. Real Estate Management System

Develop a feature-rich real estate platform where agents can list properties with images and descriptions while buyers can search, filter, and inquire. Include virtual tours, map-based browsing, and property comparison tools to enhance the buying and renting experience.

 Technical Requirements:
 Frontend: React.js with Bootstrap for property cards and carousels.
 Backend: Node.js and Express.js for property APIs and user roles.
 Database: MongoDB for property details, user profiles, and inquiries.
 Additional Features: Map-based search, scheduling visits, lead management.

15. Habit Tracker App

Create a productivity-focused habit tracking app where users can define habits, set streak goals, and receive reminders. Progress is visualized through heatmaps and analytics, motivating users to stay consistent. It should support both daily and weekly habit formats with customization options.

 Technical Requirements:
 Frontend: React.js with calendar views and progress bars.
 Backend: Node.js and Express.js to manage user habits and progress.
 Database: MongoDB to store habit data, check-ins, and notifications.
 Additional Features: Push reminders, goal setting, habit analytics.

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16. Music Player with Playlist Feature

Develop a web-based music player that allows users to browse tracks, stream audio, and create custom playlists. The UI should include play/pause controls, shuffle, repeat, and volume adjustment. Lyrics sync and album metadata enhance the music experience further.

 Technical Requirements:
 Frontend: React.js with HTML5 audio player and animations.
 Backend: Node.js and Express.js for media streaming and playlist APIs.
 Database: MongoDB for track metadata, playlists, and user favorites.
 Additional Features: Lyrics API, drag-and-drop for playlist ordering, dark mode.

17. Disaster Management System

Create a responsive disaster response platform that centralizes incident reporting, resource allocation, and emergency notifications. The system should facilitate coordination among citizens, responders, and administrators, enabling timely and efficient disaster management through real-time maps and user role-based dashboards.

 Technical Requirements:
 Frontend: React.js with real-time dashboards and alerts.
 Backend: Node.js and Express.js to manage user roles and broadcast alerts.
 Database: MongoDB for tracking incident reports, locations, and user coordination.
 Additional Features: Role-based dashboards (citizen, admin, responder), map view, SMS/email integration.

Note: All GitHub source code for the projects mentioned in this tutorial is provided in the References section below. 

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How Does the MERN Stack Work? 

Using only JavaScript and JSON, the MERN architecture makes it possible for you to quickly and easily build a three-tier architecture (frontend, backend, and database). 

It is possible to accomplish an overall project using JavaScript and JSON with MERN, primarily. Hence, a developer only needs to be fluent in one programming language and the JSON file type. 

Using the MERN stack, developers generate URLs like “application/users/create”. On these URLs, individuals can then develop, view, and edit data saved and recovered by the MongoDB database. These URLs have a multifaceted role, with  HTTP requests serving as their initiators. 

1. M for MongoDB: In MERN, the “M” refers to Mango DB, which is the database tier for a MERN application. MongoDB is a document-oriented No-SQL database used to hold back-end applications. 

Objects —> Collection —> Documents —> Data 

2. E for Express JS: Express is a layered framework; the responsibility of this is to take care of the structure and functionality of the back end and topped on Node.js, which makes Node-based Web app development much faster. 

3. R for React: Front End Library: React facilities the creation of a user interface on a single-page web application and was developed and distributed by Facebook as an open-source library. 

4. N for Node.js: JS Runtime Environment: Node.js is a back-end JavaScript execution framework that works across several platforms and is open source. The V8 engines that power Node.js are responsible for running JS code outside of a web browser. 

Conclusion 

The MERN stack offers many full-stack project possibilities for those just getting started. To get you started, we've compiled a list of our favorite MERN stack projects with source code for both beginners and advance professionals. We hope this inspires you for future projects as you strive to become a more proficient MERN Stack developer. Try out one of these ideas to develop your MERN stack sample project. As you progress, remember that MERN is just the beginning you have to keep learning and expanding your development horizons to progress more in the field.

If you are interested to learn more and need mentorship from industry experts, check out upGrad & IIIT Banglore’s PG Diploma in Full-Stack Software Development.

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Source Code Links:

• TravelLog MERN – Source Code
• MERN To-Do App – Source Code
• MERN MediaStream – Source Code
• MERN Chat App – Source Code
• Fitness Tracker MERN Stack App – Source Code
• MERN eCommerce – Source Code
• Food Delivery App – Source Code
• MERN News App – Source Code
• MERN Weather App – Source Code
• Data Visualization Projects – Source Code
• Gaming Platform Projects – Source Code
• Crowdfunding Projects – Source Code
• Messenger App (Android) – Source Code
• Grocery Applications – Source Code
• Food Delivery Applications – Source Code
• Logo Generator Projects – Source Code
• Depression Therapy Projects – Source Code
• Whistleblowing Platforms – Source Code
• Workout Planner – Source Code
• Text Translation Projects – Source Code
• Marketplace App – Source Code
• Travel Companion – Source Code
• Stock Tracker App – Source Code
• My Real Estate Website – Source Code
• Habit Tracker – Source Code
• Music Player – Source Code
• Disaster Management Projects – Source Code