Maven archetypes provide a basic project structure but require more manual configuration. Spring Boot starters, on the other hand, offer a pre-configured and opinionated approach to Spring Boot development. This significantly reduces the amount of boilerplate code and configuration needed.

While both tools can simplify project setup, Spring Boot starters deliver a more streamlined and automated experience for developers. By understanding the differences between these two approaches, you can choose the right tool to meet your specific project needs.