Detailed Comparison 2025
Bedrock vs Cascade
Compare Bedrock and Cascade side-by-side. We've analyzed features, pricing, and capabilities to help you choose the best boilerplate for your SaaS project.
Quick Overview
Bedrock
Bedrock is a full‑stack boilerplate for building SaaS products, built on Next.js and GraphQL. It’s designed to take care of the usual foundational work: user authentication, subscription payments (via Stripe), team/project support (multi‑project or multi‑tenant logic, invitations & membership handling), email integration, database setup, API wiring (using e.g. Prisma + GraphQL schema), and general plumbing like linting, formatting, code generation, and CI/testing setup. Importantly, Bedrock ships “unstyled” meaning it doesn’t impose a UI or design system on you. What it gives you is the backend logic, data flow, and structural foundation; the visual layer is entirely yours (or up to whatever UI framework/components you choose). Because of its modular architecture, many of the bundled tools and integrations are optional you can drop or swap parts if they don’t fit your preferences.
Key Features
Cascade
Cascade is a free, open-source SaaS starter kit based on the T3 stack (with Next.js + Prisma + PostgreSQL + TypeScript) that aims to give you a “ready-to-code business logic” foundation rather than a full-blown UI framework. Its core philosophy is minimal bloat. Once you clone the repo, provide environment variables and database config, you can have a working backend (auth, DB, basic flows) running locally in minutes. Cascade supports essential SaaS‑app plumbing such as authentication (via Auth.js / NextAuth + Prisma), database setup (PostgreSQL + Prisma), payments & billing (through Lemon Squeezy integration), background jobs (with Trigger.dev), error tracking (via Sentry), analytics (via self‑hostable or free‑plan friendly services like PostHog / Plausible), plus optional “business‑adjacent” pieces: a markdown-based blog via Contentlayer, email flows, server‑side rendering, and basic CI/CD / deployment setups.
Key Features
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | Bedrock$396 | CascadeFree |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $396 | Free |
| Developer | Max Stoiber | Dima Ivashchuk |
| Authentication | ||
| Stripe Integration | ||
| Paddle Integration | ||
| Lemon Squeezy | ||
| Dodo Payments | ||
| Polar | ||
| Creem | ||
| Admin Panel | ||
| User Dashboard | ||
| Subscriptions | ||
| Blog | ||
| SEO Optimized | ||
| Documentation | ||
| Support | ||
| Tailwind CSS | ||
| API | ||
| Two-Factor Auth | ||
| Multi-Tenancy | ||
| Teams | ||
| Shadcn UI | ||
| View Details | View Page | View Page |
Bedrock vs Cascade: Detailed Analysis
When choosing between Bedrock and Cascade, it's essential to understand the key differences that make each boilerplate unique. Both are excellent choices for building SaaS applications, but they cater to different needs and development approaches.
What is Bedrock?
Bedrock is a full‑stack boilerplate for building SaaS products, built on Next.js and GraphQL. It’s designed to take care of the usual foundational work: user authentication, subscription payments (via Stripe), team/project support (multi‑project or multi‑tenant logic, invitations & membership handling), email integration, database setup, API wiring (using e.g. Prisma + GraphQL schema), and general plumbing like linting, formatting, code generation, and CI/testing setup. Importantly, Bedrock ships “unstyled” meaning it doesn’t impose a UI or design system on you. What it gives you is the backend logic, data flow, and structural foundation; the visual layer is entirely yours (or up to whatever UI framework/components you choose). Because of its modular architecture, many of the bundled tools and integrations are optional you can drop or swap parts if they don’t fit your preferences.
Developed by Max Stoiber, Bedrock has become a popular choice among developers looking for a reliable starting point for their SaaS projects.
What is Cascade?
Cascade is a free, open-source SaaS starter kit based on the T3 stack (with Next.js + Prisma + PostgreSQL + TypeScript) that aims to give you a “ready-to-code business logic” foundation rather than a full-blown UI framework. Its core philosophy is minimal bloat. Once you clone the repo, provide environment variables and database config, you can have a working backend (auth, DB, basic flows) running locally in minutes. Cascade supports essential SaaS‑app plumbing such as authentication (via Auth.js / NextAuth + Prisma), database setup (PostgreSQL + Prisma), payments & billing (through Lemon Squeezy integration), background jobs (with Trigger.dev), error tracking (via Sentry), analytics (via self‑hostable or free‑plan friendly services like PostHog / Plausible), plus optional “business‑adjacent” pieces: a markdown-based blog via Contentlayer, email flows, server‑side rendering, and basic CI/CD / deployment setups.
Created by Dima Ivashchuk, Cascade offers a robust foundation for building scalable SaaS applications.
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Payment Integration: Bedrock vs Cascade
When building a SaaS application, choosing the right payment integration is crucial for monetization success. Let's compare the payment options available in Bedrock and Cascade.
Bedrock Payment Options
Bedrock supports Stripe.
Cascade Payment Options
Cascade integrates with Lemon Squeezy. With Merchant of Record support, you can focus on building your product while the payment provider handles tax compliance, invoicing, and regulatory requirements across different countries.
Key Differences Between Bedrock and Cascade
💰 Pricing
Bedrock is priced at $396, while Cascade costs Free. This makes Bedrock the more budget-friendly option, potentially saving you 999603 dollars.
⚡ Features & Capabilities
Both boilerplates include authentication systems, making it easy to implement user login and registration.
Payment processing is available in both options. Bedrock supports Stripe, while Cascade integrates with Lemon Squeezy.
🎯 Best Use Cases
Bedrock
- • SaaS startups looking for quick deployment
- • Projects requiring authentication
- • Teams with flexible budgets
Cascade
- • SaaS applications needing rapid development
- • Projects requiring authentication
- • Teams with flexible budgets
When to Choose Bedrock vs Cascade
Choose Bedrock if:
- You're looking for the most cost-effective solution
- You want to start with Bedrock's specific tech stack and approach
- Your project aligns with Bedrock's feature set
Choose Cascade if:
- You prefer Cascade's specific approach and features
- Your requirements match Cascade's capabilities
Final Verdict: Bedrock vs Cascade
Both Bedrock and Cascade are excellent choices for building SaaS applications. Your decision should be based on your specific requirements, budget, and technical preferences.
Bedrock is ideal if you're looking for a more affordable option with built-in authentication.
Cascade stands out for its comprehensive feature set and is perfect for developers who need authentication.
Ultimately, both boilerplates will help you launch your SaaS product faster and more efficiently. Review the detailed comparison above, consider your project requirements, and choose the one that aligns best with your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions: Bedrock vs Cascade
Which is better: Bedrock or Cascade?
The "better" choice depends on your specific needs. Bedrock excels in affordability, while Cascadestands out for its feature set. Consider your budget, required features, and development timeline when making your decision.
What's the price difference between Bedrock and Cascade?
Bedrock costs $396 while Cascade is priced at Free. That's a difference of $999603. Both are one-time payments with no recurring fees, making them cost-effective long-term investments for your SaaS project.
Can I switch from Bedrock to Cascade later?
While technically possible, switching boilerplates mid-project is challenging and time-consuming. Each boilerplate has its own architecture, dependencies, and patterns. It's best to carefully evaluate both options now and choose the one that best fits your long-term needs to avoid costly migrations later.
Do Bedrock and Cascade offer similar features?
Both boilerplates offer core SaaS features, but with different implementations and additional capabilities. Check the detailed feature comparison table above to see exactly which features each boilerplate includes. Key differences include payment integrations, authentication systems, and admin panel availability.
Which boilerplate is better for beginners?
For beginners, consider factors like documentation quality, community support, and code complexity. Both Bedrock and Cascade are designed to be developer-friendly, but your choice should depend on your familiarity with their respective tech stacks and the learning resources available.
Are there any hidden costs with Bedrock or Cascade?
Both boilerplates are one-time purchases with no recurring licensing fees. However, you may incur costs for third-party services they integrate with (like payment processors, email services, or hosting platforms). These operational costs are separate from the boilerplate purchase and apply to any SaaS application.
How long does it take to launch with Bedrock vs Cascade?
Both boilerplates significantly reduce development time compared to building from scratch. Depending on your customization needs, you could launch a basic SaaS product in days or weeks rather than months. The exact timeline depends on your specific requirements, team size, and development experience.
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