Detailed Comparison 2025
Cascade vs Gravity
Compare Cascade and Gravity side-by-side. We've analyzed features, pricing, and capabilities to help you choose the best boilerplate for your SaaS project.
Quick Overview
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
Gravity
Gravity is a full‑stack boilerplate for JavaScript/TypeScript projects combining a Node.js backend with a React (or React Native) frontend designed to give developers a head‑start when building SaaS applications. It aims to deliver a working foundation so that you don’t need to assemble all the plumbing (auth, billing, database, UI, API) from scratch. The boilerplate includes support for multiple databases (like Postgres, MySQL, MongoDB, MariaDB and possibly others) which gives flexibility depending on your data/storage preferences. There is also a full “stack” support: server (Node.js + Express/API backend), web client (React + Tailwind or similar), and optionally native mobile clients (via React Native), which helps if you want a unified codebase for web + mobile. Beyond the core stack, Gravity claims to bundle SaaS‑ready features: authentication (email/password, magic links, social logins, 2FA, account security), subscription & billing support (with free plans, trials, seat‑based or usage billing), and a library of UI components & views (dashboard, admin tools, layout components, responsive UI, dark mode, etc.). Gravity also offers a “website/landing page template” (built with a static‑site generator + modern site tooling) useful for marketing, landing pages, pricing pages, etc. — thereby giving you both the “app core” and “public‑facing site” foundation.
Key Features
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | CascadeFree | Gravity$696 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | $696 |
| Developer | Dima Ivashchuk | Kyle Gawley |
| 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 |
Cascade vs Gravity: Detailed Analysis
When choosing between Cascade and Gravity, 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 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.
Developed by Dima Ivashchuk, Cascade has become a popular choice among developers looking for a reliable starting point for their SaaS projects.
What is Gravity?
Gravity is a full‑stack boilerplate for JavaScript/TypeScript projects combining a Node.js backend with a React (or React Native) frontend designed to give developers a head‑start when building SaaS applications. It aims to deliver a working foundation so that you don’t need to assemble all the plumbing (auth, billing, database, UI, API) from scratch. The boilerplate includes support for multiple databases (like Postgres, MySQL, MongoDB, MariaDB and possibly others) which gives flexibility depending on your data/storage preferences. There is also a full “stack” support: server (Node.js + Express/API backend), web client (React + Tailwind or similar), and optionally native mobile clients (via React Native), which helps if you want a unified codebase for web + mobile. Beyond the core stack, Gravity claims to bundle SaaS‑ready features: authentication (email/password, magic links, social logins, 2FA, account security), subscription & billing support (with free plans, trials, seat‑based or usage billing), and a library of UI components & views (dashboard, admin tools, layout components, responsive UI, dark mode, etc.). Gravity also offers a “website/landing page template” (built with a static‑site generator + modern site tooling) useful for marketing, landing pages, pricing pages, etc. — thereby giving you both the “app core” and “public‑facing site” foundation.
Created by Kyle Gawley, Gravity offers a robust foundation for building scalable SaaS applications.
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Payment Integration: Cascade vs Gravity
When building a SaaS application, choosing the right payment integration is crucial for monetization success. Let's compare the payment options available in Cascade and Gravity.
Cascade Payment Options
Cascade supports Lemon Squeezy. This includes Merchant of Record (MoR) options that handle global tax compliance automatically, making it easier to sell internationally without worrying about VAT, GST, or sales tax regulations.
Gravity Payment Options
Gravity integrates with Stripe.
Key Differences Between Cascade and Gravity
💰 Pricing
Cascade is priced at Free, while Gravity costs $696. Gravity offers better value at a lower price point, saving you 999303 dollars.
⚡ Features & Capabilities
Both boilerplates include authentication systems, making it easy to implement user login and registration.
Payment processing is available in both options. Cascade supports Lemon Squeezy, while Gravity integrates with Stripe.
Gravity includes an admin panel for easier application management.
🎯 Best Use Cases
Cascade
- • SaaS startups looking for quick deployment
- • Projects requiring authentication
- • Teams with flexible budgets
Gravity
- • SaaS applications needing rapid development
- • Projects requiring authentication
- • Teams with flexible budgets
- • Multi-tenant applications
When to Choose Cascade vs Gravity
Choose Cascade if:
- You want to start with Cascade's specific tech stack and approach
- Your project aligns with Cascade's feature set
Choose Gravity if:
- You're looking for the most cost-effective solution
- You require an admin panel for managing your application
- You're building a multi-tenant SaaS application
- You prefer Gravity's specific approach and features
- Your requirements match Gravity's capabilities
Final Verdict: Cascade vs Gravity
Both Cascade and Gravity are excellent choices for building SaaS applications. Your decision should be based on your specific requirements, budget, and technical preferences.
Cascade is ideal if you're looking for a feature-rich solution with built-in authentication.
Gravity stands out for its competitive pricing 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: Cascade vs Gravity
Which is better: Cascade or Gravity?
The "better" choice depends on your specific needs. Cascade excels in comprehensive features, while Gravitystands out for value pricing. Consider your budget, required features, and development timeline when making your decision.
What's the price difference between Cascade and Gravity?
Cascade costs Free while Gravity is priced at $696. That's a difference of $999303. Both are one-time payments with no recurring fees, making them cost-effective long-term investments for your SaaS project.
Can I switch from Cascade to Gravity 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 Cascade and Gravity 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 Cascade and Gravity 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 Cascade or Gravity?
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 Cascade vs Gravity?
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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