Detailed Comparison 2025
Cascade vs KAppMaker
Compare Cascade and KAppMaker 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
KAppMaker
KAppMaker is a cross-platform mobile app boilerplate built on Kotlin Multiplatform and Compose Multiplatform, designed to provide a single codebase for creating native Android and iOS applications. It delivers a structured foundation with pre-wired user authentication, subscription and in-app purchase support, push notifications, local data storage, and UI navigation scaffolding. The boilerplate integrates modern development tools such as Ktor for network requests and dependency injection, along with a shared project structure that enables rapid screen creation, code reuse, and deployment across platforms. By offering a ready-to-use architecture, KAppMaker reduces the initial setup and wiring of core app functionality, while still allowing developers to extend or customize the codebase. Its focus on Kotlin Multiplatform makes it suitable for developers or small teams aiming to launch production-ready mobile applications efficiently without duplicating work for Android and iOS.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | CascadeFree | KAppMaker$49 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | $49 |
| Developer | Dima Ivashchuk | Mirzamehdi Karimov |
| 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 KAppMaker: Detailed Analysis
When choosing between Cascade and KAppMaker, 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 KAppMaker?
KAppMaker is a cross-platform mobile app boilerplate built on Kotlin Multiplatform and Compose Multiplatform, designed to provide a single codebase for creating native Android and iOS applications. It delivers a structured foundation with pre-wired user authentication, subscription and in-app purchase support, push notifications, local data storage, and UI navigation scaffolding. The boilerplate integrates modern development tools such as Ktor for network requests and dependency injection, along with a shared project structure that enables rapid screen creation, code reuse, and deployment across platforms. By offering a ready-to-use architecture, KAppMaker reduces the initial setup and wiring of core app functionality, while still allowing developers to extend or customize the codebase. Its focus on Kotlin Multiplatform makes it suitable for developers or small teams aiming to launch production-ready mobile applications efficiently without duplicating work for Android and iOS.
Created by Mirzamehdi Karimov, KAppMaker offers a robust foundation for building scalable SaaS applications.
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Payment Integration: Cascade vs KAppMaker
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 KAppMaker.
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.
Key Differences Between Cascade and KAppMaker
💰 Pricing
Cascade is priced at Free, while KAppMaker costs $49. KAppMaker offers better value at a lower price point, saving you 999950 dollars.
⚡ Features & Capabilities
Cascade includes authentication, while KAppMaker does not, which could be a deciding factor for user-focused applications.
🎯 Best Use Cases
Cascade
- • SaaS startups looking for quick deployment
- • Projects requiring authentication
- • Teams with flexible budgets
KAppMaker
- • SaaS applications needing rapid development
- • Projects requiring custom features
- • Teams with limited budgets
When to Choose Cascade vs KAppMaker
Choose Cascade if:
- You need built-in authentication out of the box
- You want to start with Cascade's specific tech stack and approach
- Your project aligns with Cascade's feature set
Choose KAppMaker if:
- You're looking for the most cost-effective solution
- You prefer KAppMaker's specific approach and features
- Your requirements match KAppMaker's capabilities
Final Verdict: Cascade vs KAppMaker
Both Cascade and KAppMaker 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.
KAppMaker stands out for its competitive pricing and is perfect for developers who need specific features.
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 KAppMaker
Which is better: Cascade or KAppMaker?
The "better" choice depends on your specific needs. Cascade excels in comprehensive features, while KAppMakerstands out for value pricing. Consider your budget, required features, and development timeline when making your decision.
What's the price difference between Cascade and KAppMaker?
Cascade costs Free while KAppMaker is priced at $49. That's a difference of $999950. 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 KAppMaker 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 KAppMaker 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 KAppMaker 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 KAppMaker?
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 KAppMaker?
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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