Detailed Comparison 2025
Cascade vs Next Starter AI
Compare Cascade and Next Starter AI 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
Next Starter AI
Next Starter AI is a full‑stack boilerplate built with Next.js + TypeScript + modern frontend tools, designed to help developers launch SaaS apps, AI‑powered web tools or web applications quickly. It bundles ready‑made integrations for common SaaS and web‑app infrastructure: authentication and user management, payment processing (via Stripe or LemonSqueezy), database setup, AI‑tool integration, email delivery, SEO / metadata configuration, landing pages, blog / content pages, and front‑end UI components giving you a nearly‑complete foundation so you don’t have to wire everything manually. Next Starter AI offers a codebase where payment flows, authentication, database/config setup, UI scaffolding, and essential web‑app plumbing are already implemented. That means you can skip repetitive setup work (user sign‑in/up, billing integration, email and content setup, landing page, blog, etc.) and focus directly on building your product’s features. It also includes templates and components for UI (landing pages, dashboards or web‑app views) and wiring for SEO, analytics/marketing integrations, email/mailing functionality, and options for AI‑tool integration if your app needs it.
Key Features
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | CascadeFree | Next Starter AI$169 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | $169 |
| Developer | Dima Ivashchuk | NextStarter |
| 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 Next Starter AI: Detailed Analysis
When choosing between Cascade and Next Starter AI, 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 Next Starter AI?
Next Starter AI is a full‑stack boilerplate built with Next.js + TypeScript + modern frontend tools, designed to help developers launch SaaS apps, AI‑powered web tools or web applications quickly. It bundles ready‑made integrations for common SaaS and web‑app infrastructure: authentication and user management, payment processing (via Stripe or LemonSqueezy), database setup, AI‑tool integration, email delivery, SEO / metadata configuration, landing pages, blog / content pages, and front‑end UI components giving you a nearly‑complete foundation so you don’t have to wire everything manually. Next Starter AI offers a codebase where payment flows, authentication, database/config setup, UI scaffolding, and essential web‑app plumbing are already implemented. That means you can skip repetitive setup work (user sign‑in/up, billing integration, email and content setup, landing page, blog, etc.) and focus directly on building your product’s features. It also includes templates and components for UI (landing pages, dashboards or web‑app views) and wiring for SEO, analytics/marketing integrations, email/mailing functionality, and options for AI‑tool integration if your app needs it.
Created by NextStarter, Next Starter AI offers a robust foundation for building scalable SaaS applications.
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Payment Integration: Cascade vs Next Starter AI
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 Next Starter AI.
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.
Next Starter AI Payment Options
Next Starter AI integrates with Stripe and 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 Cascade and Next Starter AI
💰 Pricing
Cascade is priced at Free, while Next Starter AI costs $169. Next Starter AI offers better value at a lower price point, saving you 999830 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 Next Starter AI integrates with Stripe, Lemon Squeezy.
Next Starter AI 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
Next Starter AI
- • SaaS applications needing rapid development
- • Projects requiring authentication
- • Teams with limited budgets
When to Choose Cascade vs Next Starter AI
Choose Cascade if:
- You want to start with Cascade's specific tech stack and approach
- Your project aligns with Cascade's feature set
Choose Next Starter AI if:
- You're looking for the most cost-effective solution
- You require an admin panel for managing your application
- You prefer Next Starter AI's specific approach and features
- Your requirements match Next Starter AI's capabilities
Final Verdict: Cascade vs Next Starter AI
Both Cascade and Next Starter AI 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.
Next Starter AI 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 Next Starter AI
Which is better: Cascade or Next Starter AI?
The "better" choice depends on your specific needs. Cascade excels in comprehensive features, while Next Starter AIstands out for value pricing. Consider your budget, required features, and development timeline when making your decision.
What's the price difference between Cascade and Next Starter AI?
Cascade costs Free while Next Starter AI is priced at $169. That's a difference of $999830. 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 Next Starter AI 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 Next Starter AI 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 Next Starter AI 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 Next Starter AI?
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 Next Starter AI?
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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