Detailed Comparison 2025
Cascade vs NextReady
Compare Cascade and NextReady 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
NextReady
NextReady is a full‑stack boilerplate built on Next.js + Prisma + shadcn/ui (with TypeScript) a ready‑made starting point for web applications including SaaS, dashboards, or subscription‑based products. It aims to let developers skip routine setup work (authentication, payments, user & role management, payment/invoice flows, content/markdown support, and basic UI scaffolding) and jump straight into building the core features of their app. NextReady comes pre‑wired with magic‑link authentication, role‑based authorization, a built‑in admin panel, user and invoice management, payment integration (using payment providers like Lemon Squeezy or similar), email support, database setup with Prisma models, and basic layouts/components for landing pages, blogs or content pages with SEO‑ready structure. It also supports additional features that many modern apps benefit from markdown‑based content, waiting‑list or onboarding flows, and optional integrations (e.g. AI SDKs, payment gateways beyond simple plans) depending on your needs. Because it bundles many features: auth, payments, admin, content, UI scaffolding the boilerplate is fairly opinionated. That gives convenience and speed for typical SaaS/web apps, but can feel heavyweight or inflexible for small‑scale tools, prototypes, or very custom architectures.
Key Features
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | CascadeFree | NextReadyFree |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Developer | Dima Ivashchuk | M Gilang Januar |
| 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 NextReady: Detailed Analysis
When choosing between Cascade and NextReady, 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 NextReady?
NextReady is a full‑stack boilerplate built on Next.js + Prisma + shadcn/ui (with TypeScript) a ready‑made starting point for web applications including SaaS, dashboards, or subscription‑based products. It aims to let developers skip routine setup work (authentication, payments, user & role management, payment/invoice flows, content/markdown support, and basic UI scaffolding) and jump straight into building the core features of their app. NextReady comes pre‑wired with magic‑link authentication, role‑based authorization, a built‑in admin panel, user and invoice management, payment integration (using payment providers like Lemon Squeezy or similar), email support, database setup with Prisma models, and basic layouts/components for landing pages, blogs or content pages with SEO‑ready structure. It also supports additional features that many modern apps benefit from markdown‑based content, waiting‑list or onboarding flows, and optional integrations (e.g. AI SDKs, payment gateways beyond simple plans) depending on your needs. Because it bundles many features: auth, payments, admin, content, UI scaffolding the boilerplate is fairly opinionated. That gives convenience and speed for typical SaaS/web apps, but can feel heavyweight or inflexible for small‑scale tools, prototypes, or very custom architectures.
Created by M Gilang Januar, NextReady offers a robust foundation for building scalable SaaS applications.
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Payment Integration: Cascade vs NextReady
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 NextReady.
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.
NextReady Payment Options
NextReady integrates with Stripe.
Key Differences Between Cascade and NextReady
💰 Pricing
Cascade is priced at Free, while NextReady costs Free. Both boilerplates are priced identically, so your decision should be based on features and fit.
⚡ 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 NextReady integrates with Stripe.
NextReady 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
NextReady
- • SaaS applications needing rapid development
- • Projects requiring authentication
- • Teams with flexible budgets
When to Choose Cascade vs NextReady
Choose Cascade if:
- You want to start with Cascade's specific tech stack and approach
- Your project aligns with Cascade's feature set
Choose NextReady if:
- You require an admin panel for managing your application
- You prefer NextReady's specific approach and features
- Your requirements match NextReady's capabilities
Final Verdict: Cascade vs NextReady
Both Cascade and NextReady 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.
NextReady 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: Cascade vs NextReady
Which is better: Cascade or NextReady?
The "better" choice depends on your specific needs. Cascade excels in comprehensive features, while NextReadystands out for its feature set. Consider your budget, required features, and development timeline when making your decision.
What's the price difference between Cascade and NextReady?
Cascade costs Free while NextReady is priced at Free. 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 NextReady 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 NextReady 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 NextReady 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 NextReady?
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 NextReady?
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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