Detailed Comparison 2025
Cascade vs Rockstack
Compare Cascade and Rockstack 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
Rockstack
This boilerplate is a comprehensive solution for building SaaS applications, featuring three main sections essential for any app: Public Pages (like Landing, Login, Contact), Admin (/admin for Dashboard, Users, Settings), and App (/app/:tenant for tenant-specific dashboards). It leverages a next-generation Node.js and TypeScript ORM with a Repository Pattern for efficient data management. The platform supports flexible payment models through Stripe, including flat-rate, user-based, and one-time fees. Enhance performance with data caching, and customize your app's appearance using Tailwind CSS. Additionally, it offers multilingual support, built-in user management, and a reliable email service for traRockStack is a full‑stack SaaS boilerplate / kit designed to work with several modern JavaScript frameworks. Including Next.js, Remix, or SvelteKit and intended to give you a ready-to-go foundation for building subscription‑based, multi‑tenant web applications. With RockStack you get a basic SaaS “shell” that includes core needed parts: built‑in email/password authentication and user management (without requiring external auth libraries), tenant/organization support so different customers/users can live under separate “workspaces,” subscription and payment flows (flat‑rate, one‑time, per‑seat or usage-based) via Stripe, and support for roles & permissions to help manage access control. RockStack is a full‑stack SaaS boilerplate / kit designed to work with several modern JavaScript frameworks. Including Next.js, Remix, or SvelteKit and intended to give you a ready-to-go foundation for building subscription‑based, multi‑tenant web applications. With RockStack you get a basic SaaS “shell” that includes core needed parts: built‑in email/password authentication and user management (without requiring external auth libraries), tenant/organization support so different customers/users can live under separate “workspaces,” subscription and payment flows (flat‑rate, one‑time, per‑seat or usage-based) via Stripe, and support for roles & permissions to help manage access control. The kit provides a UI + layout foundation: a public “marketing / landing” section (for pages like landing page, pricing, contact, login), an admin dashboard area (for app owners), and the application dashboard area (for tenants/users) so both the public‑facing site and internal user/admin interfaces are ready.
Key Features
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | CascadeFree | Rockstack$99 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | $99 |
| Developer | Dima Ivashchuk | Alexandro Martínez |
| 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 Rockstack: Detailed Analysis
When choosing between Cascade and Rockstack, 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 Rockstack?
This boilerplate is a comprehensive solution for building SaaS applications, featuring three main sections essential for any app: Public Pages (like Landing, Login, Contact), Admin (/admin for Dashboard, Users, Settings), and App (/app/:tenant for tenant-specific dashboards). It leverages a next-generation Node.js and TypeScript ORM with a Repository Pattern for efficient data management. The platform supports flexible payment models through Stripe, including flat-rate, user-based, and one-time fees. Enhance performance with data caching, and customize your app's appearance using Tailwind CSS. Additionally, it offers multilingual support, built-in user management, and a reliable email service for traRockStack is a full‑stack SaaS boilerplate / kit designed to work with several modern JavaScript frameworks. Including Next.js, Remix, or SvelteKit and intended to give you a ready-to-go foundation for building subscription‑based, multi‑tenant web applications. With RockStack you get a basic SaaS “shell” that includes core needed parts: built‑in email/password authentication and user management (without requiring external auth libraries), tenant/organization support so different customers/users can live under separate “workspaces,” subscription and payment flows (flat‑rate, one‑time, per‑seat or usage-based) via Stripe, and support for roles & permissions to help manage access control. RockStack is a full‑stack SaaS boilerplate / kit designed to work with several modern JavaScript frameworks. Including Next.js, Remix, or SvelteKit and intended to give you a ready-to-go foundation for building subscription‑based, multi‑tenant web applications. With RockStack you get a basic SaaS “shell” that includes core needed parts: built‑in email/password authentication and user management (without requiring external auth libraries), tenant/organization support so different customers/users can live under separate “workspaces,” subscription and payment flows (flat‑rate, one‑time, per‑seat or usage-based) via Stripe, and support for roles & permissions to help manage access control. The kit provides a UI + layout foundation: a public “marketing / landing” section (for pages like landing page, pricing, contact, login), an admin dashboard area (for app owners), and the application dashboard area (for tenants/users) so both the public‑facing site and internal user/admin interfaces are ready.
Created by Alexandro Martínez, Rockstack offers a robust foundation for building scalable SaaS applications.
Need to Promote Your Startup or Boilerplate?
Check out LaunchDirectories.com to get your startup or boilerplate listed in 100+ product launch directories and gain valuable backlinks from high-authority platforms. This is especially effective for new products looking to quickly build domain authority and gain backlinks.
Payment Integration: Cascade vs Rockstack
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 Rockstack.
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 Rockstack
💰 Pricing
Cascade is priced at Free, while Rockstack costs $99. Rockstack offers better value at a lower price point, saving you 999900 dollars.
⚡ Features & Capabilities
Both boilerplates include authentication systems, making it easy to implement user login and registration.
Rockstack 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
Rockstack
- • SaaS applications needing rapid development
- • Projects requiring authentication
- • Teams with limited budgets
- • Multi-tenant applications
When to Choose Cascade vs Rockstack
Choose Cascade if:
- You want to start with Cascade's specific tech stack and approach
- Your project aligns with Cascade's feature set
Choose Rockstack 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 Rockstack's specific approach and features
- Your requirements match Rockstack's capabilities
Final Verdict: Cascade vs Rockstack
Both Cascade and Rockstack 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.
Rockstack 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 Rockstack
Which is better: Cascade or Rockstack?
The "better" choice depends on your specific needs. Cascade excels in comprehensive features, while Rockstackstands out for value pricing. Consider your budget, required features, and development timeline when making your decision.
What's the price difference between Cascade and Rockstack?
Cascade costs Free while Rockstack is priced at $99. That's a difference of $999900. 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 Rockstack 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 Rockstack 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 Rockstack 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 Rockstack?
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 Rockstack?
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.
Explore More Comparisons
Browse all boilerplates and find the perfect starter kit for your SaaS project.