Detailed Comparison 2025
Cascade vs SaaS Starter Kit
Compare Cascade and SaaS Starter Kit 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
SaaS Starter Kit
SaaS Starter Kit is a boilerplate/template for building full‑featured SaaS or web apps using Next.js + React + Tailwind CSS + modern tools/stack conventions. The template includes a complete backend + frontend foundation: user authentication (email, social OAuth, magic‑link), subscription payments and billing flows via Stripe or LemonSqueezy, subscription management (update/cancel/subscription portal), and multi‑tenancy support (organizations, team invites, roles & permissions) for apps that require team or org‑based access control. On the frontend side you get a pre‑made UI built with Tailwind + shadcn/ui, mobile/tablet responsiveness, dark‑mode support, and a set of ready‑to‑use pages: landing, pricing, blog, dashboard, admin panel plus built‑in support for email workflows (via Resend + react‑email), blog/content management, and basic marketing/ public‑facing site templates. The codebase is designed to be production‑ready: after setting environment variables you can deploy right away (optimized for deployment on services like Vercel). The project claims clean, modular architecture and full access to code so you own your code and can adapt it as needed. Because the kit is relatively feature‑rich (auth, payments, roles/permissions, multi‑tenant/org support, blog/marketing pages, email workflows, UI scaffolding, etc.), it may feel heavier than minimal templates, which for simple apps, prototypes or highly customized projects might introduce overhead.
Key Features
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | CascadeFree | SaaS Starter KitFree |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Developer | Dima Ivashchuk | Mo Iqbal |
| 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 SaaS Starter Kit: Detailed Analysis
When choosing between Cascade and SaaS Starter Kit, 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 SaaS Starter Kit?
SaaS Starter Kit is a boilerplate/template for building full‑featured SaaS or web apps using Next.js + React + Tailwind CSS + modern tools/stack conventions. The template includes a complete backend + frontend foundation: user authentication (email, social OAuth, magic‑link), subscription payments and billing flows via Stripe or LemonSqueezy, subscription management (update/cancel/subscription portal), and multi‑tenancy support (organizations, team invites, roles & permissions) for apps that require team or org‑based access control. On the frontend side you get a pre‑made UI built with Tailwind + shadcn/ui, mobile/tablet responsiveness, dark‑mode support, and a set of ready‑to‑use pages: landing, pricing, blog, dashboard, admin panel plus built‑in support for email workflows (via Resend + react‑email), blog/content management, and basic marketing/ public‑facing site templates. The codebase is designed to be production‑ready: after setting environment variables you can deploy right away (optimized for deployment on services like Vercel). The project claims clean, modular architecture and full access to code so you own your code and can adapt it as needed. Because the kit is relatively feature‑rich (auth, payments, roles/permissions, multi‑tenant/org support, blog/marketing pages, email workflows, UI scaffolding, etc.), it may feel heavier than minimal templates, which for simple apps, prototypes or highly customized projects might introduce overhead.
Created by Mo Iqbal, SaaS Starter Kit offers a robust foundation for building scalable SaaS applications.
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Payment Integration: Cascade vs SaaS Starter Kit
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 SaaS Starter Kit.
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.
SaaS Starter Kit Payment Options
SaaS Starter Kit 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 SaaS Starter Kit
💰 Pricing
Cascade is priced at Free, while SaaS Starter Kit 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 SaaS Starter Kit integrates with Stripe, Lemon Squeezy.
🎯 Best Use Cases
Cascade
- • SaaS startups looking for quick deployment
- • Projects requiring authentication
- • Teams with flexible budgets
SaaS Starter Kit
- • SaaS applications needing rapid development
- • Projects requiring authentication
- • Teams with flexible budgets
- • Multi-tenant applications
When to Choose Cascade vs SaaS Starter Kit
Choose Cascade if:
- You want to start with Cascade's specific tech stack and approach
- Your project aligns with Cascade's feature set
Choose SaaS Starter Kit if:
- You're building a multi-tenant SaaS application
- You prefer SaaS Starter Kit's specific approach and features
- Your requirements match SaaS Starter Kit's capabilities
Final Verdict: Cascade vs SaaS Starter Kit
Both Cascade and SaaS Starter Kit 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.
SaaS Starter Kit 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 SaaS Starter Kit
Which is better: Cascade or SaaS Starter Kit?
The "better" choice depends on your specific needs. Cascade excels in comprehensive features, while SaaS Starter Kitstands 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 SaaS Starter Kit?
Cascade costs Free while SaaS Starter Kit 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 SaaS Starter Kit 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 SaaS Starter Kit 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 SaaS Starter Kit 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 SaaS Starter Kit?
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 SaaS Starter Kit?
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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