Detailed Comparison 2025
Cascade vs Ship SaaS
Compare Cascade and Ship SaaS 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
Ship SaaS
Ship SaaS is a full‑stack boilerplate built with Next.js, Supabase (backend/auth/database), and Tailwind CSS, designed to give developers a ready-made foundation for SaaS or subscription‑driven web applications. With Ship SaaS you obtain working user authentication (registration / login / password reset flows via Supabase), database setup, integrated billing/subscription support via Stripe, and a serverless-ready stack that can be hosted on scalable platforms. It also includes public‑facing page templates, a Striped‑connected backend and basic UI/layout scaffolding. Ship SaaS is best when you’re building a SaaS or subscription‑based web app, you value rapid launch, and you’re comfortable with its tech stack and abstractions. It’s ideal for a solo developer, indie founder or small team wanting to get up and running quickly without reinventing the “plumbing.” It may be less suitable if your project needs a highly customized backend, non‑standard architecture, or minimal dependency footprint - in those cases a lighter template or custom build might serve better.
Key Features
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | CascadeFree | Ship SaaS$199 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | $199 |
| Developer | Dima Ivashchuk | Nico Botha |
| 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 Ship SaaS: Detailed Analysis
When choosing between Cascade and Ship SaaS, 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 Ship SaaS?
Ship SaaS is a full‑stack boilerplate built with Next.js, Supabase (backend/auth/database), and Tailwind CSS, designed to give developers a ready-made foundation for SaaS or subscription‑driven web applications. With Ship SaaS you obtain working user authentication (registration / login / password reset flows via Supabase), database setup, integrated billing/subscription support via Stripe, and a serverless-ready stack that can be hosted on scalable platforms. It also includes public‑facing page templates, a Striped‑connected backend and basic UI/layout scaffolding. Ship SaaS is best when you’re building a SaaS or subscription‑based web app, you value rapid launch, and you’re comfortable with its tech stack and abstractions. It’s ideal for a solo developer, indie founder or small team wanting to get up and running quickly without reinventing the “plumbing.” It may be less suitable if your project needs a highly customized backend, non‑standard architecture, or minimal dependency footprint - in those cases a lighter template or custom build might serve better.
Created by Nico Botha, Ship SaaS offers a robust foundation for building scalable SaaS applications.
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Payment Integration: Cascade vs Ship SaaS
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 Ship SaaS.
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.
Ship SaaS Payment Options
Ship SaaS integrates with Stripe.
Key Differences Between Cascade and Ship SaaS
💰 Pricing
Cascade is priced at Free, while Ship SaaS costs $199. Ship SaaS offers better value at a lower price point, saving you 999800 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 Ship SaaS integrates with Stripe.
🎯 Best Use Cases
Cascade
- • SaaS startups looking for quick deployment
- • Projects requiring authentication
- • Teams with flexible budgets
Ship SaaS
- • SaaS applications needing rapid development
- • Projects requiring authentication
- • Teams with limited budgets
When to Choose Cascade vs Ship SaaS
Choose Cascade if:
- You want to start with Cascade's specific tech stack and approach
- Your project aligns with Cascade's feature set
Choose Ship SaaS if:
- You're looking for the most cost-effective solution
- You prefer Ship SaaS's specific approach and features
- Your requirements match Ship SaaS's capabilities
Final Verdict: Cascade vs Ship SaaS
Both Cascade and Ship SaaS 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.
Ship SaaS 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 Ship SaaS
Which is better: Cascade or Ship SaaS?
The "better" choice depends on your specific needs. Cascade excels in comprehensive features, while Ship SaaSstands out for value pricing. Consider your budget, required features, and development timeline when making your decision.
What's the price difference between Cascade and Ship SaaS?
Cascade costs Free while Ship SaaS is priced at $199. That's a difference of $999800. 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 Ship SaaS 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 Ship SaaS 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 Ship SaaS 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 Ship SaaS?
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 Ship SaaS?
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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