Detailed Comparison 2025
Cascade vs ShipFlutter
Compare Cascade and ShipFlutter 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
ShipFlutter
ShipFlutter is a cross‑platform starter kit built on Flutter (with Dart), intended to help developers ship Android, iOS and web apps from a single codebase without starting from scratch. It combines frontend UI, backend setup, and common infrastructure so you can launch mobile + web apps faster. ShipFlutter delivers a fully customizable app scaffold including: authentication (email/password, social login, anonymous auth), responsive cross‑platform UI with theming and localization, navigation via GoRouter, state management via Signals, and Material styling. On the backend it offers integration with Firebase (Firestore, Functions, hosting, realtime updates) and optional AI/ML capabilities via Vertex AI useful if you plan AI‑powered features. For monetization or SaaS‑style apps, it supports payments: mobile IAP/subscriptions via RevenueCat and web payments via Lemon Squeezy. It also includes support for notifications, analytics/monitoring, feedback, offline‑ready data handling, and optional templates (for example UI templates, landing‑page/marketing‑page templates, even Tinder‑style or chatbot‑style UIs) enabling you to ship full‑featured apps quickly.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | CascadeFree | ShipFlutter$99 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | $99 |
| Developer | Dima Ivashchuk | Marcel |
| 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 ShipFlutter: Detailed Analysis
When choosing between Cascade and ShipFlutter, 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 ShipFlutter?
ShipFlutter is a cross‑platform starter kit built on Flutter (with Dart), intended to help developers ship Android, iOS and web apps from a single codebase without starting from scratch. It combines frontend UI, backend setup, and common infrastructure so you can launch mobile + web apps faster. ShipFlutter delivers a fully customizable app scaffold including: authentication (email/password, social login, anonymous auth), responsive cross‑platform UI with theming and localization, navigation via GoRouter, state management via Signals, and Material styling. On the backend it offers integration with Firebase (Firestore, Functions, hosting, realtime updates) and optional AI/ML capabilities via Vertex AI useful if you plan AI‑powered features. For monetization or SaaS‑style apps, it supports payments: mobile IAP/subscriptions via RevenueCat and web payments via Lemon Squeezy. It also includes support for notifications, analytics/monitoring, feedback, offline‑ready data handling, and optional templates (for example UI templates, landing‑page/marketing‑page templates, even Tinder‑style or chatbot‑style UIs) enabling you to ship full‑featured apps quickly.
Created by Marcel, ShipFlutter 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 ShipFlutter
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 ShipFlutter.
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 ShipFlutter
💰 Pricing
Cascade is priced at Free, while ShipFlutter costs $99. ShipFlutter offers better value at a lower price point, saving you 999900 dollars.
⚡ Features & Capabilities
Cascade includes authentication, while ShipFlutter does not, which could be a deciding factor for user-focused applications.
🎯 Best Use Cases
Cascade
- • SaaS startups looking for quick deployment
- • Projects requiring authentication
- • Teams with flexible budgets
ShipFlutter
- • SaaS applications needing rapid development
- • Projects requiring custom features
- • Teams with limited budgets
When to Choose Cascade vs ShipFlutter
Choose Cascade if:
- You need built-in authentication out of the box
- You want to start with Cascade's specific tech stack and approach
- Your project aligns with Cascade's feature set
Choose ShipFlutter if:
- You're looking for the most cost-effective solution
- You prefer ShipFlutter's specific approach and features
- Your requirements match ShipFlutter's capabilities
Final Verdict: Cascade vs ShipFlutter
Both Cascade and ShipFlutter 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.
ShipFlutter stands out for its competitive pricing and is perfect for developers who need specific features.
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 ShipFlutter
Which is better: Cascade or ShipFlutter?
The "better" choice depends on your specific needs. Cascade excels in comprehensive features, while ShipFlutterstands out for value pricing. Consider your budget, required features, and development timeline when making your decision.
What's the price difference between Cascade and ShipFlutter?
Cascade costs Free while ShipFlutter 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 ShipFlutter 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 ShipFlutter 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 ShipFlutter 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 ShipFlutter?
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 ShipFlutter?
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.