Detailed Comparison 2025
Cascade vs ShipThatApp
Compare Cascade and ShipThatApp 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
ShipThatApp
ShipThatApp is a boilerplate / starter template built with SwiftUI for iOS (and optionally cross‑platform Swift‑based apps), designed to give a ready‑made foundation so developers don’t have to start from zero. Its aim is to accelerate the app‑building process by bundling common features and infrastructure out of the box. From the start, ShipThatApp supplies a structured SwiftUI project with onboarded flows: onboarding screens, authentication (sign‑up, login, magic‑link or email/password), payment and in‑app purchase integration for subscriptions or purchases, and built‑in monetization logic. It also includes telemetry/analytics support (user behavior tracking, performance metrics), and UI scaffolding including animations and optional AI‑integration support. That enables quicker setup for both UI and backend logic, leaving you to focus on your app’s unique features and content rather than rewriting boilerplate every time.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | CascadeFree | ShipThatApp$197 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | $197 |
| Developer | Dima Ivashchuk | Mateusz Siatrak |
| 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 ShipThatApp: Detailed Analysis
When choosing between Cascade and ShipThatApp, 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 ShipThatApp?
ShipThatApp is a boilerplate / starter template built with SwiftUI for iOS (and optionally cross‑platform Swift‑based apps), designed to give a ready‑made foundation so developers don’t have to start from zero. Its aim is to accelerate the app‑building process by bundling common features and infrastructure out of the box. From the start, ShipThatApp supplies a structured SwiftUI project with onboarded flows: onboarding screens, authentication (sign‑up, login, magic‑link or email/password), payment and in‑app purchase integration for subscriptions or purchases, and built‑in monetization logic. It also includes telemetry/analytics support (user behavior tracking, performance metrics), and UI scaffolding including animations and optional AI‑integration support. That enables quicker setup for both UI and backend logic, leaving you to focus on your app’s unique features and content rather than rewriting boilerplate every time.
Created by Mateusz Siatrak, ShipThatApp offers a robust foundation for building scalable SaaS applications.
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Payment Integration: Cascade vs ShipThatApp
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 ShipThatApp.
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 ShipThatApp
💰 Pricing
Cascade is priced at Free, while ShipThatApp costs $197. ShipThatApp offers better value at a lower price point, saving you 999802 dollars.
⚡ Features & Capabilities
Cascade includes authentication, while ShipThatApp 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
ShipThatApp
- • SaaS applications needing rapid development
- • Projects requiring custom features
- • Teams with limited budgets
When to Choose Cascade vs ShipThatApp
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 ShipThatApp if:
- You're looking for the most cost-effective solution
- You prefer ShipThatApp's specific approach and features
- Your requirements match ShipThatApp's capabilities
Final Verdict: Cascade vs ShipThatApp
Both Cascade and ShipThatApp 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.
ShipThatApp 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 ShipThatApp
Which is better: Cascade or ShipThatApp?
The "better" choice depends on your specific needs. Cascade excels in comprehensive features, while ShipThatAppstands out for value pricing. Consider your budget, required features, and development timeline when making your decision.
What's the price difference between Cascade and ShipThatApp?
Cascade costs Free while ShipThatApp is priced at $197. That's a difference of $999802. 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 ShipThatApp 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 ShipThatApp 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 ShipThatApp 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 ShipThatApp?
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 ShipThatApp?
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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