Detailed Comparison 2025
Cascade vs Uni-Stack
Compare Cascade and Uni-Stack 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
Uni-Stack
Uni‑Stack is a free, open‑source, production‑ready full‑stack framework for building universal React Native + web apps with a single codebase. It uses modern, type-safe technologies — including Expo (with universal support for iOS, Android and web), Prisma for database management, tRPC for end-to-end type‑safe APIs, and TypeScript for strong typing throughout. With Uni‑Stack you get an integrated stack where routing, UI, database logic, API calls, queries and mutations are all type-safe and unified. It supports multiple UI system options (e.g. Nativewind, Tamagui, gluestack‑ui), giving flexibility in theming and design while keeping a consistent architecture.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | CascadeFree | Uni-StackFree |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Developer | Dima Ivashchuk | ROFI |
| 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 Uni-Stack: Detailed Analysis
When choosing between Cascade and Uni-Stack, 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 Uni-Stack?
Uni‑Stack is a free, open‑source, production‑ready full‑stack framework for building universal React Native + web apps with a single codebase. It uses modern, type-safe technologies — including Expo (with universal support for iOS, Android and web), Prisma for database management, tRPC for end-to-end type‑safe APIs, and TypeScript for strong typing throughout. With Uni‑Stack you get an integrated stack where routing, UI, database logic, API calls, queries and mutations are all type-safe and unified. It supports multiple UI system options (e.g. Nativewind, Tamagui, gluestack‑ui), giving flexibility in theming and design while keeping a consistent architecture.
Created by ROFI, Uni-Stack offers a robust foundation for building scalable SaaS applications.
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Payment Integration: Cascade vs Uni-Stack
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 Uni-Stack.
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 Uni-Stack
💰 Pricing
Cascade is priced at Free, while Uni-Stack costs Free. Both boilerplates are priced identically, so your decision should be based on features and fit.
⚡ Features & Capabilities
Cascade includes authentication, while Uni-Stack 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
Uni-Stack
- • SaaS applications needing rapid development
- • Projects requiring custom features
- • Teams with flexible budgets
When to Choose Cascade vs Uni-Stack
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 Uni-Stack if:
- You prefer Uni-Stack's specific approach and features
- Your requirements match Uni-Stack's capabilities
Final Verdict: Cascade vs Uni-Stack
Both Cascade and Uni-Stack 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.
Uni-Stack stands out for its comprehensive feature set 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 Uni-Stack
Which is better: Cascade or Uni-Stack?
The "better" choice depends on your specific needs. Cascade excels in comprehensive features, while Uni-Stackstands 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 Uni-Stack?
Cascade costs Free while Uni-Stack 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 Uni-Stack 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 Uni-Stack 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 Uni-Stack 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 Uni-Stack?
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 Uni-Stack?
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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