Detailed Comparison 2025
Cascade vs Zippy Starter
Compare Cascade and Zippy Starter 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
Zippy Starter
ZippyStarter is a modern, production‑ready Next.js starter kit that lets you launch clean, fast and SEO‑optimized websites — such as blogs, portfolios, marketing sites or landing pages — without building from scratch. Built with React, TypeScript, Tailwind CSS and shadcn/ui, ZippyStarter delivers a polished UI, flexible reusable components and responsive design out of the box. It uses MDX and ContentLayer so you can write content in markdown with embedded React components and skip the need for a backend, CMS or database. With ZippyStarter you get an intuitive CLI for generating blog posts (with metadata, featured images, categories), automatic SEO optimizations, blazing‑fast page performance and fully customizable templates. ZippyStarter is offered under a lifetime license: once you buy it you own the code and can use it across unlimited projects, including commercial ones.
Key Features
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | CascadeFree | Zippy Starter$99 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | $99 |
| Developer | Dima Ivashchuk | Morgan Feeney |
| 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 Zippy Starter: Detailed Analysis
When choosing between Cascade and Zippy Starter, 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 Zippy Starter?
ZippyStarter is a modern, production‑ready Next.js starter kit that lets you launch clean, fast and SEO‑optimized websites — such as blogs, portfolios, marketing sites or landing pages — without building from scratch. Built with React, TypeScript, Tailwind CSS and shadcn/ui, ZippyStarter delivers a polished UI, flexible reusable components and responsive design out of the box. It uses MDX and ContentLayer so you can write content in markdown with embedded React components and skip the need for a backend, CMS or database. With ZippyStarter you get an intuitive CLI for generating blog posts (with metadata, featured images, categories), automatic SEO optimizations, blazing‑fast page performance and fully customizable templates. ZippyStarter is offered under a lifetime license: once you buy it you own the code and can use it across unlimited projects, including commercial ones.
Created by Morgan Feeney, Zippy Starter 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 Zippy Starter
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 Zippy Starter.
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.
Zippy Starter Payment Options
Zippy Starter integrates with Stripe.
Key Differences Between Cascade and Zippy Starter
💰 Pricing
Cascade is priced at Free, while Zippy Starter costs $99. Zippy Starter offers better value at a lower price point, saving you 999900 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 Zippy Starter integrates with Stripe.
🎯 Best Use Cases
Cascade
- • SaaS startups looking for quick deployment
- • Projects requiring authentication
- • Teams with flexible budgets
Zippy Starter
- • SaaS applications needing rapid development
- • Projects requiring authentication
- • Teams with limited budgets
When to Choose Cascade vs Zippy Starter
Choose Cascade if:
- You want to start with Cascade's specific tech stack and approach
- Your project aligns with Cascade's feature set
Choose Zippy Starter if:
- You're looking for the most cost-effective solution
- You prefer Zippy Starter's specific approach and features
- Your requirements match Zippy Starter's capabilities
Final Verdict: Cascade vs Zippy Starter
Both Cascade and Zippy Starter 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.
Zippy Starter 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 Zippy Starter
Which is better: Cascade or Zippy Starter?
The "better" choice depends on your specific needs. Cascade excels in comprehensive features, while Zippy Starterstands out for value pricing. Consider your budget, required features, and development timeline when making your decision.
What's the price difference between Cascade and Zippy Starter?
Cascade costs Free while Zippy Starter 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 Zippy Starter 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 Zippy Starter 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 Zippy Starter 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 Zippy Starter?
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 Zippy Starter?
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.