Are you building an app and trying to figure out how users will log in? I've checked out three popular options - Clerk, Auth0, and WorkOS - to help you pick the right one for your needs. Authentication might sound boring, but it's super important. It affects how secure your app is and how easy it is for people to use. Each of these tools has its own strengths depending on what kind of app you're building and who will use it.
Comparison overview
Before getting into the details, here's a simple breakdown of what each option offers:
Clerk
(Image Source: Clerk)
Clerk is a newer player in the authentication space but has quickly gained traction with developers looking for customizable solutions.
Features
Clerk offers user management from both frontend and backend perspectives. You can implement email/password authentication, social logins, one-time passcodes, and magic links with minimal effort.
Their MFA options include SMS codes, hardware keys, and authenticator apps. For enterprise needs, they support SAML and OIDC authentication protocols.
One standout aspect is their customizable components like <SignIn/> and <SignUp/> that can be styled with your preferred CSS. Their multi-tenant features include domain-based organization joining and custom roles.
Best use case
Clerk works well for teams who want authentication that matches their brand without building everything from scratch. Being JavaScript-focused, it's better suited for modern web apps than other platforms.
Auth0
(Image Source: Auth0)
Auth0 is a well-established solution that's been providing authentication services since 2013. Now owned by Okta, it offers a reliable set of features.
Features
Auth0's Universal Login provides a secure authentication page that handles everything from email/password to social logins. Their MFA implementation supports SMS, email, push notifications, and hardware tokens.
Their user management dashboard gives admins control over users and permissions. For enterprise clients, they offer SSO support for OIDC and SAML protocols.
Auth0 Actions allow you to customize authentication flows by adding custom logic at different stages of the process.
Best use case
Auth0 is ideal for teams that need a reliable, proven solution without extensive customization. Their documentation and support are comprehensive, making them suitable for organizations with complex requirements.
WorkOS
(Image Source: WorkOS)
WorkOS focuses specifically on making applications enterprise-ready by simplifying authentication features that enterprise clients require.
Features
WorkOS excels at Single Sign-On implementation, supporting major identity providers through one unified API. Their Directory Sync connects applications with enterprise directories like Active Directory and Google Workspace.
Their AuthKit provides a hosted UI for authentication flows that can be customized to match your branding. For compliance, WorkOS offers detailed audit logs of user actions.
The Admin Portal allows enterprise customers to set up their own SSO connections, reducing support tickets and implementation time.
Best use case
WorkOS is the clear choice if you're selling to enterprise clients and need to implement features like SSO and directory sync quickly. Their per-connection pricing model works well for B2B SaaS applications.
Pricing
The pricing structures vary significantly between these providers:
Clerk's per-user pricing is straightforward but can become expensive with large user bases. Auth0 offers tiered pricing that varies between B2C and B2B applications. WorkOS charges primarily per connection rather than per user, which can be more predictable for enterprise SaaS.
Which one to choose
After reviewing all three options:
Clerk is best if you're building a modern web app and want authentication that integrates seamlessly with your UI.
Auth0 makes sense if you need a proven solution with comprehensive documentation and support.
WorkOS is the right choice if you're targeting enterprise clients and need to implement enterprise features quickly.
Conclusion
For most B2B SaaS applications targeting enterprise clients, WorkOS offers the most straightforward path. Their implementation speed and per-connection pricing model make enterprise features accessible without requiring deep expertise in identity protocols. For consumer applications or those with specific branding requirements, Clerk provides the flexibility needed to create a seamless authentication experience. Auth0 remains a solid choice for organizations that prioritize reliability and comprehensive documentation over customization.
The right choice ultimately depends on your specific needs, target users, and long-term plans. Since authentication is challenging to change once implemented, it's worth selecting the right solution from the start.
