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Auth0 vs WorkOS
Comparing two authentication platforms on pricing, features, free tier, and trade-offs.
Quick summary
Auth0 — Identity platform for developers. Auth0 is an enterprise-grade identity platform offering authentication, authorization, and SSO.
WorkOS — Enterprise-ready features with just a few lines of code. WorkOS provides SSO, SCIM, audit logs, and directory sync — the B2B enterprise features SaaS apps need.
Feature comparison
| Feature | Auth0 | WorkOS |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Freemium | Paid |
| Starting price | $35/mo | $125/connection |
| Free tier | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | No | No |
| MFA | Yes | Yes |
| SAML/SSO | Yes | Yes |
| Free Tier | 7.5k MAU | 1M MAU |
| Self-hosted | No | No |
| Pre-built UI | Yes | No |
| Social Login | Yes | Yes |
| Organizations | Yes | Yes |
Auth0
Identity platform for developers
Pros
- Enterprise-ready
- Deep customization
- Acquired by Okta
Cons
- Expensive at scale
- Complex dashboard
- Free tier reduced over time
WorkOS
Enterprise-ready features with just a few lines of code
Pros
- Best-in-class SSO/SCIM
- Generous free tier for startups
- Enterprise-focused
Cons
- Per-connection pricing adds up
- Overkill for B2C apps
Which should you choose?
Choose Auth0 if a free tier is important for your stage. Choose WorkOS if a free tier is important for your stage, and you need production-grade features and are ready to pay.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Auth0 or WorkOS?
There is no universal “better.” For most teams, Auth0 is the safer default because Auth0 has a larger community and more third-party integrations, which often translates to better long-term support. For edge cases, the comparison table above highlights where each tool wins.
Is Auth0 cheaper than WorkOS?
Auth0 starts at $35/mo, while WorkOS starts at $125/connection. Exact costs depend on usage — check both vendors' calculators before committing.
Can I migrate from Auth0 to WorkOS?
Migration difficulty depends on how deeply Auth0-specific features (APIs, SDK conventions, data schemas) are baked into your app. Most authentication migrations take days to weeks. Both vendors typically publish migration guides — check their docs.
Is Auth0 or WorkOS open source?
No — both Auth0 and WorkOS are proprietary managed services. If open source is a requirement, see our alternatives pages.
Does Auth0 or WorkOS have a free tier?
Both Auth0 and WorkOS offer a free tier.
Which is best for startups and indie hackers?
Startups usually optimize for the lowest friction to ship and the cheapest possible free tier. The one with the most generous free tier here is Auth0. For production workloads, revisit the trade-offs in the feature table above.