Auth0 vs WorkOS: The Ultimate Comparison
TL;DR: Auth0 wins for startups and SMBs needing a free, feature-rich auth platform, while WorkOS dominates for enterprise-ready B2B SaaS with SSO and directory sync.
At a Glance Comparison
| Feature/Spec | Auth0 | WorkOS |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $0/month | Free for the first 1 million active users; $2500/month for each additional million. |
| Best For | SMBs & startups | Enterprise B2B SaaS |
| Core Strength | Universal auth features | Enterprise SSO & directory sync |
Deep Dive: Auth0
Auth0 is a battle-tested CIAM platform built for developers who need robust authentication out of the box. Its architecture supports millions of users with features like Universal Login, MFA, and breached password detection. Ideal for consumer apps, SMBs, and startups, Auth0’s free tier makes it a no-brainer for teams scaling quickly without enterprise requirements.
Standout Features of Auth0
- Universal Login: Customizable, embeddable login pages with theme support.
- Actions: Serverless extensibility for custom auth logic.
- Token Vault: Secure storage and management of API tokens.
Deep Dive: WorkOS
WorkOS is engineered for B2B SaaS companies racing to enterprise readiness. Its architecture prioritizes SSO integrations (SAML, OAuth, OIDC), Directory Sync (SCIM), and audit logging—critical for selling to enterprises. With a generous free tier (1M MAU), WorkOS is purpose-built for SaaS teams needing enterprise features without the complexity of legacy IAM systems.
Standout Features of WorkOS
- Enterprise SSO: Native support for SAML, OAuth, and OIDC providers.
- Directory Sync: SCIM-based user provisioning and deprovisioning.
- Audit Logs: Compliance-ready logging for security and governance.
The Final Verdict
Choose Auth0 if...
- You’re a startup or SMB needing a free, feature-rich auth platform.
- You want universal auth features like MFA, passwordless, and breached password detection.
- You don’t need enterprise-specific features like SSO or directory sync.
Choose WorkOS if...
- You’re a B2B SaaS company targeting enterprise customers.
- You need SSO, directory sync, and audit logs for compliance.
- You want to be enterprise-ready without building custom integrations.